Los Cabos Starwood Resorts & Spas Treat Guests like Family

Just as siblings can be so similar and yet so different, so are the sister Starwood properties of The Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar Golf and Spa Resort and The Westin Resort and Spa, Los Cabos, both situated in lovely Los Cabos, Mexico, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean.

Located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, Los Cabos is comprised of two towns, San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. With a variety of attractions – not to mention the beautiful 30-plus miles of beach, you’d be hard-pressed not to find something enjoyable to do for everyone. From swim-up bars with ocean views at both resorts, to kayaking and snorkeling off Lover’s Beach, to easy access to flea market shopping and the glamorous Luxury Avenue boutique mall at the marina, both Starwood resorts offer a great place to come home to every night of your stay.

On a recent trip to visit these sister properties, I did all of the above and more (glass bottom boat ride, eating at the beautifully delicious La Panga restaurant, an art lesson with local artisans, and even more!). And of course, let’s not forget the spa. No time was wasted going from the signature Heavenly Bed in the hotel room to the German Bed and the treatment table at the spas, all while taking in the beautiful architecture and the ocean view on the way.

Cactus Spa at the Sheraton

Designed around Seven Pillars of Well-Being (beauty, life balance, harmony, aqua, vitality, nature, and nutrition), Cactus Spa is quaint and comfortable, much like the Sheraton as a whole, which is comprised of small villas scattered amongst beautifully landscaped gardens. What makes this spa different is the outdoor relaxation area – genius for a place of paradise like Los Cabos. Not only is the co-ed relaxation room outdoors, but there are also three tubs to enjoy before a treatment: one very cold, mildly cold/warm, and hot. The separate men’s and women’s locker rooms feature private showers, a eucalyptus steam room, and dry sauna.

The treatment I enjoyed was the Tropical Body Wrap using Pevonia’s Tropical line. After a thorough body scrub and rinse, then an application of a body mask, I was wrapped up in plastic and the German Bed was inflated with warm water. While my body absorbed the mask and the heat, my therapist massaged my face, neck, and feet with a firm amount of pressure, just the way I like it. After another rinse, lotion was applied all over, leaving my skin silky-smooth and tropically fresh.

Heavenly Spa by Westin

At the Westin, which boasts ocean views from anywhere in the resort (and from every room) and art deco style architecture with vibrant, eye-popping colors, I opted for a deep cleansing facial. Also popular at the Westin’s two-story Heavenly Spa are the Green Coffee body wrap, and the Sun Relief Facial. Both the Westin and the Sheraton use all natural Pevonia products.

The common thread at both of these spas was how thorough the therapists were in each of the services – each of them had a touch I haven’t experienced in the states – firm yet soothing and thorough yet relaxing. At the end of the facial, I enjoyed kiwi water in the relaxation lounge located upstairs with the treatment rooms, then headed back down in the elevator to the locker room, which also features a steam room, dry sauna, and a pressure shower. In addition, both spas feature a full-service beauty salon, which can accommodate in-room manicures and pedicures, and massages can be done in-room as well. Fitness centers are also located in close proximity to the spa.

Food and Wine…and Tequila!

You won’t go hungry at either of these resorts. With four- and five-diamond AAA awards, the restaurants at both the Sheraton and the Westin offer casual and fine dining at its best, including healthy options that don’t sacrifice taste.

From the Sheraton’s romantic wine cellar featuring stellar Mexican wines and a tequila bar boasting over 100 types of tequila, to the Westin’s extraordinary outdoor cocktail lounge perched high on the hill top with sweeping views of the desert, mountains, and ocean and one of the tastiest steaks I’ve ever had (topped with a foie gras sauce!) at the candlelit Arrecifes restaurant − I was in heaven.

The Sheraton Hacienda del Mar and The Westin Resort & Spa Los Cabos are two beaming stars that take pride in its culturally rich country with amazing people who welcome everyone with open arms and a unique hospitality. With a touch of comfortable luxury, breathtaking ocean views, and a wide variety of activities, Los Cabos had me at “hola.”