Cabo

Here are six of the most exclusive areas of Cabo San Lucas:

Cabo

Situated along the stunning southern coast of the Mexican Baja, Cabo Del Sol is the ultimate destination resort community. In the center of the world-famous Corridor, Cabo Del Sol offers an unmatched and luxurious Baja lifestyle experience. World class golf and accommodations, thrilling ocean and mountain experiences, swimmable beaches and much more.

Cabo San Lucas

Quiet Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas, is an upscale, hillside area with sweeping views over the marina and the ocean. Luxury vacationers frequent its seafood eateries and stay at luxury villas like Villa La Datcha Cabo with its three interconnected buildings and beachfront views. Ten bedrooms and 12 bathrooms can accommodate up to 20 guests. Nearby Lovers beach and Divorce beach are popular for swimming and sunbathing, and boaters visit the iconic Arch rock formation. A weekly farmers’ market sells fruit, pastries, and handmade items.

Medano Beach

Playa El Medano, or Medano Beach, is the center of tourist activity in Cabo San Lucas. The area is home to a succession of luxe high-rise resorts, many of the all-inclusive variety, and boasts plenty of palapa-shaded cantinas and excellent al fresco dining options. The beach itself is almost always full, particularly during Spring Break, and is the go-to location for water-based rentals such as kayaks and wave runners. There are a number of terrific restaurants located beachside, and you can dig your toes in the sand while enjoying everything from seafood and Mexican specialties to American favorites.

Palmilla

Palmilla is one of the most exclusive addresses in Mexico. It’s four miles west of San José del Cabo in the Corridor, and 20 minutes from the airport. One of its focal points is the newly-reopened One & Only Palmilla Hotel and high-end golf on the signature 27-hole Nicklaus course, his first in Mexico. The Palmilla area is also notable for some great beaches, many of them swimmable. Casa Turquesa is also located in this posh area. This charming Mediterranean-style home provides lovely, open spaces and Old World elegance. With room for 12 guests, there is plenty of space for entertaining, especially with an outdoor, heated pool, jacuzzi, and outdoor dining area.

Rancho Cerro Colorado

This is a community of endless ocean views nestled within the mountains with majestic elevations above the Sea of Cortez. There is access to two beaches, Palmilla beach, shared with Villas Del Mar, and Punta Bella and Bahia Santa Rita beach, shared with Cabo Colorado. Enjoy the moon rises over desert mountains and sunrises over the Sea of Cortez. This is an idyllic area to spend a luxury vacation and Casa Ocho is one of the chicest Cabo luxury vacation rentals there is. With room for 18 guests, Villa Ella is the height of sophistication and elegance. You will enjoy the breathtaking views of the sea while taking a dip in the infinity pool. The villa is located right on the beach, so the prospect of seeing Humpback whales during the winter is great.

San Jose

With a rich and colorful history dating back to the 1700s, the laid-back community of San Jose del Cabo, Los Cabos offers an abundance of Mexican charm and hospitality with its Spanish colonial character, much different than its livelier sister city of Cabo San Lucas located 25 miles south. The town is proud of its historic district, an area of back streets devoted to the bustling Art Walk event that takes place seasonally. The many art galleries showcase both traditional and modern works from renowned masters as well as young artists. There are also many fine dining establishments in San Jose.

Some of the planet’s finest dining experiences can be found in Cabo San Lucas. Here are five that are particularly elegant and with delectable cuisine:

Agua

This refined seaside eatery is distinguished by its superb food, impeccable service, and romantic candle and moonlit views of the Sea of Cortés. Menus change seasonally (and sometimes daily) to reflect the finest available ingredients, shown to best advantage in traditionally-inspired Mexican dishes. Many specialties are made tableside, including handmade tortillas, guacamoles, ceviches and moles. Start at the bar for sunset cocktails, framed between an infinity pool and a dramatic meeting of sea and sky.

Don Sanchez

Daily tasting menus showcase the freshest local and seasonal ingredients. The chef here sources organic produce from his own local farm, and grass and grain-fed beef that are wet-aged and seasoned with natural un-iodized sea salt from Guerrero Negro. The wine program is the best in Los Cabos, with a sommelier for advice on pairing options from a list of more than 300 wines. Wine-themed events happen monthly, and live entertainment is also a big draw, with the outdoor courtyard having a stage and spacious dance floor.

