For the discerning couple, the decision of a wedding venue is often the first brushstroke on the canvas of their new life together. It is an act of curation, selecting a backdrop that not only honors their union but also elevates the experience for their guests. In the realm of luxury travel, where privacy is the ultimate commodity, the hotel buyout has emerged as the definitive statement of exclusivity.
Mar del Cabo, an exquisite oceanfront retreat in Los Cabos, Mexico, is redefining this concept with its Love Takes Over experience. This is an invitation to claim the entire property—a sun-drenched sanctuary between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas—transforming it into a completely private haven for three nights or more.
This experience is an unprecedented opportunity for a wedding celebration hosting up to 80 guests. By securing exclusive use of the property, the couple gains total control over the atmosphere, ensuring a refuge free from outside intrusion. Mar del Cabo, the first European Plan hotel in the Velas Resorts collection, allows every detail to be customized, from the ceremony staging overlooking the Pacific to the intricate culinary proposal. This commitment transforms the hotel’s spaces—the seaside pool, the oceanfront terraces—into a natural, intimate extension of the couple’s narrative.
A boutique sanctuary in Los Cabos
Mar del Cabo is a reinterpretation of classic seaside boutique hotels. The architecture acts as a stunning white canvas, designed to allow the blue tones of the Sea of Cortéz and the golden sands of Baja California to provide the unforgettable accents of color.
A private world of comfort: suites and penthouses
The accommodations reflect a commitment to residential-style luxury and spacious comfort. The property features 46 expertly designed one- and two-bedroom suites, along with two exclusive Penthouse suites. Each suite offers a private sanctuary, complete with a King or two Queen beds, a well-appointed kitchenette featuring a coffee maker and microwave, a separate, comfortable living area with a sofa, and a luxurious bathroom with a shower. The most compelling feature is the private terrace, complete with a lounging area, providing a personal vantage point for guests to absorb the dramatic ocean views. Also, the inclusion of daily turndown service ensures the standard of refined service.
Love Takes Over, a curated menu of immersive group experiences
The true distinction of the Love Takes Over buyout lies in its complimentary group experiences. The couple reserves the entire hotel for a minimum of three nights and selects a signature group experience from a menu that celebrates wellbeing, Mexican culture, and creative expression. These activities are developed in collaboration with local experts, ensuring an authentic and enriching connection between guests and the destination.
I. Wellness and restoration: the art of coastal renewal
The goal of this category is to facilitate a deep-seated renewal, providing guests with the opportunity to find stillness and energy before or after the celebratory events.
- Professional yoga sessions: classes are guided by certified instructors, offering structured practice on oceanfront decks or serene interior spaces, for both beginners and seasoned practitioners.
- Sound therapy with Tibetan bowls: a sensory journey that promotes deep relaxation. The sessions use the enveloping frequencies of Tibetan singing bowls, harmonized with custom-blended infused waters designed to enhance the meditative state.
- Beach bootcamp & ice bath: for those who seek a physical and mental reset, this session combines a beachfront workout with the therapeutic shock of a cold recovery bath. It is a powerful combination that concludes with energizing wellness shots, engineered to revitalize the body and mind.
This category is further supported by a dedicated Recovery Bar available throughout the stay, offering cold-pressed juices, adaptogenic elixirs, and shots designed for constant replenishment and sustained well-being.
II. Culture and flavors of Mexico: a gastronomic and communal immersion
This collection of experiences is a sophisticated introduction to Mexico’s artistic, culinary, and ancestral heart.
- Mexican bonfire and Cacao Ceremony: This is an honoring of an ancestral tradition. The ritual invites guests to engage in a communal sharing experience around a warming bonfire, often accompanied by a Cacao Ceremony—a tradition known to open the heart and foster deep connection.
- Mexican spirits and wine tastings: expert-guided sessions delve into the artisanal richness of the country’s finest distillates, including rare tequilas, mezcals, and select wines. These tastings are meticulously paired with handcrafted, artisanal canapés that highlight local flavors.
- Professional cooking classes: an intimate and practical opportunity for guests to learn the techniques of regional Baja California and Mexican cuisine. Guided by professional chefs, the classes emphasize the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, connecting guests directly to the region’s produce.
- Salsa classes: Injecting the rhythm and joy of Mexico, these classes are a lighthearted way for guests to interact, learn the classic steps, and create memorable moments on the dance floor.
III. Creative workshops: personalized mementos of Los Cabos
The third category focuses on creating, offering guests a piece of the destination to take home. These hands-on sessions are led by local artisans, ensuring authentic engagement with regional craftsmanship.
- Bikini design and jewelry making: guests can engage in the creative process of designing custom high-end swimwear or crafting unique accessories. The jewelry workshops focus on detailed elaboration of earrings or the creation of personalized charms.
- Bottle painting: an artistic session where guests can use bottles as a canvas, transforming them into decorative pieces or personalized gifts.
These workshops are enhanced by the inclusion of exclusive cocktails, turning the creative session into a relaxed and sophisticated social gathering.
The quintessence of gastronomy: Encanto restaurant
The central culinary experience at Mar del Cabo is the Encanto restaurant, which operates throughout the day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The cuisine is a unique fusion, drawing organic inspiration from the fresh dishes of the Mediterranean while paying homage to the authentic flavors of Baja California. This blending creates a sophisticated, memorable dining experience that caters to a globally attuned palate, yet remains deeply rooted in local ingredients and culinary traditions.
The hotel’s dedicated amenities—including two bars, a state-of-the-art gym, the striking seaside pool, and open-air areas for private events—complement the flow of the Love Takes Over experience. Mar del Cabo guests also benefit from an exclusive discount on treatments at the world-class SE Spa, Day Passes, and dining options at the nearby sister resort, Grand Velas Los Cabos.
For couples planning a destination wedding, the goal is often to create significant moments that honor their union and celebrate the chosen location. Mar del Cabo delivers on this promise, offering a complete takeover and authentic programming that ensures a celebration that cannot be replicated.