I Traveled Half the Distance To Experience Japanese Luxury at this Mexican Hotel

Packed with centuries of history, rich and healthy eats, clean streets, high-fashion people-watching, and a robust nightlife, Japan has so much to offer for both new and frequent visitors. This year, I had the honor of spending two months in the buzzy Asian country, and in addition to the food, I was completely in awe of the minimalist, yet sleek design and ultimate luxury in Japanese hospitality. If it wasn’t for the pricey airfare and 15+ hour flight (I was traveling from Los Angeles), I would go there more often. In search of an alternative, without the hefty price tag and lengthy travel, I decided to check out Nobu Los Cabos Hotel in Mexico. 

Read on for my full review and discover why it’s worth visiting.‍

The Hotel

Cabo, known to spring-breakers as a party city, is completely reinvented at Nobu — where serenity and high-end relaxation are the main drivers. Promising Japanese lineage and aesthetics in all 200 hotel rooms and residences (spread through three buildings), Japanese minimalist design and Mexico-made furniture live in tandem in each room of the hotel, all designed to calm the mind. Here, you’ll find kimono-style robes, Kyusu clay teapots and gorgeous Japanese soaking tubs. 

There's a purposeful slowness at Nobu. The color palette is warm and tonal — set to enhance the surrounding landscape. And as tempting as it is to relax in the room, you'll want to check out the four on-site pools and the pickleball court. Facing the Pacific Ocean, the sleek infinity pool at The Cortes pool was my favorite. Pro tip: this is a great spot for golden hour as you watch the sun go down with a live DJ in the background. 

The Food

The tranquil property boasts nine bars and restaurants, including the luxury poolside cabanas. You’ll find Mediterranean-style dishes (think: Norwegian salmon tartare, oyster ravioli and charcoal oven branzino from Italy with crudité) with Japanese flavors at both Muna Restaurant and its rooftop counterpart, M Bar. The organic farm-to-table concept at Malibu Kitchen is something you won’t want to miss. Laid back, the dishes air on California chillness with avocado pizza and grass fed burgers being fan favorites. 

If you’re looking to channel your inner chef, the sushi-making class taught by executive chef and world renown, Paolo Della Corte should be high on your list. During the 60-90 minute class, you’ll learn how to make sushi the Japanese way with a variety of different fish, all flown in from Japan. Here, I made salmon, tuna and yellowtail sushi. The instructions were very direct and the staff is very hands-on – making it a great activity for all levels of chefs. 

The Spa

Featuring 10 treatment rooms and a three hour onsen experience (Japan’s most notable spa hero) — a visit to the Esencia Wellness Spa is a must during your stay. I opted for the 50-minute Oriental Essence Massage which left my body so relaxed I was glad I did it towards the end of the day. 

Other popular treatments include the Essence of Omakase, a selection of three multi-course spa treatments inspired by the Japanese notion of “chef’s choice,” the KI which starts in a dry sauna to relax the muscles before a full body Japanese silk exfoliation; and the Nagomi Ritual, a floral foot bath with an oil-infused massage. Post treatment, sip tea in a Japanese-style chair (designed for Sado tea ceremonies and part of a long-held Japanese tradition). 

Outside the Hotel

For those looking for a place to recharge and deeply relax, you simply can’t do better than Nobu Los Cabos. However, if it’s your first time in Cabo and you want to do some exploring, there’s lots to see and do nearby. The hotel can arrange a private car to your destination of choice: Take a trip to the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá, go swimming in Cenote Dos Ojos, or take a kayak tour of El Arch, the famous arches where the Pacific Ocean meets the Gulf of California.