F O U R S E A S O N S
L O S C A B O S A T
C O S T A P A L M A S
S A N D R A O L I V A
Interview} Ken Waller
Photographs by} John Russo
KW: Having worked at other FS properties globally, what makes this property special?
SO: Every hotel is unique. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Los Cabos at Costa Palmas is my sixth property the brand, and it is one of the most beautiful properties we have within our portfolio. The design, the materials used, and the quality of the facilities are singular. On a personal level, it is very special for me as it is my first time working in a Spanish-speaking country after living the majority of my life in Europe and the USA. Spanish is my mother tongue so I am really reconnecting to my roots here.
KW: Can you tell us the brand philosophy at Four Seasons Costa Palmas?
SO: For guests seeking an ultra-exclusive beach escape off the beaten path, Four Seasons Resort & Residences Los Cabos at Costa Palmas is a world away from the crowds and anything but the Golden Corridor, providing guests with unrivaled access to the pristine treasures of the desert, mountains and sea. That’s because we embrace the gift of nature. The essence of elemental luxury is woven into our suites, retreats, and residential accommodations. We work in partnership with Mother Nature to provide a diverse range of sustainably-led dining options – from farm-fresh produce to day-boat seafood. Built in harmony with the beach, we unlock the endless potential and possibility of the East Cape and invite guests to discover a sense of play, wonder and imagination.
KW: What makes your property different from staying at other luxury Properties in Los Cabos?
SO: Los Cabos is one of the most glamorous destinations in Latin America. Almost every luxury hospitality brand is currently in the market. Our Resort offers something that no other resort in the market can offer and it begins the moment you leave the airport and drive in the opposite direction of the Cabo crowds.
We are located within the exclusive Resort community of Costa Palmas on the East Cape of Los Cabos. Surrounded by unending nature, it is a true escape. Tucked along two-and-a-half miles of swimmable beach, which is the largest in Cabo, we sit at the base of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains and offer the only private marina in the market. Our remote location is a dining destination unto itself with 13 different dining and drinking experiences including Zest, which is the smallest restaurant in Los Cabos with only one table and one seating per night.
KW: What is it about your property that keeps guests returning for multiple stays?
SO: Besides the beauty of the design and facilities, our private location and delicious restaurants, the kindness of our employees is undoubtedly our main asset. The combination of Mexican hospitality and Four Seasons guest-centric culture delivers a genuine warmth and care that lives in the heart long after you’ve checked out.
KW: We have stayed at the world’s top city hotels, and I must say your property exceeds expectations. How have you maintained such a high level of consistent perfection in an ever-changing hotel market?
SO: The Four Seasons culture is very strong and there is a deep sense of belonging from all the employees to the brand. We are a family and no matter where we go, we share the same values and we implement the same high standards of quality and service, always respecting the local identity of the destinations. Four Seasons is governed by the Golden Rule, to treat others like you would like to be treated, and it is at the heart of everything we do.
We know our guests and we genuinely care about them. Once they start travelling with us, they stay with us. There is a sense of belonging also for them; they know they will be taken care of, and we know their preferences and indulge in personalizing their stays with us in every destination.
KW: Tell us about some of the unique curated experiences the property offers?
SO: There is truly something for everyone here. This is paradise for anyone who is seeking a chance to slow time a little and reconnect with themselves and those around them. From supreme relaxation to thrilling adventure, we’ve got you covered.
I mentioned Zest a little earlier. It’s one of one. The nine-course Chef’s tasting menu is an incredibly elevated experience – the fact that it is only available for one lucky couple or group that evening means it books up months in advance.
Our food and beverage in general is truly incredible. We offer the only Latin outpost of famed Mediterranean restaurant, estiatorio Milos, Mozza Baja by James Beard award-winning Chef, Nancy Silverton, Delphine Day Club at Costa Palmas features food from Michelin-star Chef, Ludo Lefebvre, and so much more. We even have our own nightclub, Chiki, which feels like stepping inside an ornate jewelry box of mosaic tiles, designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio.
Our full-service private marina gives our guests direct access to UNESCO Marine Heritage Site, Cabo Pulmo, which Jacques Cousteau referred to as “the aquarium of the world,” just 45-minutes from our Resort. We also offer daily excursions from the marina including sunset cruises, deep sea fishing expeditions, and water taxi rides to various destinations within the Costa Palmas community.
Oasis Spa is an award-winning spa and wellness center that delivers innovative and healing treatments. We’ve just launched the Vagus Nerve Toning Massage uses techniques that specifically target the vagus nerve, which is the main nerve in your parasympathetic nervous system. We also offer a two-day program, the Tata Harper Sensorial Beauty Retreat, created by the queen of green beauty herself, Tata Harper, which harnesses the healing powers of the East Cape’s vast landscape with the power of her skincare line to promote long-term well-being from the inside out.
Last, but not least, our location on the East Cape gives us access to so many bucket list style adventures. You can swim in spring-fed waterfalls, off-road through desert dunes, swim alongside the biggest fish in the sea, the majestic whale shark, and so much more.
Golf enthusiasts will fall in love with our 18-hole championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones II which features desert and ocean views, dunescapes and fairways that unravel down hillsides.
Direct flights to and from the main cities of the U.S., Canada and Mexico usher in and out more than 500 flights per week. We have also recently partnered with Aero semi-private jets which offers guests complimentary private terminal access, 24/7 concierge service, elevated culinary offerings, full open-bar service, and dedicated customs and passport control. There is no better time to visit us!
To learn more about Four Seasons at Costa Palmas follow them @fsloscabos and @CostaPalmas.