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Destination Relaxation – 3 Pampering New Luxury Spas in Los Cabos

August 18, 2020 by Leave a Comment

The days of Los Cabos as a simple, laid-back beach and fishing destination are long gone.

It’s not that the beaches and big-game fishing aren’t still spectacular, mind you, it’s that the better class of resorts in cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo have spent the last two decades adding amenity after pampering amenity in an attempt (overwhelmingly successful, by the way) to turn Los Cabos into one of the world’s great luxury destinations.

At the heart of this reimagining are incredible collections of championship level golf courses and luxurious spas. The region now boasts no less than 18 currently operating golf courses designed by legendary names like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Greg Norman, and expansive and decadent spas are now found at virtually every local upscale resort.

We’ve given plenty of updates recently on the golfing scene, but very few in regards the collection of spas. So with that in mind, here are three great new luxury spa options to enjoy on your next trip to Los Cabos:

Waldorf Astoria Spa at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal

By any name, this Pedgregal property is world-class. Originally opened as Capella Pedregal in 2009, the boutique 96-r00m resort was subsequently renamed The Resort at Pedregal before taking on the Waldorf Astoria imprimatur in 2019. The latter is a virtual synonym for luxury travel, and what were already five star amenities–the longest private tunnel in Mexico, cliffside dining above crashing Pacific Ocean waves–have now been elevated to the level of must-try destination experiences.

That’s certainly the case with the Waldorf Astoria Spa, which was created by renowned spa designer Sylvia Sepelli and offers pampering treatments grouped around central themes of the moon, the sea and Mexican folk healing. For example, massages based on lunar cycles and an indigenous herbal detox using the potent properties of indigenous Baja plants.

All the traditional spa bells and whistles are also found here, however, from an upscale beauty salon and a state-of-the-art fitness center to ten private treatment rooms and tennis courts with stunning elevated Cabo San Lucas city views.

Oasis Spa at Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas

This resort is the first ever luxury property on the East Cape of Los Cabos, a 70-mile belly-shaped arc that extends northward from San Jose del Cabo. For decades, the East Cape has been the last refuge for those who loved the old Baja of dirt roads and under-the-radar dive and surf spots.

That Baja still exists, but so too does a new kind of East Cape experience, an exclusive luxury hideaway on the coast at La Ribera. Relaxing couples’ treatments like side-by-side massages are a specialty of the house, offering intimacy and an enhanced state of relaxation across a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, from private rooms to plunge pools to romantic strolls through the aromatic onsite herb garden.

Like the Waldorf Astoria Spa, Oasis also offers folk rituals based on the healing properties of indigenous plants. Yoga and breath work on the beach, exfoliating treatments for face, body, hands and feet, and the full-service Rossano Ferretti salon are yet more reasons to discover this newly opened Oasis.

Esencia Wellness at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos

There was excitement aplenty about the opening of a Nobu restaurant in Los Cabos…even more when it turned out it was part of a boutique Nobu resort on the Pacific Coast north of Cabo San Lucas, in the exclusive Diamante property development.

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s acclaimed fusion of traditional Japanese cuisine with Peruvian (and now Baja) ingredients is one reason to visit. Another is Esencia Wellness, an onsite spa that’s grounded in Japanese traditions but also promises plenty of modern refinements.

The pampering spa occupies over 13,000 square feet at Nobu, and features 13 treatment rooms, a spacious fitness center, a full-service salon, indoor hydrotherapy areas, and an outdoor hydrotherapy garden that includes steam, sauna, jacuzzi and more.

Signature offerings include Nobu Zen, a custom treatment that utilizes several techniques to alleviate stress.

The same description could just as easily be applied to Los Cabos itself. So do yourself a favor and plan a visit soon!

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas

Upcoming Events Calendar

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Aug. 4 – 8

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 22

September

Mexican Independence Day – Sep. 16

 October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 15 – 18

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 20 – 24

 November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 4 – 7

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 11 – 15

Gastrovino Baja Food and Wine Festival – Nov. 13 – 15

53rd Annual SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 16 – 21

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

 December

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

 

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2020 Los Cabos Fishing Tournament Season Opens with a Million Dollar Bang

August 11, 2020 by Leave a Comment

There were a lot of questions surrounding the start of the 2020 fishing tournament season in Los Cabos.

But thanks to the COVID-19 protocols instituted by Bisbee’s, the granddaddy of fishing tournament organizers in Los Cabos, not only did the 2020 East Cape Offshore go off safely last weekend, it smashed several records in the process. Most notably, the $1,100,000 overall payout made the ECO the last of three Bisbee’s series tournaments to crack the million-dollar mark, and one of only nine tournaments worldwide to do so.

Held August 4th through 8th in Buenavista, off the coast of Los Cabos’ gorgeous East Cape, over 70 teams competed to bring in the biggest billfish, as well as the biggest tuna and dorado. The former feat was accomplished by Team Chachalocos, which boated a massive 704 lb. blue marlin, the largest ever caught during the 21-year history of the event.

Chalk up another record.

Team Chachalocos earned a cool $240,284 for their record breaking blue, but that wasn’t the biggest check presented during the four-day event. That honor belonged to Team True Grit, which took advantage of the lack of 300 lb. billfish qualifiers on day one to crush the doubled up jackpots on day two with a 306 lb. black marlin.

The timely catch netted them over a half a million dollars ($559,870 to be exact).

Team Fin and Tonic, meanwhile, finished first in the yellowfin tuna category, earning $82,695 for their 41.4 lb. qualifier; and Team Big Oh took home $60,170 for their first place dorado, a 39.9 pounder boated in just 15 minutes.

Face masks and social distancing were part of Bisbee’s 2020 ECO tournament safety measures in response to COVID-19 concerns (as was a limit of one team member per weigh-in), but nobody seemed to mind given the great fishing and spectacular record breaking payouts.

Less spectacular in terms of payouts, but equally noteworthy in terms of kicking off the 2020 season in style was the East Cape Dorado Shootout, which preceded Bisbee’s ECO on the calendar with some fishing tournament fireworks of its own.

