PRESS KIT
Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort was envisioned with the intention of providing its guests with “windows to paradise”, as its name implies. With a strong emphasis on fair-trade practices and environmental initiatives, it can equally be described as a sanctuary of “ecologically friendly windows” leading to a paradise. Every aspect of the resort, from its conceptualization and choice of sustainable building materials, handcrafted construction and thoughtful landscaping choices, to the spa products, Mexican craftsmanship, and sea turtle protection program, reflects a diverse and conscious approach that has shaped Las Ventanas into an environmentally conscious destination
From its inception, Las Ventanas was not simply constructed but rather thoughtfully created to seamlessly merge with the local environment, embodying a unique “sense of place” that harmonizes with its surroundings. Carefully nestled into the natural slopes and contours of the land, the resort maintains a commitment to preserving and celebrating the awe-inspiring desert-to-ocean terrain and precious ecology. Below we highlight some of the beloved nature-friendly and mindful features that guests cherish at Las Ventanas:
July to November is Sea Turtle Season, when mother turtles arrive on the beach in front of Las Ventanas, dig nests in the sand, and lay their eggs. Soon after opening in 1997, Las Ventanas established a Sea Turtle Protection Program, the first of its kind in Los Cabos. Each day during the season, the resort’s Beach Attendants monitor the arrival of mother turtles, put up markers and rope off areas as needed, and guard the nests against both scavenging seabirds and curious humans. After a 6-8 week incubation period, the babies are born – and watching them dash from the nest across the sand to reach the safety of the sea is truly a spectacle to behold. The success of the program is in the numbers: each year brings more mother turtles and an increase in the number of baby turtles that plunge into the waves and swim away.
Since its opening day, The Spa at Las Ventanas has been committed to natural healing with holistic treatments and was among the first to take this focus in the international spa world. It was the first in Los Cabos to offer indigenous holistic treatments derived from the natural flora of the Baja Peninsula. One notable example is the Nopal Detox Wrap, a signature treatment that continues to be offered today. This unique wrap combines paddles from the Nopal cactus mixed with organic coconut oil, creating a detoxifying experience.
Additionally, The Spa uncovered the transformative properties of local bules, or calabashes, when incorporated into massage therapies, resulting in the resort's distinctive signature massage. The ambiance of The Spa exudes simplicity and natural beauty, with a serene garden setting where treatment rooms open up to picturesque landscapes adorned with cacti, succulents, and blooming indigenous bushes. The focus remains on embracing the healing aspects of the desert environment.
Within the outdoor solarium, skilled therapists utilize crystal bowls that emit resonating sound vibrations, grounding guests in the therapeutic frequencies of nature. Each treatment incorporates elements of ancient Baja healing techniques, drawing inspiration from the Four Elements of Nature. Notably, only organic coconut oil is utilized for massages, further emphasizing the commitment to natural and sustainable practices. The Spa proudly offers natural and organic product lines, including Epicuren and Yonka, ensuring a holistic and environmentally conscious experience for guests.
Las Ventanas has implemented a range of systems and protocols to ensure the provision of top-quality organic cuisine:
Herb Garden: The outdoor herb garden is all organic, complemented by a demonstration cooking center where guests can participate in weekly cooking classes, immersing themselves in the culinary experience.
Locally-sourced products: The resort exclusively collaborates with local growers, primarily sourcing from the fecund fields of Miraflores, to secure a consistent supply of the freshest organic produce from the region. The seafood is bought from select local fishermen who catch it daily from the bountiful Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. Likewise, Mexican cheeses, olive oils and other products come from the esteemed regional producers, furthering the resort’s commitment to locally-sourced ingredients. In essence, Las Ventanas views Baja as the “Provence of Mexico,” embracing the rich culinary heritage of the region.
Cocina del Fuego: Las Ventanas pioneered the healthy and delectable art of cooking with wood-burning fires in Los Cabos. At the Sea Grill, the entire menu is expertly prepared using a combination of brick-and-clay ovens and special grills fired with a variety of local woods. The culinary creations are intentionally simple and down to earth, showcasing natural flavors imbued by the woods, fine olive oils, and fresh organic herbs sourced directly from the resort’s own garden.
