JOHN’S ULTIMATE CABO CHECKLIST

Things are heating up in Cabo San Lucas and John headed down there for golf with some friends recently to soak it up, drink it down, and live his best life. Here is John’s top 5, don’t forget to do list:

Sometimes you just want to do as the tourists do. John was more of a local down there really excelling at the art of the afternoon siesta. But what if you come home and someone wants to see a picture!

So here is the Cabo itinerary for someone that needs to compress a week into 4 hours. You Ride a glass-bottom boat to see the rock Arch, Lover’s Beach, Pelican Rock and sea lions at Land’s End then sample tequila and watch a glass-blowing demonstration all before perusing the bespoke boutiques of downtown San Lucas. Then feast upon the explosive flavors of an authentic Mexican lunch and conclude with an exploration of the town’s impressive colonial architecture.

BOOM. Done.

When it comes to premier public golf in Mexico, the Golden Bear is dominant. A recent Golf Advisor ranking names six Nicklaus Design layouts to its list of the Top 10 You Can Play in Mexico, including TWO No. 1’s! You read that right the Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol and Quivira Golf Club in Los Cabos tied for #1!

Sharing the spot, the Ocean Course at Cabo del Sol, Nicklaus’ second Signature Course intimately interacts with the Sea of Cortez. Cabo del Sol has pushed the fifth green closer to the shore and tinkered with its famous back-to-back par 3s at Nos. 6 and 7. These changes have enhanced this dramatic trio. The free fish tacos at the turn prepare golfers for the epic final three holes back along the water’s edge.

No course showcases Cabo’s desert-mountain-ocean landscape better than this beauty near downtown Cabo San Lucas. Quivira’s gorgeous par 3s and a unique drivable par 4 cling to mountain cliffs above the ocean. Towering sand dunes frame other holes and the desolate desert sparkles on the final three par 4s.

Capella Pedregal is the only luxury hotel located directly in the town of Cabo San Lucas, which means developers, blasted a sizable tunnel through a mountain to gain access to the water. John’s never seen anything quite like it, the tunnel is lit by torches and deposits you right to Capella Pedregal’s lobby overlooking the dramatic coastline. And there it was, the most perfect swim-up bar and infinity pool in all the land and a heck of a tequila assortment as well. DO NOT MISS THIS ONE. You can sit in the refreshing water as you hydrate yourself with a perfectly crafted concoction. TIP: don’t forget sunscreen (waterproof)

“The deep-sea fishing is unreal! Just wow. Captain Jay and the 1st mate Ben were very experienced and knowledgeable about the fishing as well as the history and culture of Cabo San Lucas. The Stimulator is a beautiful boat that is very well maintained, smooth, and powerful. All drinks, bait, snacks were waiting for us when we arrived every morning to depart. I caught my first Dorado and my friend caught his first Striped Marlin. Also, the whale watching was amazing with several dozen sightings per day as we fished. If you want to be spoiled grab the Stimulator.”

If fishing is not for you, you can just drive out to the cove, park there, and have access to snorkels, a water lily pad, and various other aquatic toys. The crew and captain were extremely friendly and informative. They were also equipped with a drone, a GoPro, and a high-quality camera.

But if you really want to get a good look at your future fish taco check out the diving on offer and hit up MANTA DIVERS. “The dive masters are all very friendly and helpful. The dive I did with them was perfect. Their boats and amenities are way above average for the area. One of the few dive shops I’ve used that will dress your tank while your relax between dives and staff is environmentally conscious and are willing to be critical of the harmful practices of other tourist operations in the area.”

Not sure if John was exactly correct at recalling where the best Margarita in town was after his all day quest to find it. But let’s call it a three-way tie just to be safe! The “Cabo Rosa” at La Fonda (vodka, crema de coco, granadina, jugo de pina, limon blended with ice), the standard 2 for 1 margarita at Baja Cantina Beach, and a light and refreshing Paloma! “New one for me is a Paloma…sort of like a margarita using Fresca and pink grapefruit…refreshing!” The Monkey Business Bar was where it’s at: 23450 Cabo San Lucas Best margs, hands down. “You can go home happy after that, maybe a slight headache in the morning… and for a truly outstanding mind-blowing meal, you absolutely must visit Los barriles on the East Cape (about 45 minutes north of San Jose). Beautiful quaint little town, and one does get hungry after a few drinks!”