Hosted July 24th in Los Barriles by Van Wormer Resorts, the 16th annual one-day dorado tournament was won by Team Offshore Lifestyles, thanks to their impressive 54.9 lb. dorado.

Offshore Lifestyles was one of 108 teams to enter the tournament this year, a slight drop from the 130 or so which usually enter (the ECDS is typically the largest local tournament in terms of team entries), but over double the amount expected given the global pandemic. Held under its own strict coronavirus safety protocols (no weigh-in crowds, no awards dinner, etc.), the tournament went off without a hitch…

Well, except for the trailer hitch on the brand new four-door Volkswagen Amarok truck awarded to the winners. In all, over $130,000 in cash and prizes were distributed.

Next up on the calendar is the East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot, to take place in the offshore waters of Los Barriles on August 22nd (like the East Cape Dorado Shootout, it’s hosted by Van Wormer Resorts’ Hotel Palmas de Cortez). The tournament promises over 100,000 in cash and prizes, as well as a brand new VW Golf to the winner.

Big money anglers, meanwhile, will want to start gearing up for Bisbee’s Black and Blue and Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore, both of which offer million-dollar plus purses this October in Cabo San Lucas.

It’s unlikely anyone tops a 704 lb. blue marlin, but we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see more payout records fall before the 2020 Bisbee’s fishing series wraps up.

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit: Bisbee’s Offshore Fishing Tournaments

Upcoming Events Calendar

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Aug. 4 – 8

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 22

September

Mexican Independence Day – Sep. 16

 October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 15 – 18

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 20 – 24

 November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 4 – 7

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 11 – 15

Gastrovino Baja Food and Wine Festival – Nov. 13 – 15

53rd Annual SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 16 – 21

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

December

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

 

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Cabo, Summer Style:  Things to Do in Los Cabos This August

August 4, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Although there is never really a bad time to visit Los Cabos, there are certainly optimal times in regards some of the region’s signature attractions.

The sun may shine year-round, in other words, but there are still “seasons” for some of the most popular activities and adventures. Whale watching is probably the most notably example of a purely seasonal activity, since these enormous creatures for the most part can only be seen from mid-December through mid-March. But conditions for other attractions, although objectively good on a year-round basis, undeniably reach their zenith during certain calendar months.

With that in mind, here are three more reasons you should want to visit cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo this August.

Peak Season for Snorkeling & Scuba Diving

Thanks to its year-round sunshine and warm water temperatures, snorkeling and diving conditions are always good in Los Cabos. That said, August and September are considered the best months, since those times traditionally offer the highest water temperatures and highest degree of visibility at local dive sites.

Have you always dreamed of exploring the underwater world off the half-mile Land’s End headland that marks the southernmost terminus of the Baja California peninsula? August is a great time to visit famed diving destinations like Pelican Rock and The Point, both of which are home to colorful seascapes teeming with life, from small fish to sea lions and much, much more.

The mecca for snorkelers and divers, however, is the marine sanctuary and national park that lies just offshore of the small East Cape community of Cabo Pulmo. Not only do these protected waters include one of North America’s oldest living coral reefs, but they also boast the highest concentrations of marine life found anywhere in the Sea of Cortez.

Peak Season for Marlin Fishing

The fish are always biting in Los Cabos, true, but which kind of fish exactly can vary from month to month and season to season.

The region’s most high-profile fishing targets for visiting anglers, for example, are billfish like blue and black marlin. These two species provide the namesake title for Bisbee’s annual Black & Blue Tournament, famed for its multi-million dollar payouts to winning teams (hence its nicknames: “The Super Bowl of Sport Fishing” and “The World’s Richest Fishing Tournament”).

Bisbee’s Black and Blue and Los Cabos Offshore Tournaments are held in October, but its East Cape Offshore takes place in August. As a matter of fact, it starts today. The reason being that peak fishing season for blue and black marlin extends from July through the end of October.

But you don’t have to enter a tournament to fish for an enormous marlin. All you have to do is charter a boat.

August is also one of the best times all year to bag a dorado. This fish is known by many names. On the East Coast of the U.S. it’s typically referred to as dolphinfish, on the West Coast as mahi. By any name it’s absolutely delicious, and virtually every restaurant in Los Cabos offers “you hook it, we cook it” specials when you bring in your own fresh catch of the day.

Surfing Season on the Sea of Cortez

The long-held wisdom in Los Cabos is that you surf the Sea of Cortez side during the summer months, the Pacific Ocean side during the winter months.

Certainly, the best time to visit famed Sea of Cortez side breaks like Zippers, Old Man’s and Monuments is during summer months like August. The former was for several years the site of the World Surf League sanctioned Los Cabos Open of Surf, but all three have been drawing destination wave riders for decades.

Zippers is not only a perennially popular surf spot, but the beach where it is found–Playa Costa Azul, in San Jose del Cabo–actually boasts two other notable surf breaks: La Roca (or The Rock) and The Middle. The latter is one of the best beginner-friendly breaks in the region (High Tide Los Cabos offers lessons here), while La Roca is best left to the experts. Old Man’s, AKA Playa Acapulquito, offers something in-between in terms of skill level, as well as the option of boutique accommodations at the nearby Cabo Surf Hotel.

Monuments, meanwhile, is famed locally for several reasons. It’s the only surf break in the region that features Land’s End views. It’s also the most notable “left hand” surf break in Los Cabos, and the beach from which it is accessed has recently been upgraded to Blue Flag status for services and sustainability by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Blue Sky Cabo

Upcoming Events Calendar

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Aug. 4 – 8

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 22

September

Mexican Independence Day – Sep. 16

 October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 15 – 18

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 20 – 24

 November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 4 – 7

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 11 – 15

Gastrovino Baja Food and Wine Festival – Nov. 13 – 15

53rd Annual SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 16 – 21

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

 December

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

 

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Different Strokes:  The Best New Golf Courses in Los Cabos

July 28, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Although Los Cabos’ gorgeous year-round weather and striking combination of ocean, desert and mountains lends itself to outdoor activities of all kinds, fishing and golf are the sports most popular with the three million or so tourists that visit the region on annual basis.

