Celebrities have been flocking to Cabo, Mexico, for years. Drawn to the laid-back glamour, breathtaking coastline and 340 days of sunshine a year, it has been a timeless favourite of Hollywood’s elite. Fast forward to today, and Cabo now boasts a thriving farm to table food scene and a raft of luxe resorts, allowing it to become a highly sought after destination for not only celebrities, but also the everyday luxe traveler. Accessible by only a two and a half hour flight from Los Angeles – this is one jet-set destination to add to your list. Don’t believe me? Allow me to elaborate …
ONE&ONLY PALMILLA
Cabo is luxury hotel heaven, with options to suit everyone. If you’re partial to grown-up glamour and sophisticated luxury that feels more like a private club than a hotel, then One&Only Palmilla is the one for you. The traditional hacienda style feels utterly authentic and envelopes the entire property a sense of place. Named after the extensive palm plantation planted on site, at Palmilla you will be surrounded by perfectly manicured tropical foliage en mass and spoiled for service at all times. I personally loved the hot and cold running butlers that couldn’t do enough for me… they bring lovely afternoon snacks and endless tequila – it can become addictive if you’re not careful! Also of note was the service on one of the few resort-owned swimmable beaches in Cabo… Aptly named “Pelican Beach”, here you can laze the day away at the beachfront bar, enjoying fluffy fish tacos and Mexican beer until the sun sets. Or if you’re not feeling the bar vibe, you can stay on your sunbed and have your food and drink delivered to you to enjoy in the privacy of your own private palapa (a Mexican beach hut).
One&Only Palmilla’s luxurious accommodation ranges from perfectly designed rooms right up to pool casita suites and their famous private villa, “Villa Cortez” – a modern day hacienda and yes, this is where Jennifer Aniston regularly hangs out.
THE RESORT AT PEDREGAL
If luxurious seclusion isn’t quite what you’re after and you’d prefer to stay closer to the action in Cabo San Lucas I can suggest The Resort at Pedregal. A dramatic cliff tunnel entrance leads you to this private beachfront beauty where all casitas have plunge pools with dramatic oceanfront views.
Pedregal’s sprawling infinity pool (it has two actually – one is strictly adults only…) also graces top hotel infinity-pool lists everywhere. Luxurious, fabulous and super close to the action, what’s not to love?
ESPERANZA RESORT
My favourite resort would have to be the ultra-lush Esperanza Resort. Fresh from a multi-million dollar top to toe refit, in my opinion this is the pick of the bunch. Sleek tropical design combined with stone, local woods and thatched rooftops help make the Esperanza Resort a new classic. Casitas come with plunge pools and/or hammocks to laze away the days and your private terrace is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset while consuming the daily complimentary offering of local beer or tequila. The Esperanza is also home to one of Cabo’s best day spas. You can be forgiven for getting lost here for days… and make sure you partake in the Samba dance class held twice a week, you won’t be disappointed – I can’t tell you why though… it’s a surprise… think tall and broad!
Cuisine at Esperanza is on point and dining at the resort’s stunning cliff-top restaurant, Cocina del Mar will be one of your “aha” moments. It is one of the most beautiful restaurants I’ve had the pleasure of dining at, and the view at sunset is truly breathtaking. Who knows, it might even be the place you finally say “I DO”!?!
IT’S MORE THAN A BEACH
If you’re thinking of heading to Cabo to suntan for days on end – think again. It would absolutely be a crime not to explore the area while in town. I would recommend starting with some shopping nearby in San Jose del Cabo – begin at the town square and radiate out. Seek out the local treasures such as the hand embroidered blankets called “Otomi”. These blankets are embroidered using a traditional embroidery technique hailing from the central Mexican Plateau, and are exquisitely beautiful. Featuring traditional designs created with a satin stitch over freehand drawings, the embroideries feature flora and native fauna such as birds, deer, and armadillos—all of which often appear in profile.
After a whirl around the shops head straight to Flora Farm for sunset drinks and dinner – just make sure you book well in advance. Flora Farm is a ten-acre organic farm in the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains in San Jose del Cabo. Featuring an ever so chic farm, restaurant, ranch and market, what I loved about it was not only its farm to table menu goodness (it’s food cooked with soul) but also its stylish design aesthetic. Oh, and a hot tip, the pop-up James Perse shop was a welcome pit stop too!
Continuing on the foodie front, head for Cabo San Lucas proper where you can dine locally on traditional Spanish/Mexican cuisine at my favourite restaurant, Los Tres Gallos (The Three Chickens) – it’s the prettiest restaurant in a private garden courtyard filled with lanterns and candlelight. Order the Chile Relleno washed down with Hibiscus Margaritas. You can thank me later.
So there you have it! Next time you visit the United States, take a detour and head down Baja way for a sunny sojourn in one of the world’s most gay friendly destinations… and whatever you do, just make sure you order your Tamarind Margarita’s rimmed with spicy salt – another Mexican addiction you won’t be able to kick! Ole!
Brent was a guest of One&Only Palmilla, The Resort at Pedregal and Esperanza an Auberge Resort.
For bookings at nay of the hotels listed including exclusive complimentary upgrades, breakfast and room credits please email me today.
Where's Brent Been? 