Los Cabos. The name fits the destination. Simple. Relaxing. Romantic. Translated, it means “the capes” and takes its name from three capes: Cabo san Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and Cabo del Este. These capes lie at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, the world’s longest peninsula.

This is where romance is as passionate as Lover’s Beach, a place at the tip of the Baja Peninsula at “El Arco”, where the sand is only revealed once every six years. This is where the Sea of Cortez mixes with the Pacific Ocean, in a blend of senses. Some couples wait to be married until Lover’s Beach is revealed under the famous arches of Cabo san Lucas.

I was fortunate enough to visit the area recently. I opted to stay outside of the city, in an area called “The Corridor”. It is an 18 mile stretch of beach between Cabo san Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. The flight into Cabo was uneventful and I was the first to get through customs because I only had a carry-on. I reserved a room at the Hilton los Cabos Beach and Golf Resort and had arranged for an airport pickup. A thing to know before going is that the time-share solicitors will try to trick you into telling you they are your ride. A savvy traveler will know that their driver is not allowed inside the airport and will be waiting with a sign outside the glass doors.

The dramatic drive though The Corridor sets Cabo apart from other beachside retreats. On one side of the road you can’t miss the mountains and rocky hillsides. On the other side, you glimpse the shore, the turquoise waters, and of all things, the cacti on the beach. If you are fortunate enough to visit Cabo in the winter, you may catch a glimpse of a majestic whale.

Lodging
The Hilton Los Cabos Beach and Golf Resort was not what I expected and was not a typical Hilton. The entrance was one of grandeur and elegance with marble floors throughout the entire property. The room was a junior beachside suite and boasted of a soaking spa tub and marble shower, a sitting room, plush bed, and relaxing patio area overlooking the beach. I felt like a princess in a beachside fairy tale.
http://www.hiltonloscabos.com

The resort is self contained and couples can spend time here without having to leave the property. The infinity pool is the main pool located near the whale watching area. Towel service is provided and there are numerous beach chairs for sunbathers. The beach is right below and is accessible by a pathway of landscaped concrete making it easy for those of all abilities to enjoy the beach. Snorkeling and other services are available from the beach by a private vendor.

Nightlife
Although there is no need to leave the resort, there are many nightlife options available in Cabo san Lucas. I took a sunset cruise on the “Caborey” which offers dining and entertainment. The drinks were free-flowing as the ship cruised past “El Arco” at sunset. This is definitely a romantic kissing moment. As the sun was setting, I could barely make out one of Madonna’s homes, set on an Oceanside cliff. Then it was time to step inside the cabin for dinner and a show.

After the sunset cruise, my companions and I hit the nightlife of Cabo. We headed first to Cabo Wabo, a cantina known for wild times and crazy parties with Sammy Hagar and other celebrities, such as Kenny Chesney (my favorite singer), Nickelback, and Smash Mouth. Cabo Wabo was closed for a Cuban Jazz Festival that night. With heads drooping in disappointment, we walked across the street to a little place called, The Giggling Marlin.
http://www.cabowabo.com

What a blast! This is a cheesy, touristy bar that made me just crack up laughing when the waiters busted out dance moves to “Macho Man.” If you need to spice up your life, get one of the waiters to pull you on the dance floor where you can salsa the night away. One of the main attractions of this fine establishment is getting “Hung upside down like a Marlin”. This is where your feet are tied up and pulled towards the ceiling for a shot of tequila. (Note to self: Don’t wear a skirt to the Giggling Marlin)

I don’t remember what time we left, but there are blurred memories of a conga line where tequila gets poured down your throat. The cab fare back to the hotel was not as expensive as I thought it would be.
http://www.gigglingmarlin.com

Day Trip
A day trip on any vacation is a good way to experience the surrounding areas. I went to Todos Santos, an small community located about an hour’s drive north of Cabo san Lucas. Todos Santos is located on the Tropic of Capricorn and is one of the only places in the world where Mangos are in season twice a year.

Along the desert highway, you can glimpse the area where Troy was filmed. Once arriving in the town, I visited a local contemporary artist, Gabo. I purchased a small canvas of his work to take home. For lunch, I stopped at Los Adobes, for a Mexican lunch. As I walked the streets shopping, I had to stop and look again. There, across the street, was Hotel California. Could it be THE Hotel California? Locals say it is, but Don Henley denies the rumor.
http://www.todossantos.com

Spa
The day was pleasant, but I was ready for some true relaxation. I scheduled a massage at the Hilton’s Spa. The spa was well appointed with a separate area for men and women. Couple’s treatments are available, as well. After my hour of pampering, I took my jellied self back to my room and sat on the patio to read. I listened to the waves splashing along the beach as they crashed on the shore, only to be sucked back into the Sea of Cortez to repeat nature’s process. What a way to end a visit.