It was big-game fishing for marlin and tuna that helped to put Cabo San Lucas on the map, and since the early 1990s, new championship level golf courses have been opening on a regular basis…often as part of luxury real estate developments or in concert with brand-name resorts, but always with spectacular coastal settings and the imprimatur of legendary players and designers.

Major champions Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Fred Couples, Davis Love III and Tom Weiskopf have all lent their names and design acumen to local layouts. Nicklaus has designed six, in fact, and spearheaded the golfing boom that has been going strong for the last 30 years.

Norman has designed two courses in Los Cabos, including the most recent at Rancho San Lucas on the Pacific Coast north of Cabo San Lucas. But that’s hardly the only destination attraction to lure golfers in recent years.

Here’s the scoop on four of the most recent, not to most notable, courses to open in Los Cabos since 2018.

Costa Palmas Golf Club

The Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed Costa Palmas Golf Club is the first course to open on the Los Cabos municipality’s beautiful and still largely undeveloped East Cape. Built in conjunction with a private resort community centered around the new Four Seasons Los Cabos Resort at Costa Palmas, the first-ever Baja foray for the distinguished luxury brand, the course opened to great acclaim in December 2019.

The new 7,221-yard loop is scenically set between the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range and the Sea of Cortez, with the first six holes threading through links-style dunes, the middle six offering panoramic mountain vistas, and the final six showing off the gorgeous coves and harbors of La Ribera, where the resort community and golf course is located. The new yacht club is also on picturesque display.

In addition to its 18 memorable holes, the new Costa Palmas Golf Club also boasts a host of luxury amenities, including a six-hole par-3 course for families, a 30,000 square foot practice putting green that’s illuminated at night, and a “19th hole” style café called Bouchi’s.

Costa Palmas is actually Robert Trent Jones II’s second design in Los Cabos. The first was Cabo Real, which opened in 1996 and helped put Los Cabos on the golfing map after television cameras broadcast whales breaching near a seaside green during a Senior Slam event.

Rancho San Lucas Golf Course

“Rancho San Lucas is the most spectacular piece of oceanfront property I’ve seen in a long time, so to have the opportunity to build a course on this site was truly once-in-a-lifetime,” said Greg Norman about his newly designed course, which opened in February 2020. “My goal was to keep it as natural as possible while showcasing the site’s arroyos, dunes and view corridors. We wanted to build a sustainable course that is playable from all perspectives, including the forward tees. We’re committed to making a global impact by creating courses that withstand the test of time, and I truly believe this golf course is one of the best we’ve ever built.”

The layout’s defining characteristic is its British Open style pot bunkers. These sharp-edged, steep-walled sandy pits were constructed from recycled artificial turf and are nearly identical to the natural sod-walled bunkers found on British links courses. Resistant to washouts, the club’s synthetic, low-maintenance bunkers are a first in Mexico. Norman used them sparingly.

The versatile, well-groomed layout has five sets of tees and offers exceptional pace and variety. The par 5s are brawny, the par 3s are varied. The par 4s, angled to all compass points, range from long and stout to short and fun.

Featuring a dramatic 300-foot elevation change, the well-strategized course has a handful of holes on the beach, notably the par-3 third, which parallels the sea and will give players fine views of breaching whales during the winter months.

With two on-course comfort stations, each providing Mexican specialties and ice-cold refreshments, players can enjoy an all-inclusive experience during the round.  A handsome ranchero-style clubhouse overlooks the fairways and sea. The practice facility features a basin-shaped driving range, an 18-hole putting course, and dedicated chipping, pitching and sand play areas.

Rancho San Lucas is also notable for its single player scooters, one of many safety protocols instituted since the start of the global coronavirus pandemic.

Twin Dolphin Golf Club

Former Masters Champion Fred Couples collaborated with Todd Eckenrode of Origins Golf Design on the picturesque layout for Twin Dolphin Golf Club, a seaside loop overlooking Santa Maria Bay in the Los Cabos Tourist Corridor that premiered in December 2018.

The course is the centerpiece of a 1400-acre, master planned community, which is also called Twin Dolphin in a nod to the iconic early resort which once occupied some of the same real estate. The upscale community includes the 122-room luxury beachfront resort Montage Los Cabos, as well as the private residences of Maravilla Los Cabos.

Couples and Eckenrode’s design is a par-72; its 18 holes stretching a challenging 7,156 yards from the tips. Playability for handicappers of all levels is a major focus, however, with four optional sets of tees (including one for kids), and subtle mounding in spots to safely corral errant drives. Stunning views of the Sea of Cortez and interior Sierra de la Laguna mountain range on each and every hole also bring another level of enjoyment to the golfing experience.

“We wanted this to be a course that all players can enjoy,” Couples explained. “With its multiple sets of tees, it varies in length and features undulating greens, dramatic elevation changes, impeccable fairways and natural bunkering. It’s a great second shot golf course with several spectacular tee shots. The architecture makes great use of the natural topography and the ocean views make each hole incredibly memorable.”

Puerto Los Cabos Golf Course

For 10 years, the luxury Puerto Los Cabos development just outside San Jose del Cabo hosted the world’s only collaborative design between champions turned designers Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman. The plan all along was for the two nine-hole efforts to be expanded into their own 18-hole layouts. Norman has yet to design the second nine for his course–he’s been too busy with Rancho San Lucas–but Nicklaus did return to finish his original conception, with the now 18-hole course debuting in 2018.

So for now, anyway, golfers have access to 27 beautiful holes, including the most recent nine unveiled by Nicklaus.

The opening stretch, routed at sea level and swept by gentle breezes, is designed to get players off to a good start. The first hole, a links-style par 5 flanked by an arroyo and framed in the distance by dunes, plays directly to the Sea of Cortes. The par-4 second hole, 332 yards at full stretch, invites big hitters to carry a large central bunker to reach the slightly elevated green, with trouble in store for misplayed shots.

