TRAVEL

Nobu Los Cabos Residences

Trisha Ventker

The tip of Baja or Land’s End was calling me again with a second visit to the elegant Nobu Hotel and Residences, this being my fourth trip to Los Cabos Sur and the Baja peninsula stretching over 1,000 miles from the Mexican border to Cabo San Lucas. I’m always amazed at the vast Baja panorama with miles of cactus strewn wilderness, beaches galore, dazzling Joshua Trees, ancient volcano risings, and bordered by the Gulf of California and the immense Pacific Ocean. Baja might not be the Last Frontier, but it is an impressive and vital memory. This time I’m traveling with my friend Kath to research and explore Nobu’s 60 residential offerings. I’m aware from my numerous trips to Baja Sur that there are many Americans and Canadians who reside in Los Cabos or own homes in Los Cabos. I’m also aware of the U.S. State Department’s warning about travel to specific areas of Mexico, though Los Cabos is rated among the best traveling options in the country. Regardless, I’ve found that it’s always best to check when traveling abroad.

Landing at the International Airport in San Jose del Cabo the 35-mile ride along the corridor to Nobu took 45 minutes, then five miles past Cabo San Lucas to Diamante and Nobu, a double-gated community with grand views of the Pacific. During the drive passing numerous ocean view resorts and hotels, I honestly believe that Los Cabos offers the finest collection of upscale luxury hotels in Mexico if not all Latin America with Nobu near or at the top of the list. With an assemblage of the finest chefs anywhere and for those who like to chill out on the golf course, Los Cabos also has some 18 championship golf courses, seven ranked the best in Mexico.

Nobu Los Cabos Residences

We were booked in Ashai, an attractive two-bedroom beauty that was stunning throughout. Designed with a modern Japanese minimalism interior, and a pleasing touch, the furniture throughout was handcrafted by local artisans. The bedrooms were expansive as were the separate living and dining areas. I adored the spacious bathroom with two shower heads and the spa-like Onsen teak soaking tub to soak away the ills of the world. I also noted that the kitchen area was completely stocked with the necessary utensils. After spending a few hours in Ashai, I felt our booking was undeniably luxurious and comfortable with the clean, uncluttered lines of minimal Asia, as was Hikari, a one-bedroom residential offering quite similar to Ashai.

Later we checked out three other Nobu residential possibilities, all with various views of either a garden, the desert landscape, golf course or ocean. We found Sakyu to have three bedrooms, an enchanting private pool, large open chef’s kitchen for those who bring or hire a chef, and a pool table for the skilled. Another step up was the Kogane Penthouse, perfect to entertain guests with four-bedroom suites and patios, chef’s kitchen, pool table, and a hydro spa tub. I was informed that the Nobu residences are not a timeshare but a membership, and best of all those booked in the residences have full access to the many Nobu hotel amenities, which we were anxious to experience.

Nobu’s Memoire

Nobu Matsuhisa has a fascinating story to tell. Forward thinking and brilliant, inspired by Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, Nobu in 1987 opened his first restaurant in Beverly Hills. Actor Robert De Niro, who became intrigued with Nobu’s dining expertise and later became an investor in the Nobu empire, convinced Nobu in 1994 to open a restaurant in Tribeca, his hometown, a chic neighborhood in New York City’s Lower Manhattan. Expanding, Nobu opened his first hotel in 2015 in Las Vegas, and in 2023 Nobu now has 32 hotels with residences in Toronto and Los Cabos, with dining among the top priorities. The setting on the most southern edge of Baja is simply captivating. The hotel is mid-sized with 200 guest rooms and suites, space for meetings and events, and a luxurious spa. Living in New York City as a single girl wondering about life, I was familiar with Nobu. I dined at Nobu for the first time in Soho, and now my Nobu dining list includes Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, London, and now Los Cabos.

Dining Nobu

Nobu hires only the best and Executive Chef, Paolo Della Corte, is a winner. Over a weekend our taste buds were zinging with delight. Friday, at Muna, a rooftop restaurant with views, my selection was potato bravas sprinkled with harissa aioli and dill. A tasty ricotta and feta dip, slices of beet, and a light Greek Ladolemono dressing. I was sipping a Graviola decorated with diamond ice, gold flakes and edible flowers. Saturday, following a vigorous walk on Suspiro Beach we dined at Nobu Restaurant, diving into a delightful Rock Shrimp Tempura created with a creamy and spicy jalapeno essence with Shishito peppers adding a further pizzaz. Dessert, always a favorite, was a Tres Leches Sponge topped with vanilla cream and watermelon sorbet. Sunday, at Ardea it was a difficult selection, but I finally decided on a roasted beef bone marrow glazed with tamarind, a raw beef tartar, and of course, a jalapeno relish with a sourdough beer ciabatta, then a braised short rib bone with Mexican tangy spices. The sweet flair was a Gianduja “hazelnut” tiramisu and a steamy espresso Madagascar coffee.

During the day while exploring the property we stopped at the Playabar for a taste of Mexico with the famed homemade guacamole, a plate of roasted tomatoes and aged cotija cheese, followed by an avocado pizza, Mexican style, including jalapeno, ricotta cheese, cilantro, and agave serrano chili, topped off with churros slathered with chocolate and caramel sauce. We enjoyed breakfast at The Restaurant serving oatmeal pancakes created with bananas, maraca pine mousseline and homemade Nutella sauce, leaving enough room for a mushroom and spinach quiche, and of course, a vanilla oat milk latte. Dining aside, after enjoying Nobu’s creative cuisine, slipping into the elite Nobu Simmons bed with high thread count bedding and organic cotton linens, was a heavenly delight. My time at Nobu and Los Cabos was another lasting memory. After four visits to Los Cabos, I’m eager for number five.

