I spent one week at Nobu Los Cabos in a Hikari suite, and this is my review of the resort located in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Find out the pros and cons of Nobu Los Cabos and whether it is the best resort for your upcoming holidays.
Checking into Nobu Los Cabos was an experience that set a high bar for the rest of my stay, highlighting the resort's commitment to personalized and attentive service from the moment I arrived. The process began even before reaching the main lobby, with a security checkpoint where I had to give my name. This ensured security and allowed Nobu Cabo to anticipate my arrival. Upon reaching the resort entrance, I was greeted directly at my car. To my surprise, they greeted me by name and offered a refreshing juice. While one staff member efficiently took care of my luggage, another escorted me to the front desk.
At the front desk, the check-in process was expedited by having my file prepared in advance. All that required of me was to provide my credit card and passport, a standard procedure handled swiftly. Following this quick process, I was led to my room, allowing me to settle in without unnecessary delays at the Nobu Hotel Los Cabos.
The architecture of Nobu Los Cabos stands as a testament to refined elegance, blending the minimalist grace of Japanese aesthetics with the rugged charm of the Baja California landscape in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The resort is designed to harmonize with its surroundings, featuring natural materials, earth tones, and expansive windows that frame the stunning ocean views. Each building and space within the Nobu Hotel Los Cabos is thoughtfully placed, encouraging guests to move seamlessly between the luxurious interior and the breathtaking exterior.
During my stay at Nobu Los Cabos, I had the opportunity to experience all three pools at the resort.
The two larger pools are centrally located amidst the accommodation buildings. Their design is undoubtedly beautiful, blending seamlessly with the sophisticated aesthetic of the resort. However, these areas were somewhat cramped, particularly when securing a lounge chair. Finding one available on several occasions was a challenge, and I ended up near the kids' pool.
As someone looking forward to relaxing and reading quietly, I thought the noise from the children playing and shouting wasn't conducive to the peaceful retreat at Nopbu Cabo that I had in mind. Another aspect that surprised me was the limited number of lounge chairs facing the ocean. Given Nobu's Cabo stunning beachside location, it was disappointing to find most seating oriented towards buildings or other guests rather than the beautiful Pacific Ocean.
The adult pool just below the Nobu restaurant stands out as the best pool in the Nobu Cabo resort. This smaller, exquisitely designed pool boasts an oceanfront view, offering a serene escape from the resort's more bustling areas. However, access to this idyllic spot comes with a caveat—a $50 minimum spend per person. This policy was a first for me at a luxury resort, where pool access is generally included without additional charges. Despite this, and given the lack of other peaceful lounge chairs, I found the tranquillity and beauty of the adult pool to be worth the extra cost, making it my preferred spot for most of my stay.
However, one drawback of the adult pool was its policy regarding umbrellas. The staff would not open them at the slightest hint of wind. Unfortunately, during my week-long stay, windy conditions prevailed on five out of seven days. This meant seeking shade was a challenge, and as a result, I ended up with a sunburn despite using the sun cream provided by Nobu Los Cabos.
Tip: Despite the minimum charge, the adult pool is very popular and often full, so arrive early if you want to secure a sunbed for the day.
The beach at Nobu Los Cabos is another highlight. The resort sits on one of Los Cabos' most beautiful stretches of sand, offering panoramic ocean views in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The beach is well-maintained with soft sand and clear waters, making it a perfect spot for strolls. It is worth noting that there are no sunbeds on the beach. Swimming in the ocean is not allowed due to its strength, but the beauty of the beach itself, along with the sound of the waves, provides a tranquil escape.
Tip: If you want to swim in the sea or lie on a sunbed on the beach, the Nobu Cabos resort is not a good option.
I stayed in one of the new Hikari Suites at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for one week.
When I stepped into the Hikari Suite, I was greeted by an awe-inspiring blend of Japanese minimalism and the natural beauty of Los Cabos. The suite is designed to emphasize natural materials and earthy tones, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease. The spacious layout includes a living area, bedroom, and a luxurious bathroom, all adorned with thoughtful touches and state-of-the-art amenities.
The living area has comfortable seating and modern decor. The suite's layout resembled that of a spacious studio, incorporating the bedroom, kitchen, and seating area into a single open-plan room. While modern and efficient, this design may not cater to those seeking distinct living spaces. On a positive note, the automated curtains added a touch of convenience and luxury, effortlessly transitioning the room from day to night.
