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[bigletter]Cabo is an easy under three hour from Los Angeles and that’s essentially why I chose it for a mini getaway with my hubby to celebrate my 34th birthday this year. It’s known for it’s beautiful beachy weather, excellent accommodations and tourist-focused culture. It’s also one of the few ocean resort-worthy destinations on the southwest region of North America and in my honest opinion, unworthy of visiting if you’re not coming from somewhere under three hours away, but that’s just me! Mexico is a beautiful country, but Cabo is not exactly a Mexican city known for immersing tourists into its rich culture. Rather it appears to be just opposite, which makes it a great place for relaxation and fun with whomever your traveling with. And we did just that![/bigletter]
Getting to & around Cabo
The airport is about 25-45 minutes away from town depending on where you are staying so I highly recommend setting up a private car service or shuttle directly through your hotel/villa in advance.
Uber is extremely convenient and reliable here, however, I felt safer using it once I was settled into our hotel for shorter trips. I couldn’t believe how fast the Ubers came to our hotel (3 minutes or less) or to meet us wherever we were in town. We actually didn’t take a single taxi this whole trip and they are certainly a cheaper and a better quality option if you want selection in the type of car you’re requesting.
All of the hotels verify Ubers at the security gate so just let the hotel staff know the name and license plate number of the car and they will allow them in the property to pick you up. You can also talk directly to the security at the gate when entering a resort and they will allow you to be dropped off in Uber or on the rare occasion, request you walk up yourself.
If you’re not exactly comfortable using Uber I recommend having hotels and restaurants call you a cab, so that it’s with a reputable company.
Where to Stay in Cabo
Cabo is essentially made up of two main tourist cities, San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, however, there is a third city called Costa Palmas that our Uber driver said will essentially be the “next big thing”for Cabo. It’s already home to the Four Seasons and slated to open a prestigious Aman property next, in addition to another marina port for boating.
Personally I prefer San José del Cabo given how charming the town is and less crowded with young party goers. It also seems to have most of the hotels and restaurants I was most interested in visiting within the area and I believe is the fastest route from the airport too.
My hubby loves an all-inclusive resort with no intent to leave and all I want is a charming accommodation I can leave to explore the town! So we settled on an all-inclusive my friend recommended that was nearby the swoon-worthy resorts I love and charming town of San José del Cabo, with the understanding that we’d leave the hotel for every meal except one.
Marriage is all about compromise and we managed!
We stayed at Marquis Los Cabos, which was perfectly fine and I would recommend if you’re looking for an all-inclusive hotel in San José del Cabo and in close proximity to the very chic One&Only Palmilla and Las Ventanas, Al Pariso resorts. But here’s a roundup of all my top picks for the area!
LUXURY
Las Ventanas, al Paraiso | a Rosewood Hotel with absolutely stunning accommodations, the best restaurant, Arbol, and incredible live music at their La Biotica Speakeasy on site. Children are allowed but it’s definitely more of a couples resort.
One&Only Palmilla | essentially everything you want from a five start resort in Mexico. The grounds are lush, service is excellent and the Spanish architecture is right out of a Nancy Meyers movie with beautifully painted archways I just couldn’t help snapping a few photos of after multiple margs. It’s definitely the best luxury accommodation for family’s as they have a dedicated kids pool in addition to a super quaint vibe for adults too.
ALL-INCLUSIVE
Le Blanc Adults Only | perhaps the nicest of all the all-inclusives and I would have considered it but the location wasn’t as good in my opinion as Marquis even though the difference is marginal.
Marquis Los Cabos | where we stayed per a friend’s recommendation and I was very satisfied given we left the hotel quite a bit to explore. It’s a pretty central location for San José del Cabo and about 20 minutes away from Cabo San Lucas. The service was excellent and the grounds nice but fairly small in comparison to some of the other resorts. The food was fine but not spectacular, however, since we planned to eat so many meals out it was fine for one sushi dinner and poolside cocktails. And the massage I had at the spa was great, shout-out to my masseuse Gabi!
BEST FOUR STAR RESORT
Hilton Los Cabos | I have heard multiple good things about this resort and would most likely consider it if we came with Parker or more family. It’s huge and beautiful, updated but still very charming Spanish-style architecture and it’s in a great central location to both San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, as well as all the other nice hotels. It also is one of the few hotels with a swimmable beach, as the Sea of Cortez is very choppy and therefore most of the beaches in Cabo are not safe for swimming!
MODERN DESIGN
Nobu Los Cabos | before I was willing to consider an all-inclusive hotel we were going back and forth between both Nobu and Viceroy. The winner ended up being Viceroy for a minute given its in a much better location but both are stunning design wise. Nobu obviously has exquisite the food and drinks but multiple people told me it’s really windy and just too far away if you’re trying to leave the hotel.
