Los Cabos. Its name fits. Simple. Relaxing. Romantic. Translated, it means, the capes, and takes its moniker from three capes: Cabo san Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and Cabo del Este. They lie at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, the world's longest peninsula.

Lover's Beach, hidden at the top of the Baja Peninsula at, El Arco, where the Sea of Cortez mixes with the Pacific Ocean, is a magical spot, where a small beach is only revealed once every six years. The other five years it remains underwater. Some couples wait until Lover's Beach is revealed to marry under the famous and often photographed arches of Cabo san Lucas.


Fortunate enough to visit recently, I opted to stay outside the city at the Hilton Los Cabos Beach and Golf Resort, located in "The Corridor," an 18-mile stretch of beach between Cabo san Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

The dramatic drive though The Corridor sets Cabo apart from other beachside retreats. On one side of the road are mountains and rocky hillsides. On the other, there are glimpses of the turquoise shore and beach cacti. If you are fortunate enough to visit Cabo in the winter, and can keep your eye off your partner, you may even catch a glimpse of a majestic whale.

Lodging
The Hilton Los Cabos Beach and Golf Resort was not typical. The grand and elegant hotel was decorated with marble floor, ornate water fountains and varying sized of palm trees. A junior beach side suite offered a soaking spa tub with a marble shower in the bathroom; a sitting room; a plush bed covered in a duvet with my name, Shannon, written in purple and green flowers; a spacious patio overlooked the ocean. It is enough to make anyone feel like a prince or princess.

The resort is self contained and couples can spend time there without leaving the property. The infinity or main pool is located near the whale watching area. Towel service is provided and there are numerous beach chairs for sunbathers, with just enough privacy under palapa thatch umbrellas for lovers. The beach is right below the resort via a concrete walkway, accessible even for those with physical disabilities. Snorkeling and other services are available from a private vendor.

Nightlife
There is no need to leave the resort; one (or two) can take advantage of the many nightlife options available in Cabo san Lucas. I took a sunset cruise on the Caborey ship, which offered dining and entertainment. Drinks were free-flowing as the ship cruised passed El Arco at sunset. This is definitely a romantic kissing moment. As the sun was setting, I could barely just glimpse one of Madonna's homes, set on an Oceanside cliff before it was time for dinner and a show.

After the sunset cruise, my companions and I hit Cabo's nightlife. We headed first to Cabo Wabo, a cantina known for wild times and crazy parties that sometimes include Sammy Hagar, Nickelback, Smash Mouth, and my favorite Kenny Chesney. Unfortunately, Cabo Wabo was closed for a Cuban Jazz Festival that night. So, we walked across the street to a little place called, the Giggling Marlin.

Our misfortune turned into a party blast. The waiters at this kitschy, touristy bar caused me to start laughing when they busted out dance moves to a recording of, 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 for a shot of tequila. Yes, you guessed it. Feet are tied up and willing parties are pulled toward the ceiling. (Note to self: never wear a skirt to the Giggling Marlin.)

I don't remember what time we left, but there are blurred memories of a conga line and tequila.

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

Along the desert highway, there are glimpses of where Troy was filmed. Once in town, I visited a local contemporary artist, Gabo. There, I purchased a small canvas painting, Pink Atmosphere. As I continued shopping I saw it -- there, across the street -- the Hotel California. Could it be THE Hotel California named in Don Henley's song? Locals say it is, but Henley denies it.


Spa
I was ready for some true relaxation and scheduled a massage at the Hilton's Spa. The spa, located on the second floor of the main building, was well appointed with a separate area for men and women. Couple's treatments are available, as well. After an hour of pampering, I took my jellied-self back to my room and sat on the patio and 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.


If you go:
Be cautious at the airport. Time-share solicitors will pose as your pickup. A savvy traveler knows drivers are not allowed inside the airport. Metered taxis are waiting outside the glass doors and are a cheaper and safer bet.

Hilton: http://www.hiltonloscabos.com
Cabo Wabo: http://www.cabowabo.com
Giggling Marlin: http://www.gigglingmarlin.com
Todos Santos: http://www.todossantos.com