Nobu Los Cabos Residences

Poligono 1. Fraccion D.

Fraccionamiento Diamante

Los Cangrejos, 23473 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S. Mexico loscabos.nobuhotels.com nobuhotelloscabos.com

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Vista Verde Ranch

Trisha Ventker

Arriving at Vista Verde, just north of Steamboat Springs, the snowcovered foothills of the Rocky Mountains were secretive against an intense enamel blue sky in the heart of winter. Threads of brilliant sunlight were sneaking through the clouds igniting sparkles on the thick blanket of snow. I immersed myself in the moment, the crisp air spicy and fresh, and somewhere in the faraway wintery silence, I heard a winter bird singing a song, or maybe it was my imagination or a magical moment.

Traveling with my friend Brie, this was my second visit to Vista Verde and in terms of travel I’ve always believed that the second or third visit to a city or resort is the essence of truly understanding the destination. My first visit was during warm weather and this time it was an entirely altered experience.

Opening the door of our South Fork Cabin it appeared to me as if we were stepping into an Albert Bierstadt painting. The cabin also offered a splendid view of a large pasture buried beneath three feet of fresh snow, truly a winter wonderland, and the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the majestic beauty of the mountains. The cabin, with great use of craftsmen-style wood, was the essence of the Old West, Colorado Country or Ranch-Style Elegance, endowed with two bedrooms, kitchenette, family room with a blazing fireplace, and a porch with a hot tub. After a hectic but busy week in Denver, the cabin was a wonderful setting to finally unwind and take pleasure in the peaceful splendor of the mountains.

Sleighride with Georgie

Our first outing was a glorious 45-minute sleighride with an adorable draft horse named Georgie, who guided us through an enchanting environment, the serene rhythm of Georgie’s hooves captivating. To me, the snow was absolutely enchanting, reminiscent of a childhood memory, as we glided over a bracing landscape, the majestic mountains dominating, and hoping that Georgie was enjoying the moment as much as we were. Surprisingly, the ranch has 100 American saddle and draft horses; my last visit I enjoyed riding Hank, and the wranglers told me that Hank was doing fine and is robust and strong.

With intense strands of sunlight struggling through the clouds, the air stimulating and crisp, we refreshed at the cabin and walked to the Lodge where it was buzzing with guests eager for Happy Hour. The Lodge, a main gathering place for guests, had a roaring fire in the fireplace, cozy seating, games, and books. Relaxing and considering, I again realized that Vista Verde is a work of splendor, and this being the second time around, I was again sensing a pleasurable feeling of affable hospitality. The all-inclusive, 540-acre ranch, at 7,720 feet altitude, was first a cattle ranch, and in 1970 a guest dude ranch was in place. The 50-guest property, 25 miles north of Steamboat Springs, is tucked away in the Elk River Valley, within the Routt National Forest. Routt encompasses an incredible 1.1 million acres of wilderness stretching to the Wyoming border with a profusion of mountain ranges, lakes, and miles of trails for hiking, biking, guided horseback outings, and crosscountry skiing throughout the winter.

Vista Verde’s Cooking Skills

During dinner we sat with a lovely family from Southern California who were enjoying the ranch and Colorado too. Award-winning Executive Chef Jonathon Gillespie was again at his best. His culinary delights included stuffed jalapenos comprised of quail, peppered bacon, Oaxcan cheese and black raspberry chipotle sauce. My entrée was braised short ribs that melted off the fork, accompanied with glazed rainbow baby carrots, rich whipped potatoes with red wine, and black truffle braising jus. I had just enough room for a delightful dessert of tropical dark mousse with mango coulis and pineapple. Chef Gillespie also presents cooking classes where guests can learn some of his cooking secrets. I was impressed by the quality of the Ranch’s cuisine, and the variety of options which embrace vegetarian and gluten-free choices. The walk back to our cabin was invigorating under an ominous sky, and my bed was super comfy with a pillow top and layers of soft cozy blankets.

Peppermints in The Pasture

The following morning with great pleasure we enjoyed a country breakfast of buttermilk pancakes and Vermont maple syrup. I loved the fact that they warm the cups before serving coffee and tea, which was a clever touch that made my tea even more pleasing. After breakfast we were invited to partake in a unique experience, “Peppermints in The Pasture,” where we groomed and brushed the horses and also treated them to pungent peppermints, which the horses loved. I was informed that some guests had never been up close to a horse, so this was a unique way to bond with the horses and experience a deeper connection with the animals.

The highlight of the trip for Brie was horseback riding through meadows, forests, and streams, appreciating the tranquil sounds of nature and the stunning scenery. Brie said that she felt a sense of freedom and adventure as she explored the vast landscape on horseback, and that the talented guides matched her with the perfect horse for her skill level, which was a huge advantage in making the experience both comfortable and enjoyable.

For lunch we dug into a homey and satisfying homemade chicken pot pie. By now I didn’t bother to count the calories on My Fitness Pal. I just wanted to enjoy a guilt-free lunch while on the road. The dessert, homemade cookies, were reminiscent of brownies and so delightful I tucked a few extras in my pocket and brought them back to the cabin for a snack in front of the fireplace. So much for calories.

Final Thoughts

On both visits the staff was helpful yet unobtrusive, making us feel comfortable and welcome. We appreciated Vista Verdes attention to detail, and without a speck of pretension or attitude, and with a hefty ratio of staff to guests to ensure excellent service. The Ranch is Colorado luxurious and the ideal place to connect with nature.

A Colorful, Vibrant Wedding at Catbird Hotel

photography: Laura Wirick, @loveproject.photography)