Marquis Los Cabos is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort in Los Cabos that has been winning awards for excellence since it opened its doors more than 18 years ago. I recently visited on a wellness-focused girls’ getaway trip with two of my friends, and it quickly became apparent why it has continued to make waves for nearly two decades.
The lovely oceanfront property includes 209 suites with stunning sea views, 25 oceanfront casitas, three beachfront pools, five dining options, and the standout Spa Marquis. We took advantage of all the enticing aspects of this charming escape (and even got a surprise extra day thanks to bad weather at home) and went back to our families rejuvenated, refreshed, and ready to return soon.
What We Love
- Stunning beach with no crowds
- Incredible whale watching
- Delicious, nourishing food
- Stellar spa team and inviting spa amenities
- Personalized, attentive service
Pools & Beach
The gorgeous beach is certainly the star of the resort, and the views are stunning from pretty much everywhere on property. When I visited in January, it was prime season for whale watching, and every day, it was a joy to watch the momma whales and their babies frolic in the nearby waves. I’ve never been so close to whales, and it never got old watching them.
Like almost all Cabo beaches, the area in front of the resort is not swimmable, but there are comfy chairs down by the shore, and it was never crowded. My friends and I spent one afternoon on the beach and stayed until sunset, and we were the only people there—everyone else was up at the pools. I was shocked that more people weren’t down on the beach, but I loved the fact that we had a nearly private ocean experience. There are some local vendors who approached to us sell souvenirs, but they were not aggressive, and we snapped up a few coverups and gifts for our families back home. The beach is also very walkable and safe, so morning strolls along the water were a great way to kick off our day in a healthy way.
As for the pools, all three are quite lovely (albeit a little chilly in January). The two infinity-edge oceanfront pools are the most picturesque, but the seats go quickly. Thankfully, my friends and I are early risers, so it was never an issue to head down before breakfast and save a few chairs. But those who enjoy sleeping in on vacation may miss out on the choicest seats. No matter where we sat, the staff was prompt and attentive, something that can be said for every area of the resort. The charming team members are a true standout and go out of their way to make guests feel welcome.
Spa, Fitness & Wellness
The locally inspired 13,000-square-foot, 10 treatment room Spa Marquis, one of the largest in the region, is beautiful and another of Marquis Los Cabos’s most exquisite offerings. My favorite spot in the spa was the wonderful outdoor relaxation area, complete with a meditative waterfall and six outdoor Jacuzzis with ocean views. It’s a perfect place to relax before and after a treatment. I also enjoyed the indigenous flavor in the spa design and experience. The spa was filled with locally inspired art, succulents from the surrounding desert landscape, and natural aloe that is grown on property and offered to apply to your hair, skin, and nails prior to a session in the steam room.
Spa services are performed using Natura Bissé products, and a few of the most popular treatments include Discover your Dosha ($219, 80 minutes), a full-body abhyanga massage using Ayurvedic techniques to relieve fatigue and enhance sleep, and the Diamond Experience Rose Ritual ($250, 80 minutes), a full-body exfoliation treatment performed with the brand’s Damascus Rose and Diamond Dust products to promote a nourished, natural glow. I had a spectacular massage performed by Roxana, a therapist with a serene vibe and magical hands. An assortment of Natura Bissé products is also available at retail, as are offerings from AgaveSpa, products made in Mexico with the healing blue agave plant.
Also on the spa floor is an expansive fitness area outfitted with plenty of state-of-the-art Life Fitness equipment, along with TRX ropes, Pilates balls, yoga mats, cardio bikes, and more. For those who want to take their workouts outdoors, the fitness team offers poolside fitness classes throughout the day, as well as a daily guided 10-minute morning walk down to a swimmable beach where you can get some vitamin sea and soak in the refreshing waves.
Dining
We thoroughly enjoyed the food at Marquis Los Cabos and found standout healthy and delicious options at all the venues and via room service. I started most days with a buffet breakfast at Vista Ballenas, where I noshed on a healthy veggie-filled breakfast taco and splurged with a sample from the scrumptious assortment of pastries. From fresh fruit and juices to more traditional Mexican dishes, it’s impossible to not find something that resonates with your palate. The same restaurant is an excellent option for lunch and dinner, as well, where fresh guacamole and other locally inspired dishes are a highlight.
Our favorite spot for dinner was Sakke, an Asian-inspired contemporary restaurant. We chose to forego the teppanyaki tables and instead returned multiple nights in a row for the scrumptious sushi and fresh fish—ask to sit outside under a heat lamp and it’s an amazing way to enjoy alfresco evening dining. It was a perfect way to end the day with a light yet nourishing meal. Other healthy highlights include lunchtime ceviche at Dos Mares or flatbread pizzas and salads poolside. Another spot we visited each night before dinner was the Suspiro Bar. The bar staff was charming, and we loved the espresso martinis made from scratch using Mexican coffee beans and created with flair. No matter where you dine, you do need to make a dinner reservation to secure a prime dining time, so I suggest making reservations for your entire visit upon arrival.
There was a small snafu when it came to dining and making reservations. Everything is tied into an app, where menus and reservations can be accessed. Unfortunately, it was not wildly reliable, and it was hit or miss when it came to calling to make a reservation or asking for a paper menu. As a concept, I love the idea of eco-friendly paperless menus and reservation systems, but the execution, at least when I was there, does leave something to be desired.
Accommodations
I can certainly see why Marquis Los Cabos is a romantic retreat for couples, but it is equally appealing as an escape for friends. Because I visited with two friends, we needed more than the king-sized bed in our Junior Oceanfront King Suite, so we took advantage of the pullout couch. Normally, the pullout would be the least appealing place to sleep, but the bed was made with a very comfortable full-sized mattress placed atop the couch bed, so getting a great night of rest was achieved by all. All three of us are moms with young kids, so the serene, uninterrupted sleep in wildly comfortable beds may have done more for our rejuvenation than any other aspect of the trip.
When we weren’t sleeping, we spent most of our room time on the terrace, where we could get a bird’s eye view of the beach (and the breaching whales) and enjoy the evening entertainment in the comfort of our pajamas. Depending on the night, we enjoyed live music, a DJ, and even got to watch a wedding. Sunrise and sunset from the patio were also a stunning and serene way to start and conclude the day.
The hotel has been opened since 2003, and the bathrooms were a bit dated in our room. Also, the frosted glass bathroom doors and the open access between the room and the bathroom doesn’t make for a ton of privacy. However, the L’Occitane amenities were lovely, the large soaking tub was a great place to relax, the robes and slippers were comfy, and there was plenty of room for the three of us to move around and get ready.
No matter where you end up at Marquis Los Cabos, you are destined to enjoy a tranquil experience, and it’s an ideal option for those looking for a wonderful wellness retreat. After all, according to rooms division manager Leopoldo Rivera, “We are located in the magical destination of Los Cabos, and our spacious and intimate adults-only resort with a breathtaking ocean view makes our guests’ stay a relaxing one.”