Viceroy Los Cabos | Viceroy is right in San José del Cabo and has an impressive design my hubby found swoon worthy and it certainly would have been our pick had I not budged on the all-inclusive. Definitely would be on my list for next time if I can’t snag a deal at Las Ventanas!
CHEAP & CHIC
Mar del Cabo | a super charming boutique hotel that would be perfect for a girls getaway, couple or young family. With spacious suites, overflowing bougainvillea and the cutest shell headboard detail it’s a small hotel but has a wonderful grounds and is an easy car ride to either town for dinner and entertainment. The restaurant on site and swim up bar also seem legit at least from photos!
Chic Stays in Cabo
What to Wear
Like most resort destinations, the same rules of color, fabrics and shape apply, however, Cabo definitely seems to mimic lots of Los Angeles with its trendier silhouettes. I’ve seen people get a bit more dressed up and fancy here than most resort towns but I suppose it also depends where in Cabo you’re heading.
For me Mexico is all about embroidery, bold colors and a special detail, like these exaggerated bell sleeves I didn’t have enough fun with yet!
And as always wear that sunscreen, the sun is no joke here!
shop my pack list
Where to Eat
San José del Cabo
Arbol at Las Ventanas | romantic, beautiful design and excellent Indian and Eastern Asian seafood inspired dishes. I loved the tamari sushi sampler and would go back immediately for more. The vegan curry was wonderful and the setting is absolutely beautiful! My top pick for sure! Head to the speakeasy afterwards for an incredible jazz show (starts at 9:30pm but get there at 8:45pm to snag a seat) and spectacular cocktails. We did both on separate evenings and they were the best part of the trip!
La Lupita | best tacos in town! It’s a causal place right in the center of San José del Cabo and so delicious! We had a few fish tacos after lunch at Flora Farms but I would go back for more in heartbeat. Perfect lunch spot and delicious margaritas!
Flora Farms | a great spot for groups and families, it’s a quaint farm that is beautiful at night and has delicious pizza. Arthur and I shared the arugula pizza with no cheese and it was outstanding! The cocktails are great too and it’s a perfect spot for groups, families or a romantic date night. They offer free tours of the property, have multiple shops and classes you can sign up for in advance. It’s a must for any bachelorette brunch or family with kids.
Ruba’s Bakery | an adorable little bakery and bistro in town that is perfect for a cute lunch. All the sandwiches look great and they have pizzas too.
Acre | we didn’t come here but it’s also farm to table vibes like Flora and our Uber driver highly recommended it!
Jardin Secreto Cabo | charming little spot in town with vegan options and seems like a perfect place for lunch.
Agua at One&Only Palmilla | another upscale and romantic place for delicious Mexican food and live music. We didn’t end up eating here but we saw them setting up the band and couldn’t help but swoon over the gorgeous views with our cocktails at the bar next door. Definitely high on my list for next time!
Lumbre | a hotspot that is very trendy with great Mexican food. The space is very industrial and hip, not exactly the ambiance I was looking for but I have heard great things about the food.
Chambao | live entertainment and an upscale steakhouse vibe. We were set to come here for my birthday dinner but got too tired and instead prioritized La Biotica which was more than worth it. But I would most certainly come here next time for a fun atmosphere and beautiful food.
Cabo San Lucas
Bagatelle | I was so excited to come here on my birthday for lunch and dance on the table but unfortunately Cabo is not St. Barts! I imagine it might be that August is a slower month because I’ve heard such great things, however, even the few bachelor/bachelorette parties and DJ couldn’t get the party going on a Saturday afternoon and it was a bit of disappointment. However, the staff said dinner tends to be more reliably fun so I would recommend going then or just in another city like St. Tropez or Miami! It’s also in a super touristy part of Cabo San Lucas so it’s a bit of trek, not sure I would go again but maybe in high season. The food is exceptionally well presented and tasty, the cocktails were beautiful and the design is everything you’d expect from the Bagatelle brand.
Comal at Chileno Bay Resort | situated on the water at the pristine Chileno Bay Resort and Residences, this place is known to be beautiful with amazing Latin American cuisine and is another one high on my list for the views alone.
What to Do
Literally nothing, haha. Sip back that margarita and chill on the beach! But if you must here are the few things I can recommend,
Charter a boat | definitely worth doing for a fun day on the water. Just keep in mind the marina is in Cabo San Lucas so factor in travel time and make sure to bring drinks/snacks or have the captain/boat staff provide them.
Surfing | I am not sure exactly where this is but there are areas to surf that have more ideal conditions.
La Biotica Speakeasy | literally the best thing we did during the whole trip! We love live jazz music and my husband particularly loves Caribbean latin jazz so seeing Rosalía de Cuba was a real treat!
