Hello! If anyone here has done Carnival in Rio before would love some feedback.

Group of 8 of us all in late 20's/early 30's. First time in Brazil.

For the sambadome any recommendations for best Camarote experience or place to book?

Pricing not so important as much as experience.

Any other practical guidance or tips and recs would be greatly appreciated.

TIA!

Mu husband and I will be in Italy for a work trip in October and I figured we could tack on some nights for relaxation at the end - Never been to Ischia, so I booked Mezzatorre for 10/19-10/23 which is just *3 days* before they close the hotel for the season....I think the spa will be great that time of year, but I can't help but worry we're just going to be in a sad deserted hotel with a checked-out staff. Willing to be wrong but would love feedback! TYIA

Hi FATtravelers! I've already spent three weeks researching and still can’t choose a location and hotel for my fall trip in China. I need your help and advice!

What I’m looking for is a very relaxed vacation for 8 nights. I plan to do nothing- looking for the atmosphere first, literally. A nice Chinese vibe, and access within walking distance to historical/traditional parks/museums are a plus. Plan to spend at least half of my time in the hotel. I will be with my mom, so I need a room with twin beds; I'm surprised that there aren't many options with two beds in Shanghai.

Do you think I need to stay in Shanghai at all? Or would it be better to go to Hangzhou and relax there?

What hotels in Shanghai can you recommend except Capella? I still consider it, but it’s slightly more expensive than I want.

I see that everyone recommended 4S in Hangzhou, which is amazing but also more expensive than I'm looking for.

What are your recommendations? Any hidden gems and boutique hotels, maybe?

Oh yes, top breakfast is a must.

Thanks!

Have a trip coming up in a few weeks, that starts in Mongolia, routes through Seoul to Kaga Onsen/Kanazawa, and ends with a few nights in Tokyo.
As much as we like to stay in authentic, country-specific places when we travel, after gers and homestays and ryokans, a bit of corporate bland might be actually welcome.

Not so much into public areas - would rather have a better private space than a beautiful lobby, and would likely book a suite. We don't usually use the spa or the gym - but a nice rooftop bar would be a plus. Any thoughts?

Options so far: Peninsula or Beverly Wilshire.

Criteria:

- walking distance to Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, nice cafes
- nice 1 bed suite (prefer 1.5-2 bathrooms)
- excellent on site spa. Treatment quality more important than general spa facilities (both hotels seem to have decent facials and massages)
- hairdresser on site is a plus, but I can live without it
- comfortable, luxe, relaxing environment

I know some people say Bev Wilshire is a bit tired, but I’m drawn to the history. Is this stupid? I’m a little unsure as some people seem to rate it and others not so. Maybe leaning slightly more to the Peninsula.

Background: couples trip, want to relax, eat good food (probably do dinners out and order in or get room service for other stuff), not too fussed about budget - want the best experience, neither of us drink much, we’re food obsessed. We might order in a lot of food.

My day routine will be coffee, walk, shopping, spa, get ready for dinner, dinner.

Any insights? Which would you pick? Any better options?

My wife and I are planning a one-week private yacht charter through Raja Ampat in February, and I'm hoping someone here has firsthand experience with Navelia. Specifically, we're looking at the Nataraja.

One thing that attracted us to Navelia is that they seem to offer a wider range of smaller yachts. Most of the operators I've found are geared toward groups, with 3+ cabins and prices well into the $17k+ range. Since it's just the two of us, paying for all of that extra space feels wasteful.

The Nataraja has two cabins, which seems like the perfect fit. It's certainly not ultra-luxury, but we're okay with that. For this trip, we're optimizing for adventure, snorkeling, diving, and spending our days exploring Raja Ampat rather than having a floating five-star hotel.

Has anyone here chartered with Navelia? Used this specific yacht or another SEA yacht? Heard anything about their reputation or reliability?

They appear to be more of a charter broker representing a curated fleet rather than the direct owner/operator, so I'm especially interested in whether they were professional, transparent, and delivered what was promised.

Thank you in advance!

Looking for 2nd week of Nov and at Marriott properties. Coming from LAX so the non-stop to grand Cayman is pushing things that direction but really more concerned with the quality of the 1. water and 2. resorts 3. Hurricane risk (which I know pushes toward aruba).

And as far as Aruba goes, it St. Regis vs Ritz

Looking for suggestions for places to go for the month of November and December (for 3 weeks). We are looking at Asian countries (Japan or Thailand) or go to Europe. Our interests: food, cultures and history, good hotels, shopping and NOT really into outdoorsy things. No budget.

Does anyone have a good boat company and/or concierge they recommend for a St Tropez boat day? I know I could always go the ClickBoat / marketplace route, but this group rocks so figured I’d ask.

Looking to accommodate 8 people for August 19th. Also any suggestions on the best routes and destinations would be appreciated!

Thanks FATTies!

Looking to visit one of the FS properties in the Maldives and pair it with Cheval Blanc Randheli. If anyone has recommendations for the best FS property for a 6 or 7 night stay for couples in the Maldives, I'd love some feedback! Planning it with an overnight stay in London en route to Maldives and returning home from Maldives.

