Seaside Sanctuary: Sprawled along five full acres of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico's Medando Beach, the region's most idyllic stretch of coastline lies Casa Dorada Los Cabos -- a majestic beach and spa resort that embodies the best that a posh Cabo vacation has to offer. The resort, revered for its luxury accommodations, expansive array of amenities, gracious hospitality and lush surroundings, offers a tranquil and pampered escape also with perfect proximity to the most popular area attractions -- from high-end shopping and world-class dining to non-stop entertainment, nightlife and luxury yachting at the nearby marina. With unobstructed views of "Land's End" -- magnificent rock formations including the legendary "Arch" - and a selection of ample, elegantly appointed one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, Casa Dorada is sure to deliver an incredibly memorable Mexican holiday.

I recently had the pleasure of vacationing at Casa Dorada, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, with my husband and two young children ages 7 and 10. Upon initial arrival, we were all captivated by the art-filled lobby area backlit by a breathtaking view of the Sea of Cortez -- turquoise blue and seemingly bedazzled with gemstones as the waves ebb and flow underneath the tropical sunshine. We were also delighted to find a welcome amenity of lemonade (with and without tequila), chips and fresh salsa and guacamole next to the registration desk.

Replete Retreats
Not your average resort, Casa Dorada's 185 upscale all-suite retreats feel more like ocean-side apartment homes than anything close to a hotel room -- hence the resort's booming timeshare business. No expense has been spared on designing spaces with colors, textures, furniture, fixtures and artwork that duly compliment and pay homage to the crystal blue waters of the adjacent seascape, with the contemporary beach décor for each room thoughtfully conceived by celebrated interior designer Adriana Hoyos.

Every fabulous suite has a private terrace from which to absorb the spectacular view, modern marbled bathrooms with large Jacuzzi tubs, 32" flat screen television(s), satellite TV, DVD player, complimentary wireless Internet access, multiple phone lines, air conditioning, expansive storage space, and cozy spa-inspired fabrics. Other standard creature comforts include bathrobes, a hair dryer, coffee maker, mini bar, and signature toiletries.

Casa Dorada provides a range of suites that are sure to suit. The property's deluxe suites offer two double beds, ample bathroom space, a kitchenette and terrace. Junior suites provide 665 square feet of separate living and dining space, a kitchenette, a master bedroom with king-size bed, and a 220 square-foot terrace. One-bedroom suites are approximately 1,100 square feet with an spacious terrace, while the two-bedroom suites are nearly 1,850 square feet with living and dining areas, a kitchen, two bedrooms, Jacuzzi, also with a sizeable oceanfront terrace. The largest accommodations are the penthouse suites that offer between 2,000 to 4,500 square feet of living space. They are available in one-, two-, or three-bedroom configurations and all boast exceptional touches, including elevated ceilings, fine wood detailing, marble bathrooms, and full kitchens among a multitude of other exclusive touches.

My family's one bedroom suite truly had everything we needed for our seven-day stay. In addition to the aforementioned amenities, the kitchen had a microwave and four-burner electric stove, an adequately sized refrigerator and freezer, toaster, blender, cooking utensils, pots, pans, dishes and glassware. As such, we shopped at a local grocery and enjoyed many self-made lunches and dinners in the comfort of our room. Our suite also had a large glass dining table with room for eight, two well-cushioned armchairs, a large coffee table, and a sofa with a pull out bed where my two children slept comfortably. In addition to the King sized bed adorned with billowy linens, the bedroom also had two large armoires, a dresser, yet another plasma television, a code-based safe, a suede-like chaise lounge and a second private balcony with recliners and a table. The bathroom was extremely elegant with two sinks, a floor-to-ceiling glass enclosed shower, upscale fixtures, a seated and lighted vanity area and, of course, the fabulous oversized Jacuzzi tub.