ELEVATING THE ALL-INCLUSIVE The Marquis Hotel in Los Cabos smashes stereotypes Written by Bridget Williams “There aren’t any ‘sneaky views’ here,” said Alan Del Blanco, general manager of Marquis Hotel Spa and Resort in Los Cabos, of the property’s 235 full oceanfront rooms. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the independently owned, all-inclusive, adultsonly property reopened in 2015 following a $10 million refresh. Unobstructed views of the Sea of Cortés from every room are just one of myriad ways the resort differentiates itself from its neighbors in this de rigueur destination. One of the most striking distinctions is the architecture: as viewed from the beach or Highway 1, the unique open-air lobby in the whitewashed exterior calls to mind a partially agape mouth of the majestic whale sharks who can be spotted in the area’s waters from winter to early spring each year. Standing in the space while sipping your freshly squeezed watermelon welcome cocktail, your gaze cannot help being drawn to the lobby’s central reflecting pool, whose waters seems to meld with sea and sky before falling off a cantilevered edge and into another pool some 40 feet below. Adding to the whimsy are a pair of lifesized mythical sculptures by Mexican artist Jorge Marin on either side of the installation. Like many of the artworks on property, they 40 slmag.net
were culled from the owners’ private collection. These pieces, when combined with the ample application of native natural materials and regionally influenced textiles, impart a definitive sense of place to the physical spaces, both public and private. Guest accommodations, which range from a 650-squarefoot Deluxe Suite to the 2,600-square-foot Presidential Suite, are outfitted in a fashion best described as a contemporary take on traditional Mexican motifs, utilizing custom-made case goods from Guatemala and original paintings by Mexico’s own Agustin Castro. Luxurious marble bathrooms boast hydromassage tubs, double-basin sinks and L’Occitane toiletries. An amply stocked minibar and 24-hour room service means that you’ll never go hungry or thirsty. Each morning your foodie fiesta commences with the Marquis Wake Up, which includes a basket of fresh sweet rolls and piping hot coffee, waiting to be discovered in a secret pantry next to your room’s front door. The 26 one-bedroom casitas and five Master Suites have private plunge pools and kitchens, while the Presidential Suite sports a terrace that spans the width of the lobby arch and includes private butler service.
