Planning to go all out in your beach travel this year? Make your way to Cabo and experience sunshine, beaches, and tequila to your heart’s content!
Practically a year-round destination, Cabo San Lucas is a favorite beach destination thanks to the 300+ days of sunshine it gets.
Two extravagant resorts to keep on your radar during your visit are Zadún and the Waldorf Astoria.
Curious to know which one’s for you? Find out in this Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve vs. Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal comparison.
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Quick Glance: Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve vs. Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
| Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve | Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal | |
| Location |
Boulevard Mar de Cortez, San José Del Cabo, Mexico City |
Baja California Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico |
| Getting There | Takes 35-minutes from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and only 15-minutes from the town of San Jose del Cabo | About 35 to 45 minutes away from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) |
| Room | 115 Rooms, Suites, and Private Homes | 119 Rooms, Suites, Villas, Casitas, and Private Residences |
| Amenities | Swimming Pool, Spa, Gym, Beach Access (non-swimmable), Kid’s Club | Swimming Pool, Beach Access (non-swimmable), Spa, Gym, Tennis Court, Kid’s Club, Shopping Boutiques |
| Food and Dining | 3 Restaurants, 2 Bars | 8 Dining Options, Including Restaurants, Bars, and a Coffee Shop |
| Staff and Guest Services | Fantastic! Guests are treated with prompt care and while there are moments of inconsistencies, it’s still a wonderful experience. | Excellent, the staff is highly attentive, patient, and proactive with their assistance. |
| Price | Starts at $1,299 to $2,900 per night (an average of $1,700) | Cash rates start at $1,200 to $2,500 per night ($1,500 average) |
| Points Redemption | Yes, with Marriott Bonvoy points, you can exchange 149,000 to 192,000 points per night. | Available when you exchange 120,000 to 150,000 Hilton Honors points per night. |
The Details: Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve vs. Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Image Credit: Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
With the promise of intimate luxury, Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is among the most exciting resorts to open in Cabo in recent years.
It’s part of the Ritz-Carlton Reserve collection – a set of hotels distinctively picked to incorporate culture, history, and heritage while offering all the indulgences the brand is known for.
Location
Although many of the major resorts in Los Cabos position themselves near Cabo San Lucas, Zadún has opted to place itself closer to San Jose del Cabo. This is strategic though as it feels more private. Plus, foodies get to enjoy a 10-minute drive from two famous restaurants in Cabo – Floral Farms and Acre.
The resort is set inside the Puerto Los Cabos development which means you need to drive past several golf courses and two other luxury resorts: Secrets Puerto Los Cabos and another one of the best resorts in Cabo, the JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa. It’s about a 15-minute drive from the gate, so make sure to get your transfer arrangements in order.
If you’re arriving from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), it’s about a 35 to 40-minute car ride to the resort. You can grab an Uber or contact the resort if you need help arranging airport transfers.
Room
Guests are brought to their rooms by their respective personal attendants or Tosoanis, as they are called at the hotel.
There are 115 rooms at the property with the Ocean View Plunge Pool Room Upper Floor being the entry-level space. It carries a sizable 750 square feet, complete with an outdoor area and plunge pool.
The outdoor deck is lined with taupe limestone, two loungers, and one daybed. The towels are refreshed daily for your use. Walk inside and it’s equally stunning. The floors are made from wood while the walls showcase the same limestone as outside with one by the bed serving as a statement wall with its gorgeous geometric pattern.
A king bed is at the center with a plush duvet topper. It’s complemented by wood chairs and tables. Pendant lamps flank the bed with a chaise lounge nearby facing sliding doors that offer a view outside.
There’s a nice flow to the room with a sliding door leading to a huge closet. On a small wall beside it is the hidden minibar with a Nespresso machine, water, and soda.
As you walk inside the bathroom, there’s a private area with a water closet and lavender-scented toilet paper (yes, you read that right, lavender-scented!) The main portion of the bathroom comes with a soaking tub with bath salts and candles. A large vanity mirror, twin sinks, and Aromatherapy Associates soap are on one corner, and just beyond is a semi-closed shower with Spa Alkemia bath products.
