As the world slowly re-opens post-pandemic, the desire to discover new lands and experiences is at an all-time high. Our travel series seeks to inspire you with unique travel options and itineraries worldwide, spanning the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and beyond. Join us as we explore Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Cabo San Lucas, where one can reawaken their spirit.

Imagine a sanctuary of history, tranquillity, and artistry, an oasis set along the coastline of San José del Cabo in Mexico and in the haven of Puerto Los Cabos.

Meet Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve tucked away from the packed streets and vibrant nightlife of Cabo San Lucas, and a tranquil haven where guests can quietly recharge in a serene setting.

Zadún sprawls across a vast and beautiful twenty-acre landscape and offers panoramic views of the Cortés Sea. Such a getaway encourages guests to immerse in the resort’s culture, relish exotic sights, and traverse escapism to reinvigorate the mind, body and soul. The resort is comprised of 42 two-storey villas placed gently along the slopes of the land.

As one steps into the pavilion upon arrival, the architecture speaks of Spanish colonization, a marriage between European nuance and modernity. A life-sized sculpture is positioned at the entry, a piece that resembles tangled square-shaped safety pins and embodies the resort’s dedication to art in architecture, design, and travel.

The stay at Zadún mirrors people in nature. The villa accommodations draw from nature to invoke its welcoming enclave. For instance, in the lounge area, black windows and grills fold up to peek through the blue sea and white shore of the Cortés Sea. Setting foot outside means embracing the warm touch of the tiles on the patio where wooden lounge chairs cradle white and blue cushions – a welcoming spot to laze about after a dive in the pool.

Inside, artworks, decorations, furnishings, and textiles from artists in Oaxaca, Yucatan, Campeche, Mexico City, Jalisco, and Puebla, mirroring Mexico's tradition and rich craftsmanship, snake through the design and ambiance. “Everywhere you turn there is a story that reflects Mexico, from pieces designed by local artisans to activities exploring nature and culture,” says Rafael Gorina, Director of Guest Experience.

In Zadún’s suites and villas, nature nestles within and lulls the guests to venture out: sliding glass doors replace traditional walls and terraces extend the feel of home with private plunge pools providing tranquility and the opportunity to take in fresh air. Art, textiles and decorations from Mexican artists continue the filament of showcasing the tradition and talent found in Cabo and beyond.

The beachfront two-bedroom suite presents a sanctuary for families featuring exclusive works by Mexican artists, an outdoor shower, walk-in closets, and a furnished, sea-view terrace with a private plunge pool. ‘Outdoor paradise’ would be an apt description for the Grand Reserve Villa, a 2,900-sq.m space for six people with a private plunge pool that reflects the glistening blue sea. The terrace furnished with lounge beds, chairs, and a sofa offers panoramic views and a spot for guests to recline and relax.

Aside from the restful refuge provided by the lavish guest rooms, visitors also have access to a range of dining experiences on site.

Four restaurants play between eye-popping colours of art in food under the glow of the warm light and dark gold and black panels. At El Barrio, guests experience a sense of community as it celebrates spatial energy where families can explore the intricacies of authentic Mexican cuisine, from street fare to a more refined interpretation of Mexican cuisine. Executive Chef Rodrigo Torres and Director of Food and Beverage Adalberto Tun travelled throughout Mexico to find the artisan-designed pieces featured on the menu, the sublime compliment to every meal.

If one prefers to savour their meal by the sea, Equis offers a place of culinary riches by the coast where one can dine to the sound of the gentle waves lapping onto the shore. Here, as if rising from the sand at the edge of the water, the lounge offers a relaxed setting for ceviche and cocktails where the menu changes each day based on what local fishermen bring to shore.

To amplify the force of life and flavour in food and ambiance, Humo pays homage to the Latin American grilling techniques with dishes, including chorizo and oysters, prepared over an open flame and presented in a refined yet rustic environment. The fire acts as the source of renewal, the element to draw deep flavours from the ingredients.

Candil completes the cycle of taste and traditions. Hand-blown glass artfully enveloped in wire portrays the agave plant; a tough exterior protecting the delicate treasure within. The ancient plant cultivates tequila and mezcal, and the less common sotol, bacanora, and raicilla among others. These, along with other Mexican spirits and local ingredients, manifest bespoke cocktails to enjoy after a scrumptious meal.

Aside from reawakening one’s tranquillity from the villas and suites to the dining experiences, the resort taps into the guests’ transformation with Spa Alkemia, an in-house haven of healing in various forms: a spa cuisine served in a garden lounge, compresses crafted from local herbs, and treatment rooms in the wild. The resort’s influence circles around one’s ability to surrender entirely to that which they seek. Motivated by this power of change, Spa Alkemia provides a playground of peaceful rejuvenation inspired by nature and tradition where treatments occur in secluded settings amid the rich foliage, body scrubs utilize local ingredients, and ancient rituals cleanse the body and clear the mind.

In an exclusive interview with Pendulum Magazine, Sandra Estornell, the General Manager of Zadún, shares that the guest experience at Zadún stems from Mexican culture. “Every element has been created to showcase an authentic sense of place, honoring our incredible surroundings and encouraging guests to immerse themselves in the destination through thoughtful and engaging programming. We are incredibly proud of the design. So much care went into uncovering special, handmade pieces that would also support communities throughout Mexico. The result is a stunning collection of works from artisans across the country, and our guests love to learn more about each of the handcrafted pieces, whether it be the tableware in Equis or the artwork in our guest rooms. We are also very proud of our programming and exceptional team, who bring this remarkable property and destination to life.”

Zadún offers a journey of discovery in an abode immersed in the creation of the divine being - the nurturing cradle of the evergreen, the harmonious laps of the sea’s waves, and the delicate zen equilibrium in every chamber – from the open windows overviewing the ripples of the clouds and the vastness of the blue sky to the modest interior – leaves guests in awe of nature’s wonders. At Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the healing springs of life revitalize one’s spirit.

Photos courtesy of Zadún Ritz-Carlton Reserve