Zoëtry Casa del Mar

Luxury resorts still have something of a reputation for gaudy, plastic display, all the worse for ruining the authentically satisfying beach cultures on which they prey. Thus the cards come stacked against the likes of Casa Del Mar Boutique Resort & Spa; strangely, this has us cheering its Cabo resortitude on, as there’s nothing like boutique trappings to lend an air of the reinvented underdog, especially here at the midpoint between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. By borrowing glamour from the former and colonial charm from the latter, Casa del Mar reminds us that times can change for the better. In fact, when a hotel combines attractive style and expansive amenities on a scale that remains intimate, there’s precious little to complain about, to say the least.

The hotel proper is oriented in such a way as to afford each guest a view of the Sea of Cortés from the private, teak-furnished terrace attached to each of its 54 suites. The décor never strays far from haute-hacienda, foregrounding dark wood in the headboards, seating, and ceiling beams to complement the vivid azures the windows admit. An airy palette of creams and tans melts the stress right off, subtly balanced by period furniture from Antigua and the occasional framed art piece. Complimentary wi-fi, 42-inch flatscreens, and climate control afford comfort of a more modern variety, while bathrooms present a vision in marble and frosted glass, with jacuzzis and rain showers rounding out the picture.

The nearest championship golf course is just across Highway 1, for those wondering about the name, but don’t be so quick to leave the grounds — with five treatment rooms and an oceanfront cabana, the spa more than delivers on the wellness front, not to mention the 24-hour fitness center and multiple pools. Three restaurants cover all the á la carte bases, all of which riff on Mexican Nouvelle with plates showcasing produce from the on-site organic garden; we’d hardly blame you for taking your meals poolside or splurging on room (ahem, terrace) service at any hour. Isn’t that the real draw for Cabo, after all? Gorging on midnight ceviche and bubbles after you’ve worked yourself up to go bungee jumping?

How to get there: The resort is located 30km/18.5 miles from Los Cabos International Airport (about a 25 min drive). Take the Cabo San Lucas Road (toll road), then make a right on Carretera Transpeninsular direction Cabo San Lucas. At km 19.5, make a left to get to the resort.