When a hotel reaches a milestone, such as attaining membership in Leading Hotels of the World, getting a top ranking on popular review websites or having a two-digit anniversary with a zero or five in the one’s column, it’s cause for celebration. This December, Marquis Los Cabos did just that with a 20^th anniversary party featuring Oaxacan dishes by a top chef, a variety show with the most popular elements of resort entertainment, ultra-premium mezcal and tequilas, Los Cabos-cultivated wines and an entry with vibrantly costumed acrobats.

Bar Suspira © Elyse Glickman

Once the party is over, however, guests’ expectations will be higher. Meeting or improving upon them is critical, especially when it comes to what places a hotel in the luxury category. At the moment, the all-inclusive Marquis Los Cabos has several strong points nestled within impression-making architecture, achieved in a $10-million redesign by architect Jacobo Micha Mizrahi of Mexico City-based ARCHETONIC further enhanced with sculptures and paintings from top Mexican artists.

Although the property is 15–20 minutes from San Juan Del Cabo, the nature-influenced ambiance is nicely suited for guests who prefer to stay put, relax and enjoy Sea of Cortés and desert-flanked shoreline. Smooth stones (including turquoise accents) worked into lines and patterns adorn the walkways, walls, terraces and even the headboards inside suites and casitas. The lovely design feature establishes a sense of connectivity around the property, as do the semi-circular pools and curving lines of deck chairs and lobby framing the Sea of Cortés.

© Elyse Glickman

The Sea of Cortés also provides the backdrop for all 204 junior suites; 25 one-bedroom casitas; five master suites; and a deluxe, two-bedroom Marquis presidential suite. The higher-end suites feature plunge pools, and interiors are appointed with a hydro-massage tub, private and furnished terrace or balcony, complimentary minibar and Nespresso machine, plasma television, and L’Occitane and Molton Brown toiletries.

The resort’s definition of adults-only is intended to translate to “sophisticated,” in contrast to the extreme revelry other parts of Cabo are known for. That said, there are elements of the Marquis Los Cabos experience that get that point across more effectively. The 15,000-square-foot Marquis Spa impresses with its talented practitioners, post-treatment tea service, intuitive practitioners, and creative massages and facials incorporating top-tier international and local products.

© Elyse Glickman

Fish and seafood dishes served at its Pergola and Dos Mares restaurants are gastronomic high points. Many people on staff, from fitness instructors to the breakfast crew at Vista Ballena to the front desk team, show a genuine interest in addressing any guest concern or question. Cocktails across the property are consistent, and wine-, mezcal- and tequila-tasting classes conducted by passionate enthusiasts on the staff are worth checking out. Suspiro Bar provides nice sips as well as a prime spot to take in the sunset.