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CASTLES IN THE SAND
For those whose idea of a perfect vacation doesn’t include rolling
decks or saltwater submersion, Los Cabos offers plenty of other
attractive options. Playa El Médano is the largest and most popular
beach in Cabo San Lucas, a 2-mile stretch of golden sand that looks
out across the bay toward the evocatively shaped granite monuments
that comprise much of the city’s half-mile Land’s End headland. These
iconic formations mark the southernmost point of the nearly 800-mile
Baja California peninsula. El Arco, the most famous, is an arch-like
barrier between the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, weathered
to its signature shape by millions of years of watery erosion.
Playa El Médano is an idyllic spot for sunbathing and build-
ing sandcastles, and is welcoming to walks along its wave-kissed
shores and long afternoons sampling fresh local seafood and salt-
rimmed margaritas at an abundance of bars and restaurants where
barefoot lounging trends.
THE SPORT THAT JACK BUILT
In the early 1990s, Los Cabos began its shift from a simple fishing
escape to a sophisticated high-end destination, when a developer
named Don Koll brought in legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus to design a
championship-level course at Palmilla Golf Club. Flash forward to today,
and The Golden Bear’s total of locally designed courses has risen to
six, including Cabo del Sol’s gorgeous Ocean Course, which ranked
among Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Courses in the World.
The most acclaimed course in Los Cabos’ brief but glorious golf
history, however, is Davis Love III’s Dunes Course at Diamante,
a rugged links-style loop that’s currently placed 36th-best in
the aforementioned list. Love’s masterpiece and two neighboring
courses from fellow major champion Tiger Woods remain exclu-
sively private, but tee times are available to timeshare guests at The
Resort at Diamante, who can also enjoy access to the celebrated Greg
Norman design at Rancho San Lucas—a layout exquisitely contoured
to Cabo San Lucas’ breathtaking Pacific Coast.
DESTINATION RELAXATION
Big-game fishing, beautiful beaches, and challenging golf are just
some of the popular draws to Los Cabos; there’s also a proliferation
of pampering spas positioning the region as an attractive option for
destination weddings and romantic escapes.
Spas have now grown so expansive and all-encompassing
in their services that they are largely distinguished by their signa-
ture treatments. Popular experiences include temazcal, a traditional
sweat lodge ritual that dates to the time of the Aztecs, and well-
ness therapies that emphasize the curative properties of the Sea
of Cortez’s mineral-rich waters.
In Cabo, sooner or later, everything comes back to its waters. n
Chris Sands is co-founder of CaboVivo, co-writer of Fodor’s Travel Los
Cabos guidebook, editor at , and a contributor to Forbes and
10Best at USA Today, as well as other websites and publications. He is a
full-time resident of Cabo San Lucas.
Cabo Adventures; Robert Fried/Alamy Stock Photo
AREA RESORTS
This contemporary Mexican hacienda–style resort
features accommodations with spacious balconies
that provide breathtaking views of the Arch of Cabo
San Lucas and the Sea of Cortez. On-site offerings
range from beachside and cliffside restaurants and
two infinity-edge swimming pools to a kids’ club,
full-service spa, whirlpools, swim-up bars, a market,
and delicatessen.
At Villa del Palmar-Cabo, Spanish mission
architecture complements the enchanting sight of
the Pacific Ocean meeting the Sea of Cortez. On-site
amenities include a 10,000-square-foot European
health spa, salon services, a boutique, and fitness
center. Enjoy the resort’s nine-hole putting green,
fishing tourneys, beachfront water sports, and more.
Perched on the cliffs overlooking the Sea of Cortez,
The Westin Los Cabos Resort Villas & Spa is an
architectural landmark and ideal vacation retreat.
Play in one of the resort’s refreshing swimming
pools, recharge at Spa Otomí, and relax on the
private beach. Explore San José del Cabo, with
its colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and
numerous fine arts galleries, or have dinner in Cabo
San Lucas — both just a short drive away.
54 INTERVAL WORLD n Issue 1, 2018
ABOVE: Chill out and soak up some sun on the deck of a luxury yacht, courtesy
of Cabo Adventures’ scenic sailing tour. BELOW: Cabo del Sol’s Ocean Course is
renowned for its top-rated greens, with two holes ranked among Golf Magazine’s
500 Best Holes in the World.
I 800-622-1540 I 305-668-3496
All shapes, sizes, and styles.
Plus, special Interval member
rates on select cruises.
CRUISES