The kitchen is well-equipped for a hotel room kitchen. Tasty teas and coffee are provided
My suite on the second floor offered limited views, primarily overlooking the golf course. A more significant concern was the workshop to the left, which occasionally produced noise during the day, detracting from the tranquility of the setting. Additionally, the terrace faced north, and coupled with the ambient noise, it was not pleasant, and I did not utilize the outdoor space throughout my stay at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos.
The bedroom features a king-sized bed with plush bedding, ensuring a restful night's sleep.
However, a notable drawback was the absence of heating in the suite. During my winter visit, when temperatures dipped to 16 degrees Celsius, I profoundly felt the lack of adequate heating. Despite receiving extra blankets and a small electric heater, the measures were insufficient to combat the chill, leaving me feeling cold throughout my stay.
Fortunately, they left a bottle of Mezcal liquor to warm up
Tip: If you go in the winter and need a small electric heater, ask for it early. They don’t have enough for the demand. I had to wait for the heather until another room released one.
The highlight of the Hikari suite for me was the bathroom, which felt like a personal spa. It includes a large soaking wooden tub, a separate rain shower, and a Japanese toilet.
With its advanced features, the Japanese toilet offered unparalleled comfort and hygiene. From the heated seat to the customizable bidet functions, every aspect of the toilet was designed with meticulous attention to detail. These modern conveniences stood out, showcasing the suite's commitment to combining luxury with cutting-edge technology.
The large wooden bathtub was equally impressive, serving as the bathroom's centerpiece. Crafted from beautiful, natural wood, the tub exuded warmth and serenity, inviting moments of relaxation and introspection. Soaking in this generously sized bathtub, surrounded by the subtle, earthy aroma of wood, offered a unique and profoundly calming experience, reminiscent of a serene spa retreat. This elegant feature enhanced the bathroom's aesthetic appeal and provided a sanctuary within the suite, where one could unwind in absolute comfort after a day of exploring Los Cabos.
The crown jewel of the food at Nobu Los Cabos, without a doubt, is the Nobu restaurant. Renowned for its exceptional blend of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, this dining venue promises an extraordinary culinary journey, and my experience there was mostly in line with its prestigious reputation.
We started our meal with the Wagyu burgers and the chicken dish, both of which were delicious. The Wagyu burgers, in particular, were a standout, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The meat was juicy and tender, cooked to perfection, and accompanied by a delightful array of condiments that enhanced the taste of the Wagyu beef. The chicken dish was equally impressive, with its succulent meat and a flavourful marinade that hinted at the chef's expertise in blending spices and herbs.
The truffle chips served as a side were amazing. Each chip was perfectly crisp, and the truffle flavor was present without being overpowering, striking a balance that was hard to achieve. It's these seemingly simple dishes that Nobu shines.
However, only some dishes didn't meet the high expectations set by the restaurant's reputation. The sushi, a staple of Japanese cuisine and a dish one would expect to excel at Nobu was somewhat disappointing.
Despite this slight letdown, the dining experience at Nobu Los Cabos was memorable. The restaurant's ambiance, with its elegant decor and inviting atmosphere, complemented the meal beautifully. Service was impeccable, with staff members who were attentive and knowledgeable about the menu.
Beyond Nobu, Nobu Hotel Los Cabos features two additional restaurants and two pool food outlets, catering to a wide range of culinary preferences and dining experiences. Before my trip, I had encountered numerous complaints online regarding the food pricing at the resort. Initially skeptical, I found that the menu prices seemed reasonable for a luxury resort, suggesting that concerns about cost might have been exaggerated.
However, once on-site, I discovered perhaps what contributed to the perception of high prices: the portion sizes of some dishes were relatively small. A striking example was the beef tacos I ordered, each measuring about 3 centimeters long. Their size was so minimal that they appeared akin to complimentary amuse-bouches typically served at high-end restaurants as a pre-appetizer rather than a full entrée.
While the quality of the food at Nobu Cabo met expectations, the modest serving sizes meant that a complete meal required ordering two or three items per person, significantly affecting the overall dining cost. This aspect, while not immediately apparent from just glancing at the menu prices, could explain why some of the guests complain about the food prices at the resort.
During my stay at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, I was keen to explore the resort's nightlife, particularly the bars strategically placed around the property. This was probably my biggest disappointment. These bars were very empty and dead in the evenings, a stark contrast to the lively ambiance one might anticipate at such a renowned resort.
