Inside Look: Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal Review

Forbes

07-04-2025

Located in the exclusive enclave of Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal feels like a hidden village tucked into the cliffs. In one of the most competitive luxury hotel scenes in Mexico, it has continued to top lists of the best hotels in Los Cabos and is considered by many to be a jewel of the Waldorf Astoria brand.
As a frequent traveler to Los Cabos, I was most familiar with the property's cliffside restaurant, El Farallon, one of the most legendary eateries on the Mexican Riviera. During a recent trip, I not only (finally) nabbed a table, but I was also able to check in to the property to experience its acclaimed accommodations firsthand. Read my full review below.
Entrance to Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal.
The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal experience begins as soon as guests arrive. Built into a cliff that separates the resort from the center of town, guests enter through the property's private Dos Mares tunnel—torchlit in the evenings—and emerge to views of the Pacific. A margarita and cold towel are offered upon arrival at La Estancia, the property's oceanfront living room, steps away from the Waldorf Astoria brand's famed Peacock Alley lobby bar (which, at this property, is an Agave Study—but more on that later). La Estancia overlooks the property's infinity pool, an adults-only space surrounded by cacti, umbrellas and lounge chairs; there is also a non-infinity pool for all ages, as well as a kids' splash pool.
Adults-only infinity pool at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal.
A short walk from La Estancia, the property's spacious fitness center was kitted out with a number of cardio machines and seemed to be completely full each time I visited (the crowd here is undoubtedly fitness-oriented; the hotel offers fitness retreats in partnership with Alo Yoga). I was impressed by the beautiful 12,000-square-foot spa as well, featuring 10 treatment rooms and a list of curated treatments grounded in Mexican folk healing. On my second day, I booked a 110-minute stress relief massage that combined hot stones and deep stretching; I walked out of the spa feeling like jelly.
The property is home to 112 rooms and suites, including casitas and villas, all of which come with an attentive personal concierge. Every room features a private plunge pool, many with sweeping views of the mountains and sea. I stayed in one of the property's villas, which was incredibly spacious at over 3,500 square feet; it offered a full kitchen and an expansive terrace that was separate from a master bedroom and two dual-queen rooms. Aside from my private pool, the terrace also included a grill, a dining table and lounge chairs. I spent most afternoons kicking back here, binoculars at the ready for any whale sightings. My January stay coincided with peak whale-watching season, so I was lucky enough to see several.
Private plunge pool at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal.
One of the telltale signs of an excellent hotel is being able to wake up in the morning, look around and know exactly where you are. As a travel editor who frequently visits multiple countries each month, I find big-box resorts with the same generic design to be wholly unappealing. This property was anything but: From mesquite wood doors to handcrafted totems, draped textiles and embroidered lampshades, there was no mistaking that I was in Mexico. The color palettes—pops of mint and coral that offset the turquoise views outside—only added to the thoughtful, elevated design of the room.
On my first evening, I was able to experience dinner at El Farallon, the property's crown jewel and one of the most popular hotel restaurants in Los Cabos. The reason for its regard lies in its unbeatable location, perched on the edge of a cliff—a night here is an immersive experience in itself. Upon arrival, I was led to the restaurant's Champagne Terrace, where I indulged in a flight of rare Champagnes. After being led to my table, I selected a daily catch (amberjack) off of a handwritten chalkboard menu: another element that provided the feel of being in a small, tucked-away village. The meal was excellent, and I enjoyed majestic views of the sea along with a luminous full moon as I ate.
El Farallon at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal.
During my stay, I was also able to experience dinner at Don Manuel's, the property's all-day traditional kitchen that offers locally inspired dishes like beef enmoladas and braised lamb shoulder in mole de olla. The service was fantastic; my server seemed to have the entire menu memorized. The restaurant also offered a robust breakfast menu, with a wide variety of healthful options, like a beautiful açai bowl. And while I didn't get to experience it during my stay, guests can also book Travesía for a nine-course taco tasting menu helmed by executive chef Gustavo Pinet. Not to be overlooked, however, was one of my favorite elements of my time at the hotel: a daily delivery of chips, guacamole and two mini Coronas—or 'Coronitas'—to my room each afternoon by my personal concierge. The light snack offered a cozy touch that immediately made my villa feel like home.
Tequila and mezcal lovers will enjoy the property's Agave Study at Peacock Alley, which offers tastings of agave spirits paired with local delicacies, like Mexican cheeses and chocolates. I booked an experience where I was able to craft my own mezcal; after tasting several different flavor profiles, I blended my favorites into a beautiful, handcrafted bottle that I was able to take home. Guests who book an experience also get to tour the property's agave garden, and as a tequila lover myself, I was introduced to multiple plants I'd never heard of. The activity is a great added gift for special-occasion visits.
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is approximately a 40-minute drive from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). Guests can book a private airport transfer from with their personal concierge up to 48 hours before arrival.