WHAT HAPPENS IN CABO
THE GILDED FILES: CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO
2017: Spontaneous trips are somehow always what we resort to. In fact, we don't do well with planning at all, you may or may not have already picked up on the pattern. Yet every year we make sure to go on our annual Spring Break trip, regardless of how last minute it is. We happen to always find ourselves in Mexico because let's face it, the culture, weather, beaches and most importantly the tequila is calling our name come spring. I was so thrilled to find Cabo’s best-kept secret, The Cape, A Thompson Hotel, a brand new luxury boutique hotel located on the opposite side of the usual madness.
We rented a car, to avoid the costly cab fees and took the forty-minute drive, confused as always, to our resort. Just stepping out of the car we were in awe. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a beautiful sight: a bottle of tequila with shot glasses, Tajín seasoning, and blood orange slices. Our bellman returned to make our margaritas from our special welcome gift. The room was fabulous. Such thought was put into every detail, it was unlike any other hotel room I had stepped foot in before. Drawing inspiration from a modern Mexican style with intricate tile throughout and a massive double-headed, all-glass shower, to complement the expansive bathroom. Stepping outside onto our balcony we found a massive swinging lounge bed, mosaic table, intricate tile flooring, and a spectacular view.
Within minutes of sitting down by the pool, spicy margaritas were in our hands, and salsa, guacamole, chips, ceviche, & octopus tacos were in front of us. Even with all these clouds, which we were promised would be out of sight by the next morning, this was pure heaven. Not to mention, with this place only recently open, it seemed we had the whole place to ourselves. We made fast friends with the bartenders and spent most of the day at the swim-up bar. Naturally, the hardest decisions of the day were made here. The best part about this location was the rocks that separated us from the other portion of Playa Medano. Nobody around pushing vulgar henna tattoos, blankets, or random ten-pound sculptures on you. Just a beautiful beach with a good surf break drawing surfers and sunbathers alike. For dinner, we made reservations at Manta, one of Cabo’s hot new restaurants, located in our hotel. The convenience of this was amazing after sipping on drinks all day.
I was happy to wake up to a beautiful day in paradise, our balcony brought a whole new meaning to room service might I add. I've been to Cabo countless times but it was as if I were in a totally different place from this perspective, the water was crystal clear fading from turquoise to sapphire blue. The architect-designed this hotel to uniquely blend into the natural landscape and rock formations seamlessly. We ventured outside of our hotel for dinner to Toro Latin Kitchen and Bar. Toro meaning bull in Spanish and tuna belly in Japanese, this restaurant concept by acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval incorporates South American and Japanese influences.
The next morning we headed down to the Ledge Restaurant to try the buffet. Are you really on vacation if you don't experience a breakfast buffet ? To no surprise, this was the best breakfast buffet we'd ever had. Anything you could think of they had freshly prepared or made-to-order. Later on the agenda was the spa, after receiving a complimentary ten-minute massage in a chair by the pool and they had us sold. The mini dip pool for after our facials, was adorned with carved out stone skull candles and stone walls. We were then guided to the relaxation area, where we had an amazing view of the saltwater pool and the rest of the hotel. More stone and cement walls added to the tranquil setting. The Zen room had an indoor-outdoor feel with a plant and succulent wall.
We were totally exhausted from doing absolutely nothing . . . lounging in the sun all day and then relaxing in the spa can do that to you, so we lazily headed back to the room. We just about ordered everything on the menu for dinner and had it delivered to our room after feeling totally exhausted from doing absolutely nothing... lounging in the sun all day and unwinding in the spa can do that to you apparently.
After four consecutive days of hanging by the pool (no complaining here) we got restless and headed into town for brunch at The Office. We sat with our toes in the sand as we ate crab omelets, huevos rancheros, bacon wrapped shrimp and grilled octopus. We strolled along the beach until we had to go somberly pack up all our belongings. It was obvious that we all wanted to extend our trip because who's kidding, four days in Mexico is not enough and it definitely isn't enough to get sick of my new found favorite hotel.
2021: Our most recent trip to Cabo opened our eyes to an even more upscale experience. We recently checked into Nobu Hotel Los Cabos for Brooke’s 25th and our itinerary this trip exceeded all expectations. Our ‘Hit List’ has been updated and is now full of all our vetted favorites spots to make your time in Cabo one to remember.
Hit List
STAY
Nobu Hotel, The Cape, Montage, Chileno Bay Resort, One & Only Palmilla, Casa Margaux, rent a home in Pedregal, Viceroy Los Cabos, Esperanza.
VISIT
Playa Santa Maria, Chileno Bay, Playa Del Amor y El Divorcio,Flora Farms and stay for an early Dinner, Acre Baja, Palmilla, day trips to Todos Santos and Cabo Pulmo.
EXPERIENCE
The Cape Rooftop, Bar Esquina, Fishing (hire strictly business) or Yachting (hire seashine charters), Soloman’s Landing in the marina will cook up any fresh fish you catch, SUR Beach Club or Cachet Beach and Playa Medano + rent a glass-bottom boat to El Arcos, the nachos at Mango Deck (shockingly enough), Mandala for a more upscale club experience, Squid Row to get down and dirty like the good ol’ college days.
INDULGE
Toro Latin Kitchen, The Office, SUR Cabo, Tacos Guss for hands-down best authentic tacos make sure to get an order of horchata, Manta, Mama’s Royal Cafe for breakfast, Mi Casa, Romeo y Julieta for Italian, Ediths, Hacienda Cocina y Cantina, La Lupitas, Sunset Monalisa, Maria Jimenez, Metate Cabo, NickSan, Tacos Gardenias for the best-battered fish tacos. Nobu Hotel’s restaurants: Pacific, Ardea, Playabar, Malibu Farm, wasn’t super impressed with Nobu Cabo.