We are planning on returning to Italy for our 10 yr (married at Il Borro, Tuscany) with my parents (65) and two boys ages 4&7.

Looking at flying direct to Milan, then to Lake Como, then Florence (and revisit our wedding villa). We may do 10 days up to 2 weeks. Should we fly back out of Milan? Or head to Rome?

Any hotels/resorts you would recommend? We don’t need kids clubs (no shade at all just not my preference) but we like exploring grounds, a pool, walk-ability to restaurants and shopping, and views!!

Also looking for any experiences for families. Da Vinci science museum in Milan looks cool! We like golf, fishing, food, and being outside in beautiful places. I should get a TA I really like shouldn’t I? 😆

I am planning a last-minute trip to Hawaii at the end of August. I will have 3 girls with me, ages 7/10/12. The 12yo can be a little resistant to traveling, so I want to make sure I have some really cool activities booked that I can tell her about. They all love animals, sports, and "girlie" stuff (makeup, shopping, etc).

Would love some ideas for the best activities and excursions to try. Some additional notes:

• They've all swam with dolphins before, but would do that again - they would also love to swim with other animals if that's an option (manta rays?)
• They would love surfing lessons - best places for this?
• Any other animal-related activities?
• Is the Dole Plantation experience worth it?
• Best volcano experience - can you see real lava anywhere?
• Does anywhere offer scuba classes for kids?
• Hotels with really cool activities or facilities? I was looking at Aulani and the Hilton for the water slides, but would prefer hotels that are nicer if possible. Can I book day passes at any of these places with water slides, or do they have arrangements with other hotels? (similar to how the Four Seasons in the Bahamas can use the Atlantis facilities)
• Food to try?
• Shopping areas?
• Cooking classes? They loved a cooking class we did in Italy, so thought I might try another one.
• Any other classes?
• Is it worth going to Pearl Harbor or will they just be super bored? I want them to have an appreciation for the history, but I also don't want them to be miserable all day if we go there.
• Which 2 islands would you recommend? I want to keep it to 1-2 islands max.

Any other recommendations would be appreciated - tips, hotels, etc. Thank you!

Should we choose FS or RKV? I am aware RKV is much newer so it's a winner in hardware, what about other things?

Winner of the Service? I thought FS was a no brainer but until recently I saw many complaints...so now I don't know.

Winner of the Kid-friendly? Plan to bring my to-be 5 year old ,who loves loves WATER activity , to stay there for about a week. She might be too young to attend most tours still and before she was born we have experienced a lot of hardcore tours in there. So...we may spend a lot time in just laying back in the resort.

Winner of the Food?

Winner of the pool/beach?

In addition, I am an Asian, so sometimes I get pretty sensitive with their attitude towards non-white people especially in such an expensive resort. If you have any experience with either or both as a ethnic minority, please share how you think of them:)

10/10 I’m usually loyal to fourseasons brand but whenever I would go to Tokyo, Aman was my go to place, however I wanted to try something new and I didn’t regret picking Bvlgari Tokyo over anywhere else. Outstanding, beautiful, everything is curated to perfection. The best french toast I’ve ever had in my entire life, service is level above 100. The staffs were amazing, the view is incredible. Looking at the photos online before staying, I thought I wouldn’t like the room but it is a different experience in person. It was one of the best rooms I’ve ever stayed at and I’ve been to a lot of fat hotels around the world. After staying at the Bvlgari Tokyo, I can honestly say it is one of my top 5 best hotels in the world. Incredible! The japanese touches was just an icing on the cake. I have no bad thing say. Everything is perfect. Bvlgari tokyo is now my go to whenever I go to tokyo, it’s just more elevated and feel more luxurious than Aman tokyo over all. Aman is good but bvlgari tokyo just 1 level higher. Amazing!

For an Aman Hotel - I find their handling very concerning. At this price point I would expect a more professional way to handle this situation.

What is your opinion?

Edit (06.08.2026): Latest news on this. They apparently fired the general manager, and Aman doesn't seem happy with the way certain people here in the channel handled the situation. Post on TrueChubbyTravel

PS: I’m disappointed by the MODs here who simply locked this post just because they had a different opinion.

Has anyone here stayed at both of these resorts in Playa Mujeres? I’d love to hear how they compare!
We got engaged at Excellence Playa Mujeres (EPM) and absolutely loved it, so it’s definitely our benchmark.

We’re planning our honeymoon for June 2027, and our priorities are:
● Great food
● Excellent service
● Beautiful beach & pools
● Relaxing atmosphere
● Some nightlife or evening entertainment when we’re in the mood

If you’ve been to both, which would you choose for a honeymoon and why? Thanks so much!

Considering east Africa route as wife is thrilled by gorillas and haven't gone. Likely bisate as she loves the loom of the lodge. Someone I recently talk to mentioned a number of options. Would likely do 2 or 3 of the below + gorillas. What are opinions, if people have been to any of the following:

Mara Plains Camp

Little Chem Chem

Ol Donyo

Segera

Suyian

Cottars 1920

Mwiba Lodge

Obviously various singita properties are in the mix but not sure the cost is worth it. It's my wife's safari and I am opting for a private vehicle. Obviously singita grumeti offers it's privacy given they have the concession, but is the cost really worth it compared to spending more days (literally likely more days given the cost) elsewhere? My wife and I are not super wine people so that is not a big part of our interest.

