When I was asked to design the gym at Viceroy Los Cabos, I knew this wouldn’t be a typical project. The resort itself is anything but ordinary. Located along the water in San José del Cabo, it was originally envisioned by renowned Mexican architect Miguel Angel Aragonés and later reimagined under the Viceroy brand. Aragonés’ aesthetic is minimal and elemental—electric-white buildings arranged around pools of water, with architecture that draws the eye outward toward the sea. There’s a quiet power to the way light, space, and reflection interact throughout the property, and that same intention had to carry into the gym.

Integrating Fitness into the Resort’s Design

My role was to create a fitness space that didn’t feel like a bolt-on amenity, but rather, an organic part of the overall environment. The gym needed to deliver serious function for dedicated fitness enthusiasts while also reflecting the calm, fluid luxury that defines the rest of the resort. Guests should be able to flow from a strength session to the spa, or from a sunrise yoga class to a dip in the ocean, without feeling like they’ve left the atmosphere behind. That meant rethinking not only the layout and equipment but the tone of the space.

Equipment & Layout

We started by selecting equipment that supported a full range of training modalities. Hoist Roc-It strength machines offered a smooth, joint-friendly movement experience that suits a wide range of body types and fitness levels. We included weight racks, spin bikes, and a bootcamp-style circuit training area that gives guests the flexibility to work out their way. For those who prefer to train functionally or athletically, we installed a motion cage—essentially an adult jungle gym powered by cables and free weights. It anchors the space visually and gives trainers a dynamic tool for private or small group sessions.

The gym includes both an open-plan strength and cardio zone and a dedicated Bootcamp Room for circuit-based classes. This allowed us to serve both drop-in guests who want a quick workout and those seeking more structured or private experiences. The layout prioritizes flow and space—there’s a natural logic to how you move through the room, whether you’re warming up, lifting, or cooling down. Nothing is crammed or cluttered, which was important in keeping the feel consistent with the rest of the resort.

Lighting & Atmosphere

Lighting was a key consideration. The resort is filled with soft, ambient light that changes with the time of day. I wanted the gym to follow suit. We avoided harsh fluorescents in favor of modern, indirect lighting that complements the materials and creates a sense of calm focus. The gym also has an indoor-outdoor quality that allows natural light and fresh air to play a role in the experience. That’s not just an aesthetic decision—it affects how people feel during and after their workouts.

Elevating Wellness as a Core Experience

What I appreciated most about this project was the commitment from the property’s leadership to make the gym more than just a room with equipment. It’s easy for hotel gyms to be an afterthought—a leftover space with a few treadmills. That wasn’t the case here. From the beginning, the goal was to make fitness feel integrated, elevated, and effortless. And to do that, we had to understand not just the physical layout, but the psychology of the guest: what makes them feel welcome, what inspires them to move, what keeps them coming back.

Designing for Presence, Not Just Performance

Designing fitness spaces in hospitality settings always comes down to balance. You’re not just designing for performance, you’re designing for presence. At Viceroy Los Cabos, I wanted the gym to feel like a space people looked forward to entering, whether they were training hard or just clearing their head. It had to serve high-performance athletes and first-time visitors equally well. It had to feel intentional, polished, and completely in sync with the resort’s larger vision.

A Seamless Fit

From the custom equipment layout to the lighting and spatial flow, every detail was about elevating the experience without disrupting the calm. I’m proud of how it turned out. Not just because it looks beautiful—but because it works. Because it supports a wide range of training needs while honoring the design language of the place. And because it reminds people that fitness doesn’t have to pull you out of your environment. When it’s done right, it becomes part of it.

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