Los Cabos, Mexico's New Resorts and Excursions

 

 

Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa
Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa is set along the white-sand beaches of Playa Solmar.


 

Los Cabos’ reputation as a safe destination at a time when reports of crime in Mexico may have kept many potential clients away has made it one of the hottest vacation spots in the country this year. However, there is much more to the destination that make travelers keep coming back—the resorts, beaches and a vast variety of excursions. And now with big names such as Ritz-Carlton expected to come on board, it is clearly preparing to take on competing resort areas in the country as they return to the normalcy of 2008.

New Hotel Developments

In just the first two months of this year, Los Cabos welcomed a new property, Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa; a newly rebranded property with plans for multimillion-dollar renovations, Wyndham Cabo San Lucas Resort; and commitments from two world-renowned luxury brands—The Ritz-Carlton Company and Morgans Hotel Group—for projects to be completed within the next three years.

Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa officially opened its doors in February as the newest luxury offering in Los Cabos. This latest venture from Solmar Hotels & Resorts is the fifth property owned and operated by the hotel group in Cabo San Lucas. The resort is set along the naturally exclusive white-sand beaches of Playa Solmar and its 119 suites have views of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez.

 

The Outback & Camel Safari Tour
The Outback & Camel Safari Tour is a new and unique way to explore the Baja outback.

 

Earlier in the year, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts added Wyndham Cabo San Lucas Resort to its upscale portfolio. The five-story property is undergoing a $10 million renovation that is scheduled for completion in early 2012. The resort is adjacent to the Cabo San Lucas Marina, putting travelers in the heart of downtown and steps away from activities and excitement. Agents should contact Antonio Duran ([email protected]), director of sales and marketing, for details.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has announced a joint venture between Grupo Questro and Trinity Investments for Mexico’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve property to be built in Los Cabos. The resort, set to open in 2014, will have 124 private single-story and oceanfront villas, each with views of the Sea of Cortez.

Most recently, Morgans Hotel Group signed hotel management agreements to expand the Delano brand in Los Cabos, and the construction of the 114-room Delano property in Cabo San Lucas is now under way. Scheduled to open in early 2013, the hotel will have 23 branded residences as well as a restaurant and spa.

New Excursions

Launched in January, the Outback & Camel Safari Tour by Cabo Adventures is a new and unique way to explore the Baja outback, complete with a beachside camel ride along the San Cristobal coastline. Brought to Los Cabos specifically for this excursion, the camels have been trained by and kept under the watchful eye of Sidi-Amar Taou of the Bedouin tribe of Niger, one of the last nomadic tribes in existence. Approximately four hours long, the excursion also includes a walking tour of the desert, where a seasoned guide educates the group on the native vegetation, and flora and fauna of Baja Sur. The trip concludes with a traditional Mexican meal—comprising handmade tortillas, mole chicken, salsa and much more—and tequila tasting.

 

Cabo San Lucas Marina
Cabo San Lucas Marina is the starting point for many diving, fishing and other aquatic excursions.

 

Cabo Expeditions takes animal lovers and adventure-seekers underwater to swim with the whale sharks. Known as “gentle giants of the sea,” they are the largest fish in the world and this expedition brings travelers up close to these magnificent creatures. This eight-hour tour includes roundtrip private transportation from Los Cabos to La Paz Bay, certified bilingual captains, marine biologists, federally licensed guides and a spotter plane to help locate the whale sharks in their feeding grounds. Each tour allows a maximum of 10 people, ensuring an intimate experience. Currently, the tour runs daily from January through June 3.

Global Entry Program

The Los Cabos Convention & Visitors Bureau, together with Marco Antonio Covarrubias, governor of Baja California Sur, announced earlier this year that the San Jose del Cabo International Airport would be the first airport in Mexico to add Global Entry kiosks for international travelers. These kiosks have been set up within the airport to enable pre-approved, low-risk travelers to proceed directly for expedited clearance. Although this program is intended for frequent travelers, there is no minimum number of trips necessary to qualify, making Global Entry a welcome and convenient addition benefiting business and leisure travelers alike.