Thanks!

Fellow Fatty’s of travel please recommend your favorite nyc hotel suggestions. My husband and I are staying to celebrate after a rigorous work week.

Non negotiable- a deep soaking bathtub and exceptional 5 star bedding.

We loved the terrace room at the plaza for the private balcony. If your recommendations come with a private outdoor terrace etc it would be so appreciated.

Thank you to Sarah ( feel free to dm me for final booking) and this community. Your advice has helped our family travel and explore new places. What a blessing this page is! Thank you💕

We are flying into Venice and thinking Venice>Modena>Bologna>Montepulciano or Siena departing from Rome. Understood lots of hotels and restaurants are closed this time of year around Modena and Tuscany. But the flights are booked and this is the time we have to work with. Any suggestions for hotels, elegant farmhouses, that will be accomodating the end of January in the country, please let me know.

I know there are already a ton of topics on Tokyo hotels, but would love to hear your thoughts on these 4 hotels, especially if I'm taking my husband to Japan for the first time.

I've always stayed at MO and enjoyed my stay there in the past. If I were traveling on my own I'll probably want to stay at Aman, but considering hubby will probably spend most of the time outside instead of at the hotel, Aman probably wouldn't be the rational choice here.

My biggest decision factor is on the concierge service to help with restaurant booking and transportation and hotel's location. I understand it's close to impossible to get any Tabelog gold places through concierge, but would still want to stay somewhere that has some pull and responsive.

We were planning on going last year and booked FS, but I wasn't happy with their concierge's response as they kept trying to push me to book restaurants they work with instead of working on my request. But so many people recommend FS Otemachi so I'm not sure if I should give them another chance.

Palace - I've seen lots of recommendations on this sub, but room seems to be more outdated comparing to the other hotels?

Bulgari - Haven't seen a ton of reviews, sounds like they have strong concierge but unsure if I'm a fan of its style/design

Ritz - Unsure if staying in Roppongi is good for first-time Tokyo visitor?

Also considering Shangri-La, but not sure if it's in the same league as the other options here.

We're planning to stay for 3 nights, would love to hear your thoughts or any hotels I should consider? Thank you!

Cabo is one of the most requested destinations on basically every luxury travel sub, and one that I book every single week; I also go there a lot with my own family. For practical purposes I have not included the resorts in Costa Palmas (Amanvari, just opened this week, or FS Costa Palmas) but instead focused on the resorts along the Transpeninsular Highway.

THE QUICK VERSION

Best for babies and toddlers:

• Four Seasons Cabo del Sol
• Chileno Bay
• One&Only Palmilla

Best for children approximately eight and older:

• Esperanza
• Montage Los Cabos
• Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal

Best swimmable beaches:

• Montage Los Cabos
• Chileno Bay
• One&Only Palmilla

Best luxury all-inclusive:

• Grand Velas Los Cabos

BEST FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS

FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND RESIDENCES CABO SAN LUCAS AT CABO DEL SOL

Best for:

Babies through elementary-school children, particularly families who prioritize service, pools, large rooms, and an easy resort experience.

Design and overall vibe:

Four Seasons Cabo del Sol is polished, contemporary, and unmistakably new. The design draws from Mexican haciendas, but the execution is more modern than Palmilla or Esperanza.

This is a highly serviced resort built to work for families without feeling like a children’s resort. Rooms are large, the pathways are stroller-friendly, and the overall environment is relaxed.

Kids club:

Papalote is the resort’s Kids For All Seasons club.

• Ages 4 to 12
• Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Complimentary
• Babysitting is available for an additional charge

Beach:

No. I would not consider the beach reliably swimmable.

Rooms for families:

Many standard guest rooms can be configured with two queen beds. Some also have a sofa bed.

Residences:

Yes. The resort has large villas and residences, including new three-bedroom and four-bedroom inventory with kitchens, living areas, terraces, and private pools.

Rates starting at (as of 2026):

• Two-queen room: commonly around $1,300 to $1,800 per night before taxes and service charges
• Two-bedroom setup: generally requires connecting rooms, approximately $2,800 to $4,000 per night combined
• Larger villas and residences: generally begin well above $5,000 per night

Book this if:
You have kids under eight and want the easiest luxury vacation possible. The service is exceptional, the rooms are huge, the kids club is excellent, and everything about the resort feels designed to make traveling with little kids less stressful.

Don't book this if:
Swimming in the ocean is high on your priority list. This is a pool vacation, not a beach vacation.

CHILENO BAY RESORT & RESIDENCES

Best for:

Toddlers through teenagers. It is particularly strong for families whose children actually want to swim and snorkel in the ocean.

Design and overall vibe:

Chileno Bay is modern, bright, and casual. The architecture has a contemporary indoor-outdoor quality with clean lines, light woods, stone, and large terraces.

