Creative Lodgings

For art lovers not wanting to roam around too much while on vacation, or for those intimidated by the idea of an entire gallery dedicated to art, many area hotels have their own collections or artistic characteristics worthy of mention. Take note of Los Cabos' artistic side as you stroll through the lobby or even enter the compound of many area hotels.

The Marquis Los Cabos houses an enviable art collection. Referred to as a "walking gallery," with more than 400 original paintings and colossal bronze sculptures throughout this luxury resort, Marquis Los Cabos will hold even the most passionate collector in awe. Both the pool area and lobby proudly display original statues by Jorge Marín, and the interiors of each guest room are no less spectacular. Each is filled with Mexican furniture and decorative touches from regions across the country, and original paintings by renowned Mexican artist Agustín Castro López adorn the walls. As if this weren't enough, Marquis Los Cabos also offers shuttle service and a tour through San José del Cabo's Art District, followed by a Mexican-themed dinner at the resort.

Casa del Mar Suites Golf & Spa Resort is another luxurious property bringing culture to guests. Built to reflect the historic Mexican haciendas, this resort features 31 recently renovated guest suites centered around a courtyard. Each of the guest rooms, decorated in a subdued palette of desert neutrals with splashes of color, is graced with Mexican art and period pieces of Antigua furniture from the finest craftsmen of Guadalajara. All of this is juxtaposed against modern luxuries, such as plasma televisions and Jacuzzi tubs.

A force to be reckoned with in Los Cabos, in terms of accommodations and art, is the group Pueblo Bonito Resorts. Sunset Beach highlights some of the most prized pieces, with 17th- and 18th-century accents in the lobby and around the hotel. In addition to a silver reliquary, a larger-than-life statue of San Miguel, or St. Michael, welcomes guests. Pueblo Bonito Rosé's architecture, with rose-tinted walls and tiled domes resembling something from the island of Mykonos, sets the Greco-Roman theme for this resort. The lobby is decorated with priceless artwork, and a giant statue of Neptune points guests to the pool.

Adding to what is already one of the area's most elegant resorts, Las Ventanas al Paraíso features art by international and national artists, including handcrafted, one-of-a-kind furnishings. In the common spaces and lobby, vivid paintings depicting cultural themes, colorful animals and cacti bring the place alive, while a bronze mermaid pays homage to Las Ventanas' location by the sea. In each suite, an original, numbered oil painting from the collection called "Paradise" awaits guests. Not to be overlooked, each wrought-iron door and window lock at the resort was also handmade locally; this is an example of the kind of details found throughout.

The Art Gallery at Esperanza features a unique display of contemporary art, including paintings and sculptures by several well-known Mexican artists.

Another standout is The Westin Resort & Spa, a resort designed by famed architect Javier Sordo Madaleno. He created the sleek curves and lines to resemble the form of El Arco, and you'll notice that the bright pink, yellow and adobe colors cascade down toward the ocean in an eye-catching display. The building also forms a breathtaking, one-of-a-kind frame around the sea.

Visit a few of the places mentioned, and you'll see how Los Cabos has capitalized on its natural beauty to attract both national and international artists and art lovers, becoming an arts haven.

To continue learning more about the fine hotels, resorts and condos in Los Cabos, please visit: www.VisitLosCabos.org or click here for a complete quick list of accommodations.