If you require more space, opt for higher room categories like the Two Bedroom Suites or Villas, the expansive Cortes Suites, or opt for any of the Private Residences.
Amenities
Promising full relaxation to guests also means providing the right frills to ensure this happens. There are two swimming pools strategically located to face the water and be close to one of the restaurants. Both pools are family-friendly and come with loungers, sunbeds, and cabanas for rent.
You can also head to the beach where the resort has claimed a small area for their guests. It’s worth noting the beach here isn’t swimmable because of the strong currents. Regardless, it’s still a nice spot for long sunset walks.
If you’re feeling a workout, the Zadún gym has several rooms with dedicated equipment for guests. In one room you’ll find all the Technogym equipment, on another are all the cardio machines and another for weights, etc. Outside the gym is a lap pool as well as changing areas for men and women.
The kiddos can also have a fun time here as the hotel comes with a kids club. They’ve also started their Ambassadors of the Environment program where kids learn eco-consciousness through various activities like hiking, snorkeling, or whale watching.
Avid golfers can book a game in any of the three world-class golf resorts near the property. These are the Mission Course, a Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole, and a 9-hole Greg Norman course.
One of the highlights of the resort is the huge Spa Alkemia. Open daily, the spa is set on a sunken landscape with a dramatic entrance. They have a massive pool with hydrotherapy, steam and sauna, a yoga room, and a myriad of treatments and massages. As expected, the treatments are on the expensive side but this is standard for resorts in Cabo.
Finally, you can also enjoy boutique stores if you want to indulge in shopping.
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Food and Dining
Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Hume Restaurant. Image Credit: Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Servicing all your food and drink indulgences at Zadún are three main restaurants and a couple of bars.
Humo (meaning smoke) is the resort’s signature restaurant. Its beautiful building dazzles and is visible throughout any part of the resort. Here, you can indulge in smoked meat and seafood with an emphasis on South American and Mexican flavors.
For casual and lunch dining, head to El Barrio. The restaurant serves Mexican dishes and features a great outdoor area with views of the pool. Equis is open during lunchtime and is a great place to visit for seafood and cocktails.
If you’re craving more drinks, Candil is right next to Humo.
The latest café at Zadún is Azul. They serve coffee, Mexican treats, delicious fresh pastries, and cold-pressed juices in the mornings. In the afternoon, you’ll find artisanal ice cream as well as the staple Mexican churros with hot chocolate.
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Staff and Guest Services
Although there are a few misses here and there, the staff are generally friendly and attentive. Some inconsistencies might annoy those who are nitpicky about getting perfect service. However, in general, the staff knows how to ensure guests are well-taken care of.
Price
Cash bookings start at $1,299 up to $2,900 per night with an average of $1,700.
Points Redemption
You can book this resort using your Marriott Bonvoy points. Simply exchange 149,000 to 192,000 points per night for a standard room. This depends on the season and availability.
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Who Is It For?
Designed for anyone who wants a quiet yet elegant resort, Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is truly a magical destination. It has spacious rooms so you can sprawl out with your partner or the entire family.
Everything is chic and elegant. There are amenities to fit your every need, exquisite swimming pools, a captivating spa, a fully equipped gym with a lap pool, and even a kid’s club.
In addition, you get the full attention of the staff who are willing to assist you with whatever you need. While there are parts in the service that needs polishing, overall, staying will be a special trip for sure.
Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Gallery
Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Accommodations. Image Credit: Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Living Room. Image Credit: Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Pool Area. Image Credit: Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal. Image Credit: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
Discover everything Los Cabos has to offer by staying in one of the most coveted resorts in the area – the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal. With dazzling amenities, outstanding service, and mouth-watering restaurants, it ensures you’ll never want anything else during your stay.
Location
The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal sits dramatically amongst the hills of Pedregal. Guests enter through a tunnel carved from the mountain itself and torch-lit for excellent drama. At the end of this entrance is a beautiful roundabout where the staff is on standby for check-in festivities.
To reach the resort is easy. Those flying in from key U.S. states like Chicago, Dallas, and San Francisco can take a direct flight to Los Cabos International Airport. Once there, it’s only a 35 to a 45-minute cab ride to the resort. However, if you fancy, you can arrange a private car pick-up with the hotel for an extra fee.