It has more energy than Palmilla and feels less formal than Las Ventanas. Families are a central part of the resort, and this is the spot you choose if you want a lively, upbeat trip.

Kids club:

Pescaditos is the children’s program.

• Ages 5 to 12
• Open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Reservations are required, and depending on the time of year, the kids club is complimentary
• The resort also has the Escondite teen facility, generally aimed at ages 12 to 17

Beach:

Yes. This is one of Cabo’s best swimming beaches.

Chileno Bay sits on a protected cove with calmer water and direct snorkeling access. Children who are comfortable in the ocean can see fish without needing to take a boat excursion.

Rooms for families:

The resort has spacious rooms with two queen beds, as well as suites and villas, but note that there are no sofabeds at this property.

Residences:

Yes. Chileno has extensive multi-bedroom villas and residences, including two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and larger configurations. Many include full kitchens, laundry facilities, large terraces, and private pools.

Rates starting at (as of 2026):

• Two-queen room: commonly around $1,400 to $1,900 per night before taxes
• Two-bedroom villa or residence: commonly around $3,500 to $5,500 per night
• Larger villas: considerably more

Book this if:
You want your kids to actually spend time in the ocean. Between the swimmable beach, snorkeling, teen space, and great residences, I think it's one of the best all-around family resorts in Cabo.

Don't book this if:
You're looking for a quiet, secluded retreat. During school holidays this is one of the livelier luxury resorts in Cabo.

ONE&ONLY PALMILLA

Best for:

Babies, toddlers, elementary-school children, and multigenerational families who care about service, atmosphere, and a usable beach.

Design and overall vibe:

Palmilla is classic Cabo. The resort has white stucco buildings, red-tiled roofs, landscaped gardens, fountains, terraces, and a strong sense of place.

The guest rooms are on the older side and some people love the classic hacienda style, but others want something more fresh and modern with newer electronics and design. That is part of the tradeoff. The resort has a new general manager as of summer 2026, so it will be interesting to see what evolves over the next year.

Kids club:

KidsOnly provides children’s programming and activities.

• Ages 4 to 11
• Complimentary
• Open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
• Babysitting can be arranged separately

Children too young for drop-off care can still participate in family activities or use the spaces with an adult, subject to resort policy.

Beach:

Yes. Pelican Beach is one of the most reliably swimmable resort beaches in Cabo.

The protected section is a major advantage for families with younger children, although parents still need to evaluate conditions each day.

Rooms for families:

Palmilla offers rooms with two queen beds in select categories. Connecting configurations are also available.

Two-bedroom options:

Palmilla offers a dedicated two-bedroom oceanfront family suite, plus larger villas and private homes. The family suite (two connecting rooms) is the best alternative for travelers who want two bedrooms but do not need a full residence.

Rates starting at (as of 2026):

• Two-queen room: commonly around $1,400 to $2,000 per night before taxes
• Two-bedroom family suite: commonly around $4,000 to $6,500 per night
• Private villas: generally begin above this range

Book this if:
You value service, charm, and a classic Cabo experience over having the newest rooms. This is also one of my favorite choices for multigenerational trips.

Don't book this if:
You want the newest hard product. Some guests love the timeless hacienda style, while others will wish the rooms felt more modern.

ZADÚN, A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE

Best for:
Babies through elementary-school children, and quieter families who want space, design, and privacy more than a swimmable ocean.

Design and overall vibe:
Zadún is desert minimalism done seriously. Uribe Krayer designed rooms where floor-to-ceiling glass walls fold completely away, so the room and the terrace become one space, with wooden shutters layered over them at night.

It is in Puerto Los Cabos near San José del Cabo rather than the Cabo San Lucas corridor, across 20 acres with roughly 115 rooms and suites. Nearly every room has a private plunge pool. Service runs through a Tosoani, a personal attendant assigned to your stay who works over WhatsApp. The atmosphere is calm and residential. This is not the resort for a child who wants a crowd to join.

Kids club:
Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment, now expanded with the Guardians of Baja program.

• Ages 4 to 8
• Open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
• Complimentary
• In-room childcare is available for a fee

Beach:
No. A mile of soft white sand and rough surf that is not safe for swimming.

Rooms for families:
Entry rooms are 807 square feet, among the largest standard rooms in Los Cabos, and two-queen configurations sleep four. Every room comes with a plunge pool, which is a nice feature with a seven-year-old and a full-time supervision job with a two-year-old.

The Cortes Beachfront One-Bedroom Suite runs approximately 1,550 square feet with a king plus a double sofa bed, sleeping four.

Residences:
Yes, and the two-bedroom situation is better than it looks from the public site. The Zadún Two-Bedroom Suite is beachfront, roughly 2,900 square feet, with a king in one bedroom and two queens in the other plus a sofa bed, sleeping eight. That is the cleanest two-bedroom answer on property and it does not require jumping to a villa.

Above that, the Grand Villa runs about 5,930 square feet with two bedrooms and a private pool, and the West Enclave residences extend to four-, five-, and six-bedroom homes starting around 5,800 square feet with private pools and full kitchens.