The new nine’s picturesque closing stretch—holes 6 through 9—ascends to higher ground and has been the talk of the club since they opened. Each presents a fair but formidable challenge. The par-4 sixth, while not long on the card, demands an exacting approach to a well-protected tabletop green. From an elevated tee, the dramatic par-4 seventh plays to a ramped-up fairway, the uphill target a wishbone-shaped green indented by a deep bunker. At 191 yards from the tips, the sturdy par-3 eighth hole, its green benched into a hillside and ringed by bunkers, plays much longer than the listed yardage due to the prevailing wind. The new par-5 ninth, which occupies the corridor of the former 10th hole but plays in the opposite direction, offers a wide fairway that tumbles downhill to a green defended on the right by a pond. Nicklaus also built a new 10th hole, this one a testing 541-yard par 5 that skirts a winding arroyo on the right and rises to a well-protected green.

The new clubhouse at Puerto Los Cabos, also opened in 2018, is a distinctive blend of traditional Spanish Mission revival architecture and contemporary styling.  It offers an excellent snack bar open for breakfast and lunch as well as shaded outdoor seating. Ingredients for dishes are sourced from Miraflores, a local organic farm.  Complimentary refreshments, including fresh fish tacos, are served to players at the Bear’s Den, an on-course palapa.

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Costa Palmas Golf Club

Upcoming Events Calendar

July

East Cape Dorado Shootout Fishing Tournament – Jul. 18

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Aug. 4 – 8

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 22

September

Mexican Independence Day – Sep. 16

October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 15 – 18

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 20 – 24

November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 4 – 7

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 11 – 15

Gastrovino Baja Food and Wine Festival – Nov. 13 – 15

53rd Annual SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 16 – 21

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

December

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

 

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The 2020 Blue Flag Summer Beach Guide to Los Cabos

July 14, 2020 by Leave a Comment

If there’s one thing Los Cabos has no shortage of, it’s beautiful beaches. If you visited a new one every day for a year, you’d still have plenty of sandy new vistas left to discover for sunning, swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and other summertime pleasures.

But since most visitors stay for only a week or two, we’ll make it easy with a guide to the best of the best of local beaches for your summer vacation, using blue flag certification status as a measure of quality.

What is a Blue Flag Beach?

It’s a beach recognized by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) for meeting and maintaining high standards of cleanliness, water quality, safety, services (like restrooms and showers), and sustainability. The non-profit organization started in Europe in the 1980s and its certification program has now spread to more than 60 member countries around the globe.

We mentioned Los Cabos has a lot of beaches? It also has a lot of blue flag beaches, from Cabo San Lucas to San Jose del Cabo and beyond. In fact, Los Cabos has more blue flag beaches than any other destination in Mexico, and it’s not even really close.

For some context, Mexico as a country boasts 63 blue flag beaches, 10 of which were only recently announced in June 2020. It’s an impressive number, 63, and one that puts Mexico in 13th place worldwide (first in the Americas).

These 63 beaches span the country, from Cancun and the Riviera Maya to Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta. But no beachfront resort destination has been honored so much as Los Cabos.

Baja California Sur has more blue flag beaches than any other single state with 23, an astounding 22 of which are in Los Cabos. That means Los Cabos alone accounts for 35% of the blue flag beaches in Mexico.

Blue Flag Beaches in Los Cabos

Los Cabos’ blue flag supremacy is a rather new phenomenon. As recently as 2016, the municipality had only three beaches that had earned FEE’s blue flag stamp of approval: Playas Chileno, Santa Maria and Palmilla. The stunning growth of the program since then is a credit to the community at large, which has recognized how important beaches are to the tourism industry and has made a commitment to keep the local sands both beautiful and sustainable.

Now, in 2020, blue flag beaches can be found in virtually every corner of Los Cabos, from popular city based locales to lesser known gems like La Ribera, an East Cape playa where a new Four Seasons resort has recently opened.

In fact, two of the three new blue flag beaches announced for Los Cabos are, like La Ribera, on the East Cape of Los Cabos. There is La Gaviota, the picturesque new blue flag beach in Buenavista, a locale perhaps best known for hosting Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore fishing tournament; and El Surgidero, a golden oasis found not far from Playa La Ribera.

The other blue flag beach, Playa Monumentos (or Monuments Beach), has already been famous for decades thanks to its world-class surfing conditions and magnificent views of the half-mile Land’s End headland that extends to the southernmost point of the Baja California peninsula in Cabo San Lucas.

Monumentos’ tricky left-hand surf break is not for beginners, but you don’t have to surf to enjoy this gorgeous bit of Sea of Cortez facing coastline. Like many of Los Cabos’ blue flag beaches, it’s also a dream spot for photographers (yes, selfies count!).

So if you’re going to be in paradise for a few weeks this summer, why not visit them all? We’ll include a checklist below, so you can track your progress.

Acapulquito

El Chileno

El Corsario

El Surgidero

La Gaviota

La Ribera

Las Viudas

Medano Breathless

Medano Casa Dorada

Medano Club Cascadas de Baja

Medano Hacienda

Medano ME Cabo

Medano Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos

Medano Pueblo Bonito Rose

Medano Riu Palace Los Cabos

Medano Riu Santa Fe

Medano Villa Del Palmar

Medano Villa El Arco

Medano Villa La Estancia

Monumentos

Palmilla

Santa Maria

Just don’t forget to bring sunscreen!

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas

Upcoming Events Calendar

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Aug. 4 – 8

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 22

September

Mexican Independence Day – Sep. 16

October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 15 – 18

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 20 – 24

 November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 4 – 7

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 11 – 15

Gastrovino Baja Food and Wine Festival – Nov. 13 – 15

53rd Annual SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 16 – 21

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

 December

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

 

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Safety, Privacy, Luxury: Why Villas and Vacation Rentals are the Best Option for Los Cabos Getaways in 2020

July 7, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Villas and vacation rentals in Los Cabos have always been a popular choice with discerning travelers thanks to their spectacular views and one-of-a-kind amenities.

