Olson Kundig is pleased to announce Raffles Estera East Cape Resort & Residences, a new resort in Mexico’s Los Cabos region situated at the convergence of the Sea of Cortez, the Sierra de la Laguna mountains, the desert, and an estuary. The resort marks Raffles’ first venture into Mexico and is led by design principals Tom Kundig, FAIA, RIBA, and Kevin Kudo-King, AIA, LEED AP, in partnership with ONE Development Group, landscape architect RIOS, Studio Paolo Ferrari for hotel interiors, and Huber Design for residence interiors.

“The announcement of Raffles Estera East Cape, Raffles’ first resort in North America, is a landmark moment for our beloved brand. 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,” said Omer Acar, CEO, Raffles Hotels & Resorts.

The intimate resort and residences will occupy a stretch of beachfront in Los Cabos’ East Cape community, which extends from San José del Cabo to Los Barriles. Just an hour drive from Los Cabos International Airport, East Cape is a desired destination due to its natural beauty, authentic charm, and tranquility. Raffles Estera East Cape’s 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.

“The magic of Raffles Estera East Cape Resort & Residences is the sky: the big blue sky, the starry night sky, the endless horizon line—all set against Mexico’s low desert, the Sea of Cortez, and mountains in the distance. This landscape naturally embraces the concepts of prospect and refuge, opening up opportunities for us to weave the guest experience into a place with such obvious, felt excitement,” notes Tom Kundig, Design Principal of Olson Kundig.

Set to feature 80 rooms and 46 branded residences in a first development phase, Raffles Estera East Cape will be designed by Olson Kundig, known for its emphasis on craft and its seamless integration of the built and natural environment. Both hotel and residential spaces will reflect the 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 best practices and responsible development to every facet.

“Raffles Estera East Cape Resort & Residences is an architecture of quiet drama positioned at the intersection of the desert and the ocean. Guests are offered respite in this wild place, as well as the opportunity to connect with the rich culture of Mexico and discover the secrets of the Sea of Cortez,” adds Kevin Kudo-King, Design Principal of Olson Kundig.

For an exceptional guest experience, Raffles Estera East Cape will offer an expansive spa, multiple outdoor pools, a beachfront watersports center, club spaces for both kids and teens, and curated retail offerings. The resort will also feature 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. In addition to the hotel amenities, residents of Raffles Estera East Cape will also enjoy dedicated beach and mountain clubs.

“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. 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,” said Luis Sada, Chief Executive Officer, ONE Development Group.

PROJECT CREDITS

Design Principals: Tom Kundig, FAIA, RIBA, and Kevin Kudo-King, AIA, LEED AP 

Principal: Justin Helmbrech, LEED AP

Project Manager: Claudia Maggiani, AIA, NCARB

Project Architects: Frank Nelson, AIA, CPHC, LEED AP BD+C, and Robert Palau

Architectural Staff: Jennifer Le, Alan Mata, Divya Shetty, Silvia Galdamez, Sebastian Strobel, AIBC, Patrick Spence, Pietro Mendonca, Bentley Rager, LEED GA, Eduard Acevedo, AIA, LEED GA, and Simon Newton

Planning & Landscape Architectural Staff: Moises Salazar-Morgan

Building Performance: Vikram Sami, AIA, BEMP, LEED AP, and Christopher Savage, LEED AP BD+C

Design Technology Staff: John Nebendahl

Project Administrator: Charisse Govig