The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, Photo Credit: Nick Hall
The Cape, a Thompson Hotel sits on Monuments Beach, roughly a 10-minute drive outside of Cabo San Lucas’ bustling downtown. The Cape, designed by Mexico City architect Javier Sánchez and interior designer Marisabel Gómez Vázquez, is a showpiece of mid-century bones mixed with mod-coastal chic interiors.
The Cape offers many room choices, from one-, two- and three-bedroom suites or villas to two-story penthouse suites with plunge pools. Speaking of pools, the property boasts two — one built within a natural rock formation and another with a swim-up bar, a quintessential Cabo must-have. And when it’s time for pampering, indulge in an outdoor massage in one of the two private outdoor cabanas.
Of the hotel’s four bars, each with its own themed cocktail, the Glass Box is the coolest for several reasons: one, the intimate space is an architectural wonder inside a suspended, all-glass cube; and two, it’s the only air-conditioned spot in the hotel, so it is an ideal place to chill out with a refreshing paloma or margarita in hand.
All that said, here are a few more things about The Cape that we fully recommend taking advantage of during your visit:
The Cape’s Panoramic Suite, Photo Credit: Thomas Hart Shelby
The art and design: hecho en Mexico
You know you’re in for an artful immersion when the first thing you encounter in the lobby is a beautiful, life-sized whale sculpture, which was made by local artist Marco Castro out of driftwood collected from the beach after 2014’s Hurricane Odile. Arresting pieces — such as pendant lights and metallic ceramics by Mexican artist Jose Noe Suro — continue throughout the hotel. All of the interiors, from fabrics to furnishings to fixtures, are fashioned by Mexican craftspeople and artists.
The views
Even during the high season (mid-November to mid-May), there’s no need to cajole the front desk for a room with a view. All 161 rooms and suites not only have views of the Sea of Cortez, but also of the iconic rock formation known as the Arch. What you can vie for, when it comes to primo vistas, is the Panoramic Suite. The Panoramic is exactly as advertised — a corner room with wide-angle vantage points throughout, even in the shower.
The unique room amenities
All units come with cotton kimono robes and binoculars for whale watching, which is a nice touch. Still, our favorite room amenity is potable — a bottle of tequila that’s accompanied by shot glasses, orange slices and sal de gusano (a mixture of salt, spices and dried worms).
Manta, Photo Credit: Julieta Amezcua Photography
Manta
Of the hotel’s three restaurants, Manta (Spanish for “blanket’”) is the star. Helmed by Enrique Olvera, Mexico’s most au courant chef, the seafood-centric eatery features Mexican favorites with a Peruvian or Japanese flair — think black miso cod tacos. Don’t miss the chocolate clams, a local dark brown variety, with black garlic aguachile. For incredible seascape views at sunset to pair with the masterful meal, request a table next to the floor-to-ceiling windows.
The Rooftop Bar
Surprisingly, as a party-central getaway with balmy weather year-round, Cabo San Lucas didn’t have any rooftop bars prior to The Cape’s opening. Thankfully, the hotel’s The Rooftop, located on the 6th floor, was able to change that. In addition to the jaw-dropping panoramic views, the bar’s staff is well trained in both classic and experimental cocktails. To boot, the see-and-be-seen scene, full-throttle dance parties and live music under the stars can’t be beat.
