Header: Eric Laignel
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Sea of Cortez, Sora at the Four Seasons Resort in Cabo San Lucas tells a story. It’s a place where the food, a creative take on Japanese and Peruvian flavors, inspires the very structure around it. The design, led by Jennifer Johanson of EDG Interior Architecture + Design, creates a rooftop bar that feels both down-to-earth and luxurious. The resort is characterized by clean, sculptural forms that are softened by the bright colors and rich textures found in Peruvian weavings.
A crafted arrival
The journey into Sora begins with a walk through a desert landscape. Here, the design team worked closely with local builders and craftspeople to create a special entrance. A playfully carved host stand greets visitors, standing near a substantial metal pivot wall and a wall of textural breeze blocks.
The heart of the bar
The curving bar makes a strong statement with its vibrant magenta tile that is the center of energy for the whole space. Above, a smooth latilla ceiling provides a modern feel with cover. The bar top itself is a poured, terrazzo-style surface, made to withstand the open-air setting. Looking up, you won’t find the usual rows of bottles on the top shelf. Instead, there’s a special collection of Oaxacan pottery, each piece hand-sourced by the EDG design team.
Living on the edge
Sora is completely open to the elements, making the most of its dramatic cliffside location. The seating is clever; built-in plaster benches, or bancos, appear to be carved directly from the stone cliffs they rest upon. For a truly breathtaking experience, a fire pit lounge juts out from the main area, suspended over the vast expanse of the ocean below. It’s a spot designed for taking in the view and the moment.
Bathed in sunset colors
An infusion of pink runs through the space. It appears in the textiles, the tiles, and even the lighting. This deliberate color choice mirrors the famous pink glow of a Baja sunset. The effect is an invitation for guests to settle in, relax, and fully enjoy their surroundings as day turns to night. The design encourages a slow, appreciative enjoyment of the natural beauty and the carefully considered environment.
For its exceptional work, Sora at the Four Seasons recently won the LIV Hospitality Award for Interior Design in North America. This prize acknowledges the successful effort by EDG Interior Architecture + Design to build a destination that is deeply connected to its location and offers a memorable experience.
Project info
Company: EDG Interior Architecture + Design
Lead Designer: Jennifer Johanson
Other Designer(s): Brooke Tumsaroch,Cindy Moore,Dave Maynard,Briana Sanchez,Kevin Pereira,Varunna Mitra,Victoria Denny
Architect: Robert Glazier Architects
Interior Designer: EDG Design
Hospitality: Four Seasons Hotels
Construction Company: Black Palm Development
Photo Credit: Eric Laignel
Location: Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
Project Date: May 2024
Developer: Oakmont Corporation
