As the plane descend through the clouds, the vast coastline appears, sun-kissed and drenched in the blue, blue waters of the Sea of Cortez at the point it joins the Pacific Ocean. My wife Roya and I were guests of the Los Cabos Tourism Board and Mexico Tourism; invited to experience this exotic locale for the next five days. As soon as we land, we are picked up by a private driver to our home for the next week, the Corazon Cabo Resort & Spa.
We are about to embark on a luxury getaway through the Baja Peninsula in Mexico. Once home to pirates and explorers, today, it is a historically rich, vibrant destination where people from all over the world visit to enjoy the sunny weather and equally warm culture. Considered one of Mexico’s fastest growing tourist centres, breathtaking kilometer after kilometer of oceanfront playground separates Baja’s two cape towns — one lively, the other more laidback.
LA TIERRA — by Sergio Bustamante
Corazon Cabo Resort
Soon, we arrive to Cabos’ newest luxury resort, the Corazón Cabo Resort & Spa. Imagine a resort where you have commanding views of the coveted shores of Medona Beach, the area’s only swimmable white sandy beach, and your suite is a haven of luxury. As soon as we entered the expansive lush lobby, we are captivated by the airy, modern design and the historical Mexican artworks and sculptures produced by local artists, many of which depict the area’s diverse wildlife.
Our deluxe Infinity King Ocean View, with hot tub on the balcony, offered us a combination of sweeping ocean views and uncompromising splendor. Inside our spacious coastal retreat was a soothing palette of soft pastels and unparalleled comfort, while the five-star bathroom enhanced the feel of a getaway escape. It was the perfect stay for those, like us, looking for excellence in everything from the accommodations, amenities and cuisine.
A Day in Historic San Jose
It’s as if time stood still here. As we walked the quiet streets of this quaint town and take in its 18th century Spanish colonial architecture and picturesque central plaza, there are a number of boutiques and art shops beckoning us in. A tour of the Mission San Jose del Cabo (circa 1730) in the epicenter of the historic square, is not to be missed.
Lover’s Beach — Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Snorkelling & Kayaking at Arch & Lover’s Beach, Cabos San Lucas
One of the regions most iconic landmarks is the Arch and it is definitely worth a visit. A short boat ride away, and before long we caught sight of hundreds of sea lions frolicking in the waters or lazily sunning themselves on the rocks. This sea lion colony attracts thousands of visitors each year and for good reason, it is a sight to behold. However, the distinctive Cabo San Lucas primary draw is the rugged El Arco, the arch rock formation at the tip of the Baja Peninsula.
We soon land at Lover’s Beach. The clear azure water is one of the best and safest snorkeling spots in Cabo San Lucas. With its colourful coral-coated rocks, we bob past other snorkellers around the base of the rocks. We are rewarded with a kaleidoscope of marine life including schools of green and blue parrot fish and striped sergeant major fish.
Many thrilling adventure water sports abound: Cabo is renowned for its water sports. We took part in several, including swimming with whale sharks, whale-watching, parasailing, and exploring the waters in a glass-bottomed boat.
There are few experiences out there quite like swimming with whale sharks in Cabo San Lucas. These sharks are beautiful and breathtaking, and definitely worth getting into your bathing suite for. From October to April, are the best months to observe up close and personal these gentle, calm fish as they bask in the warm waters nearby.
Each year, thousands of humpback whales migrate from their Arctic feeding grounds to the warm waters of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula to mate and give birth. For whale watching enthusiasts, there is nothing quite as thrilling as capturing these majestic mammals as they leap almost fully out of the water before splashing back down again. P.S. You will find plenty of operators in Cabo San Lucas offering whale watching tours.
Parasailing is one of the best, most accessible ways to get up into the air to capture the sheer beauty of Los Cabos’ shoreline – an extraordinary contrast of ochre landforms and turquoise ocean that are attached to the jagged islands and cliffs of Land’s End, or the sandy stretches of Medano Beach. Harnessed into a special parachute-like canopy, Cabo San Lucas is home to some excellent parasailing adventures.
Gastronomic Delights Await:
Nothing quite defines a city like a thriving culinary scene. When it comes to diverse gastronomic experiences, this Mexican playground plays host to a vibrant restaurant landscape. Here are two of many that we highly recommend.
Garnering rave reviews, one night we found our way to The Italian Job Restaurant & Pizza. The Italian Job is a fine dining destination; one that delights all of your senses. Open air and ocean facing, we are immediately enchanted by the dining room’s alfresco ceiling with its rustic wood beams, green plants festooned with ambient lighting and the authentic wood burning pizza oven. As any Italian food lover knows, there’s nothing better than a steaming bowl of al dente pasta, or a slice of the country’s national treasures, the pizza. Staying true to Italy’s rich gastronomic tradition, the executive chef/owner Fabrizio sources the finest, freshest Italian specialty items to hand craft each dish to perfection.
Another absolute gem is the upscale Edith’s Restaurante. Ranked one of the best five restaurants in Mexico, Edith’s will enchant you with it’s rustic Californiano decoration and warm, relaxing atmosphere with colonial touches. The menu is a vibrant fusion of the Cuisine of Baja California and its Guerreran flair. Edith’s is famous for its selection of steaks and seafood showcasing local ingredients. Boasting stunning views of Medano Beach and the world-famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas, the restaurant merges traditional Mexican architecture, candle lights and palapas, which set the tone for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Los Cabos combines friendly residents, mouth watering cuisine, superb accommodations, activities and warm weather, yet still manages to retain something of a small-town feel. Once you’ve experienced it, I think you’ll agree that Los Cabos is a true gem worth a second visit. To book your trip or for more information, visit www.visitloscabos.travel.
Edith’s Restaurante — edithscabo.com