Exciting amenities await you here, but if you want to explore nearby towns, the artsy village of San Jose del Cabo is 15 minutes away via car while the party town of Cabo San Lucas is within a short walk.
Room
True to being an extravagant resort, you get a multitude of room types to choose from. Pick from regular guest rooms, suites, casitas, villas, and even private homes. These rooms measure anywhere from 856 to 4,600 square feet.
Starter rooms carry 856 to 900 square feet of space with high ceilings, a king bed or two double queens, wood beam accents, a fireplace, and a walkout terrace with a plunge pool.
Inside the room, guests are treated to a welcome amenity kit in the form of a stylish handpainted Clase Azul tequila bottle, retailing for $160 in the U.S. It’s presented together with matching glassware. The bottle is free to take home but the rest are for sale. Guests also receive a daily helping of fruits and beer in the afternoon.
There are in-room touches like a Nespresso machine and a fridge with bottled water, juice, and soft drinks. Meanwhile, the terrace is furnished and often provides a great view of the waters. The plunge pools are extremely private and a treat if you don’t feel like leaving your room.
Separate from the main bedroom is the gigantic bathroom. It has a private water closet, a bench, a soaking tub, and a walk-in shower. Sliding doors can be closed for absolute privacy in the bathroom area. Huge mirrors, vanity, and warm lamps complete the space.
Bringing the entire brood and need more space? The next level rooms are the Dos Mares Jr. Suite, One Bedroom Ocean View Suite, and the Estrella Suite. These offer more room, about 1,400 to 1,600 square feet with all the amenities as the previous rooms.
For a beachfront setting, there are dedicated spaces like the Pedregal Two Bedroom Beachfront or the Premium Beachfront One Bedroom Suite – King Bed, which puts you mere steps toward powdery sand.
If you want to hyper-indulge, the exclusive Private Residences are the perfect solution. Available in 3-bedroom or 4-bedroom options, they feature wraparound terraces, private butler service, indoor and outdoor living space, and an amazing beachfront location.
Amenities
This sprawling resort is the ideal escape for families and honeymooners thanks to its diverse facilities. You can expect four public pools with most of them offering a gorgeous view of the Cabo waters.
For absolute relaxation, the Luna y Mar is the signature Waldorf Astoria spa. Taking inspiration from the sea and the rhythm of the moon, the treatments and massages bring relaxation, calmness, and wellness relief.
Those traveling with the kiddos will appreciate the Waldorf Astoria’s kid’s club. Toys, games and excellent staff can keep kids entertained and happy throughout their stay.
Fitness buffs can hang out at the fitness center with its TRX bands, cardio machines, yoga room, weights, and assorted workout equipment. There’s also a tennis court if you want a sports-oriented activity. Nearby is a small library and business center for last-minute work or printing.
Beach lovers will love that there is a beach on site but it isn’t swimmable. Cabo waters are notorious for strong currents so beach swimming isn’t allowed. Nonetheless, it is a gorgeous place for sunbathing, relaxing, or a romantic stroll during sunrise or sunset.
Other facilities available for guests are a host of boutique shops where you can grab anywhere from sunscreen, various mementos, and artisanal goods by craftspeople from Guadalajara. You can also head out of the resort and visit the nearby town for more sights and sounds.
Food and Dining
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal El Farallon cocktail bar. Image Credit: AuPACS
The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is designed to treat guests with the ultimate gastronomic experience.
The signature restaurant, El Farallon is the most famous at the resort and even one of the best in Cabo. This cliffside restaurant is recognized for its innovative food and excellent views. One side shows off the majestic mountain and on the other is a view of the crashing waves. Also open to non-guests, you can ask your concierge to book a reservation for you the moment you arrive since it fills up fast.
For breakfast, Don Manuel’s is open every day from 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. By lunchtime, it transforms into The Beach Club for delicious lunch fare. There’s also a Don Manuel’s Bar which is ideal for poolside cocktails.
Need a cup of java? Head to the Neutral Coffee Lab. They have pastries as well as barista-style coffee. Be warned though, it isn’t cheap. A cup of latte can cost about $12 each.
