WELCOME TO CABO!
It's starting to warm up in the southwest! That means it's the time we all head to the coast. A quick flight from Phoenix, and you land in laid back luxury in Mexico!
Getting there-
You will need a passport to travel to and from Mexico. Currently you will also have to provide a negative COVID test to return to the US. Before you land in Mexico, the flight attendants will pass out two forms, one for immigration services and one for customs declarations. Don't panic, these are standard forms and mostly require information about your flight, your hotel, your plans, and what you're bringing. Every person needs their own immigration form, and for customs, its just one form per family. After you land, pack your patience as things go slowly in Mexico. From the minute you land, things take time. On our last visit, we spent over 30 minutes waiting at the baggage carousel, chatting with other vacationers. But it’s all good. Grab your bag, wait patiently through customs and walk past the timeshare sales people to the airport exit. Outside are bars where you can grab a drink before heading to your hotel. You can schedule an airport pickup through your hotel, or grab a taxi.
One of the best things about Cabo is that it's a stop on the ATP tour! Part of the Mexico Summer Showcase, the tournament takes place in the steamy month of August. This year 2022 will host some of the biggest names in mens tennis. Danil Medvedev, Félix Auger-Aliassime, and Cam Norrie are already committed. Who wants to go!
HOTELS
Here are a few hotels where I've stayed, and a couple on my list of places to try.
PERFECT FOR A ROMANTIC WEEKEND.
VIBE: PRIVATE LUXURY AWAY FROM THE PARTY SCENE
This is by far my favorite hotel. The property is so beautiful, the restaurants are amazing and the staff is so kind. You could literally stay on the property an entire weekend and have a great time!
TENNIS: There are tennis courts, but the surface is not the best. We played pickle ball instead. They have rentals or you can bring your own of course.
PERFECT FOR A GIRLS TRIP
VIBE: SWANKY, ROWDY, CLOSE TO THE SCENE
This is where we stayed on our first visit to Cabo. It's a beautiful hotel close to all the action and a short walk to the marina. On our last visit, I sat next to a guy going to this hotel for a bachelor party. It's that type of place. Super fun, great beach location, and close to downtown.
PERFECT FOR TENNIS AND SPA DAYS
VIBE: QUIET, SECLUSION, AWAY FROM IT ALL
TENNIS: This property includes access to Palmilla Dunes, a fitness club that is probably the best place for tennis players. It's so new and nice, with tennis courts, pickle ball courts and even padel.
We passed this hotel on our way to downtown San Jose and it looks amazing. It's also home to one of our favorite restaurants, Javier's. I would definitely love to stay here!
Thompson Hotels are notoriously chic and modern, and The Cape is no exception. The rooftop bar is enough to make me put it on my list of places to stay!
RESTAURANTS
This restaurant at the Esperanza Resort is a must, even if you're not staying at the hotel. The restaurant jets out above the water and is the most beautiful setting for a romantic dinner or special occasion. The cocktails and food are incredible!
We discovered this cafe on our last visit. Their menu includes smoothies, french pastries, and health conscious choices like avocado toast. We ate here several times and even came for dinner one evening. Their wood fired pizza is great!
Although I'm only recommending this as a restaurant, you should know its so much more! It's an experience in organic farming and culinary adventures. The 25 acre organic working farm is tucked away down a somewhat sketchy dirt road. I'll admit, on our first attempt to visit, we went in the evening, I got super carsick, and it was closed. On our second attempt, we went for lunch and had a wonderful time. There are cute shops and a farmers market and they host a variety of events from cooking classes to live music. It's a very special place, I would recommend making a reservation and heading out to the farm!
This Baja inspired ocean front restaurant at the One and Only Palmilla is a beatuiful place for a romantic dinner, or special occasion. Fresh seafood, live music, and a stunning backdrop are everything you need for a special meal. It also gives you an opportunity to take a peek at the One & Only Palmilla accommodations if you've never stayed there. Below is a decadent key lime dessert prepared for my husbands birthday.
More great places to eat and drink
The Office on the Beach
Edith's
La Botica Speakeasy
Javier's
Roof Top at the Cape
SHOPPING
Although you can find designer goods at the Luxury Avenue Mall, I think it's a shame to be inside a mall when you could mix and mingle with the local artisans. We spent a day at San Jose del Cabo, shopping and chatting with the locals. It's a very authentic experience and you're supporting the community.
ADVENTURES
Like most Mexican vacation spots, you can find great watersport adventures. Rent Kayaks, take a surf lesson, rent jet skis, they have it all. My husband and I walked down to the marina one morning and started chatting with a local fisherman. We asked if he'd take us out on a ride and he agreed! The Mexican people are so kind, they love having tourists, and they depend on income from tourism. Learn some basic Spanish phrases and don't be afraid to spark up a conversation. This is what makes traveling so special!
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Questions? Send me a message on Instagram @tenniscityguide