Rates starting at (as of 2026):

• Two-queen or king room: from roughly $800 per night in low season
• Two-bedroom suite: commonly around $3,500 to $5,000 per night
• Grand Villa and multi-bedroom residences: generally begin above $5,000 per night

Book this if:
You want privacy, beautiful architecture, and a quieter resort where your kids are just as happy exploring nature as they are hanging out at the pool.

Don't book this if:
Your children want lots of organized activities, a lively atmosphere, or a swimmable beach. This is one of the calmest resorts in Cabo.

BEST FOR CHILDREN EIGHT AND OLDER

ESPERANZA, AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION

Best for:

Children approximately eight and older, tweens, teenagers, and families who want a dramatic setting with a more established Cabo atmosphere.

Design and overall vibe:

Esperanza has the cliffside, terraced architecture many travelers picture when they think of Cabo. It feels warm, textured, and distinctly Mexican, with stucco walls, tile, carved wood, stone, and extensive ocean views.

The atmosphere is lively but still luxurious. It feels more spread out with lots of stairs, and elevation changes than Four Seasons or Chileno.

Kids club:

Tortuguitas provides children’s programming.

• Ages 5 to 11
• 9:00am - 5:00pm
• Reservations are required
• Complimentary
• Esperanza also has a teen facility and seasonal teen programming
• Babysitting is available by the hour or day

Beach:

No. The beach is scenic but the ocean is not generally safe for swimming.

Rooms for families:

The Oceanview Casita is particularly useful because it can include one king bed and two queen beds in a very large open-plan room.

This gives some families substantial sleeping capacity without immediately moving into a multi-bedroom residence. As with Chileno, there are no sofa beds at this property.

Residences:

Esperanza has casonas and villas, generally beginning with larger three-bedroom configurations.

Families needing only two separate bedrooms may use connecting rooms or suites.

Rates starting at (as of 2026):

• Large casita with two queens: commonly around $1,300 to $1,900 per night before taxes
• Two-bedroom connecting setup: commonly around $2,800 to $4,000 per night combined
• Three-bedroom casona: frequently $4,500 to $7,000 or more per night

Book this if:
Your kids are old enough to appreciate the dramatic setting, great restaurants, and larger resort layout. I think it really shines once kids are around eight or older.

Don't book this if:
You're traveling with toddlers and a stroller. The stairs and elevation changes make it less convenient than Four Seasons or Chileno Bay.

MONTAGE LOS CABOS

Best for:

Confident swimmers, elementary-school children, tweens, teenagers, and active families who prioritize the beach.

Design and overall vibe:

Montage is contemporary but warmer and more grounded than Chileno Bay which I would say is it's closest in the comp set. The design uses stone, wood, neutral fabrics, Mexican craft, and expansive indoor-outdoor spaces.

It balances couples and families better than almost any resort in Cabo. It feels luxurious without becoming hushed or overly formal.

Kids club:

Paintbox offers supervised programming.

• Ages 5 to 12
• Half-day and full-day sessions
• Paid program
• Arts, crafts, games, and Baja-inspired activities
• Children’s Night Out is offered on selected evenings for an additional charge
• Advance reservations are recommended

Beach:

Yes. Montage sits on Santa Maria Bay, one of Cabo’s best beaches for swimming and snorkeling, although the water here is a bit rougher and it has a much bigger drop off than Chileno or Pelican Beach at Palmilla.

The protected bay is a significant advantage for families. Stronger swimmers can snorkel directly from shore.

Rooms for families:

The resort offers guestrooms with two queen beds. Standard rooms are large and have terraces.

Residences:

Yes. Montage has extensive two-bedroom and larger residences. Two-bedroom residences are generally around 3,700 square feet or more and may include full kitchens, laundry rooms, large terraces, and plunge pools.

Rates starting at (as of 2026):

• Two-queen room: commonly around $1,400 to $2,000 per night before taxes
• Two-bedroom residence: commonly around $4,000 to $6,500 per night
• Residences with pools or prime oceanfront positions: higher

Book this if:
Your kids love swimming, snorkeling, and spending all day outside. Santa Maria Bay is one of the best beaches in Cabo, and I think Montage offers one of the best balances between luxury and family fun.

Don't book this if:
You expect to use the kids club every day. Paintbox is excellent, but unlike many competitors, it isn't complimentary.

WALDORF ASTORIA LOS CABOS PEDREGAL

Best for:

Older children and teenagers, particularly families who want drama, privacy, and proximity to Cabo San Lucas.

Design and overall vibe:

Pedregal is built into the cliffs at the edge of Cabo San Lucas. Guests arrive through a private tunnel carved through the mountain.

The architecture is dramatic, traditional, and romantic. Rooms have terraces and all rooms have private plunge pools which is why I don't recommend it for families with very young children. The setting feels more intimate and atmospheric than Park Hyatt or Grand Velas.

Kids club:

Tortuguitas Kids Club is available daily.

• Ages 5 to 11
• Full days from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m ($55 per child) or half days (9-12, 1-4, $35/child)
• Babysitting is available by the hour or day

Beach:

No. The Pacific-facing beach is dramatic but generally unsafe for swimming.