But villas and vacation rentals in Los Cabos also offer two other key features that are very much in the forefront of everyone’s thoughts in 2020: safety and privacy.

 

Safety

The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we look at the world, and has certainly changed the way we view travel. To that end, Los Cabos has instituted sweeping new safety and sanitation protocols to ensure visitors can continue to enjoy worry-free getaways and vacations to the Land’s End destination.

From the moment visitors arrive at the international airport, thermal imaging, temperature checks, mandatory masks for employees, frequent sanitizing of all areas, and other new protocols reassure that every possible step is being taken to protect their safety.

Similarly stringent and thorough procedures are also in place for airport shuttles and other transportation services, and in every area resort. This strategy to make the destination safer on every level–in every category of business, and in every public space–is why Los Cabos recently became the first Pacific oriented destination to receive the Travel Safety Stamp granted by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

What is the Travel Safety Stamp? It’s a distinction designed to provide visitors with confidence that the highest available measures in hygiene and sanitation are being taken by businesses across the board, and that the health of travelers is the foremost focus of the destination as a whole.

Privacy

Los Cabos is home to many fine beachfront resorts, boutique hotels and other luxury properties. And as we mentioned above, these properties are going to great lengths to ensure the safety of their guests.

But there is another accommodation option that is not only safer, but also more private, and is every bit a luxurious as the best five-star hotel or resort.  That would be luxury villas, gorgeous examples of which hug the hills and cliffs above Cabo San Lucas, and trace the coastline that extends for over 100 miles in Los Cabos.

Privacy has always been a selling point for luxury villas, as well as other upscale rental homes in the area. But that’s particularly true in 2020, because no matter how safe and clean resorts make themselves, there is still the worry factor associated with being around other guests. People that you don’t know. You don’t know where they’ve been (for instance, high density urban areas with increased exposure, or states with recent upticks in reported cases) and you don’t whether they take safety protocols as seriously as you do.

So why take that chance? Luxury villas and upscale rental homes totally remove this worry. You, your friends and family are the only ones in residence; and the entire property is comprehensively sanitized between visits.

One tends to think of these scenically situated properties as perfect for romantic getaways, and of course they are. But they have so much space and so many amenities that you can easily turn these villas and beachfront homes into vacation hideaways for either small or large groups of friends and family.  The largest Los Cabos villas, for example, can accommodate up to 40 guests or more.

Luxury

Safety and privacy are the most important concerns, of course, when it comes to those closest to you. But luxury has its place, as well.

Trust us: Los Cabos villas are swimming in it. Virtually all the things you would expect from a first-class resort are available in these spectacular properties, from lavishly comfortable accommodations to sprawling infinity edge swimming pools, palm-shaded hammocks, beach access, bottomless margaritas, and on-call concierge service.

And the few that aren’t can easily be arranged. Ready for a poolside massage or a dinner party? Mobile spas and private chefs–all masked and vetted, of course–are only a phone call away, and perfectly willing to tailor their offerings to your personal preferences.

Plus, of course, there are the luxurious residential amenities found in any coastal manse, from state-of-the-art kitchens and palapa-topped bbq stations to home theaters and fully equipped business and fitness centers.

It’s the perfect Los Cabos accommodation option for 2020, and if you’ve never experienced this perfect combination of safety, privacy and luxury before, it may totally change the way you think about vacation travel in the future.

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Villa La Roca

Upcoming Events Calendar

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Aug. 4 – 8

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 22

September

Mexican Independence Day – Sep. 16

 October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 15 – 18

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 20 – 24

 November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 4 – 7

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 11 – 15

Gastrovino Baja Food and Wine Festival – Nov. 13 – 15

53rd Annual SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 16 – 21

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

 December

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

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World-Class Golf Courses Reopen in Los Cabos

June 30, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Los Cabos is once again welcoming visitors to enjoy its abundant attractions, a list that includes not only the region’s gorgeous beaches and luxurious resorts and villas, but also an unmatched collection of world-class golf courses.

As of 2020, there are 18 golf courses open in Los Cabos, 17 of which are championship-level layouts from the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Tiger Woods, Fred Couples, Davis Love III and Tom Weiskopf.

Although closed to the public for nearly three months due to quarantine conditions associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, many of these courses are now being reopened to the public with new safety protocols in place.

Perhaps the most exciting of the recent course reopenings is the Greg Norman designed layout at Rancho San Lucas. The course debuted in February on the Pacific coast of Cabo San Lucas, but was only open a short time before it was obliged to close again. So this incredible new course has still been played by remarkably few people. That should change soon thanks to Norman’s breathtaking design, which has already been lauded for its excellence by the editors of Golf Digest, who proclaimed it one of their Editor’s Choice award winners for 2020.

 About the Greg Norman Signature Course at Rancho San Lucas

Inspired by the native terrain and featuring splendid panoramic views, the Greg Norman Signature course at Rancho San Lucas is a versatile 7,210-yard, par-72 course laid out within earshot of crashing Pacific Ocean waves. Spanning three different ecosystems, the links-style course weaves through a thick cactus forest creased by winding arroyos before descending to enormous windswept dunes.

Featuring a dramatic 300-foot elevation change, the well-strategized course has five holes on the beach, notably the par-3 third, which parallels the sea and will give players fine views of breaching whales during the winter months. There’s also a signature island green at the testing par-3 17th hole.

Grassed from tee-to-green in Paspalum, a drought-tolerant, disease-resistant varietal, the course features a unique revetted bunkering design unlike anything else in the region. Specifically tailored to Cabo’s terrain and locale, Norman and his design team integrated indigenous landscapes and grass varietals that use the least amount of water and in doing so, succeeded in creating a sustainable golf experience that flows naturally with the dune and desert landscape. The club has applied for enrollment in Audubon International’s Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses.

