Los Cabos Hilton Spa Set in Gorgeous Paradise on the Sea of CortesLos Cabos Hilton Hotel Beach, Spa and Golf Resort, in Los Cabos, Mexico on the end of the Baja Peninsula (head south from San Diego until you reach the end; that’s Los Cabos) is a touch of paradise, in a stupendously gorgeous setting on the coast of the Sea of Cortes, close to the Pacific Ocean, and the migrating pods of whales who return here each year. The Sierra de la Laguna mountains form a scenic backdrop to desert, sand and surf. Fishing, golf and spa vacation rule here, along with a plethora of activities ranging from sightseeing, trips to the artist town of Todos, Santos dinner cruises on the Caborey past the iconic Cabos Arches; and snorkeling for peeks at sea turtles, angel, clown and other colorful tropical fish. Desert, dunes and blue sky and turquoise sand add up to an incredible setting.

The Hilton Hotel Beach, Spa and Resort is about twenty minutes from both lively Cabo San Lucas, and quieter San Jose del Cabo. So after massages, facials, pedicures and manicures and of other fabulous treatments in the idyllic Ixchel Spa at the Hilton, vacationers can choose to beach it at the Hilton’s wide beach; dine at one of several gourmet restaurants, from the outdoors La Hacienda to the Sunset Palapa cafe, to the semi-formal Fenicia Restaurant, with its Mediterranean cuisine, all supervised by the superb Executive Chef Gerald Blay.

The surroundings of the resort add to the relaxation I had after my spa treatments in the Asian-influenced, serene, calming Ixchel Spa. Named for the Mayan moon goddess, Ixchel, the spa’s secluded treatments rooms on the third floor, with a comfy lounge with huge, overstuffed settees and lounge chairs, add to the sense of peace and quiet. From mineral salt scrubs to hydrotherapy baths, and Swedish massages to hot stone therapy, to facials with a twist -- Omar added some shiatsu and massage to my treatment. For my manicure and pedicure, an indulgent treat lasting a little over one hour, I chose a French manicure on toes and hands. My manicurist was charming and allowed me the serenity of not talking! The Baja Desert Cleanse, offers overall purification.

Body Therapy treatments have been embraced for therapeutic effects—detoxifying the body, revitalizing the skin and refreshing the mind. Specific treatments are the hydro-active mineral salt scrub (25 min., $56), enzymatic sea mud pack (50 min., $85) and body-therapy hydro pack (30 min., $70). Skin-Care Therapy features the classic European skin-care regimen (50 min. at $95 or 80 min. at $130). It begins with deep cleansing followed by a gentle enzyme peel, then a relaxing face, neck and shoulder massage. Aromatherapy skin-care treatment (50 min. at $95 or 80 min. at $130) stimulates blood circulation and revitalizes tissues, finishing with a masque and moisturizing cream. Express skin-care treatment (30 min., $60) cleanses, nourishes and rehydrates skin to a natural and youthful glow. Treatments range from $40 to $230. Did I mention the herbal tea served in the lobby before and after treatment? Or, the Jacuzzi and steam rooms in the spa? Everything is topnotch, spotlessly clean.

After a treatment, choose between swimming in the infinity pools, wandering the shore picking up shells, or just staring at the Sea of Cortes from a balcony with an endless view of horizons, sand, dunes, and sea. Oh, yes, and the pelicans flying in at dawn to fish for their breakfast even as the local Mexican fishermen fish the same rocky shore for bait fish for the Cabo San Lucas fishing fleet.

Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort boasts AAA Four Diamond Award service, accommodations and amenities. For more information, contact Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort, with Spa . Make reservations online at hiltonloscabos.com www.hilton.com, or call 1-800-HILTONS. For information on Los Cabos, visit the Los Cabos Tourism Board’s website at visitloscabos.org.S.