“Not My Mother’s Cabo”

I recently took a short trip to Los Cabos, Baja California, and…just WOW!

I remember back in the day…it was all about “Cabo Wabo,” “Giggling Marlin” and “El Squid Roe.” Don’t worry, they’re all still there – in downtown Cabo San Lucas – doors open and ready to pour tequila down your throat and shake your head.

However, there is another side of Cabo that I just had the privilege of experiencing – and I can’t wait to share it with you.

I was traveling with a small group of colleagues with the goal to educate ourselves about the destination with an eye on luxury, because after all, we all deserve to enjoy some luxury, right?! I know what you’re thinking…but, someone had to do it!

I can now say, without hesitation, that if you are looking for an upscale vacation that’s not far from home, with style – service – exclusivity – Los Cabos should be your next destination.

I guess if I had to use just one word to express this new and continually changing Los Cabos vacation experience, it would be: Pampered…or Indulgent…or Retreat…okay, I just can’t describe it in one word!

These new resorts live up to every possible expectation:

Cuisine & Wine, Michelin-Star Chefs, spa-relaxation-wellness, beachfront locations, spectacular pools & landscaping, luxurious rooms with the finest of appointments: fine linens, rain shower heads, large soaking tubs, etc.

Butler service to take care of your every expectation. Several award-winning golf courses. Upon arrival to each resort we were greeted with ice-cold face towels and some kind of tasty cocktail or mocktail… I could go on and on.

Then of course…there’s the amazing ocean views!

This is not your typical tropical destination. What is different?

As they say: Location, Location, Location! Most of the resorts are located between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas – all on gorgeous beachfront settings.

High season is November – April, but the dry, arid climate in May was perfect – full sunshine days and cool breezy nights.

I enjoyed the sunrise every morning – starting with soft aqua and peach colors lighting the sea and sky and within minutes full blown technicolor, what a perfect way to start each day in paradise.

Sun, Sea, Fishing, Surfing, Golf, Desert ATV/UTV, Dancing, Fine Dining, Shopping, Scuba & Snorkel,

Ziplines, Day trip to Todos Santos with its vibrant art scene, Spa, Fitness & Wellness, Sunset Dinner Cruise, Horseback Riding, Swim with the Dolphins, Sailing, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Flyboarding, Mountain Biking, Canyon Hiking – there is even an Outback & Camel Safari!

Since safety concerns are always something to keep top of mind while traveling anywhere in the world, I want to say I felt very safe everywhere we went.

Of course, no matter where you are, be aware of your surroundings & do not go off alone – no matter where you are in the world.

A special mention about the cuisine!

From visiting Mexico many years ago, I had not great memories of the greasy chips, some pretty good street tacos and those giant margaritas with that really strong tequila no one can forget.

This experience was the extreme opposite. At “Le Blanc Spa Resort we dined at their fine dining French fusion “Lumier” – every bite was exquisite! My lobster dinner at JW Marriott was a culinary treat. At Chileno Bay Resort a lunch of delicious tacos, fresh guacamole and a yummy drink served a real coconut was a treat.

At One & Only Palmilla the head chef prepared chips & a perfect guacamole, a pico de gallo salsa that was bursting with flavor and one of the best ceviche I’ve ever had – he was from Venice and has worked all over the world.
At Grand Velas we had an amazing five-course gourmet experience that included filet mignon, all paired with exquisite wines.

At Paradisus, a fun breakfast -served family style – included eggs benedict, salmon, little potato cakes & freshly squeezed juice – all delicious! Absolutely everything was delectable, delightful, & distinctive! I know it sounds like all we did was eat – but, disclaimer: one of my traveling companions had an Apple watch that kept track of our steps and we were averaging about 15,000 a day!

Well, I still need to tell you my absolute favorite part about this amazing destination…the people!

I cannot say enough about the friendly Mexican people. Yes, I admit, most of the “locals” I met were in the hospitality business – but I have met many people in my travels in this same line of work all over the world, and these folks were standouts!

Whether they were a hotel staff member, a driver, a restaurant server, or a General Manager – everybody was so friendly and accommodating!

We were always greeted with a friendly smile and hand over heart.

This greeting means – “service from the heart”, and even though, yes this is their “Job” – they treat you like a friend.

I will remember these people! The adorable girl who showed us around the “JW Marriott”, who recently re-located to Cabo from Cancun with her husband.

The General Manager of “Chileno Bay” who, while he was showing us his resort, he stopped several times to interact with guests – and he knew their names!

The young lady who was my massage therapist at “One & Only Palmilla”, we compared pictures, stories and similarities about our daughters. When I was walking from my room to the elevator at “Le Blanc Spa Resort”, a hotel worker, whom I did not remember meeting, greeted me by name and asked me how I was doing?

Yes, I had 1,000 thread count sheets and a butler that surprised me with specially scented, hand cut soap for my bath – but what I will remember the most is…the people!

I truly believe it is the Mexican culture that influences their heart-warming friendliness, happiness and caring nature. I am drawn to these people that made me feel like part of their familia!

All the warm, caring hospitality and smiling faces – truly made this short trip an experience to remember!

Catie Thomas

to begin planning your trip to Cabo and read our review of the Melia Hotel in Cabo.