By Valerie Simmons
The mention of Los Cabos conjures up images of celebrities, luxury hotels and moonlit dinners. Ever since silver screen legends such as John Wayne and Charlie Chaplin put Los Cabos on the map, this sun-soaked resort town on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula has maintained its appeal, and it remains a destination of choice for modern Hollywood A-listers. But the draw of Los Cabos goes beyond its picturesque setting along the temperate Sea of Cortez. So what, exactly, is all the fuss about?
On a recent trip, we gained some insight. Our conclusion? Los Cabos is one of the few vacation destinations to offer so much to so many without sacrificing the charms that made it famous in the first place. Here are just a few of the elements that account for the lasting appeal of Los Cabos.
One: Whether you’re looking for all-night parties or a tranquil retreat, you can find it on the strip.
Feel like dancing on the tables and having a margarita or three? The bustling strip, made famous by Jimmy Buffett and Sammy Hagar, is the perfect place. Bars play live music late into the night, and raucous parties are a nightly occurrence. But that is just part of the story. Our hotel, the Corazón Cabo by Noble House, is located in the center of the action and yet felt blissfully secluded when we retreated to its famous rooftop bar, The Rooftop 360, known for some of the best views in Los Cabos. At the on-site spa, we tried the couple’s massage, which was a remarkably good value in a serene setting. After our treatment, we padded back to our large room in slippers and robes to enjoy the legendary Cabo sunset from our balcony.
Two: There are amazing fine dining options.
Los Cabo boasts incredible dining options, including 13 Michelin-featured restaurants. We decided to visit Cocina de Autor, a Michelin-starred restaurant located in the stunning Gran Velas, a five-star all-inclusive property. The white tablecloth dining experience offers eight-course to 10-course tasting menus, complete with wine pairings. Chef Sidney Schutte is famous for taking guests on a culinary journey using local ingredients and re-imagining Los Cabos cuisine. Not only was our dinner on par with anything we have had in the world’s finest dining rooms, but the atmosphere was beyond romantic.
Three: There is plenty of ecotourism, sustainability…and puppies.
Owned by Canadians, Acre Resort is proof that luxury and sustainability can co-exist in harmony. Beyond the treehouse stays and elegantly designed suites and villas, the highlight of the visit to Acre for us was a trip to their animal rescue facility where they shelter dogs, horses, donkeys and more. The hotel takes care of all the paperwork and shipping costs for guests who accidentally fall in love with a dog or puppy, and they have great success finding homes for their rescues.
Our short visit means we only scratched the surface of what there is to do in Los Cabos—golf, diving, adventure sports and more beckon us back for a second visit. We did, however, come away understanding the lasting allure of this peninsula town that feels a world away.