By Catherine Maisonneuve
Los Cabos, located on the Southern tip of the 1,000-mile long Baja Peninsula on the Pacific side of Mexico, is a very unique destination. Surrounded by the Sea of ??Cortez to the east and by the Pacific Ocean to the west, Los Cabos is one of Mexico's most intriguing, diverse and posh areas. With its dramatic desert backdrops, its numerous and various beaches, luxury resorts, spas, golf courses and first-class restaurants, Los Cabos is definitely a different way to discover Mexico. It is also considered one of the most luxurious touristic destinations in the world.
What to do
The Cabo Arch, a natural rock formation that was created by erosion where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, has now become the emblem of Los Cabos. We can find it on almost every picture, postcard and travel site referring to the Baja Peninsula. El Arco as they call it in Mexico, is considered "the end of the world", because from this point towards the south, the next mainland is located 12,000 kilometers further, all the way to Antarctica. The Cabo Arch can only be visited by boat, while passing through a group of sea lions, which gather together around "the end of the world".
Located adjacent to the San Jose estuary and just a couple of miles from historic downtown San Jose del Cabo, the Los Cabos Marina is also a very popular attraction. It has a lively downtown area, many shops and restaurants from which to enjoy all the scenic seaside views. Luxury yachts dock at the marina every day, making it one of the premier centres of activity in Cabo San Lucas.
Los Cabos is also known for its many and diverse beautiful beaches. Diverse because they all are different and offer a unique experience. Some are only accessible by sea, some are reserved for surfers and thrill-seekers because the waves and currents are heavy, while others are quiet and invite to relaxation and snorkeling. The diversity of the scenery makes it an interesting destination and there's really a beach for every taste in Los Cabos.
Where to sleep
There are many luxury world-class resorts and hotels in Cabo. And, since it’s the capital of extravagant living, you definitely have to embrace the Los Cabos lifestyle once there.
Following the passage of Hurricane Odile which ravaged, in September 2014, an important part of the Baja peninsula, several affected hotels decided to take this opportunity to renew themselves. It's the case of the Mélia Hotels International group, which has chosen to transform the Mélia Los Cabos hotel into a luxurious all-inclusive Paradisus by Mélia complex. After two years of renovations that required the complete closure of the hotel, Paradisus Los Cabos opened in December 2016 in San José del Cabo, becoming the 5th establishment of the posh Paradisus brand for the Mélia group on Mexican soil.
The luxurious all-inclusive resort now offers 350 rooms, including 98 in the Royal Service section, 30 family concierge suites and 28 suites with swim-up pools. With its four pools, seven bars and restaurants, a signature spa and fitness centre open 24 hours, Paradisus Los Cabos is the true definition of heaven, whether you are traveling with your family or with your spouse. With its "Adults-only" Royal Service section and its "Family-Concierge" reserved rooms, there's a piece of paradise for everyone at Paradisus Los Cabos. The hotel is located on one of Cabo's rare beaches where it is possible to swim and is adjacent to a private golf club, the Cabo Real Golf Course, where guests can practice their swing. The hotel also houses a brand new Congress Centre, which has been inaugurated a few months after the hotel opening. It is now the largest convention centre in the region, offering more than 13,500 square feet of meeting space. Another interesting fact about the hotel is that it is one of the few all-inclusive hotels on the Peninsula.
Contrary to many other touristic Mexican destinations, the "all inclusive" formula is not the most common in the Cabo area. In fact, less than 30% of the hotels are, while the rest is either on the European plan or "À la Carte". However, a majority of the hotels on the Peninsula are 4 or 5 stars properties. Luxury is everywhere in Cabo, but it is not only reserved for the rich and famous. This exclusive yet easily accessible location has made the destination a favourite for celebrities but also travelers looking for a different kind of vacation, far from the crowds.
