Waldorf Astoria Pedregal Combines Old World Mexico with New World Luxury in Cabo

Above: With carved wood, wrought-iron, brass-studded furniture and earthy tones, the decor is part of Pedregal’s charm.

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It was called Cappella Pedregal at the time and was owned by a local family. I reveled in its authenticity. Everything—from the architecture to the furnishings—felt as if I were visiting a historic resort in Mexico City.

Pedregal was sold to Waldorf Astoria in 2019, and I was curious to see what, if any, changes had been made. Although I love the Waldorf Astoria brand in general, I felt apprehensive. Sometimes a large corporation puts its own stamp on a resort, inevitably sapping away some of its authenticity and appeal.

But Pedregal wows from the moment your vehicle enters through a torchlit, private tunnel. Walking through the open-air lobby of the 119-room property, you can’t help but exhale. Handed one of the best margaritas I’ve had in years, we headed for our suite.

 One thing I’ve always found interesting in Cabo is that at the high-end resorts, people tend to sit jammed side-by-side at the pools instead of opting for the beach. So I typically opt for the beach. With such a fabulous beach at Pedregal, it’s seemingly a no-brainer. Yet at Pedregal I choose to sit at the pool. Lounge chairs are nicely spaced, and the two large infinity pools gracefully twist and turn along the coastline, creating a serene ambiance.

Dinner at El Farallon is a must. Perched by the ocean at the base of a mountain, the location is dramatic. Our sons still talk about the first time we took them and sat at a table near the water with waves splashing us as we enjoyed our meal. (You can, by the way, sit elsewhere and avoid getting wet.)

While you wait for your table, grab a glass of bubbly on the terrace, site of a champagne bar that offers more than 15 varieties by the glass. The menu offers a multicourse meal (fish or meat plus salad and soup) with several local fresh fish options including sea bass and red snapper. Portions are small—four bites to my piece of fish—but after the meal, we were perfectly satiated.

Don Manuel is another dining option. The eatery may not have the dramatic setting of Farralon, but the fare is more interesting. During our stay, the resort was hosting its biannual Festival of Flavors, during which an acclaimed guest chef helms the kitchen. (We also attended a memorable tequila tasting by Casa Dragones as part of the event.) The chef, Mitsuharu “Micha” Tsumura, owner of Maido in Lima, Peru, suggested short ribs—something I’ve never ordered. With meat that had been cooked for 50 hours in a Japanese Peruvian soy-based sauce, they were spectacular. Terrific service matched the eats.

Above: At El Farallon—Pedregal’s signature open-air restaurant—it’s not just about the food, but also the scenic location.

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Every visit to the 12,000-square-foot oceanside spa starts with a cleansing foot scrub with local herbs and lime. Treatments are designed around the moon’s phases, and emphasize indigenous ingredients and therapies. For example, the Nourishing Moon features a honey, brown sugar and jasmine scrub, which is followed by a body wrap and scalp and body massage. I enjoyed a wonderful basic massage. Although I did not sign up for a hot stone massage, the masseuse noted the knots on my back and incorporated the therapy into my treatment. Heavenly.

Bottom line: Pedregal still feels like a rich celebration of old-world Mexico. In fact, the change in ownership has resulted in some improvements, including 24-hour room service and a courtesy car. Pedregal remains memorable—and authentic.