Through these initiatives, Las Ventanas demonstrates its unwavering commitment to providing the highest-quality organic cuisine, showcasing the richness of the region's ingredients while embracing sustainable practices and honoring the culinary traditions of Baja.
The resort literally was built entirely by hand, with tender loving care. Then all the finish work was done by skilled Mexican artisans whose beautiful hand-crafted décor – from inlaid-pebble walkways and bed headboards to hand-carved cedar doors to latilla screens – imbued Las Ventanas with its distinctive style that has since been imitated worldwide. The building materials were Mexican and largely organic in their own way: the inlaid-pebble walkways (the “stone carpeting”) used pebbles from local riverbeds; the latilla ceilings were made with wood from Mexico’s mainland; the palapas were created from local palm thatch; and, instead of carpeting, Mexican conchuela stone floors were put down. A visit in 1996, when the resort was under construction, was an extremely novel experience: Being handmade, it was a “quiet” construction site where stucco blocks and buckets of freshly mixed cement were being raised by hand pulleys and artisans everywhere were painting, installing wrought iron and setting pebble headboards by hand.
Las Ventanas has also gained recognition for its celebration of fair-trade Mexican craftsmanship, meticulously curating a diverse collection of art specialties and traditions sourced directly from different regions and villages across the country. By establishing direct partnerships with local craftspeople, the resort not only supports these talented artisans but also ensures fair compensation for their creations. From intricately woven bed runners to captivating outdoor statues, Las Ventanas works closely with the families responsible for crafting these unique pieces. This commitment to showcasing Mexican craftsmanship extends even to the suites and villas, where guests can discover exquisite touches that reflect the cultural heritage of the region.
Above all else, it is the meticulous landscaping approach and the carefully chosen external color palette that has enabled Las Ventanas to seamlessly blend with and embrace the local ambiance of Baja. In contrast to other resorts in Los Cabos that opted for lush tropical landscapes to cater to visitor expectations, disregarding the region's native flora and demanding excessive water consumption, Las Ventanas took a different path. The resort adopted xeriscaping, a sustainable landscaping technique that utilizes plants native to the area or those that naturally thrive in the local climate, considering their specific requirements and inherent characteristics.
Las Ventanas benefits from the expertise of its skilled Landscape Curator, Gregario Urbina, who brings more than three decades of experience and a deep understanding of the endemic and endangered Baja flora. With a steadfast focus on ongoing reforestation efforts and the propagation of plant species within the resort's premises, the dedicated team at Las Ventanas has witnessed a remarkable improvement in the overall health and vitality of the plant life across the grounds. This flourishing and diverse vegetation serves a dual purpose, not only enhancing the resort's aesthetic appeal but also serving as ingredients for various dishes and amenities, showcasing the sustainable utilization of local resources.
Las Ventanas is planted with cacti, succulents, and other desert plants, largely set in desert-sand gardens, and many are blooming varieties that splash the resort with the many brilliant colors of indigenous nature. Guests have the opportunity to explore the resort's grounds and delve into a deeper understanding of sustainable living through complimentary tours led by Gregario. These tours offer insights into the local plants and flowers that epitomize the essence of Baja, including the vibrant Plumeria (Cascalozuchitl), renowned for its colorful trees and enchanting morning aroma when in bloom. Guests will also learn about the low-water-usage vegetation and irrigation system that restricts water usage and helps prevent runoff.
The exteriors of the resort’s buildings were given a sand color that mimics the shade of the local desert floor – so they would blend into the natural terrain. The success of Las Ventanas' approach to blending with the local ecosystem is evident not only by its color but also by its ability to attract desert fauna. The xeriscape landscape serves as a haven for numerous local birds and lizards, as it provides a natural and welcoming habitat for these creatures.
Many other small details complement and enhance the natural desert setting within the resort. The extensive use of candles in the evenings reduces reliance on electrical lighting, creating a softer, more subtle, and natural ambiance throughout the property. The decorative ironwork found around the resort depicts elements of nature, from whales to agave plants. Additionally, the gardens with sand floors are raked daily to echo the wavy lines created in the sand by the wind in desert landscapes.
Collectively, these thoughtful measures at Las Ventanas exemplify a commitment to preserving and accentuating the natural desert environment within the resort, allowing guests to immerse themselves in a truly authentic and environmentally conscious experience.
