Cabo Azul Resort

This upscale resort sits on 12 acres of beautiful beachfront grounds peppered with tall palms, pretty pools, and lush greenery. Chic interiors have a bit of a traditional flair; the dark wood reception desk, for example, features lovely carved designs, and white walls are contrasted by dark wood ceiling beams. Public spaces spill outdoors, like the lovely alfresco dining area of Javier's Restaurant, where a collection of long picnic-style table as well as small tables flanked by leather-backed chairs is atmospherically illuminated by twinkle lights at night and surrounded by flowering bushes and other greenery. The beach views enhance the atmosphere even more. The chic Flor de Noche, on the other hand, resides under a sweeping thatched-roof canopy, with sophisticated leather-backed chairs and bar stools that overlook the pool area.Guests are mainly vacationers from the United States seeking some sun and beach time, especially during the winter. Groups of friends and families are attracted by the multi-bedroom villas, and both couples and families with kids are well catered to here.

The hotel sits right on the beach in San Jose del Cabo in the Hotel Zone, which is rife with resorts and hotels that line the shore. There are several dining options lining the street that the hotel is located on, and there's a supermarket a 15-minute walk or three-minute drive away. San Jose del Cabo (about a seven-minute drive into town) is a lovely artsy town full of Old World charm, with many galleries as well as great cafe and restaurants. For nightlife, Cabo San Lucas is about a half-hour drive away. Los Cabos International Airport is about a 20-minute drive away. Cabo San Lucas International Airport is about 35 minutes away.

The hotel offers chic and spacious suites as well as one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas. Decor pairs dark woods with white walls and cream-colored natural stone floors. Handcrafted furnishings have beautiful detailed decorative carving that lends the spaces a local flair. Decorative ornate lights and lamps are another eye-catching detail, and wooden ceiling fans crown every room. The spaces are filled with natural light thanks to large glass sliding doors that open onto private terraces, many with ocean views. Note that not all rooms have beach views, though some are obstructed.Standard amenities in all units include flat-screen TVs (both in living rooms and bedrooms), DVD players, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Spacious bathrooms have large walk-in rainfall showers, while villas add separate in-bedroom soaking tubs. Toiletries and plush robes are supplied.All of the units are spacious, with the entry-level Junior Suites starting at 555 square feet (51.5 square meters), complete with separate living rooms with pull-out sofas. One-Bedroom Villas measure 1,202 square feet (111.7 square meters); Two-Bedrooms are 1,535 square feet (142.6 square meters); and Three-Bedroom Penthouses are 2,638 square feet (245.1 square meters). These also have separate living rooms, plus dining areas and full kitchens equipped with stainless steel appliances including four-burner stoves, ovens, full fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, blenders, dishwashers. Three-Bedroom Penthouses have large verandas with beautiful beach views, sunbeds, dining areas, daybeds, and even outdoor tubs.

The resort's gorgeous swimming pools take centerstage on these beautiful grounds, especially the main tri-level infinity-edge pool. Skirted in tall palms and offering ocean views, it's surrounded by an attractive pool deck lined with comfy white padded loungers and umbrellas, plus it has some in-water sunbeds and a swim-up bar. There's a small kids' pool with a slide and fountains as well as a larger Family Pool for all to enjoy. An Adult Pool offers a quieter escape from the little ones and has a large hot tub. Guests have direct access to a beautiful beach too, with palapa-shaded padded loungers lining the sand, but swimming is not advisable due to currents. Larger palapa-style pavilions offer massage services too. Javier's Restaurant and Bar is a farm-to-table concept that culls ingredients from its own kitchen garden that grows herbs like basil and oregano. It offers home-style Mexican fare in a beautiful beachfront setting. The lovely outdoor dining area is particularly peaceful, with ocean views and an atmospheric ambience complete with twinkle lights. Flor de Noche is the resort's poolside spot for cocktails as well as lunch and dinner, plus it has a swim-up bar. An on-site shop sells snacks, drinks, and sundries. The adjacent cafe offers Starbucks coffee and pastries, as well as light breakfasts and lunches.The peaceful PAZ Mind & Body spa ("paz" means peace in Spanish) is a beautiful venue for a relaxing treatment, with both indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, plus massage services offered right on the beach. There's also a fitness center with a good variety of modern cardio and strength-training machines.A number of activities are offered, like yoga, Pilates, and dance classes as well as cooking classes and tequila tastings. The kids' club keeps the young ones occupied with games, crafts, and toys. Another kind of entertainment can be found at the hotel's 16-seat movie theater.Other amenities include a business center and free valet and self-parking. There's even an impressive chapel for weddings here, studded with beautiful hand-carved wooden benches.