With two on-course comfort stations, each providing Mexican specialties and ice-cold refreshments, players can enjoy an all-inclusive experience during the round. A handsome ranchero-style clubhouse overlooks the fairways and sea. The practice facility features a spacious driving range, an 18-hole putting course, and dedicated chipping, pitching and sand play areas.

 On-site & Destination Safety Measures

Golf has been recognized as a safe social distancing sport and this is further supported by Rancho San Lucas’ newly acquired fleet of Skooza golf scooters, a self-balancing, 100% electric, zero emission fat-tire scooter designed for single-rider mobility. Additional on-site health and safety protocols include:

  • Face masks and gloves will be worn by all employees while on property along with regular temperature checks administered
  • Full-time housekeepers will be assigned to regularly clean all public areas; hand sanitizer dispensers in all interaction areas
  • Tee times set 15 minutes apart
  • Sanitation of golf carts and equipment before and after each round, including clubs, bags, shoes, etc.
  • Complimentary tees, ball markers, pencils and scorecards will be placed in sealed plastic bag in each golf cart
  • Addition of inserts in the golf hole cups to allow easy and safe removal of the ball
  • Food and drinks at the comfort stations will be pre-ordered and delivered on trays

Reopening of Quivira Golf Club

Not far from Rancho San Lucas on the Pacific coast of Cabo San Lucas lies the Jack Nicklaus designed Quivira Golf Club, an 18-hole masterpiece marked by sheer granite cliffs, massive windswept dunes and rolling desert foothills, with exquisite ocean views and breathtaking drops from tee to fairway.

Like Rancho San Lucas, Quivira recently received a 2020 Golf Digest Editors’ Choice Award in the ‘Best Mexico & Central America’ category. This is the fifth consecutive year the club has been singled out for recognition by the sport’s most widely read and respected publication.

And like Rancho San Lucas, Quivira is once again open.

According to Antonio Reynante, director of golf at Quivira Golf Club, the golf course benefitted from the shutdown. “We didn’t slow down during the mandated closure. The maintenance crew aerified and verti-cut all the tees and fairways, and then top-dressed the entire golf course. They did a phenomenal job, and we are very pleased with the results. The course looks sensational, and playability has been enhanced.” Comfort stations, he added, are open, with all golf and service staff required to wear face masks while on property. The staff will also practice physical distancing with all golfers as well as other employees.

Golfers, for their part, will follow specific guidelines to ensure safety. Tee times are scheduled 15 minutes apart to encourage social spacing.

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Rancho San Lucas

Upcoming Events Calendar

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Aug. 4 – 8

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 22

September

Mexican Independence Day – Sep. 16

 October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 15 – 18

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 20 – 24

 November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 4 – 7

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 11 – 15

Gastrovino Baja Food and Wine Festival – Nov. 13 – 15

53rd Annual SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 16 – 21

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

 December

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Bisbee’s Trio of Big Money Fishing Tournaments Stays on Schedule for 202o

June 23, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Bisbee’s isn’t deterred by adversity.

A little more than a month after category-4 Hurricane Odile made a devastating landfall in Los Cabos in 2014, some signature local event organizers were cancelling or searching for alternative locations. Not Bisbee’s. They were already back in Cabo San Lucas, staging their signature Black & Blue and Los Cabos Offshore fishing tournaments, and helping the region to recover while also handing out six and seven figure checks to winning anglers.

So if you think the global Covid-19 pandemic is going to keep Bisbee’s from staging its annual trio of big-game fishing tournaments in Los Cabos in 2020, better think again. As a matter of fact, all three events are still on schedule, including the first–the East Cape Offshore–which is set to take place in early August in the offshore waters of the small East Cape community of Buenavista.

But although not deterred by adversity, Bisbee’s is very much aware of what’s going on with the present health situation, and very committed to doing whatever is necessary to make the 2020 events as safe as they are lucrative.

According to Bisbee’s last official news release, this includes “meeting with the Valdez family at the Buena Vista Beach Resort, as well as the local dignitaries about the specifics of what we need to do to comply with the new regulations while trying to keep the event as normal and fun as possible. We’ll be updating you (the potential participants) on their protocols as they develop. I also want to assure all of you that we’ll be happy to honor any special wishes you may have during each of our tournament functions so you feel as safe and comfortable as possible while with us. Just let us know what you need and thy will be done.”

There’s little doubt die-hard Bisbee’s participants will make their wishes clear. As recently as two weeks ago, Bisbee’s was considering cancelling the East Cape Offshore, until a rousing response from fishermen (and women) eager to compete caused them to reconsider. Thus, once again, Bisbee’s will be handing out over-sized checks (literally and figuratively) while helping Los Cabos to recover economically from a recent setback.

Here’s the locked-in schedule for the three tournaments in 2020, including information on registration and recent results.

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore – August 4 – 8, 2020

 The East Cape Offshore is always first, and kicks off Bisbee’s 2020 series starting August 4th. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three qualifiers in marlin, tuna and dorado categories, with the awards celebration taking place afterwards at the Hotel Buena Vista. Base entry for the event is $1500 per team, with additional fees for daily jackpots ($22,500 “across the board”). Prize money is based on entry fees received, with 60% going to the billfish winners, and 20% each to top tuna and dorado anglers. Team El Suertudo took home the largest payout in tournament history in 2019, earning a healthy $619,800 for a 381 lb. blue marlin.

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore – October 15 – 18, 2020

Commonly known as “Little Bisbee’s,” to differentiate it from the “Big Bisbee’s” Black & Blue marlin fishing tournament that also takes place each October in Los Cabos, the Los Cabos Offshore dates back to 2002, and is considered a more laid-back, charity focused endeavor than the Black & Blue. Cash prizes are awarded to the teams with the three biggest qualifying fish in the game and billfish categories at the LCO, and large amounts of fish/meals are always donated to local families in need. Base entry for teams is $1,500 U.S., with $22,500 necessary for “across the board” entry in all jackpots and challenges. Team Predator took home the most money in 2019, pocketing a cool $445,825 for a few days of “work”.