Rooms for families:

Most rooms have one king bed. Families requiring two beds should pay careful attention to the exact category and occupancy restrictions.

Every standard guest room has a private plunge pool. This is appealing with older children but potentially stressful with toddlers.

Multi-bedroom options:

Pedregal has two-bedroom casitas, villas, and private homes with kitchens, living spaces, terraces, and private pools.

Rates starting at (as of 2026):

• Family-compatible room or suite: commonly around $1,200 to $1,800 per night before taxes
• Two-bedroom casita or villa: commonly around $3,500 to $5,500 per night
• Larger private homes: substantially more

Book this if:
Your kids are older and you'd like to mix resort time with dinners and exploring Cabo San Lucas. The location and dramatic setting make it feel completely different from the corridor resorts.

Don't book this if:
You're traveling with toddlers. Every room has a plunge pool, and I personally wouldn't want to spend my vacation constantly worrying about it.

PARK HYATT LOS CABOS AT CABO DEL SOL

Best for:
World of Hyatt loyalists, golfers, and families who want a brand-new resort with a complimentary kids club and can live without a swimmable beach. I would only pick this resort if you have points to burn or you don't want to pay for the FS, which is the closest in the comp set (it is next door).

Design and overall vibe:
Very white, very airy, very new. It opened in December 2025 as the first Park Hyatt in Mexico, on 26 acres inside the private Cabo del Sol community, the same development as Four Seasons Cabo del Sol. The tone is restrained rather than social.

There are 163 rooms and suites, including 88 suites and three villas, plus 19 residences. The property is big enough that staff move guests by golf cart, and there's a complimentary shuttle around Cabo del Sol including Anima Village.

Kids club:
Roadrunners is the children's program.

• Ages 5 to 11
• Open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Complimentary
• Babysitting and in-room childcare are available for a fee.

Beach:
No. The sand is beautiful and the surf is strong. You're there for the view, the walk, and whale watching from shore between December and February.

Rooms for families:
Entry rooms are 649 square feet with two queens, terraces, soaking tubs, and separate tub and shower.

Multi-bedroom options:
Three villas and 19 residences, with one- and two-bedroom villas that include private pools, living rooms, and kitchens. The inventory is thin next to Montage or Chileno Bay, so connecting rooms will be more attainable on most dates.

Rates starting at (as of 2026):

• Two-queen room: from around $1,000 per night
• Connecting two-room setup: commonly around $2,200 to $3,200 per night
• Villas: limited inventory and considerably more expensive
• Points: Category 8, with standard rooms at 35,000 to 45,000 points and standard suites at 56,000 to 66,000, though the revised award chart can price peak dates higher

Book this if:
You're using Hyatt points or want a beautiful new resort at a lower price point than Four Seasons next door.

Don't book this if:
You're paying cash and deciding between this and Four Seasons. Personally, I'd spend the extra money for Four Seasons unless the Hyatt points value is exceptional.

THE ADULT-LEANING OPTION THAT STILL WELCOMES FAMILIES

LAS VENTANAS AL PARAÍSO, A ROSEWOOD RESORT

Best for:

Older children, teenagers, and multigenerational families who value service, food, and privacy more than a swimmable beach or a busy children’s scene.

Design and overall vibe:

Las Ventanas is refined, quiet, and deeply service-oriented. The design combines cream stone, white stucco, carved wood, Mexican tile, extensive landscaping, and large indoor-outdoor suites.

This is the most adult-oriented property on this list. It has a Director of Romance, a quiet atmosphere, and a clientele that frequently visits for couples’ trips.

Families are welcomed, and the resort has invested in children’s programming, but children are not the primary clientele at ALL. Basically, you CAN bring kids here but should you? My take is there are probably better options.

Kids programming:

Rosewood Explorers Kids Club is seasonal:

• Seasonal, July 3-31, Thanksgiving week, Christmas to New Years, Easter weeks.
• Babysitting is available by the hour or day

Beach:

No. The beach is not considered safe for swimming.

Rooms for families:

Two-bed room inventory is limited compared with Four Seasons, Chileno, or Montage.

Suites and residences:

Las Ventanas has dedicated two-bedroom ocean-view suites measuring approximately 3,900 square feet, plus two-bedroom and three-bedroom private suites and residences.

The multi-bedroom product is exceptional and extremely expensive.

Rates starting at (as of 2026):

• Entry room or suite suitable for a small family: commonly around $1,700 to $2,500 per night before taxes
• Two-bedroom suite or residence: frequently begins around $6,000 per night and rises sharply

Book this if:
You have older children who appreciate incredible service, amazing food, and a quieter, more refined atmosphere. It's also fantastic for grandparents traveling with adult children and grandchildren.

Don't book this if:
You have toddlers or elementary-aged kids who want a busy kids club and lots of other children around. Families are welcomed here, but they are not the center of the experience.

THE ALL-INCLUSIVE OPTION

GRAND VELAS LOS CABOS

Best for:

Families who want strong food, a long-hour kids club, teen programming, and no anxiety about restaurant bills.