For instance, when I went to the Ardeao Bar in the evening, it was almost empty. Just one couple was present, their attention fixed on the television, which felt unwelcoming.
Similarly, the bar at Muna Restaurant, which boasts an appealing design and would presumably attract guests looking to unwind after dinner, was equally empty. Only one other couple was there on the evening we chose to visit, making the experience feel isolated rather than the social, engaging atmosphere we hoped for.
This lack of evening activity within the resort's bars was surprising, especially considering the hotel was fully booked during my stay. I don't know how to explain that the resort was so empty at night. It could be the pricing of the cocktails and other beverages at these bars. If the costs were perceived as prohibitively high by the guests, it might incentivize them to seek alternatives outside the hotel premises in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
I decided to skip the spa services at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos because the prices were high and the reviews were not great, so I can't really write about it.
I was pleasantly surprised by the gym at Nobu Los Cabos. The facility was well-equipped, boasting a comprehensive mix of cardio machines and weight training equipment. The modern cardio equipment included treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes, all featuring the latest technology to track performance and provide entertainment during workouts. The gym was primarily empty, so you never had to wait for a machine. The cleanliness and maintenance of the facility were impeccable, contributing to a hygienic and inviting workout environment.
In addition to the Gym, the resort offers a few yoga, pilates, and full-body group classes at 40 USD per class.
Transport was my source of frustration during my stay at Nobu Los Cabos Resort. Getting in and out of the resort was complicated.
The resort is inside the Diamante Compound, and even though it looks close to the town of Los Cabos on the map, leaving the resort took a lot of time and effort. According to Google Maps, there is a gate that seems like a quick way out, but it’s only for employees. Guests need to use the main entrance, which is further away. So not only does it make the trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico longer, but it confuses taxis that use Google Maps.
Upon my return from Los Cabos one night, my taxi, which followed Google Maps, tried the closest entrance, but we were turned away. The taxi driver got so upset about being turned away that he threatened to leave me by the side of the road in the middle of the night. It was not a great experience.
It’s also important to know that Uber and regular taxis aren’t allowed to pick guests up from the resort. This means you must use the hotel’s transport service, which can cost three times more than an Uber. A ride to town can cost about 44 USD. These rides are in old minivans that do not reflect the Nobu Hotel Los Cabos standard or the price you pay. The driver was on the phone most of the ride, and they didn’t feel very safe to me.
If you need to use hotel transport, booking it beforehand is also a good idea. The hotel minivan came from outside the resort, and I had to wait almost 30 minutes for my car to arrive. Because of the delay, I nearly missed my diving trip. Fortunately, the dive shop was kind enough to wait for me, but it wasn't very comfortable to keep everyone else waiting.
I was surprised that a luxury hotel like Nobu couldn’t provide a better customer experience regarding transportation. A taxi driver outside the hotel told me they had sold the transport rights to a taxi cooperative. If that’s true, it seems like a decision that prioritizes profit and greed over guests' comfort, as it made getting around quite tricky for me. After a terrible experience trying to leave the hotel one night, I decided not to go out for the rest of my stay.
Tip: If you want to spend time in Cabos or tour the region, I recommend renting a car or staying in another hotel.
Los Cabos offers many activities and attractions for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences near the Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Here are some must-visit places and things to do during your stay:
There are three pools. Two larger family-friendly pools can feel crowded. The smaller, oceanfront adult-only pool requires a minimum spend but offers a more serene experience, though umbrellas may not be available on windy days.
The Hikari Suite features a modern, open-plan design blending Japanese minimalism with natural materials. Highlights include a luxurious bathroom with a wooden soaking tub and Japanese toilet. Downsides can include limited views from some rooms and lack of heating in winter.
Transport can be challenging and expensive. The resort is within the Diamante compound, requiring use of the main entrance further from town. Ride-sharing services (like Uber) cannot pick up guests, requiring use of the hotel's pricier transport service.
Nearby activities include visiting El Arco (The Arch), diving/snorkeling, shark encounters, whale watching (in season), and exploring the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.
The Nobu Los Cabos is a spectacular resort with very comfortable rooms. The adult pool is delightful. The food is good, albeit pricey. The main issues of the Nobu Hotel Los Cabos are the difficulty of getting out and the need for more nightlife. If you are looking for a luxurious stay in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and understand the pricing structure, it could be a great option, but consider the transport limitations if you plan to explore widely.
For more information about other resorts in Los Cabos, please Read my review of Solaz Los Cabos and the Waldorf Astoria Perdegal.
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