Bisbee’s Black & Blue – October 20 – 24, 2020

Oft billed as “The World’s Richest Fishing Tournament,” thanks to its million dollar payouts, this marlin fishing tournament originally premiered in 1981, and remains to this day the highest profile annual event in Los Cabos. The $4.165 million payout in 2006 was and still is the largest in sportfishing history. Base entry for this millionaire maker is $5,000 U.S. per team, and requires a $71,500 U.S. outlay across all categories, jackpots and challenges. Prizes are awarded for the top five catches of black and blue marlin, assuming they meet the minimum standards (300 lbs.). Three separate checks of over 1.3 million dollars were handed out in 2019.

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Bisbee’s Offshore Fishing Tournaments

Upcoming Events Calendar

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Aug. 4 – 8

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 22

September

Mexican Independence Day – Sep. 16

 October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 15 – 18

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 20 – 24

 November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 4 – 7

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 11 – 15

Gastrovino Baja Food and Wine Festival – Nov. 13 – 15

53rd Annual SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 16 – 21

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

 December

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Los Cabos Officially Reopens, Receives Travel Safety Stamp from the World Travel & Tourism Council

June 16, 2020 by Leave a Comment

The last few months have been difficult ones for us all, as people around the world have “sheltered in place” to prevent, or at least lessen the spread, of the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Fortunately, these measures seem to have worked, and although the virus is with us still, most destinations have now been able to reopen, and regain a welcome sense of normality. Well, “new normality” anyway.

That’s certainly the case with Los Cabos, which officially reopened on Monday, once again welcoming residents and tourists alike to enjoy their favorite beaches, boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and the like.

As in many other destinations, this reopening comes with some public safety restrictions. State authorities are now releasing color coded “alert” levels each Monday which symbolize the current state of public health, and define the maximum number of people allowed in individual shops, bars, restaurants, and other public spaces.

But the important thing to note is that Los Cabos is open once again, offering a gorgeous beachfront getaway for those who are all too ready for one.

With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about the current state of travel and tourism in cape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, including all the safety protocols that have been put in place to protect visitors.

Schedule of Hotel, Resort & Rental Reopenings in Los Cabos

Yes, Mexico’s premier tourist destinations are all welcoming back visitors, a list headlined by Cancun and Los Cabos. In May, the Director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board, Rodrigo Esponda, announced a 5-point plan for the reopening of the beachfront paradise for national and international tourism, with the ultimate goal to return to previous levels…or the estimated 3.2 million people who typically visit the region on an annual basis.

Although a complete return of occupancy is not expected until 2021, resorts will begin reopening almost immediately, with the vast majority expected to open by the end of 2020.

Why is Los Cabos staggering the opening of its hotels and resorts instead of opening them all at once?

“The objective,” according to Esponda, “is for the inventory of hotels and activities to be gradually added back so that as more tourists arrive we would be reopening (to meet the demand).”

To that end, dates are starting to be released for the openings of some Los Cabos resorts. Ultra-luxury leader Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, for example, welcomes back guests on June 22nd. Las Ventanas al Paraíso, Secrets Puerto Los Cabos, Breathless Cabo San Lucas, Dreams Los Cabos, and The Cape: A Thompson Hotel will follow suit on July 1st.

The International Terminal at Los Cabos International Airport will officially reopen July 1st to facilitate the resort reopenings, with flights gradually increasing as more resorts come back online.

The region’s unmatched collection of rental homes and luxury villas, meanwhile, are an excellent option for those seeking the ultimate in privacy, safety and security, and most properties are now accepting reservations (see www.loscabosvillas.com).

What Visitors Can Expect from the New Look Los Cabos

Yes, Los Cabos has changed to meet the challenges created by the global pandemic.

Return visitors to the destination will notice changes from the moment they step off their planes. The Los Cabos International Airport has instituted a Clean Point certification system that includes thermal imaging and temperature checks on all incoming passengers, as well as exposure risk-factor questionnaires, plexiglass shields at counters, mandatory face masks for employees, frequent sanitizing in all areas, and safe distancing protocols throughout the airport.

The journey from airport to resort has likewise been made safer as airport shuttles and transportation companies have made sweeping changes to their standard operating procedures. Hotels and resorts have also committed to maximum safety for guests, adapting many of the same sanitary protocols found in the airport, from temperature check to luggage sanitization to safe distancing at swimming pools and beaches.

Area businesses like shops, bars and restaurants are also putting a premium on health and safety, with the number of allowable patrons at each establishment determined by weekly alert levels. Adherence to newly created protocols and mandatory training for all staff is also being enforced.

This unprecedented but necessary strategy to make the destination safer on every level–in every category of business, and in every public space–illustrates why Los Cabos recently became the first Pacific oriented destination to receive the Travel Safety Stamp granted by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). This distinction is designed to provide visitors with confidence that the highest available measures in hygiene and sanitation are being taken by businesses across the board, and that the health of travelers is the foremost focus of the destination as a whole.

As to the glorious beaches, the superb fishing, the wonderful food and drink, the warm-hearted people, and all the other attractions that have made Los Cabos so popular for so many years…those will remain the same.

Isn’t it nice to know some things never change?

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Los Cabos Tourism Board

Upcoming Events Calendar

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Aug. 4 – 8

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 22

September

Mexican Independence Day – Sep. 16

 October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 15 – 18

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 20 – 24

 November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 4 – 7

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 11 – 15

Gastrovino Baja Food and Wine Festival – Nov. 13 – 15

53rd Annual SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 16 – 21

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

 December

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

Filed Under: Cabo San Lucas Blog Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Endless Summer – The Surfing Glories of Los Cabos

March 24, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Surfers have been flocking to Los Cabos for more than 50 years. As a matter of fact, surfers were among the first to really discover Los Cabos as a tourist destination, entranced as they were by the region’s rippable year-round waves and laid-back lifestyle. Not much has changed since in terms of the surfing itself, but the amenities have certainly gotten a lot better since the early 1970s.

