It's a little after 5 p.m. as our plane descends into Cabo San Lucas. Joanne, my best friend of nearly four decades, and I are about to embark on a 10-day luxury getaway through the Baja California peninsula, in Baja California Sur, Mexico.
As the clouds disappear, the vast coastline appears. It is sun-kissed; drenched in the bluest waters of the Sea of Cortez as it joins the Pacific Ocean. Joanne and I can't believe that after dreaming about "someday traveling to an exotic locale together" that someday is actually here. Like A-listers, we stay in two of Cabo's most magnificence resorts and dine in some of its finest restaurants. This adventure is all about relaxation, decadence and some serious best girlfriends bonding. Considered one of Mexico's fastest growing tourist centres, breathtaking kilometre-after-kilometre of oceanfront playground separates Baja's two cape towns - one lively, the other more laidback. We grab a cab and head to the Esperanza, our home for the next few days. Imagine a resort where you have commanding views of both the Sea of Cortez and Punta Ballena? On top of that your room is a haven of luxury. (We are in good company - President Obama stayed during the G20 summit in 2012 and actress Gwyneth Paltrow married rocker Chris Martin here.)
As we found out, there is so much to do (or not) that you really never have to leave the resort.
When it came to lounging away entire afternoons, the poolside beckoned. After walks along the beach, we would laze on the side of the infinite pool, submerge our feet and order mango margaritas. Whoever said sunbathing was bad for you was obviously at the wrong resort.
Snorkeling and kayaking at Arch and Lover's Beach, Cabos San Lucas After a short instructional lesson by our Cabo Outfitters guides, we kayak out to the Arch, past the sea lion colony and around Land's End into the Pacific. The distinctive landmark of Cabo San Lucas is the rugged El Arco (The Arch) rock formation at the tip of the Baja Peninsula.
We land at Lover's Beach - instantly dropping our towels. The clear azure water is one of the best and safest snorkeling spots in Cabo San Lucas. With its colourful coral-coated rocks, we bob past other snorkelers around the base of the rocks and are rewarded with a kaleidoscope of marine life including schools of green and blue parrot fish and striped sergeant major fish.
A day in historic San Jose: Although the next day is scorching hot, we are told San Jose is worth a visit. It's as if time stood still here. With its 18th-century Spanish colonial architecture and picturesque central plaza, Joanne and I walk the quiet streets of this quaint town, poking our heads in a number of clothing boutiques and art shops. (Great silver jewelry). Hearing rave reviews about La Panga Antigua, Joanne and I make a reservation. Right after our tour of Mission San Jose del Cabo (circa 1730) in the epicentre of the historic
square - where we witness a lively, colourful wedding - we walk over to the restaurant.
Tucked away behind a small door, La Panga delights all of our senses. The hostess takes us to our open-air courtyard table and we are completely enchanted by our surroundings. Beneath a crown of lit trees, it features unique stonework, centuries-old wood artisan pieces and authentic Mexican artworks.
Our dining experience at La Panga Antigua was faultless - from the excellent cuisine to the service to the surroundings. This is definitely a must in San Jose.
The "other" Cabo: The last leg of our journey takes us to the Hacienda Beach Club Residences at Medano Beach. Equally stunning, here we have our own villa. Steps away from the bustling downtown corridor, the Hacienda is home to the only swimmable beach in the vicinity.
The first evening, we dress up and head to the Hacienda Cocina y Cantina. The resort's signature restaurant merges traditional Mexican architecture with casual beachfront dining for an elegant, relaxed experience. With a breeze gently cooling us, we sit on the terraza, overlooking the infinity pools, cascading water features and the ocean. The only thing that rivals the views is the cuisine.
Besides shopping and dining our way through Cabo, we completely submerged ourselves in sublime leisure.
In spite of all the tourists, Cabo still manages to retain something of a small town feel. As we flew home, we both agree - this isn't the last time we visit this gem!
Where to stay: n Esperanza: This Relais Châteaux oceanfront property redefines luxury. It is a 57-room resort, 63 fractionally owned villas and 54 privately and fractionally owned residences located on Baja's Sea of Cortez. All of the hotel's rooms open to sweeping ocean views that seemingly go on forever. Each has a single wall that slides open to a private veranda with an infinity-edge hot tub and sweeping seascapes - an inspiring spot for, among other things, a nightcap. The resort also features a full-service spa, four swimming pools and private breach. Website: esperanza.aubergeresorts.com/or call: 855-331-2226.
The Hacienda Beach Club Residences: A magnificent resort set along a private stretch of Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas. The Hacienda offers relaxed elegance that takes opulent oceanfront living up a notch. Each elegant residence features a gourmet kitchen, master suite, hardwood doors, handcrafted metalwork and natural stone finishes. Website: haciendacaboresort.com or call 866-300-0084.
