Raffles Hotels & Resorts plans to debut its first North American resort, Raffles Estera East Cape Resort & Residences, in Mexico's Los Cabos region in 2029, in partnership with ONE Development Group.
This development will mark Raffles' first resort in North America and expand its global presence. The resort and residences are set to inhabit a stretch of untouched beachfront in the East Cape community of Los Cabos, extending from San Jose del Cabo to Los Barriles. The location is approximately an hour's drive from Los Cabos International Airport.
"The announcement of Raffles Estera East Cape, Raffles’ first resort in North America, is a landmark moment for our beloved brand," Omer Acar, CEO, Raffles Hotels & Resorts, said in a statement. "East Cape, with its striking beauty, rich culture, and tradition of warm hospitality, offers the perfect setting to bring our vision to life. This resort will be more than a new destination, it will be a bold expression of our brand’s commitment to remarkable design, sustainable practices, and the art of exceptional guest experiences. We’re proud to be working with ONE Development Group to create a glamorous new resort that honors the spirit of this remarkable region."
Located in the desert landscape between the Sea of Cortez and the Sierra de la Laguna mountains, Raffles Estera East Cape’s exclusive location is set to offer uninterrupted sea views, calm waters, and a swimmable beach, perfect for watersports and exploration of the ocean’s rich marine life. Often referred to as the ‘Aquarium of the World,” the Sea of Cortez is a UNESCO World Heritage Site globally recognized for its vast biodiversity and natural eco-system.
Set to have 80 rooms and 46 branded residences in a first development phase, Raffles Estera East Cape will be designed by design firm Olson Kundig, known for seamlessly blending high design with nature. The hotel’s interiors will be conceived by Studio Paolo Ferrari, and the residences by Huber Design. Both hotel and residential spaces are expected to reflect the glamorous and inspirational spirit of Raffles as well as the distinct culture and heritage of Baja California Sur. The resort will also reflect Raffles and ONE Development Group’s commitment to sustainability, bringing world-class best practices and responsible development to every facet.
Raffles Estera East Cape is slated to have an expansive spa, multiple outdoor pools, a beachfront watersports center, club spaces for both kids and teens and curated retail offerings. The resort is also expected to have seven distinct culinary offerings, including a lobby lounge, signature restaurant, specialty restaurant, pool bar, and gourmet café, as well as a signature Raffles Long Bar and Writer’s Bar. A ballroom, in addition to dedicated meeting and exterior event spaces, will provide the perfect setting for elegant gatherings or milestone celebrations.
“We are honored to have been entrusted by Accor and to be partnering with the iconic Raffles brand to create a one-of-a-kind resort experience that represents the highest standards of luxury hospitality in its first resort in North America," said Luis Sada, CEO, ONE Development Group. "Our vision is to craft an experience that resonates deeply with the character and charm of the prestigious East Cape enclave. In collaboration with Raffles, we look forward to delivering an experience that honors the land, celebrates culture, and invites guests and residents to experience Mexico at its most inspiring."
GFG Securities played a key advisory role to ONE Development Group during the management agreement negotiations and has been tasked with securing the debt and equity financing for the development of this landmark project.
Raffles Estera East Cape is Raffles’ first property in Mexico and second in North America, joining Raffles Boston.