The Cape, a Thompson Hotel

In a region packed with hotels that claim luxury status but fail to deliver on those promises, stepping onto the grounds of The Cape is a welcome change of pace. This is luxury, and the hotel lives up to the expectations for this ultra-swank brand. The modernist architecture is sleek and chic, but manages to stay out of its own way so that guests can focus on the stunning beachfront location. Interiors are adorned with a broad array of seemingly disparate industrial elements -- polished concrete, raw ashy timber ceilings, and mid-century modern seating -- blended in a sophisticated, but never showy, way. The large outdoor pool terrace makes liberal use of concrete, stone, and meticulous xeriscaping that all flow seamlessly into Monuments Beach. Every space -- those meant for socializing and those designed for more privacy -- has an undeniably sexy dash of romance. While children are allowed on the property, the target clientele is clearly couples seeking a relaxed, exclusive retreat that’s light on family-friendly fun.

Perched on a rocky cliffside on Monuments Beach, the hotel feels worlds away from downtown Cabo San Lucas. As such, there's almost nothing else to do within an easy walk, and the hotel is located down a long side road from the main highway through the region. However, the most popular city center restaurants, shops, and clubs are less than 15 minutes away by car. The views to El Arco (the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas) are excellent, and the landmark is reachable in about 15 minutes by boat. Those seeking a more quaint alternative to hanging out in Cabo San Lucas should head up the coast to San Jose del Cabo, an artsy little town with lots of trendy cafes and restaurants. It's a 30-minute drive. The region's main airport is north of there, about 40 minutes from The Cape -- airport transfers can be arranged for a fee. 

Like the hotel’s common areas, rooms are meticulously designed. Decor is a sophisticated blend of mid-century Latin American furniture, leather headboards, and a soft, brown-on-gray color palette. We particularly love the addition of bespoke, locally-inspired artwork -- it contrasts the massive volume of hand-crafted hardwood details throughout the rooms. The alternating tile and wood floors give everything a sharp finish that feels bright enough to remind everyone that they're on one of Mexico's prettiest beaches.The size, bed configuration, and in-room amenities in each of the nine room categories vary widely. Entry-level Deluxe Rooms offer 600 square feet (56 square meters) of living space and are well-appointed with cocktail bars that include free welcome tequila, custom sateen sheets, and private ocean-view balconies with hanging daybeds. Suites provide all of the above, plus larger floor plans (more than 800 square feet, or 74 square meters) with separate living areas and additional balcony space. Villas feature all of the above with even more square footage -- between 1,400 and 3,000 (130 to 279 square meters). These include almost everything a heart might desire, like laundry rooms, in-villa check-in, butler service, afternoon cocktails, private hot tubs, and optional plunge pools. The flagship Penthouse room is an upgraded Three Bedroom Villa with a 1,000-square-foot (93-square-meter), private rooftop deck that includes a wet bar, barbecue, a plunge pool, and panoramic views of El Arco. Tech amenities in every room include fast, free Wi-Fi, electronic safes, and state-of-the-art lighting and HVAC systems.Bathrooms vary by room type. However, all are sleek and modern, with glass walk-in showers, copper soaking tubs, rainfall showerheads, and D.S. & Durga luxury brand amenities.

While the hotel doesn’t advertise itself as a “resort,” it offers plenty such features. Two oceanfront pools, an ultra-modern spa, two restaurants (including the world-class Manta), and a glass-enclosed cigar and cocktail tasting lounge all provide more than enough to ensure most guests will rarely need to leave the property. The on-site fitness center is situated in a small room with a handful of modern cardio- and strength-training machines plus free weights. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide lovely views to the beach and the Pacific Ocean. Freebies vary by room type, but all include at least free Wi-Fi and valet parking. 

The hotel’s main infinity pool stretches across the base of the outdoor terrace with stunning views to the Pacific Ocean. A series of tiers above and below the pool provide rows of well-spaced chairs for guests to relax while never feeling overcrowded. The swim-up Pool Bar at the northern edge of the pool provides a full liquor menu of beer, wine, and unique cocktails. A second, smaller, saltwater pool less than 100 feet away offers extra space to spread out. Poolside drink service is available throughout the terrace.

Currents Spa is adorned with ashy wood, mid-century modern seating, and a tall, lush living wall -- all surrounded by a natural rock formations. While relatively small, the spa offers a solid menu of typical massage treatments, plus a sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, and a large room exclusively for couples with a private shower and hot tub. Couples treatments are also available in one of two secluded beachfront cabanas with panoramic ocean views.

The long, adjacent stretch of Monuments Beach features soft sand and steady surf. While it’s beautiful and semi-private (it’s technically public but virtually impossible for non-guests to visit), it’s better suited for surfing than swimming. The water can be choppy and unswimmable, particularly during inclement weather. A short row of chairs overlooks the beach, however, there are few permanent facilities on the sand because of the extreme high-tide line.

The hotel’s primary restaurant, The Ledge, is situated in a bright, casual space with ample seating to accommodate the hotel’s modest number of rooms. An open-air terrace offers additional seating with lovely beach views. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served a la carte. While the focus is on traditional Mexican fare (with a heavy dose of Baja-sourced seafood like ceviche and octopus), American dishes dot the menu as well.Manta is the flagship restaurant. Like most of the hotel’s common areas, the decor features dark, rich wood and mid-century modern furniture throughout. Floor-to-ceiling windows on the oceanside wall provide stunning sea views, while an exhibition kitchen at the rear offers additional eye candy. The menu is heavy on seafood dishes, done in Mexican, Peruvian, and Japanese styles. The food throughout the property is well-reviewed, but pricey. Some higher-category rooms include free breakfast, so check ahead with the hotel.The aptly named Glass Box is located in a glass-enclosed cube just off the lobby. The casual space offers standard bar service, plus a humidor and themed liquor and cocktail tasting events. A handful of televisions dots the space to broadcast mostly soccer and American football games (seasonal). The Rooftop lounge is one of only a few rooftop bars in Cabo San Lucas. The alfresco space spans the entire width of the hotel’s main building. With several bars, dozens of pub tables, outdoor couches, and an entertainment stage, the vibe is akin to a swanky outdoor lounge on Miami Beach.