In the old days, surfers piled into vans and drove down the Baja to reach Land’s End. Now it’s quite easy to fly, and for those surfers who are a little older or a little more discerning, some accommodations options are much, much better than any VW could ever offer. Think boutique surf hotels and rental luxury villas that overlooks some of the finest surf breaks.

Indeed, surf vacations to contemporary Los Cabos can be as simple or as luxurious as you like. We’ll share our email address at the end if you have any questions about the accommodations or amenities aspect, but let’s start with a basic guide to surfing in Los Cabos. Meaning: what are the best breaks and when is the best time to surf them?

San Jose del Cabo and The Tourist Corridor 

The conventional wisdom is to surf the Sea of Cortez side breaks during the spring and summer, then shift to the Pacific Ocean side for the fall and winter. That’s good advice, of course, but the more important takeaway is that there is no bad time to take a surf vacation to Los Cabos. There are always good waves somewhere.

Neighboring beaches Acapulquito and Costa Azul are two of the centerpieces of the Sea of Cortez surf scene, and both are easily accessible from the Tourist Corridor highway as you approach San Jose del Cabo. Playa Costa Azul (Km. 29) has something for everyone, with a beginner-friendly Middle Break framed by advanced to expert level right-hand reef breaks at Zippers and The Rock (or La Roca). The Middle Break is often used for surf lessons, while the more easterly Zippers is probably the most famous surf break in Los Cabos. For years, in fact, it was the site of the ASP sanctioned Los Cabos Open of Surf, the only professional surf event in the area.

That tournament has since transitioned into a lifestyle event on Playa Monumentos.

Next to Zippers, Monumentos (in English, Monuments) is the area’s most famous surf break, and the closest to Cabo San Lucas. Anyone can enjoy the spectacular views of Land’s End from its offshore waters (Km. 5), but surfing its celebrated lefty point break is best left to the experts. That’s why the reinvented version of the Los Cabos Open of Surf takes place here, hosted by boutique lodging The Cape: A Thompson Hotel. The next “Soft Top Soiree” is scheduled for June 26 – 27. No details have been released as yet, but the event is expected to follow last year’s model, in which world-class surfing was paired with live music, fashion and gourmet cuisine.

Pacific Coast

Despite the conventional wisdom that holds Pacific side beaches see peak surf conditions during the winter, Playa Los Cerritos is always popular, not only for its beautiful scenery and consistently good beach breaks, but the cold beer and fresh seafood available nearby. Several local activities companies offer surf lessons at Playa Los Cerritos, with excursions that leave from Cabo San Lucas. But if you go on your own, board rentals and lessons can easily be arranged on the beach. Advanced surfers may prefer San Pedrito at Pescadero, or La Pastora, which is just north of Todos Santos. All three beaches are within an hour or so of Cabo San Lucas by car.

East Cape

Baja Sur’s rustic and beautiful East Cape also features some memorable surf beaches, and there are several local surf shops and activities providers who organize day trips over dirt roads to secluded hot spots like Shipwrecks and Nine Palms. The shipwreck at Shipwrecks has been gone for decades, and Nine Palms has considerably more than nine palms, but who cares really? Both of these spots offer rippable right-hand point breaks, particularly in the summer when occasional chubascos (tropical storms) generate strong southerly swells.

But whichever surf beach you ultimately choose, just know you’re in for a great ride.

For more information about events, activities and villa rentals in Los Cabos, call us TOLL FREE at 1-888-655-4548, visit www.LosCabosVillas.com, or email us at Info@LosCabosVillas.com.

Photo credit:  Los Cabos Open of Surf

Upcoming Events Calendar

March

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26

Baja Shakespeare Festival – Mar. 6 – 8, 11 – 14

Sabores de Baja in Miraflores – Mar. 8

East Cape Arts Festival – Mar. 15

Festival Artesanal El Triunfo – Mar. 15

Todos Santos Film Festival – Mar. 26 – 29

April

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Semana Santa – Apr. 5 – 11

NORRA Mexican 1000 – Apr. 17 – 24

Warren Hill’s Los Cabos Jazz Festival – April 30 – May 3

May

Warren Hill’s Los Cabos Jazz Festival – April 30 – May 3

485th Foundation Festival in La Paz – May 3 – 5

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – May 7, 14, 21, 28

El Dia de la Madre – May 10

White Party at ME Cabo/Blue Marlin Ibiza – Date Not Yet Announced

June

Art Walk in San Jose del Cabo – June 4, 11, 18, 25

7th Cabo Summer Slam/Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing Tournament – June 11 – 13

Fiesta de la Musica in San Jose del Cabo – June 20

24th Stars and Stripes Golf and Fishing Tournament – June 24 – 28

Los Cabos Open of Surf – June 26 – 27

July

Pitahayas Harvest Fair in Miraflores – Dates Not Yet Announced

East Cape Dorado Shootout – July 18

Los Cabos Open of Tennis – July 20 – 25

Ladies Only Fishing Tournament in Los Barriles – July 23 – 27

Mango Festival in Todos Santos – Dates Not Yet Announced

August

Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore Fishing Tournament – Aug. 4 – 8

East Cape Gold Cup Wahoo Jackpot Fishing Tournament – Aug. 22

September

Mexican Independence Day – Sep. 16

 October

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – Oct. 11 – 15

Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Fishing Tournament – Oct. 15 – 18

Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament – Oct. 20 – 24

November

Day of the Dead – Nov. 2

WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – Nov. 4 – 7

Los Cabos Film Festival – Nov. 11 – 15

Gastrovino Baja Food and Wine Festival – Nov. 13 – 15

53rd Annual SCORE Baja 1000 – Nov. 16 – 21

Revolution Day – Nov. 20

December

Feast Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12

Las Posadas – Dec. 16 – 24

Nochebuena – Dec. 24

Navidad – Dec. 25

Nochevieja – Dec. 31

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