El Farallon

The wow factor here is a breathtaking cliff side setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the exclusive Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal. The restaurant pairs fresh local seafood with its romantic atmosphere. The fish is fresh daily and you will choose your entrée market style – from shaved ice – from a selection of sea bass, red snapper, striped bass, shrimp, tuna, dorado, clams and lobster. The fish is weighed and taken to the chef to be grilled with an array of fresh chiles. Soup and salad is included with all entrées. The addition of a Champagne terrace has only enhanced the romantic ambiance.

Manta

Set at retro-chic The Cape: A Thompson Hotel, Manta showcases spectacular views, particularly at sunset, of the granite rock formations at Land's End. The menu focuses on Pacific Rim cuisine and fresh local seafood. Multi-course tasting menus are the preferred dinner option, with excellent pairing advice provided by the onsite sommelier, whose generous wine list includes numerous options from Baja's wine country, Valle de Guadalupe.

Sunset Monalisa

This is one of the most picturesque and romantic restaurants diners will find anywhere, with tables perched seemingly atop the Sea of Cortéz and breathtaking views of Land's End. Pasta and fresh local seafood are the specialties. In fact, the restaurant has its own fishing boats. Both the food and the drinks are excellent, but it is the majestic, awe-inspiring atmosphere that makes any visit to Sunset Monalisa a memorable experience.

Cabo San Lucas has a vibrant arts scene and those looking to soak up some culture and learn about the history of the area might wish to check out these four venues:

Gabinete del Barco Exhibition

Explore the history of the Baja through this themed exhibit. Learn how the first inhabitants of La Baja lived, check the maps of the once-thought-out island of California, and discover how Spaniards and explorers settled in Baja. Learn about the marine life of the region, the migration of the gray whale and the conservation efforts of regional communities. This is the ideal place to learn about this majestic peninsula.

Muvezi Galeria de Esculturas

In addition to traditional African styles such as protected families, animals, and busts, African Shona artists featured at this gallery have also produced outstanding abstract and modern sculptures which range in sizes from table-top pieces all the way up to large master series. In addition, sculptures are made using a wide variety of stones, including leopard stone, fruit serpentine, verdite, opal, and others.

Natural History Museum of Cabo San Lucas

This museum features exhibits detailing the geology, paleontology, archaeology, biodiversity, and culture of the area. Highlights include details on the life of the original inhabitants of Los Cabos; information on local flora, fauna and marine life such as whales and porpoises; a history of Spanish colonization and episodes of piracy along the coast; an exhibit of early tools; and old technology donated by local inhabitants. The most important and unusual exhibit is a two-million-year-old fossil of a zebra jawbone, discovered in the nearby Sierra de la Laguna mountain range.

Whimsical Art Cabo

This gallery prides itself on its 100% made-in-Mexico and Latin America art. Mediums include paper, fabric and metals to create unique designs which include sculpture, tapestries, mirrors and furniture with collage techniques. The gallery has something for everyone, from decorators to serious art collectors.

Whether looking for a night of partying or relaxing in a chic lounge with a glass of wine, everyone will enjoy the nightlife in Cabo. These four exclusive clubs might appeal:

Crush

Crush was a terrific addition to club life in Cabo. It quickly established a reputation for partygoers with its frequent DJs and performers, signature drinks, and late hours. Crush is one of the best places for Ladies Night in Cabo for both locals and tourists. This place will keep the party going until 4 a.m. if partiers can handle it. Crush is a great spot to chill for beer or bottle service, or whatever you are in the mood for.

Mandala Los Cabo

Guests are happy to enjoy Mandala’s sophisticated décor and the facilities the club has to offer. The venue is definitely upscale where every zone was designed to give guests a VIP experience. Fancy sofas, VIP bottle service, big screens synchronized to the beats played by the DJ, are elements you will appreciate. Mandala is the unofficial headquarters for party lovers from around the world. The venue brands itself as wild, extravagant, chic and unforgettable.

O Club

The O Club is a unique nightlife concept in Cabo, inspired by the Pacific Ocean and this beautiful area. O is an abbreviation for ocean. The club has a pool that represents the sea and the textures that resemble its movements. The service is top quality and good music is the essence of the club. The dance floor is a good size and there is even an area where you can get on a swan float surrounded by water.

