Nobu Hotel Los Cabos

Nestled along the rugged Pacific coastline of Cabo San Lucas, Nobu Hotel Los Cabos blends Japanese sophistication with the natural beauty of Baja California. This iconic property, the first Nobu Hotel in Latin America, integrates modern luxury with serene landscapes, offering guests and residents alike a unique retreat immersed in tranquility and elegance.

• 18 pools underscore the restorative and soothing properties of water while reflecting the power of the ever-present Pacific Ocean. 
• Each of the property’s 200 guest rooms include direct and private access to the outdoors; some offer private plunge pools with prime ocean views. 
• Daybeds float in swimming pools with raised palm trees to evoke an intimate island experience, while naturally ventilated corridors bring sea breeze indoors. 
• 14,389 square feet of meeting and event space include an outdoor terrace and two lawns that set Nobu Hotel Los Cabos apart from traditional venues.
• 60 Residences 

With the first Nobu Hotel in Latin America, the high-level goal was to merge the relaxed, casual lifestyle of Cabo San Lucas with the Nobu brand, which has at its core a blend of modern luxury, Japanese minimalism, cutting-edge design, and exquisite cuisine. The location on this Southern-most tip of the Baja Peninsula would present a unique challenge, too, as WATG designers had to ensure that serene, Japanese-inspired gardens and other soothing features would fit in naturally with the rugged coastal landscape. 

The hotel brand’s Asian roots inspire many elements such as a modern interpretation of a Japanese garden that guests experience when they first arrive on site. The guest journey is a carefully orchestrated experience with a series of distinct courtyards, each a unique atmosphere. The juxtaposition of fire with water features in the courtyard supports the ideals of harmony and balance throughout the resort. These features are enhanced by local elements like native Cabo stone, agave plants, and Cardon cactus. 

The Japanese-inspired courtyards and Zen-like rock gardens give way to panoramic views of the Pacific – perfectly framed by the hotel’s entry – creating a sense of arrival that exceeds any guest’s expectations.

Strong currents often prevent guests from swimming in the ocean, but to make up for that, several water features are introduced throughout the hotel. Guests can enjoy the panoramic Pacific view and float away to the sound of nearby ocean waves while relaxing in the pool and spa. The resort features distinctive pool environments tailored to different guest preferences, including a vibrant social pool, a secluded courtyard pool with lush greenery and winding waterways connecting to the guestrooms, and an exclusive infinity pool for adults offering a tranquil retreat.

The placement of the hotel structure on the site is intentional, designed to block strong northwest winds while still preserving open spaces for guests to enjoy breathtaking sunsets or catch a glimpse of whales. Throughout the property, contemporary clean lines, fountains, and endless pools evoke laid-back luxury and natural tranquility, further enhanced by native plants and the rustic coastline.

WATG designed the hotel with a deep understanding of the site’s context and the Nobu brand essence, translating these elements into a cohesive physical form. The design team prioritized operational efficiency, optimizing circulation, back-of-house access, and intuitive guest movement throughout the property. A focus on 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 chosen to create an ecological, non-invasive landscape that harmonizes with its surroundings

The emphasis on a relaxed outdoor lifestyle sets Nobu Hotel Los Cabos apart, as innovative and strategic design decisions help the contemporary Asian-inspired resort blend seamlessly with its coastal Mexico location. Guests are instantly transported through a subtle yet intentional series of stories and symbols that inspire restorative vacations and retreats as well as intimate private experiences.

Cutting-edge architecture defines the Nobu brand, and landscape design maximizes the return on investment even further, as the gardens, pools, and event lawns are immediately recognized by guests and group representatives alike as unrivaled amenities that add to the exceptional hospitality that Nobu is known for. 

“I can truly say Nobu  Hotel 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 you 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 space.” 

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