What It’s Like to Check Into Sensei at Zadún, Cabo’s Luxe New Wellness Retreat

Upon checking into Sensei at Zadún, a Ritz Carlton Reserve, I was greeted by a tequila-mezcal cocktail cart, pristine beach views for days, and my personal Tosoani—a kind of wellness fairy godparent who acts as a personal butler throughout the stay.

Sensei’s latest collaboration with the Ritz brings the brand’s evidence-led wellness programming to the desert dunes and tranquil Sea of Cortés shores in San José del Cabo, Mexico. The backdrop? Ideal for completely unplugging, unwinding, and living out Sensei’s core philosophy: move, nourish, and rest.

The Suite Life: Inside My Private Plunge Pool Paradise

My jaw dropped the second I walked into my suite. The private patio alone was its own wellness oasis, complete with plush lounge chairs and a plunge pool overlooking the stunning desert landscape. Inside? A freestanding soaking tub with bath salts and candles, an open-air shower, floor-to-ceiling windows pouring in natural light, and a welcome spread featuring Zadún’s red blend and a stunning board of chocolate “rocks” and “cacti.”

It proved to be incredibly challenging to leave my suite—especially with my Tosoani just a text away for anything I needed, like poolside cocktails, freshly pressed juices, buttery almond croissants, or steak tacos. (You know, the essentials!) But there was so much to explore outside my little oasis—and I had a wellness consultation to get to.

Wellness, Reimagined

In addition to guiding me through my wellness journey, my Sensei Guide helped me make one of the toughest decisions during the trip: which spa treatment to choose, as they all sounded equally dreamy. I opted for the two-hour herb poultice massage with locally sourced chamomile, arnica, menthol, and rosemary.

The aroma from the warm poultices alone had me melting into the table. The treatment kicked off with a relaxing foot bath and scrub, followed by guided stretching and a tension-relieving massage. Cooling stones were placed over my eyelids, and a warm linseed and rosemary scalp treatment left me feeling beyond pampered.

Sensei’s spa is so beautiful, I honestly wanted to move in. After my treatment, I soaked in the free-form hydrotherapy pool, then wandered the dreamy spa grounds, which feature quiet, sunlit nooks, a sauna and steam room, skylit showers with colorful tiles, lush greenery, and black vanilla caramel tea.

Coupled with my spa treatment, I enjoyed private yoga and meditation sessions, plus one of my absolute favorite Sensei classes—Functional Fascia—which provided me with useful tips and exercises I can seamlessly weave into my daily routine at home.

Stargazing, Spirits, and Sea Life

Outside of Sensei’s pristine wellness programming, Zadún’s Candil Agave Bar serves up hand-crafted coconut cream cocktails and curated agave flights—not to mention wine tastings on a barrel, with a view.

And if you’re looking to explore, the property offers unforgettable excursions through its Ambassadors of the Environment program, including guided desert hikes, seasonal whale watching, coral reef snorkeling, hot chocolate making, and stargazing.

Some other resort highlights I’m still obsessed with? Zadún’s boho-chic cabanas tucked into the desert dunes, the adorable teal Polarbox coolers for guests to enjoy refreshments and picnic-style bites on their beach loungers, and the cozy fire pit areas complete with blankets and pillows nestled in the sand. 

And, when you’re feeling hungry, the property delivers. Zadún is home to Humo, El Barrio, and X (Equis), each highlighting mouthwatering dishes infused with indigenous spices and local flavors. (I was particularly in love with my beachfront table and fresh sushi tacos at X!)

Get the R&R you truly deserve. Book Sensei at Zadún if you want to sleep better, eat cleaner, and still sip tequila cocktails on the beach.