If the bottle of tequila in your room isn’t enough, you can head to The Agave Study at Peacock Alley for mezcal tasting and tequila. These are about $150 but are perfect for anyone interested. It’s also a popular activity so book it early.
Crudo is ideal for seafood, ceviche, fresh sushi, and oysters. Everything is paired with specialty cocktails and a calming view of the waters.
One of the newest food indulgences for guests is Travesía at Su Cocina, which is a 9-course tasting menu that highlights Mexico’s love for tacos. These feature local ingredients and bounty found throughout Mexico.
Private dining is also an option if you’re planning a romantic dinner date with your partner or if you’re celebrating a special occasion with family and friends.
Staff and Guest Services
There’s little to nothing the Waldorf Astoria staff wouldn’t do to make your stay comfortable and happy. Every staff is friendly and attentive, as they proactively assist guests – recommending bookings, asking how their stay is and if they need anything. Plus, they make themselves available anytime via text message.
Price
For cash bookings, the standard room starts at $1,200 up to $2,500 per night (average of $1,500).
Points Redemption
You can book free rewards here using 120,000 to 150,000 Hilton Honors points every night, depending on the season.
Who Is It For?
Great for honeymooners, couples celebrating their anniversary, or even families wanting to explore the beauty of Cabo, the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is an all-in-one resort.
There’s a little something for everyone – for kids, there’s the kid’s club and for adults, there’s the stunning infinity pools, excellent service, and wonderful fine dining options. For a resort costing over $1,000 per night, everything is truly worth it.
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal Gallery
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal Peacock Alley. Image Credit: AuPACS
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal – Beach Club Exterior. Image Credit: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal – Swimming Pool. Image Credit: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal – View. Image Credit: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal
Best For: Which Resort Should You Go For?
| Winner | What Makes It Great | |
| Best for Food | Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal | With its multiple restaurants and bars, the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos provides more food options to guests. |
| Best for Pools | Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal | Thanks to the four swimming pools plus individual plunge pools in the rooms, the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos has this in the bag. |
| Best for Spa | Tie | Spa Alkemia at Zadún and Luna y Mar at the Waldorf are both excellent spas to indulge in. |
| Best for Beaches | Tie | These two resorts have large beaches perfect for sunset walks and sunbathing. Unfortunately, both beaches are non-swimmable because of the strong current. |
| Best For Adults | Zadún, Ritz-Carlton Reserve | While the Waldorf is also great for couples, Zadún is more intimate and would make a great romantic destination for couples. |
| Best for Families | Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal | With a fantastic kid’s club, excellent food options, and a sprawling spa, families can have fun here without feeling stifled. |
| Best Location | Tie | Both resorts cater to different people. Those who want solitude can head to Zadún while those who prefer to be near Cabo San Lucas can stay at the Waldorf Astoria. |
| Best for a Calm Vacation | Zadún, Ritz-Carlton Reserve | Because it’s located farther away, Zadún is ideal for a calmer, less hectic escape. |
| Best for Service | Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal | The staff is amazing! They know how to take care of guests, ensuring they are assisted each step of the way. |
| Most Exclusive | Zadún, Ritz-Carlton Reserve | Zadún is more exclusive of the two. |
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right Los Cabos resort for you is the key to enjoying your vacation.
Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is the right choice if you’re after a quieter hideaway yet still receive an incredible luxury experience. Its proximity to the artsy town of San Jose del Cabo is a plus if you love being near the area.
Bonus points too if you want to indulge in a game of golf since the resort is part of a complex with three large golf courses. The staff, excellent fine and casual dining as well as the spacious rooms, all add to the experience.
As for the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, it’s hard to say anything bad about this resort. It’s proven itself to be among the best in Los Cabos. The expansive area coupled with the breathtaking location amongst the hills of Pedregal and gorgeous waters is enough to make you want to stay for a long time.
Here, you can indulge in a sumptuous variety of meals offered by multiple restaurants, bars, and cafes. They have four public pools, a gorgeous stretch of beach, and a wonderful spa filled with the most holistic local treatments to soothe aching muscles.
Whichever resort you go for, you can never go wrong with either of these destinations!
Safe travels!