Los Cabos, Mexico

Exceeding expectations.

Where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, bliss exists in the form of fresh mangoes and slow sunsets. On the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula—the second-longest of its kind in the world—subtropical sunshine is seen an average 340 days of the year. Nearly 288,000 people call this scenic cape of Los Cabos, Mexico home, scattered across a 20-mile corridor connecting the touristy Cabo San Lucas to the cultural town centre of San José del Cabo in the east. Known for its luxury hospitality, exuberant nightlife, and diverse culinary delights, Los Cabos exceeds expectations.

LeBlanc Resort and Spa is one of 10 luxury properties built in Los Cabos over the last few years, having celebrated its official opening in April 2018. Part of a development boom sparked by Hurricane Odile in 2014, this five-star, adult-only resort embodies opulence, welcoming guests across an immaculate marble threshold where celestial rings float overhead and a flute of smooth coconut milk is ready for sipping. But beyond the decorative Torote trees and palatial gold interiors left by Miami-based designer Francois Frossard, wellness is paramount here. Home to the largest spa in Los Cabos with 25 treatment rooms, the resort’s hydrotherapy facilities include an herbal steam room and ice room. With eight onsite restaurants—including Mezze, the only Lebanese eatery in the region—there’s almost no reason to leave the property. But to truly appreciate the diverse cuisine that thrives in this part of Mexico, a little exploration outside the resort is required.

On the outskirts of San José del Cabo, a bountiful farming community has emerged from the desert. Founded by Gloria and Patrick Greene of Sonoma, California, Flora Farms began in 1996 as a supplier of organic produce and ingredients to some of the area’s most exclusive resorts and restaurants, including the kitchen of chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Seared at the One&Only Palmilla. Flora Farms is a 25-acre, literal farm-to-table restaurant that is the epitome of fresh, organic dining, with over 100 varieties of vegetables, fruits, and herbs cultivated and prepared by the site’s 350 employees. While this results in an ideal lunch spot, the property is best enjoyed by getting hands a little dirty. With the help of a traditional molcajete (mortar and pestle), cooking classes teach guests how to make creamy guacamole from fresh avocados, serrano peppers, garlic, lime juice, and rosemary grown on the farm.

For those seeking adventure, Los Cabos’s unique combination of ocean and desert makes it possible to ride a camel by day and sail away on a boat by evening. For the former, Wild Canyon Adventures provides a fun introduction to the world of these gentle desert beasts. Rescued from the Mexican circus, the one-hump camels possess a distinctive gait where both legs on the same side of the body move at the same time. This makes for an interesting ride from 10 feet off the ground, all the while taking in the raw surroundings of the Mexican desert. If discovering remote natural wonders is more of interest, venture north to Fox Canyon for a sight that’s truly exceptional. Passing through the Tropic of Cancer towards the small oasis town of Santiago, Fox Canyon guards a 50-foot waterfall and refreshing granite pool perfect for taking a dip. Shimmering in the water are fine deposits of gold, but be wary of aquatic snakes that may creep along the sand bed. Just a short hike away from the outpost of Rancho Ecologico Sol de Mayo, Fox Canyon provides the perfect balance between activity and relaxation.

As evening nears, romance is best found in the west. Situated inside the Bay of Cabo San Lucas, Sunset Monalisa delivers on its name for its stunning sunset view. Reminiscent of restaurants in Italy and Spain, dining here is proudly al fresco, entertained by live music and a cool ocean breeze. The Mediterranean-inspired cuisine showcases the region’s seafood and fresh, local ingredients; the tasting menu may include a flavourful tuna tartare with chipotle and basil vinaigrette, or homemade mushroom fettuccine scented with white truffle oil. The famous El Arco rock formation can be spotted from the restaurant, but those looking to get closer can book a sailboat to travel to the point where the Pacific becomes the California Gulf. On these waters, happy-go-lucky seals and the rare humpback whale may cross the water path. Then the stars come out to play.

From food to adventure, Los Cabos has something for everyone. After all, there are many different ways to be pampered.


Travel around the world.

Categories:

Post Date:

May 15, 2018