By Keri Zane
It’s been nearly a year since Hurricane Odile ravaged the Baja Peninsula and the entire tourism community has been hard at work over the last 11 months. Today nearly all the resorts in the area have been restored and re-opened for business. Here are several, now and later, options to treat you and every member of your multi-generational family to a fabulous getaway.
Visit Cabo Now
One of the first resorts to get back up and running, in large part thanks to the perseverance of GM Renato Mendonca, is the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar. While not an all-inclusive resort it is a property where you can stay an entire week, feel refreshed and never leave the property.
The De Cortez Grill is a 5 Diamond fine dining experience where you can find something on the menu for everyone or try the resorts casual option, Tomatoes, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Kids ages 4 to 12 can spend a few hours or all day, every day in the kids club. Make sure they experience the mushroom waterfall.
For adults there is golf, a fitness center and the Cactus Spa is an absolute must. It is the only spa in Latin America to offer the Soft Pack System, which is a unique combination of herbs, oils and therapies.
The resort’s beautifully restored Parlor, Virreyes, or Imperial suites will comfortably accommodate any large family traveling together. They also have one-bedroom suites that comfortably sleep four. If you book your trip now the resort is offering a Sunsational Savings package. This includes the 3rd night free, a $150 USD Food & Beverage credit per room, per stay, per every 3 nights and more, plus a $50 spa credit per stay.
DWKD (do what Kerri did) tip #1 Ask for the 80 minute Cactus Massage in the Cactus Spa - It is transformative!
If you and your family prefer to explore off property activities Cabo offers a variety of multi-gen family friendly activities. Swimming with dolphins, catamaran cruises and horseback riding are a few and Terramar are the experts to help you with booking.
For meals La Galeria in San Jose del Cabo is easy to find and conducive for large parties. The menu boasts a host of unique flavor combinations, all fresh fish and plenty of options, even for the finicky eater in your bunch. For the most unforgettable evening, dine at the Sunset de Mona Lisa. The restaurant is entirely al fresco with several tiered patios that overlook the bay. It’s the perfect perch to view the famous Cabo Arch and watch the sunset. A nice option to traditional Cabo fare. The menu is Italian, prepared by their chef Paulo Della Corte, who is Michelin trained and an Italian import!
DWKD tip #2 Make your reservation well in advance of your visit, particularly for a large party. The restaurant books up quickly.
Visit Cabo Spring 2016
Another great multi-gen family property will be the newly renovated Westin Resort and Spa, Los Cabos. It was severely damaged during the hurricane and the owners chose to use this opportunity for a comprehensive renewal process. Set to reopen on March 1st, 2016, the updated family suites will offer private whirlpool baths and siesta beds on the terrace. Activities for your family will include three pools, tennis courts, golf, hiking, horseback riding, water sports, whale watching - in season and more. Watch for special reopening packages.
Visit Cabo Year After Year
If you find yourself compelled to return to Cabo year after year, you might want to explore Starwood Hotel’s first luxury collection resort called Solaz. Set to open in June of 2017 it is a unique blend of upscale resort and spa. The property will include 131 guest rooms, 21 - 3 bedroom residences with pool and common area access, parking and hotel services, 147 - 1, 2, and 3 bedroom vacation ownership units and 18 private residences with jacuzzi, common area, parking and beach club access.
DWKD tip #3 Plan ahead to find fun upcoming activities that everyone in your family can enjoy. The 4th annual Los Cabos International Film Festival will take place November 11 - 15th. Visit the official website for more information.
Editor’s Note: Keri is a well known travel journalist and has worked with Peter Greenberg. Check out her new novel, “My Lover’s Keeper” at www.myloverskeeper.com