The Los Cabos Wellness Getaway of Your Dreams: Temazcal Ceremonies, Stargazing, and Pure Luxury at Sensei at Zadún Los Cabos, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
A plunge pool dip on my Ocean View Room terrace.
Some destinations feel like they are straight out of a dream. Their beauty seems surreal. The details feel fantasy-like. Sensei at Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is one of those places.
Picture this:
Breakfast on my terrace at Sensei at Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
Mornings start with fresh squeezed juices, warm crumbly handmade pastries, and the melody of birds singing.
The beach at Sensei at Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
Afternoons are filled with the scent of topical flowers in the air, butterflies floating around you, toes in the sand, and relaxing services at the dreamiest of spas.
Grilled Clams at Equis.
Evenings unfold with colorful sunsets that melt into magical starry nights, while dinners feature delicious local seafood, live mariachi music, and the sound of ocean waves.
My terrace and plunge pool at Sensei at Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
Suites are thoughtfully designed with indoor and outdoor showers, calming soaking tubs, and expansive terraces with plunge pools and breathtaking ocean views.
These observations only just scratch the surface of what Sensei at Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve has to offer. The destination is not only a luxurious resort where you can experience an appreciation for beautiful Los Cabos, it's also a place poised to help you develop a deeper connection to yourself.
This is because this particular Ritz-Carlton Reserve is home to a next-level transformational guided wellness program, Sensei. The program will have you doing both the inner and outer work, while you savor every moment in your gorgeous surroundings.
A Rare Gem of Mystery and Magic
Sensei at Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve at night.
Sensei at Zadún Los Cabos, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is a luxury resort that combines two exclusive ultra-luxury concepts (Sensei and Ritz-Carlton Reserve) that pride themselves on providing meaningful experiences.
Infinity swimming pool at Sensei at Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
The Ritz-Carlton in Los Cabos is one of only nine Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties worldwide. The properties are considered the most rare and esteemed of the hotel group's resorts. They are located in places where visitors can experience extraordinary settings around the world, destinations that are truly one-of-a-kind, with a touch of magic and intrigue.
Sensei Wellness at Sensei at Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
The property is also home to Sensei, a destination wellness retreat program founded by Larry Ellison, technology pioneer and co-founder of Oracle, along with Dr. David Agus, renowned physician, scientist, and The New York Times best-selling author. Sensei takes a science-backed, tech-infused approach to its programming.
There are only three Sensei properties in the world, and all are located at remarkable luxury properties. (The other two are Sensei Porcupine Creek in Rancho Mirage and Sensei at the Four Seasons Lanai.)
Arriving at Sensei at Zadún Los Cabos, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Upon arrival at SJD Airport, two hotel representatives warmly greeted me and connected me to my driver within minutes.
Getting from the airport to the hotel was seamless, and the ride took about 45 minutes.
Welcome beverages at Sensei at Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
Once I arrived at the resort, the magic began to unfold. The outdoor check-in process starts with a choice of welcome drinks with the option to add tequila or mezcal. I selected a refreshing hibiscus flower beverage.
I was assigned a Toasani. What is a Toasani? At Sensei at Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, it's a personal butler who assists with anything you need. Whether I needed a ride on a golf cart to another part of the property or wanted to order room service, my Toasani was immediately available to assist me, just a text away.
A Room With a View
My Ocean View King Upper Floor Room.
As my Toasani helped me get settled, an assortment of sweet and savory snacks was waiting for me at my Ocean View guest room.
An assortment of sweet and savory snacks.
My upper floor king room was incredible, with floor to ceiling Sea of Cortés views that I could enjoy from my plush bed. The expansive outdoor terrace offered a relaxing plunge pool, daybed, and plenty of space to lounge, surrounded by lush greenery.
Sunrise from my terrace at Sensei at Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
I'm not usually a morning person, but I woke up at sunrise each morning of my visit to sit outside and watch the sun come up over the ocean. In the evenings, I lounged on my terrace.
Soaking tub at Sensei at Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
My spa-like bathroom featured a soaking tub and indoor and outdoor showers.
My room was stocked with bottled water, sunhats, beach bags, slippers, loofahs, bath salts, and everything I needed for a relaxing stay.
Dining
There are three fabulous onsite restaurants at Sensei at Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
El Barrio: Breakfast, lunch, and snacks
Dining setting at El Barrio.
El Barrio is a colorful restaurant inspired by traditional Mexican flavors.
Bar at El Barrio.
From smoothies and artisanal Mexican pastries for breakfast, to fresh salads, Baja-style fish tacos, and quesadillas for lunch, the food is satisfying and the atmosphere is joyful.
Baja-style fish tacos at El Barrio.
X (Equis): Lunch and dinner
Dining setting at Equis.
Equis is a seaside dining destination that serves up fresh seafood. The restaurant is magical at night with twinkling lights, crashing waves, and vibe-enhancing live music setting the scene.
Appetizers at Equis.
I was in heaven, sampling fresh ceviche, succulent shrimp, octopus, and more for an al-fresco dinner under the stars.
Jumbo Blue Shrimp at Equis.
Humo: Dinner
Humo is modern and elegant.
Humo means smoke in Spanish. The menu features dishes that are cooked over a fire on local mesquite wood. Helmed by Chef Jeffrey Rodríguez, the modern restaurant's imaginative dishes are flavorful and delicious.
Grilled Miraflores Corn at Humo.
