Tequila is to Mexico like champagne is to France, and the Mexican government treats their tequila like a royal member of the family, regulating its production like a strict father. I like a good shot of tequila with a chaser of beer on occasion, but to discover tequila worth sipping, well, that is a discovery worth retelling. The Marquis Los Cabos, Beach, Golf, Spa & Casitas Resort's selections of fine-tasting tequilas (and their superbly mixed margaritas) are amongst the best I've ever tasted. In March of 2007, a $1,700 tequila bottle launched world-wide at the Marquis Los Cabos, a distinctive hotel framing distinctive tequila.

Located in the Cabo Real section of Los Cabos, the Marquis is the world's first hotel to offer Clase Azula Ultra, a new ultra premium tequila in a hand-crafted decanter from importers Tequilas Premium, with only 100 bottles produced its first year. A Distinctive T certification was also bestowed on the Marquis, an honor extended to properties that promote the quality, culture and prestige of tequila. This honor has numerous requirements, including education of staff on tequila culture, and the Marquis is the only recipient of this honor in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

One of only a handful of Mexican-family owned properties in this country, the Marquis takes their motherland seriously, acting as a showcase to Latin American art and, of course, Mexican tequila. The entrance launches a tribute to the Sea of Cortez and Los Cabos, an architecturally nod to the Los Cabos rock arch. The open-air lobby merges with the infinity pool and the sea, before appearing to fall into the sea and then tumble dramatically down 36 feet to another pool. The stunning views and cascading waterfall serve as a backdrop to the hand-made turquoise imbedded marble floors, a carpet highlighted with hand-picked river stone.

My afternoon at the Marquis included poolside dining at Dose Mares Restaurant and Bar, where the lobster ceviche was incredibly zangy and fresh. With the ocean waves undulating just over the horizon, the pool is the perfect spot to enjoy one of over 65 types of tequilas, or ask your server to mix his favorite margarita.

This is just one of three restaurants directed by executive chef Theirry Dufour. Casual alfresco breakfast and dinner dining is available at Vista Ballenas featuring California and Mexican cuisine from the terrace overlooking the sea.

The restaurant not to miss is the five-diamond Canto del Mar. This 30-seat elegant restaurant with no printed menus is an eight-course tasting room of French cuisine, personally prepared by Chef Dufour, who has worked in a Michelin two-star restaurant in France. After dinner, step across the hall to the cigar lounge for an after-dinner drink.

Whether you select the exclusive Canto del Mar, or the relaxation of poolside, sampling the exquisite tequila at the Marquis Los Cabos will be a tasting experience to remember.