Paradise Discovered

By Mira Temkin

A thousand miles south of San Diego at the tip of Baja Peninsula lie Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, the two towns that make up Los Cabos. Often called “Land’s End” because of its southernmost location, Los Cabos offers both the charm of an authentic Mexican town and a hip, vibrant party city. Sunshine addicts will be happy to know Los Cabos boasts 350 sunny days a year, making it the world’s most perfect climate as well as holding court as the champion of desert golf and sport fishing.

A Retreat at the Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort
When you arrive at the award-winning resort, you know you’ve arrived someplace special. The first thing that greets you is the lovely scent in the air, an aromatic blend of lavender and white tea. (I even bought a bottle to take home.) This enchanting 5-star oasis of natural beauty and tranquility is for adults only, just 10 minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas.

The all-inclusive, luxury resort and spa destination offers a full-service package including: ocean view accommodations, daily wellness activities, spirits tastings, unlimited food and beverage with 24-hour room service. The best part is that you can dine at the resort’s five restaurants as well as three sister resorts in Cabo San Lucas. A sumptuous breakfast buffet awaits you at Pacifica and the nearby Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach to start your morning out right. Each night, the resort creates an epicurean adventure highlighting a different cuisine right on the beach with Mexican, Italian, Asian or the All-American barbecue. Dining on the beach under the stars, listening to the waves while the gentle breezes blow, was an evening I will long remember. Oh, and shoes are optional.

Spaaaaaaaaa…
The Armonia Spa offers a variety of wellness-oriented treatments and massage therapies that draw from the healing powers of touch, fragrance and ancient beliefs. The extensive menu features Aromatherapy and Ayurvedic treatments, luxury facials, body wraps and salon services. I opted for the hot stone massage and felt the warmth of the stones soothe and restore balance. If you’re with your significant other, go for a couples massage; better yet, do it (spa treatment) on the beach!

Quivira Golf Course – Designed by Nature…and Jack Nicklaus
Boasting more than a dozen courses, Los Cabos is known for its outstanding golf and attracts players from all over the world. With the recent opening of The Quivira Golf Club, the bar has been raised to an all-time high. Designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus as a Signature Golf Course, this award-winning course offers breathtaking views in an ocean, desert and mountain setting. The course has been named 2014 Best New International Golf Course by GOLF Magazine and 2014 Development of the Year by Golf, Inc. When you get hungry or thirsty, the four comfort stations interspersed throughout the course provide a variety of regional cuisine and refreshments. Note: The stops may cause the extension of your game!

Antonio Vega, Director of Golf for the club says, “A special feature of our club is the spacious, double-sided practice facility that’s right next to the clubhouse and really groundbreaking in the world of golf. You don’t see that very often.” Vega also noted that temperature and wind have an impact on the course, providing a different experience each time a golfer plays.

“What makes Quivira so unique is you have a combination of dramatic sea cliffs, huge windswept dunes and the crushing of the waves of the Pacific Ocean,” says Danny Scott, one half of America’s Golfing Couple. “It’s very playable, but challenging.” “With forward tees, it’s a very friendly course for women and seniors,” added his wife, Alice Scott.

“Seeing all of the various cacti, butterflies and desert terrain, it’s like playing in a natural history museum.” Danny commented, “You step up to a hole and you feel sheer terror and exhilaration at the same time.”

Own a Piece of Heaven
Once you’ve visited Quivira, chances are you’ll want to visit more often. Fortunately, you have options including Copala and Coronado luxury master plan communities. Copala features Mexican hacienda-style one, two, and three-bedroom condominiums as well as custom designed homes. Coronado is the beautiful 22-acre subdivision featuring 68 one-story, Mexican hacienda-style homes with four and five bedroom models. And, there’s no charge for the magnificent ocean and golf course views.

Discover the Good Life Owning property at Copala or Coronado also comes with something extra. Themed “The Good Life” at Quivira Los Cabos, club members enjoy a sense of community with a lifestyle that develops friendships with those who share their interests. This holistic approach nourishes residents and guests with organic gardening, a farmer’s market, art gallery, wine club, and optional golf club and private yacht club memberships. Tony Bennett was right. “It’s the good life…”

Go Wild with Cabo Adventures
Vacationing in Los Cabos means trying something new. Itching to swim with the dolphins, ride a camel, go zip lining or sail? How about whale watching, scuba diving or snorkeling? Cabo Adventures is the king of adventure-based activities in Los Cabos and you’ll come away with lots of fun and exciting memories. We opted for a morning sail, passed the infamous Los Cabos Arch and cruised into the Sea of Cortez full sails ahead. www.cabo-adventures.com

Walking along the sand, relaxing in a comfy, private beach bed and enveloped by the warmth of the sun was the ultimate escape. Truly, I can’t wait to return to Pacifica!

For more information about Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort, visit www.pueblobonitopacifica.com. For more information about Quivira, visit www.quiviraloscabos.com.

About Mira Temkin
Mira Temkin has a passion for writing and sharing her adventures across the globe. She covers everything from destinations to tours to cruises in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean and Europe with a keen eye and open mind. Her work has appeared in The Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Lakeland Boating, thevacationgals.com, businesstraveldestinations.com and Connect magazine.