A visit to the spa at Capella Pedregal: An over-the-moon journey

From the moment Linda and I arrived at the Auriga Spa for an indulgent girlfriend adventure at Capella Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, we were transported to an oasis of peace and serenity.

Sybaritic setting

The 12,000 square foot spa is housed in a domed structure nestled in the center of this boutique resort that sits on the Pacific Ocean. We followed a curved path through manicured desert gardens lush with palms, grasses, succulent cacti, sand art and captivating turtle sculptures of metal.

Of course, we were tempted to go “off-road” and wander but we had appointments to keep. And as a standard practice, non-resident guests at Capella Pedregal don’t wander here; a staff member accompanies them to their destination—whether it’s a restaurant or spa.

After checking in and before being shown around the spa, we were invited to choose the indigenous scents we preferred for our massages. I selected an aromatic mix of citrus and vanilla. Then we were each assigned a staff member who led us behind a massive wooden door.

The décor, elegant design, spaciousness and subdued lighting of the spa—along with its Moroccan-influenced theme—were stunning and conducive to slowing down and being in the present.

Unique style and service

This spa has done away with the conventional communal locker rooms that always feel a bit awkward. Instead, we were each assigned to one of the private, red-draped dressing rooms that lined both sides of the wall. In lieu of lockers, mahogany armoires held plush robes and slippers we exchanged for our street clothes.

The spa’s four signature treatments, all of which use natural organic products, are named for different phases and energies of the lunar cycle: New, Waxing, Full and Waning Moons.

Our treatments started with a gentle sugar foot scrub and herb massage ritual in a circular room set up with foot basins and nooks for seating.

Then Linda and I made our way through the female side of the water circuit, which included steam, sauna, and ice rooms (with fragrant orange slices) and a whirlpool.

Throughout our journey, every staff member made sure we felt pampered and well taken care of. Someone was always around to help or direct but we never felt rushed or hovered over. When I mentioned that one of my fingernails broke, one of the technicians kindly rushed over with an emery board.

A private oasis

For our full body massages, we were each led to one of the ten curved treatment pods that circle an outdoor saltwater spa pool. I was asked whether I wanted my room flooded with sunlight or dim; curtains open, closed or somewhere in the middle. (Only in Los Cabos, which is sunny some 360 days of the year, would I ever opt for a couple of hours of shade).

I fell in love with my very skilled technician who found every sore muscle (some I didn’t know I had) on my body and soothed them. Several times, she checked in with me with a whisper to make sure everything felt just right—and it did.

It’s embarrassing to admit but I was so relaxed, she had to wake me when it was over. She slowly drew open the curtains and opened the door as I caught the sounds of running water and waves outside. I felt fully relaxed and invigorated.

Healthy treats, digestive teas, and fruited waters waited for us outside a beautiful relaxation area with beds. Lying back on heaps of pillows, my friend and I lingered, chatting and laughing, hating the thought of leaving this special space but sure we would return again next year. After all, we had three more moons to go—and we hadn’t had time for a consultation with the curandera (spa guardian).

---

IF YOU GO 

• If you are staying anywhere in the Los Cabos area, be sure to book an advance appointment at the spa, which was ranked #1 in Mexico by Conde Nast Traveler magazine, having achieved a perfect score of 100 across treatment, staff and facilities (I have had many treatments all over Mexico and would agree with the rating!)

• A visit to this unique spa (designed by Sylvia Sepielli) is a great excuse to visit the resort. Arrive early to enjoy the indoor/outdoor spa facilities (there’s a beautiful sundeck with waterfalls outside the spa pool) and leave yourself time to visit one of the restaurants or the extraordinary gift shop that has been carefully curated with products from local artisans.

Spa at Capella Pedregal Cabo San Lucas

Camino del Mar 1, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Local Reservations: +52 624 163 4350

Toll Free Reservations: (877) 247- 6688

---

Also on More Time To Travel:

• El Farallon: Baja’s finest seafood is just steps from the shore