Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, sure has skyrocketed in terms of status over the past few years. Snapshots of celebs sunning poolside at the area’s many posh resorts are a tabloid staple. And for Phoenicians, access to this surf-and-sand playground is as easy as a direct flight from Sky Harbor.
Though there are numerous places for visitors to pull up a chaise lounge, including the One&Only Palmilla; Esperanza, an Auberge Resort; and Las Ventanas al Paraiso; one of our favorites is Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Holistic Retreat & Spa, which stylishly strutted onto the scene three years ago. A Zen-like addition to the six other Pueblo Bonito resorts found throughout Mexico, the Pacifica boasts a natural, minimalist setting, where cactuses frame views of the Pacific Ocean, and onyx details shine in the Western sun. In fact, the setting perfectly marries what Cabo is all about: the dusty desert and the sparkling sea.
The hotel’s holistic bent means guests can find healthy menu options at the spot’s signature restaurant, Siempre. (Try the trio of ceviches, and you won’t be disappointed.) Sushi and small plates provide alternative options for on-site dining. And if you need a change of pace, the adjacent Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort & Spa offers an intimate fine-dining experience in the form of LaFrida, where Frida Kahlo-inspired paintings adorn the walls and live music is almost always on the menu. Overseen by charismatic executive chef Antonio de Livier, the restaurant showcases what true Mexican food is all about. There are no refried beans or fajitas here; just fresh, authentic ingredients used in both traditional and innovative ways. (Tip: If you’re looking for a family-friendly getaway, the Sunset Beach resort is a better option than the adults-only Pacifica.)
A trip to the Pacifica wouldn’t be complete without a visit to its spa, Armonia. The inviting nature of the space combined with its dimly lit corridors creates a feeling of instant relaxation. Even popping into the spa lobby for two minutes is enough to slow your heart rate and send your cares packing. And just as the hotel’s setting beautifully merges the desert and seaside terrain, so too does the spa’s treatment menu.
Make sure you also spend some time exploring beyond the Pacifica’s walls, including the nearby towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, which make up the Los Cabos area. The former offers a plethora of shopping and night-life options and the picturesque rock formation “El Arco,” while the latter boasts a historic feel accented by 18th-century architecture.
Active vacationers can pack their schedule with everything from golf to fishing to scuba diving. Pin-seekers will enjoy two Jack Nicklaus designs, Ocean Course at Cabo Del Sol and the 27 holes of the Palmilla Golf Club. (Tom Weiskopf is the brain behind the Desert Course at Cabo Del Sol, so leave time to tackle both.) Those who prefer a lure to a club have some of the best sport fishing waters in the world at their fingertips. Marlin, swordfish, yellowtail and wahoo lurk under the waves here at Land’s End, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. Snorkelers and scuba divers can get up-close and personal with these fish along with other sea creatures throughout Los Cabos. (Try Cabo Pulmo, which is about an hour from Cabo San Lucas and boasts the only living coral reef on the West Coast.)
Back at the Pacifica, you can spend the afternoon getting a massage in the seaside beach hut or sunning in style at one of the hotel’s two pools. But no matter how you opt to while away your day, you’ll find yourself surrounded by serenity every second of your stay.