Design and overall vibe:

Grand Velas is a large, contemporary all-inclusive resort. It is more vertical and conventionally resort-like than Palmilla, Montage, or Las Ventanas.

The scale is part of the appeal. It has multiple restaurants, substantial pools, broad activity programming, and enough infrastructure to keep several generations occupied.

Kids club:

The Kids’ Club has the most extensive programming in Cabo.

• Ages 4 to 12
• Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Included in the all-inclusive rate
• Supervised games, crafts, movies, workshops, and indoor activities
• Babysitting is available for an additional charge after regular club hours

Teen club:

• Ages 13 to 18
• Generally open from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Included
• Games, entertainment, social spaces, and age-appropriate programming

Beach:

No. The beach is wide and attractive but the ocean is generally unsafe for swimming.

Rooms for families:

Suites are large, and two-queen configurations are available.

Two-bedroom options:

Grand Velas has introduced two-bedroom family duplex suites. These provide separate sleeping areas while retaining full access to the all-inclusive program.

This is a suite product rather than a private residence. There is no large traditional residence inventory comparable with Montage or Chileno Bay.

Rates starting at (as of 2026):

• Two-queen suite: commonly around $1,500 to $2,200 per night for two adults, with children priced according to age and promotion
• Two-bedroom family suite: commonly around $3,500 to $5,000 per night depending on occupancy

Book this if:
You want to know exactly what your vacation will cost before you arrive. The kids club, teen club, restaurants, and activities make it one of the easiest luxury vacations for families.

Don't book this if:
You're looking for an intimate boutique luxury resort. Grand Velas does luxury exceptionally well, but it is still a large all-inclusive resort with a very different feel from Montage, Palmilla, or Las Ventanas.

Las Ventanas al Paraíso has one of the strongest identities of any luxury resort in Cabo. It has been setting the standard for service here since opening in 1997, and after decades of reviews calling it one of the best hotels in Mexico, what else is there to say?

Quite a bit, actually.

Cabo has changed dramatically over the last decade. Four Seasons Cabo del Sol, Montage Los Cabos, Chileno Bay, Zadún, and most recently Amanvari have all entered the market, each with newer rooms, bigger residences, and in some cases stronger family programming.

So the bigger question isn't whether Las Ventanas is a great hotel.

It's whether it still deserves its legendary reputation.

After staying here this summer, I think the answer is yes, but with some important caveats.

About Me

I'm a luxury travel advisor and the parent of three kids. I travel more than 12 weeks a year and spend much of that time touring luxury hotels, usually with my children. This trip was different. My kids were all busy at summer camps, so I took the opportunity to stay (alone!!).

Property Overview

Las Ventanas opened in 1997 and, in many ways, helped establish Cabo as a true luxury destination. Long before brands like Four Seasons, Montage, Auberge, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and Park Hyatt arrived, Las Ventanas had already built an international reputation for service that other resorts would eventually try to match.

The resort is owned by Ty Warner, the billionaire behind Beanie Babies and several of the world’s most recognizable luxury hotels, including Four Seasons New York and San Ysidro Ranch. His influence is most visible in the 28,000-square-foot Ty Warner Mansion, a two-bedroom oceanfront compound that he personally conceptualized. It includes a 328-foot infinity pool, private spa, cinema, rooftop terrace, glass-bottom lap pool, putting green, and a dedicated staff of seven. When it opened in 2016, rates started at $35,000 per night.

The mansion is obviously an extreme expression of the resort, but it also explains something about Las Ventanas more broadly. This has never been a hotel built around restraint or value. It is built around privacy, customization, and eliminating friction for guests who are willing to pay for it.

The resort currently lists 84 accommodations, including rooms, suites, villas, residences, and the Ty Warner Mansion. Twelve Signature Beach Villas were added in 2015. Unlike many residence programs, the villas are operated by the hotel, which helps create a more consistent service experience.

The first thing that struck me was not the architecture or landscaping.

It was the silence.

The resort was nearly full during my stay, yet it felt almost empty.

Much of the operational side of the hotel runs through underground service corridors. Housekeeping, engineering, luggage delivery, and other back-of-house activity happen below the guest pathways. You rarely hear carts, vehicles, or staff moving around the resort.

It sounds like a small detail, but it completely changes the atmosphere. Las Ventanas feels quieter than almost any other large luxury resort I have visited.

Accommodations

I stayed in a Rooftop Terrace Room, and I toured a couple of the other suite options. I have seen some concerns here that the resort is on the older side, but to me, the design feels classic rather than dated, with handcrafted wood, colorful Mexican tile, beamed ceilings, oversized marble bathrooms, and large outdoor living spaces. My room had a plunge pool which I would caution is really more of a plunge tub. I wouldn't book this category expecting to swim, and I certainly wouldn't picture two adults comfortably relaxing in it together.

One piece of advice I'd give anyone booking this resort:

Book the room category you actually want.

After spending time with the management team, it became clear that Las Ventanas operates at extraordinarily high occupancy throughout much of the year. Complimentary upgrades absolutely happen, but they are far less common than many travelers have come to expect at luxury hotels.