Starters include Charred Local Watermelon Salad, Smoked Kampachi Crudo, and Grilled Miraflores Corn.
Wood-Oven Totoaba at Humo.
For my main entree, I opted for a Wood-Oven Totoaba (a mild, slightly sweet sustainably caught fish option), wrapped in a banana leaf and served with a roasted plantain puree and coconut-lemongrass sauce. Others at my table enjoyed the Al Trapo Beef Tenderloin with merlot jus, roasted garlic puree, and wild mushrooms. Even the desserts, like "Cocoa Ashes," a warm Mexican chocolate cake with yogurt ice cream, are fire inspired.
Sensei Programming
Collecting body data at a Sensei My Intention 1:1.
Sensei wellness programming is in a league of its own. It's highly customized for your unique needs, and options include both 1-on-1 and group activities. Guided wellness experiences provide the opportunity to reflect, challenge yourself, and grow in ways that are meaningful. I've now been lucky enough to visit Sensei's Porcupine Creek and Los Cabos destinations, and both are life-changing.
Wellness journeys focus on Sensei’s signature Move, Nourish, and Rest paths. My Sensei Guided Wellness Experience began with a "My Intention 1:1" to define wellbeing goals, collect body data, and get initial guidance for where to go next.
Sensei Fitness Center.
This led me to a Fitness 1:1 “Move” path session that was challenging and motivating. The tailored private session with Daniel C. examined my movement patterns, overall mind-body connection, and helped me craft a workout to continue at home.
I also dove into group wellness offerings, including a Functional Fascia class, Sensory Eating, and a Sound Journey. Each activity was approached with expertise and intuition, and what really made each session so special was the insightful guide that lead it. I took something unique away from every experience.
The Temazcal Ceremony
Temazcal setting at Sensei at Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
Getting to experience a traditional temazcal ceremony for the first time is a memory I have thought about often since leaving Los Cabos. It not only offered a portal of connection and appreciation into local cultural history, but also inspired me to reflect on my connection to my own heritage. It was a privilege to experience an ancient ceremony that has been passed on through many generations.
Setting intentions as I prepare to enter the temazcal ceremony.
The experience is guided by Temazcaleros who are trained in their family's ancestral traditions. As the name suggests, the ceremony takes place in a temazcal, a small circular structure that represents the womb of mother earth and the circle of life.
There's so much that happens in the session including chants, prayers, drumming, herbs, symbolic objects, and lots of hot, hot heat. It all blurs together as you spiritually reflect and sweat more than you ever thought possible.
The ceremony I experienced was an hour long. I'm that person who usually gets out of the steam room or sauna after just a few minutes, so it occurred to me that I might not be able to make it through an hour in the hot, dark environment. Thankfully, they do open the door four times.
Before heading into the ceremony, I was really in my head about it. The Temazcaleros were wonderful and deeply in-tune with each participant's needs as we went through the experience. The ceremony was nurturing, transformative, and something I’m so glad I did.
For me, the experience was challenging and worth it. It was both spiritually and physically rewarding. I felt exuberant and more in touch with myself when I left the temazcal. And, yes, I did make it all the way through the ceremony!
Ambassadors of the Environment
Stargazing with Ambassadors of the Environment.
Another cool thing about Sensei at Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is that it hosts environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment Program, which is designed to help guests develop a deeper connection to nature and the rich ecosystem around them. In Los Cabos, these curated expert-guided experiences include stargazing, birdwatching, hiking, and more.
I spent one evening discovering the constellations with guided stargazing by the sea while I sipped on Mexican hot chocolate.
Sensei Wellness Center at Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
I spent my time in between activities embracing my inner-mermaid at the Sensei Wellness Center’s swimming pool.
At Sensei, wellness is an art, so you know that the spa is going to be beautiful. I spent my time in between activities embracing my inner-mermaid at the spa's swimming pool which was surrounded by lush tropical plants.
Sauna with a view of a plunge pool at Sensei Wellness Center.
Amenities include plunge pools, a steam room, sauna, rainfall showers, and plenty of indoor and outdoor relaxation spaces.
Outdoor relaxation lounging area.
I nourished myself with a Calming Body Cocoon service which included breathwork, a warm candle oil massage, and a soothing cocoon. This massage was everything!
Sensei treatment room.
Beach and Swimming Pools
Infinity swimming pool view.
There are ocean views from just about everywhere on-property, including the resort's infinity swimming pool and the lap pool at the fitness center.
Beautiful views from the fitness center lap pool.
While the beach isn't swimmable, it's lovely to sit on a lounge chair under a big beach umbrella with a cold drink in-hand (and maybe a snack) or feel your toes in the sand as you take a beach stroll.
A lovely spot for beach lounging.
You might even spot a whale.
Many guests spotted whales during my visit to Sensei at Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
There were moments during my stay where I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't just having a beautiful dream.
From the tranquil rooms with stunning views, to the unique food and extraordinary physical and mental experiences, this is indeed a magical reality. This is Sensei at Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the luxury wellness getaway of my dreams.
Lounging on my terrace daybed. This is Sensei at Zadún Los Cabos, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the luxury wellness getaway of my dreams.
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Lizzy Sherman, Co-Founder of Spa & Beauty Today
A University of Michigan graduate, Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning writer and editor. You can also find her work in publications including Healthline, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo!, MindBodyGreen, Men’s Journal, Bezzy, and more.
She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA, and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals.
When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy16