Grand Velas Los Cabos, Los Cabos, Mexico

Posted in Projects on 6 February, 2017

Where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific, where the Mexican desert is united with the dramatic, blue ocean, nestled in-between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, sits the tremendous Grand Velas Los Cabos. The beachfront property is a combination of contemporary Mexican design and a classic luxury beach resort. SPACE’s Tonje Odegard takes a closer look…

Situated at one of Mexico’s most exclusive and sophisticated beach destinations, the curved, half-moon shaped concrete building surrounds the ocean-front terrace with lush infinity pools and atmospheric palm trees. Holding 304 oversized designer suites, five fine-dining restaurants, four bars, a spa, a convention centre, kids club and teens club, Grand Velas Los Cabos is the only luxury all-inclusive resort in the area.

A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the resort was designed by Ricardo Elias, principal of Elias and Elias Architects in Guadalajara. Created to exist harmoniously within the rugged topography of its environment, Grand Velas Los Cabos is a desert jewel.

The overall colour scheme of the hotel is in the shades of the outside boulders and sands. This was chosen to reduce the dazzle that the strong desert sun produces on light buildings and to integrate it into the character of Los Cabos.

Inspired by traditional Mexican architecture, the design is a cross between modern and traditional – a reflection of the Grand Velas resort itself. The interiors, furnishing and decorating of restaurants and public spaces were commissioned to various local interior design firms.

Niz + Chauvet Arquitectos were responsible for the design of Azul Restaurant, while Ezequiel Farca did Lucca and Frida restaurants. Ernesto Vela led the interior design for the Ambassador, Grand Class, Presidential and Imperial suites, in addition to Cocina de Autor restaurant and bar, Velas 10 and KOI bar. The interior design of the resort’s Wellness suites and multi-bedroom Governor suites, as well as Piaf restaurant, was completed by Cassal Diseno (Larissa Garcia Stiles). Responsible for the interior design of the spa, public areas and the Teens Club and Kids Club was Melin Castro Design.

Lobby

The iconic, three-storey high entrance really catches your eye with its geometrically shaped structural columns, dramatically striped wall coverings and marble floors. As you walk in, several large, dark, curvy benches meet you, which almost work as art pieces, leading you through.

Part of the ceiling is made out of an octagon-patterned panel in dark wood and brings a dynamic element to the space. The casual clash of patterns works in such a large room and with stylish and minimalist furniture, it’s all brought together. In shades of brown and beige, the area feels tranquil, yet dramatic at the same time, making it an interesting experience walking through.

Guestrooms

All suites have an ocean view and a private terrace with lounge. Inside, the suites have a living room, massive bed and a bathroom with Jacuzzi and built-in shower. The Grand Class Suites, the multi-bedroom Presidential and Governor Suites, and the Imperial suites also have private plunge pools.

The interior is timeless and classy in tones of sand, beige and cream. The designers have created a relaxing environment with pastel colours, plush interior and quality material.

Spa

The SE Spa is an authentic reinterpretation of luxury and wellbeing based on ancient rituals and treatments. The resort has 16 spa suites that work as treatment rooms.

With serenity and wellness at the forefront of the design inspiration, the spa is split over two levels. The theme is light and relaxing with use of sandy shades, marble, wood and mellow metal. The reception has an eye-catching wallpaper behind the desk that is elongated onto the ceiling, which works as a nice contrast to the marble cabinet. The light installation hanging over the reception desk creates an elegant, yet playful element to the space and carry on the breezy and relaxing design theme.

Restaurants and bars

The signature restaurant, Cocina de Autor, is lead by two-Michelin Star chef Sidney Schutte and designed by Ernesto Vela. Although effortlessly elegant and luxurious, the interiors of the restaurant bar is casual and traditional – almost that of an English country house’s sitting room. Comfy and sophisticated chairs, small coffee tables, plush cushions and dimmed lighting. Behind a wooden room divider, you find the restaurant, finished with wooden material, gold design touches and maroon seating. Minimalistic and comfortable, it allows the attention to be entirely on the exciting and experimental cuisine.

Piaf, the French restaurant, is the most dramatically decorated of the restaurants. Massive, overlapping, floor-to-ceiling wall panels in an embossed, golden and vertical wavy pattern are lit up, forming a mellow and luxurious glow. Heavy rosewood floors, warm rugs and copper finishes complete the look. Arched floor lamps and wall separators made out of pipes or glass add an interesting feel, but the real show-stoppers are the giant paintings, humungous gold-framed floor-to-ceiling mirrors and the large, elegant chandeliers hanging over tables. The extravagant art-deco interiors in rich tones of gold, copper and maroon complement the French cuisine perfectly. The chequered mirrored ceiling, intricate lighting installations and the massive curtain chandelier that swirls its way through the restaurant are further elements that really makes this area stand out.

Lucca offers Italian and Mediterranean food, whereas Frida serves traditional Mexican food. Ezequiel Farca, who designed Frida, has played around with geometrical shapes and patterns for this area. Using relatively dark colours, the shapes are subtle, but because of the consistency, still distinguishable. The repeat use of herringbone and octagon in various sizes and material is playful, yet sophisticated. The room is brought completely to life by the yellow and green seating furniture and low-hanging retro halogen lamps. Also responsible for Lucca, Farca has continued his use of patterns, this time more traditional-looking ones and in shades of gold and copper. Clear lines, elegant and clean-cut shapes and rich lighting create a distinct romantic feel perfect for an Italian restaurant. An interesting feature is the wall/ceiling panel behind the marble bar, which resembles a stack of wood.

The four bars are diverse and exciting – Sky Bar, Miramar Bar, the bar at Cocina de Autor, and Koi all offer prime spirits and intriguing design. Koi is especially elegant with its dramatic marble bar, massive golden and metalic structures and comfortable seating.

Grand Velas Los Cabos takes luxury beach resort to a new level with its beautiful design, large spaces and extreme extravagance – the resort is an oasis in the middle of the contrasting landscapes of beaches, boulders, desert and sea.