2020 has been an interesting year (especially when it comes to travel) to say the least. The coronavirus has thrown many people’s travel plans into a tailspin, especially with the most recent surge in cases in the southern US states. While we stay at home and hopefully responsibly quarantine or social distance, I want to share with you some margarita recipes from some of my favorite Mexican resorts for you to enjoy if you can’t make it out for a few days of sun and fun, since Mexico for the time being is open for US travelers to visit. If after a few drinks these margarita recipes inspire you to plan a trip to Mexico, email me at ane@loweluxurytravel.com to plan your next getaway so we can make sure you get the VIP treatment and complimentary VIP perks mentioned below 😉

Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal

This gem of a resort recently changed over to become a Waldorf Astoria property but you can expect the same impeccable service and hospitality that this resort has been known for for the last several years. Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal can only be accessed via the private Dos Mares tunnel carved through the center of the mountain, and each guest room has its own refreshing plunge pool, fireplace, outdoor terrace, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Clients that I book here enjoy the following VIP perks as my guest: upgrade on arrival if available, daily breakfast for two at Don Manuel’s, a $150 resort credit that can be used towards food and beverage or their amazing spa, complimentary VIP airport lounge tickets with any Beach Front Suite bookings, early check-in/late check-out if available, and complimentary wifi. They also have some pretty amazing promotions happening for 2020 such as 4th night free, 3rd night free, private air packages, and more–just ask me and I’ll be happy to share all the details!

Now for their delicious and spicy signature margarita recipe, here’s what you’l need:

• 2 oz. reposado tequila
• 1 oz. Ancho Reyes liquor
• 1 oz. fresh orange juice
• 1 oz. fresh grapefruit juice
• 1 oz. fresh lime juice
• 1 oz. pasilla pepper syrup
• A splash of pomegranate juice
• Grapefruit rind and pepper tuile for garnish

To make the pepper syrup, bring chili peppers, sugar, and water to a boil in a saucepan and stir till sugar dissolves. Strain and let cool before using. Combine all the ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a salted-rim rocks glass over ice. Garnish with grapefruit rind and a pepper tuile.

One&Only Palmilla

One of One&Only Palmilla’s draws (aside from being absolutely stunning and one of the best luxury resorts in Cabo) is that is has one of the region’s few swimmable beaches. Foodies will love that Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is the mastermind behind the resort’s dining. Ask for a room with a private plunge pool and from December through March you may see whales from the comfort of your pool or balcony’s daybed. My clients booked here receive the following VIP perks: upgrade on arrival if available, daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom, a $150 resort credit, early check-in/late check-out if available, and complimentary wifi. I’ll be happy to discuss their promotional offers with you that include 4th night free, or pay for 5 and stay for 7. Or, book early and receive a savings of 20% on Premier Rooms, Junior Suites and One Bedroom Suites when you book 30 days in advance.

Now for their antioxidant-rich margarita recipe:

• 2 oz. Tequila Casa Dragones
• 1 oz. Cointreau
• ½ agave syrup
• ¾ lemon juice
• avocado
• 2 ½ oz. spinach juice
• A pinch of salt and pepper

Puree five spinach leaves in seven tablespoons of water in a blender. Add all ingredients to a shaker, fill with ice, and shake for 20 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.

Las Ventanas Al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort

This dreamy resort is a celebrity haven due to its unparalleled standard of hospitality, impeccable levels of service, and innovative, ultra-luxury amenities and programs. All rooms feature butler service, large private terraces overlooking the resort and the Sea of Cortez, wood or gas burning fireplaces, telescopes for whale watching and stargazing, and many rooms have private rooftop terraces and outdoor Jacuzzis. My clients booked here receive the VIP treatment via the following Preferred Partner amenities: priority upgrade on arrival if available, daily full breakfast for two per bedroom, a $125 daily resort credit, an Oasis Experience inclusive of Margarita & Taco Sampler from Taqueria (for up to two guests per stay), 4 pm late checkout until December 19th, and complimentary upgrades to Rooftop Terrace accommodations until December 19th. They also have a ton of promotions going on, some of which include complimentary nights, 20% off stays in the Signature Villa, and more.

