Zoëtry Casa del Mar Los Cabos

Dining is the trade-off. There are two restaurants, El Arroyo for Mexican and Saltwater for seafood, both à la carte, both open for all three meals, neither requiring reservations, and both leaning on organic and local ingredients. Two venues get repetitive on a long stay, which is why the Sip, Savor and See exchange with nearby participating resorts matters here. Four outdoor pools and the Reflections pool bar carry the leisure side, since the Sea of Cortez in front of the resort is usually better for looking at than swimming in. In place of nightly shows, the resort runs a daytime programme of cooking and mixology classes, tequila and mezcal tastings, Spanish lessons and craft workshops, and the spa's water circuit is a paid extra.

This property is best for couples, honeymooners and friends traveling together who value privacy, service and architecture over restaurant variety and evening entertainment. Children are allowed, but every room caps at three guests and the atmosphere is overwhelmingly adult. It competes for the same discerning guest as Las Ventanas al Paraíso and the El Dorado properties in Cabo Real, and the value case rests on the quality of the experience rather than the length of the amenity list. Golf at Cabo Real, Club Campestre San José and Puerto Los Cabos, plus snorkeling and catamaran trips, are all arranged off site through the concierge.