Lonely Planet associate editor Ann Douglas Lott recently traveled through Italy aboard a vintage train, regional trains and bus. Here, she shares some tips and insights for anyone planning a similar trip.
02.04.2024 - 22:57 / travelweekly.com
As far as I'm concerned, the only way to improve on an already fantastic all-inclusive resort is to make it adults-only. A kids-free environment just makes a resort feel even more romantic and chic.
Case in point: The Grand Velas Los Cabos is, in my opinion, one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Los Cabos since it opened in 2016. But the smaller, luxurious, child-free Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos, which opened right next door in December, takes it up a notch with its 79 suites and seaside perch overlooking the point where the Sea of Cortes meets the Pacific Ocean.
I loved this hotel from the minute I checked in. The design taps into the elegance of Los Cabos, with soaring ceilings and expansive views out to the turquoise water. The open-air lobby has a row of cozy couches clustered around fire pits, perfect for those crisp, humidity-free Cabo evenings. Looking out over the pool deck below, you can see heaping bunches of magenta bougainvillea blossoms draped from terraces and windows, a nice complement to the muted cream and neutral color palette of the resort.
Sunrise Suites have beautiful views out over the Sea of Cortez, as well as outdoor jacuzzis and fire pits. Photo Credit: Grand Velas Boutique Los CabosI checked into a Sunrise King Suite. These spacious, two-room units have ocean-facing beds and spacious terraces with an outdoor Jacuzzi and a remote-controlled electric fire pit. In-room amenities include a minibar that is restocked daily, welcome bottles of wine and mezcal, a pillow menu, Molton Brown amenities and an aromatherapy diffuser. But my favorite in-room amenities were the Dyson hairdryer and straightener -- available in every room -- as well as the vial of Vitamin C infused into the showers for a dose of skin and hair revitalization.
Three restaurants are available at the Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos, but the beauty of the resort is that it operates like a hotel within a hotel. Guests of the boutique property can access the restaurants at the Grand Velas Los Cabos, in addition to the two directly on property. The Grand Velas Boutique has Loto Robata Grill, an izakaya-style Japanese grill restaurant open for dinner, as well as the casual lunch and pool bar Roca and the breakfast restaurant Del Mar.
One of the perks of the resort is the Agave Tasting Room, an intimate bar area on the ground floor that hosts tequila tastings, chocolate tastings, and Mexican wine & cheese pairings, all part of the all-inclusive rate.
Guests can also walk just a few steps next door to indulge in the multiple restaurants at Grand Velas Los Cabos. Favorites are Velas 10 for fabulous steaks and seafood; Lucca for handmade pasta and regional Italian cuisine; and Cocina de Autor, a
Lonely Planet associate editor Ann Douglas Lott recently traveled through Italy aboard a vintage train, regional trains and bus. Here, she shares some tips and insights for anyone planning a similar trip.
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