Now for their delicious Jalapeno Margarita recipe:

• 1/2 Jalapeño Pepper, seeds removed
• 1.5oz Tequila Don Julio Blanco
• 1oz Lime Juice
• 3/4oz Simple Syrup
• 3/4oz Cointreau
• Ice
• Coarse Salt & Chile Powder for garnish

Carefully slice the jalapeño, removing all seeds. Combine chile and liquid ingredients in blender and mix until smooth. Serve over ice in Margarita glasses rimmed with coarse salt & chili powder. 

Hotel Esencia

I prefer this hotel to any other hotel in the Tulum area, mainly because it feels like an oasis away from the crowds, but still close enough to enjoy the shops and restaurants and cenotes on any given day. Originally built as the private hideaway home of an Italian duchess on the most beautiful beach of the Mayan Riviera, the boutique resort feels like you’ve arrived at the fabulous hacienda of a dear friend rather than a hotel. Clients booked here will enjoy the VIP treatment with the following VIP perks: upgrade on arrival if available, daily breakfast for two per bedroom, a $100 spa services credit, welcome bottle of wine, early check-in/late check-out if available and complimentary wifi. They are also currently running a 3rd night free and other promotions, so be sure to check with me prior to booking!

Now for their refreshing and unique margarita recipe:

• 1½ oz. Tequila Casa Dragones Blanco
• ½ oz. simple syrup
• 1 oz. Cointreau
• 2 oz. fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice
• One small rosemary sprig
• 5 grams of crushed ginger (roughly ½-inch piece, peeled and smashed)

Muddle rosemary, ginger, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add the tequila, Cointreau, juice, and ice, and shake vigorously. Double strain and serve on the rocks in a whiskey glass. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a grapefruit peel twist.

Esperanza, an Auberge Resort

Last but certainly not least in this roundup of margarita recipes and my favorite Mexican resorts is Esperanza back in Cabo. In 2019 it was named the #1 “Best Hotel In Mexico” in U.S. News & World Report Best Hotel Rankings, and this resort is perfect for a romantic getaway. It’s tucked between two scenic bluffs so it’s the only private beach resort in the area. Many of their casitas and suites offer 180° views of the Sea Of Cortez, infinity edge hot tubs on the terrace and interiors that transform into dramatic indoor/outdoor living spaces. Inside, no detail has been overlooked in providing you absolute comfort, such as deep-soaking tubs and luxurious Italian linens. Clients booked here will enjoy an upgrade at check-in if available, a $35 daily breakfast credit per person for 2 people per bedroom, a $100 resort credit (for those margaritas by the pool), early check-in/late check-out if available, and complimentary wifi. They too have some pretty awesome promotions going on at the moment, such as a complimentary 4th night that includes airport transfers, stay 7 pay for 5, and a promotion that includes a $500 resort credit for stays of 6 nights–just to name a few.

Their yummy margarita recipe includes some refreshing cucumber that makes for a pretty electric green drink:

• 2 oz. silver tequila (100 percent blue agave)
• 1 oz. pineapple juice
• 4 cucumber slices
• 7 fresh cilantro leaves
• ½ oz. fresh-squeezed lime juice
• ½ oz. agave or simple syrup
• 1½ cucumber slices, for garnish

Muddle cucumber slices, cilantro leaves, and tequila in a cocktail shaker and strain into a separate glass. Rinse shaker. Add the infused tequila, pineapple and lime juices, and agave to the shaker, fill with ice, and shake ten seconds. Serve in a salt-rimmed margarita or whisky glass and garnish with cucumbers.

Let me know if you decide to try any of these margarita recipes at home, and definitely let me know if you’ve been to any of these resorts or which one is your favorite! If you’re in need of planning a getaway, please feel free to reach out–I’m more than happy to go over the services that I offer and show you why working with me (especially when staying at any of these resorts) will give you more bang for your buck vs. booking these stays on your own.

If you want to get more info on my services, check out my FAQs page which will give you more insight about working with a travel advisor, and also you can check out a summary of my travel planning services here. If you’re ready to start planning your next getaway, feel free to fill out the travel planning form and I will be in touch with you right away!