I Went to a Cliffside Paradise in Cabo, and It Completely Rewired My Brain Chemistry

It doesn’t take long to feel relaxed at the legendary Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal resort.

From the moment I arrived at the property—through Mexico’s only private tunnel, as if you’re driving through the interior of an oceanside mountain—I could feel my heart rate slow for the first time in what felt like a year. Makes sense: As far as the eye can see, there is only sparkling, soft blue sea water outlined by stunning architecture that blends perfectly with the property’s rustic cliffside location in Los Cabos. Is this heaven?

To cut to the chase, for the wellness-minded traveler, it’s about as close as it gets.

Why Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is the ultimate bucket-list beach destination

For me, fostering a deep connection with my surroundings is one of the most pivotal, high-priority, and pleasurable parts of traveling. If this sentiment resonates with you, you’ll peak at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal.

For starters, the property is so much more than just a glossy resort: It is an immersive destination that celebrates the rich, beautiful heritage of Mexican culture and cuisine. Nestled between the cliffside and the Pacific ocean, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal delights your soul and every single one of your senses every step of the way. Let’s start with your taste buds.

The plant-forward, sea-to-table-centric culinary program  

I was lucky enough to be visiting Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal on one of their culinary weekends, which entail a special series of food-focused events that spotlight some of the world’s most highly-acclaimed chefs. This weekend’s guest chefs? Chef Nancy Silverton, a James Beard Foundation Outstanding Chef award winner and owner of the Mozza Restaurant Group, and Chef Nancy Oakes, also a James Beard Foundation Outstanding Chef award winner and the owner of Boulevard in San Francisco. (For my fellow food people: I know.)

These two famed food authorities teamed up with the resort’s brilliant culinary team (led by Chef Gustavo Pinet) to craft custom menus for Don Manuel’s (the property’s signature modern Mexican restaurant), as well as lead a spectacular six-course tasting menu-style dinner that perfectly married the regional cuisine and local ingredients with some of Chef Silverton and Chef Oakes’ signature dishes. Think: fresh callo de hacha scallops made with kelp noodles and ginger-chili sauce, local quail with hazelnut aillade and white truffles, and affogato Mexicano with pepitas and avocado honey semifreddo.

But we can’t forget about El Fallaron, which is easily one of the most unforgettable dining destinations I have ever been to (and might I remind you that I’ve been a food and travel editor for over a decade). Trust: Eating here is as close to sea-to-table as it gets. The restaurant is nestled right into the cliffside resort, but it’s perched atop the Pacific—meaning your outdoor table overlooks dramatic views of the ocean. The soothing sounds of waves crashing underneath you is the soundtrack to your dinner. Love impossibly-fresh fish and shellfish? Don’t sweat it if you can’t read the entire menu under the high-vibe candlelight, because ordering any form of seafood off their curated chalkboard list of options will be a jaw-dropping experience. (Okay, but you have to order the shrimp. Plus the sea bass. Plus the snapper.) And don’t forget to stop by El Fallaron’s dazzling Champagne terrace on your way in… and out.

When it comes to culinary experiences, my biggest takeaway is that Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal has—hook, line, and sinker (pun intended)—nailed the concept of terroir. (For those new to this term, it’s a French word that loosely translates to “taste of place;” it’s often used to describe the way in which a vineyard’s local climate and soil are expressed in a bottle of wine.) The culinary and beverage teams have managed to infuse every dish, drink, and dessert with the local flavors of Los Cabos and the vibrance of Mexican cuisine.

In addition to the fresh fish, locally-grown tropical fruits, vegetables, and aromatic herbs and spices used to craft every delicious option, the property’s special Avage Study experience is the embodiment of terroir. Consider it a tequila and mezcal aficionado’s dream: The guided, artful tasting of agave spirits generously shares Mexico’s cultural wealth through food and drink (yes, local delicacies are paired with every single sip). Think you’re not a tequila fan? Prepare to be surprised, delighted, and—most importantly—deeply connected to the land and culture around you. Just make sure to stop by the Neutral Coffee Lab once (or five times) the next morning for a much-needed oat milk latte.

The dreamy accommodations 

The accommodations—whether that means a spacious room (seriously, it’ll be larger than any New York City apartment), suite, villa, accommodation casita, or private home—all come with a private plunge pool and unparalleled views of the Pacific. Also included? A set of binoculars, which will come in handy the second you look out at the ocean and realize giant blue whales, dolphins, sea lions, and baby seals (!) paddling about before your eyes.

Despite your every intention to spend your entire stay outdoors staring at the sea creatures, bedtime will eventually come calling. Just wait—I’m not kidding when I say that the plush pillows and luxe sheets feel like they’re hugging you right back.

When you rise, it’ll be floating breakfast time. Not familiar with the term? Neither was I, until a butler appeared at my door with piping-hot cheesy huevos rancheros, an acai-goji bowl piled with fresh pineapple, coconut flakes, and goji berries, and fresh-squeezed green juice and then he offered to serve it floating in my plunge pool so I could savor my delicious breakfast and sip my coffee with my toes in the water looking out at the ocean and the whales and thinking about how nothing could ever be better than this for the rest of my entire life. I said yes.

The stellar seaside spa

In case you don’t already feel sufficiently relaxed, recharged, and revitalized within minutes of arriving at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, you should hit the spa. Scratch that—you should make the spa a *must* on your visit. The organic treatments are inspired by the lunar cycle, the sea, and Mexican folk healing practices. The seaside setting is a haven for rejuvenation, and you’ll never feel more pampered or at ease.