Omnia Dayclub Los Cabos

Omnia Los Cabos features a variety of musical talent spanning diverse genres for an all-inclusive venue. Filled with interactive features and luxurious finishes at every turn, Omnia sets the stage for patrons who enter its world to discover the unexpected. Forbes calls Omnia a “stunning architecturally designed space.” It is the height of world-class entertainment and luxury. The beachfront dayclub is arranged around a central pool with an array of VIP areas including two-story villas with private infinity plunge pools, cabanas, and daybeds. With a talented line-up of world-class DJs, Omnia Dayclub sets a new standard of service and entertainment.

There are some travelers who like to immerse themselves in things happening locally. These four events may be of interest:

Day of the Dead Festival

Day of the Dead or La Catrina as it is known, is a festival paying homage to deceased loved ones. Altars in their honor are put up in homes and cemeteries and decorated with purple and orange cut paper; candles and incense; sugar paste candies and flowers such as cempasuchil; marigolds, the flower of the dead; terciopelo; nubes and carnations. You will see locals observing other traditions as well such as dressing as catrins and catrinas, and painting their faces like colorful, elaborate skulls.

Los Cabos International Film Festival

The Los Cabos International Film Festival is a grand affair drawing film lovers from all over the world to view screenings, attend VIP parties, and to network with top professionals in the contemporary, independent movie industry. The festival celebrates all North American films, while offering targeted support and dedication to the development of Mexican filmmakers. The five-day event offers VIP passes for screenings, awards ceremonies and parties. There’s also an audience choice award.

Todos Santos Art Festival

One of the main reasons for the influx of travelers to Todos Santos is the town's annual art festival. Founded years ago, the festival offers a week-long series of events, shows and workshops involving the entire townsfolk, the cultural centers and schools. Besides enjoying art exhibitions, musical performances and lectures, you will also be able to learn about those artists who inhabited the town long ago. Todos Santos is an extraordinarily quaint, special place and so is its art festival.

Todos Santos Film Festival

This annual showcase for Mexican and Latin American films was founded in 1994, and is based each year at the historic Teatro-Cine Manuel Marquez de Leon, a more than 70-year-old movie theater overlooking the town square in Todos Santos. The festival includes full length films, shorts, documentaries and projects from the local Youth in Video program. It also promotes youth education through film and women in film while avoiding stereotypes and violence as entertainment. Support also goes to the protection of the environment and the fight against domestic violence.

People can have some incredible experiences on vacation. Cabo has some once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like these four possibilities:

The Amazing Tenors

This is a concert unlike any other on the planet and such an extraordinary 6.5-hour journey that those who participate will never forget it. This private concert is delivered by Humpback whales. When the luxury vessel reaches the encounter point, a hydrophone will be submerged into the sea and the captain will listen closely with a pair of headphones to locate the song of the whales. When detected, the captain will amplify the sound so everyone can appreciate it. This love opera happens only during the winter. Both males and females emit these vocalizations, but only the males emit prolonged and complex songs that characterize this extraordinary mating ritual. The evening ends with a six-course meal at a fine dining establishment.

Cabo Shark Diving

Those who have swam with sharks say it’s a life-changing experience, one that makes a person stronger, fearless and happy. Cabo Shark Dive has been giving visitors this wonderful opportunity for years. The Cabo Shark Snorkeling Tour is open to everyone, from beginners to professionals. No diving certification or previous experience is needed. Full snorkeling gear and professional underwater photos of guests’ shark encounters are included. This experience is safe, fun and educational.

Marlin Fishing/Sportfishing

Most avid fishers have a dream of landing the big one. That’s quite possible in Cabo San Lucas when going out on a private charter to fish for marlin and other large fish. Cabo is home to some of the best angling action in the Americas. Fishing charters here are legendary, allowing the town to brand itself as the unofficial “Marlin Capital of the World.” At the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, Cabo attracts an array of prized fish. Year-round, fishers can find Marlin biting at the end of their lines with Striped Marlin appearing in winter and blue and black varieties available in warmer months. Head further offshore, and the Billfish bite is sensational, with Sailfish and Swordfish joining Marlin for the chance to complete a “Grand Slam.”

Private Tour of Los Cabos

See the Los Cabos coastline's landmark sights from the comfort of a private luxury yacht. Set out aboard a 42-foot-long cruiser and tour the surrounding waters while snacking on delicious foods and enjoying cocktails from an open bar. Spend some time swimming and snorkeling, visit a local beach or simply sit back and enjoy the boat's modern amenities and service of an expert onboard crew.