If you’re the type of traveler who wants wow from the minute you step out of the airport, the latest Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards just handed you a ready-made short list.
And we at The Cabo Sun are not surprised by the results.
Three Cabo heavyweights—Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, Chileno Bay Resort & Residences (Auberge), and Viceroy Los Cabos—swept the top 3 spots in all of Western Mexico for 2025. Here’s what that means for your trip, who each resort is best for, and a few insider tips to get more value out of every peso.
#1 Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal (Score: 99.01)
Why travelers love it: A dramatic cliffside tunnel entrance, polished service, and suites that feel like private sanctuaries (we’re talking plunge pools and endless Sea of Cortez views). This property racks up accolades year after year—and even nabbed “most Instagrammable” bragging rights recently—so the CNT win is more confirmation than surprise. If you’re celebrating something big or want a no-compromise honeymoon energy, this is it.
Make it even better: If you’re planning to lounge and dine on-property most of the time, consider timing your stay for shoulder periods to lock in better value without giving up the sunshine. And if you’re comparing luxury peers, our rundown of Forbes-fav picks (with Waldorf at the top) can help you gut-check what matters most—spa time, terrace dining, or room design.
Safety smarts: Remember that many Cabo beaches are not swimmable. Pedregal’s beach is a show-stopper for long walks and sunsets, but currents can be rough. Review our plain-English guide to swimmable vs. unswimmable beaches before you book so expectations match reality.
#2 Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge (Score: 98.52)
Why travelers love it: Location, location, location—Playa El Chileno is one of the most coveted swimmable coves in the Corridor, with calm water and stellar snorkeling. Add Auberge’s relaxed-but-refined vibe and a wellness program that’s drawn global attention (The WELL at Chileno Bay made worldwide “best spa treatments” lists), and you’ve got an easy crowd-pleaser for couples and families alike.
Make it even better: Pack a simple snorkel kit and water shoes and hit the bay in the morning for the clearest visibility. New to Cabo? Brush up on the beach flag system (green/yellow/red/black/white) so you know what conditions you’re walking into—even at swimmable spots, safety flags are your real-time surf report.
Value tip: If you’re cross-shopping resorts, keep an eye on seasonal promos. Our fall/winter deals tracker regularly rounds up luxury discounts you can stack with loyalty points or card perks for meaningful savings.
#3 Viceroy Los Cabos (Score: 98.18)
Why travelers love it: Architecture lovers, this one’s your muse. The Viceroy’s sculptural walkways and mirror-like reflecting pools feel like stepping into a design magazine—sunrise and blue-hour strolls are half the fun. It’s also a great base for exploring San José del Cabo’s Art District and farm-to-table dining scene.
Make it even better: The beachfront here is photogenic but typically unswimmable. For safe splash time, pair your stay with quick beach runs to Palmilla, Chileno, or Santa Maria—we’ve got a one-page cheat sheet to check a resort’s swim situation before you hit “book.”
Planning Notes From The Cabo Sun Editors
- Booking for 2025/26? Ultra-luxury choices are multiplying fast. Park Hyatt Los Cabos has opened reservations and is positioning itself as the next big debut along the Corridor—useful context if you’re debating whether to go iconic now (Waldorf/Chileno/Viceroy) or try a brand-new build later.
- Max out resort dining without paying more: If you end up choosing an all-inclusive for a different trip, don’t miss our reader-favorite “stay at one, play at all” hack that can instantly triple your restaurant options across sister properties. It’s one of the easiest ways to stretch value in Cabo.
- Beach safety = vacation insurance: Conditions can change by the hour. Before any swim day, glance at the flag colors and listen to lifeguards—especially at Médano, Cabo’s busiest swimmable beach, where new signage helps keep everyone safe. Our recent explainers make it simple.
Bottom Line
Cabo’s “big three” didn’t top the list by accident. Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal delivers that once-in-a-lifetime polish, Chileno Bay blends swimmable-beach fun with five-star wellness, and Viceroy is an architectural mood you won’t forget.
Whether you’re celebrating big or just craving the good life done right, these resorts are exactly the kind of splurge today’s travelers call “worth every penny.”
Start with the rankings, layer in our safety and value tips, and you’ll land the version of luxury that fits your Cabo.
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