Nobu Hotel Los Cabos

Set along the dramatic Pacific coastline of Cabo San Lucas, Nobu Hotel Los Cabos blends Japanese refinement with the natural beauty of Baja California. As the first Nobu Hotel in Latin America, the property combines modern luxury with serene, site-responsive landscapes, creating a retreat that is both tranquil and elevated for guests and residents alike.

• 18 pools emphasize the restorative and soothing qualities of water, echoing the power of the ever-present Pacific Ocean.
• Each of the property’s 200 guestrooms include direct and private access to the outdoors; some offer private plunge pools with prime ocean views.
• Daybeds float in swimming pools beneath raised palm trees, evoking an intimate island experience, while naturally ventilated corridors invite the sea breeze indoors.
• 14,389 square feet of meeting and event space, including an outdoor terrace and two lawns that distinguish Nobu Los Cabos from traditional venues.
  
• 60 Residences 

The design objective was to merge the relaxed, coastal lifestyle of Cabo San Lucas with the Nobu brand’s signature approach, defined by modern luxury, Japanese minimalism, cutting-edge design, and culinary excellence. Located at the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula, the site posed a distinct challenge: integrating serene, Japanese-inspired gardens and calming spatial experiences into a windswept coastal landscape in a way that felt both natural and intentional.

The hotel brand’s Asian roots inform many of the design elements, including a modern interpretation of a Japanese garden that greets guests upon entering the grounds. The journey unfolds through a series of distinct courtyards, each with its own atmosphere and spatial identity. The interplay of fire and water elements within these spaces reinforces the resort’s underlying principles of balance and harmony. These design gestures are grounded in the local context through the use of regional materials such as native Cabo stone, agave plants, and Cardon cactus.

The sequence of Japanese-inspired courtyards and Zen-like rock gardens gradually opens to sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, framed precisely by the hotel’s entry. This layered progression creates a unique sense of arrival that sets the tone for the guest experience.

The design team introduced well-conceived water features and varied pool environments tailored to different preferences, including a vibrant social pool, a secluded courtyard pool surrounded by greenery and waterways connected to the guestrooms, and an exclusive infinity pool for adults seeking a calm retreat. The hotel’s placement on the site was intentionally designed to block strong northwest winds while preserving open views for guests to enjoy breathtaking sunsets. Contemporary clean lines, fountains, and reflecting pools contribute to a sense of relaxed luxury and natural tranquility.

WATG designed the resort drawing from an in-depth exploration of the site and the Nobu brand, translating these aspects into a cohesive physical form. The design team prioritized operational efficiency, promoting clear circulation, efficient back-of-house access, and intuitive guest movement to balance functionality with aesthetics. Commitment to craftsmanship and technique led to the use of local materials and collaboration with local artisans to deliver authentic, high-quality details. Native, drought-tolerant plants were selected for an ecological, non-invasive landscape that harmonizes with its environment.

The emphasis on a relaxed outdoor lifestyle distinguishes Nobu Hotel as a destination, where the overarching vision supports the resort’s contemporary, Asian-inspired identity while responding to the character of coastal Mexico. Guests move through a quiet progression of spaces defined by symbolic composition, offering moments of restoration and connection.

Architectural expression plays a central role in articulating the Nobu brand, just as the landscape design elevates the guest experience and maximizes the return on investment. Gardens, pools, and event lawns serve as visual anchors and curated amenities, immediately appreciated by guests and group representatives as essential to the elevated hospitality experience for which Nobu is known.

Beyond design, the hotel has made a lasting contribution to the local economy, both during its development and through its ongoing operations. The project generated numerous construction jobs and long-term hospitality positions within the community. Local artisans were engaged for their craftsmanship and celebrated for their contributions. The hotel continues to support the regional economy by sourcing locally grown food and services from area farmers and businesses.

“I can truly say Nobu Los Cabos is our best property right now. The architecture on the property is the best we have, evoking relaxed simplicity and elegance. You get to the lobby and instantly feel like you are on vacation—changing someone’s behavior with design. That’s a powerful thing. 

The outdoor space is a huge revenue boost for us in terms of meetings and events. People want to be outside. The landscape, the pool area, and the event lawn are a huge incentive to book with us and give us an edge over traditional meeting spaces.

WATG’s team was very collaborative and efficient. They made it a pleasant work environment and did an amazing job understanding all of our needs. There are years of experience there that you can’t make up.” 

– Paola Chapur, AIC Hotel Group