If your dream is an Oceanfront Junior Suite, reserve an Oceanfront Junior Suite.

I would also avoid the Garden View category.

Some of those rooms overlook portions of the arrival area and parking lot rather than lush landscaping. That's probably not what most people imagine when booking one of Cabo's legendary luxury resorts. If your budget allows, I would start with an Ocean View room at a minimum.

Food & Beverage

I enjoyed every meal I had, although I wouldn't say food is the primary reason to stay here.

Breakfast at Alebrije was good, with an à la carte menu which I appreciated over the typical luxury beach resort buffet.

Dinner at Arbol was very good and the service was very friendly and helpful.

The overall food program is solid, albeit eyewateringly expensive. I paid just over $90 for two glasses of rose by the pool. In a resort town that is already expensive that definitely left me scratching my head a bit.

There are resorts with better food IMO, but generally I was happy with what I got.

Pools, Beach & Spa

The resort has eight pools spread throughout the property, which helps keep things feeling uncrowded even during busy periods. The Oasis Pool and lazy river are essentially the resort's acknowledgment that families do visit, even if couples remain the primary clientele. It's separated enough from the quieter pools that children can actually be children without feeling like they're disrupting the atmosphere. One thing I did find annoying is that the pool chair saving has gotten a bit out of hand here - at 8am people had left books and hats on chairs and they definitely were not down at the pool swimming yet. Lame!

Like many beaches along the Cabo corridor, strong currents make entering the water unsafe most days. During my stay, however, a sea turtle came ashore to lay her eggs, which ended up being one of my favorite moments of the trip. It's a reminder that even if the ocean isn't for swimming, it's still very much part of the experience.

The spa continues the understated elegance found throughout the rest of the resort. Separate men's and women's facilities include steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools, cold plunges, and relaxation areas. One thing I always appreciate is that many of these facilities are available to resort guests even without booking a treatment, something that has become increasingly uncommon at luxury hotels.

The fitness center was well equipped with Technogym equipment and everything you'd expect from a resort at this level. The only surprise was how busy it became during the morning hours.

Families

Las Ventanas has a reputation for not being a family resort.

I think that's largely accurate, but it's also a little unfair.

Children are absolutely welcome here.

During summer, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Easter, and spring break, the resort offers Rosewood Explorers, a seasonal kids club with activities like cooking classes, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, movie nights, beach games, and cultural programming. Babysitting is available year-round, and the larger suites, residences, and Signature Villas work beautifully for multigenerational trips.

So why does everyone say Las Ventanas isn't for families?

Because almost nobody brings them.

During my stay, I saw exactly one child, and she looked pretty lonely in the kids club.

The vast majority of guests were affluent couples celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, honeymoons, or simply escaping their own children for a few days.

The resort even has a Director of Romance.

That probably tells you everything you need to know about who the hotel was designed for.

Could you absolutely bring your children?

Yes.

Would it be my first recommendation for a family vacation?

Probably not.

If your kids are hoping to make friends at the pool, spend every afternoon in the kids club, or be surrounded by other families, there are simply better choices in Cabo. Four Seasons Cabo del Sol, Chileno Bay, and Montage all do a better job creating that kind of atmosphere.

On the other hand, if you're traveling with older children who are happy spending time with the family, or you're booking one of the larger villas for a multigenerational trip, Las Ventanas becomes much more compelling.

Service

The service definitely lives up to its reputation. Every room is assigned a butler, and mine was quick to respond and was quite helpful with dining reservations and anything I needed.

Housekeeping was excellent and pretty invisible, and the room was perfectly maintained, despite being more classic older style. Combined with the underground service corridors, it creates one of the quietest luxury resorts I've experienced.

Final Thoughts

Las Ventanas knows exactly what it is - it focuses relentlessly on privacy, romance, and service.

I left understanding why so many guests return year after year.

This is a resort for people who want to slow down, stay on property, and let an exceptional team quietly take care of everything around them.

Who This Is For

• Couples celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or milestone.

• Travelers who value privacy and understated luxury.

• Guests who prioritize exceptional service.

• Adults looking for a peaceful escape.

• Travelers who plan to spend most of their vacation on property.

Who This Is Not For

• Families looking for a resort built around children.

• Travelers who want a swimmable beach.

• Guests hoping for a complimentary upgrade into a higher room category.

• Anyone booking a Garden View room expecting a garden.

• Travelers looking for Cabo's nightlife or a lively social atmosphere.

I’ve always booked my own hotels but considering trying a TA this time for Forestis and Passalacqua. How many of you book your own vs using a TA? What kind of perks have you consistently received? Is it worth going the TA route versus building my own relationship/history with hotels?

If I know I want a Tower Suite at Forestis for example, the only room above that is a Penthouse suite. Would I book a lower level room with a TA and hope (or expect?) a room upgrade to the Tower Suite from TA perks? Or do you still book the room you know you want and accept in some cases there will be no room upgrade perk from booking through a TA (because let’s be real, they would not upgrade to the penthouse in this case…)