San Lucas or San Jose

San Lucas or San Jose

Before writing about the differences between San Lucas or San José, just let me remind you that the distances between these two places is only 12 miles. So there, do not stress out about where to stay, where to live or invest... We are just divided by this gorgeous Touristic Corridor.

Yes there are particularities about each town but that is the magic! They both make "Los Cabos", so we are one!

What would you do without the Organic Market of San José or without the Arch that is located in San Lucas?

I have always lived in San Lucas and I love all the action and attractions. The Land's End is here along with the rocks, the arch, the mountains. San Lucas is the one surrounded by the two oceans, Mar de Cortés and Oceáno Pacífico... If you want to admire the sun disappearing into the ocean you need to by by the Pacific side.

Land's End Loving Couple

The beach in Cabo San Lucas is something you can not miss. Medano Beach is everybody's favorite. The World Famous mango Deck is the place where Shrimp Ceviche (Ceviche de Camarón) can turn into a very interesting experience. Instead of a jazz singer or some mariachi giving a show, the entertainment comes from your fellow tourists, which of course are mostly drunk people having fun under the sun! However it is not only party and cerveza on Medano Beach, you can also enjoy very good Restaurants. And places to eat by the Marina, lots to explore! Downtown also have places with amazing cuisine, ambiance, views and open for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

At night of course, if you like to party, get ready for sunrise! An infinite number of bars open their doors for you, offering the traditional mexican beers, then Cabo Wabo with its life music, Mandala, Squid Roe... until they close at dawn. What to do other than beach and party? You wont get bored, we have Costco, the Cultural Center, the big and beautiful Marina with its shopping center mall. There is something very powerful about living in this little peninsula, so close to Finisterra (Land's End). It is teh land of never getting bored!

Not to be outdone is the beautiful San José, the place where we have all enjoyed sun, culture, restaurants, concerts, etc. To begin with, The Art Walk is a fantastic afteroon of walking downtown and stopping in every little art gallery where they will offer you a glass of wine and most of the time the host of the gallery is the Artist himself! Artwalk takes place every Thursday.

The feeling of San José is that of authentic, colonial Mexico. Every walk is different and every discovery new. Checking ambiance and menus of the restaurants allows you to choose the one that is most appealing for you. I can recommend a few but I rather talk about them in general and let you explore, choose and decide your favorite one.

Also, the magic of Puerto Los Cabos, a whole area of San José now developing and turning into a very high-end place to live, with million dollars homes and amazing resorts recently opened. The Marina is full of pangas that can take you on a fishing trip for an amazing experience in the sea.

A bit closes to Downtown, by the Paseo Malecón, the Plaza El Pescador also recently opened. Here you will find many options of restaurants, boutiques, a book store, bars, nightclubs or even a play center for kids.

MARINA PUERTO LOS CABOS

In conclusion, whether you like beach clubs, ocean views, amazing resorts, fine or simple dining, night clubs, museums.... or you are on a honeymoon, spring break, with friends, with family and kids, even if you are planning to move to Cabo permanently you will sure enjoy both areas. Both San Lucas and San José will know exactly what to offer you and how to take care of you. Everyone in Los Cabos is keenly aware that tourism is our primary industry and we are always trying to improve, enhance, and provide extensive services and options for you.

Love Cabo, Cabo for Life

Wine Country of Mexico

The Wine Country of Mexico

Here I will try to share my experience at “ Fiestas de la Vendimia” (Harvest Time) in Ensenada, the wine country of Mexico, such a magic place!

If you are a wine connaiseur or a wine expert you probably have visited Napa Valley or other wine places in the world, but no other place has this Mexican style and flavor that only Ensenada can give you. Mexican wine is the one that we drink with spicy mole, a chardonnay with a fresh ceviche, or a traditional Chile en Nogada paired with a  marvelous Rosé wine. Mexican soil has given the world varieties based on our history and culture, that is reflected in the taste and bouquet of each bottle. 

During Las Fiestas, everybody is in that mood that only wine puts us in, you can almost touch the joy and with a little bit more wine, you will sure be part of this scenario of happiness and laughter. We have met the best people, tasted the best wines, and experienced the best pairings... and what a wonderful weather! 

Then of course, is the Mexican cuisine and specially the fresh and unbeatable seafood that you can find in Ensenada, places such as Laja, Ophelia's and La Guerrerense, will regale your palate in a way you can not imagine!

I can warranty you, a travel to Ensenada, in the vintage or any other time of the year is something that you will not regret. 

So many wonders in Baja, from top to bottom, this is a land full of magic, surprises, ocean and many things yet to discover. Take the road, get by airplane, there will be a boutique hotel waiting for you and ready to make this, an unforgettable experience.

Contact me if you need any further information or specific recommendations, I will be more than happy to help.

#VinoMexicano #LoveBaja #LiveCabo #CaboforLife

A Green Desert

A GreenDesert

The biggest news about Cabo lately is that, last week we had one of the biggest rain we have had since 2007.

A normal year in Cabo, is very dry… when it rains is maximum a half of a day, and maybe three times a year, top. So having strong rain for three consecutive days was a little bit more than what we could manage. This was as we say colloquially “un aguacero” and we were not prevented, we have made it through hurricanes, but the thing with them is that is a lot of wind and not much water, or at least not that perseverant. Consequently both cities San José and San Lucas had lots of problems, streets turned on rivers, and cars unable to work, places with 2 or 3 inches of water inside and so on…

Fortunately it has been a week after the rain, and we are almost good to go. The streets are being fixed and eventhough we may have some dirt left (water that came down from the hills to the lower areas) Cabo is now working, stores are open and tourists are sightseeing as any other day before.

I have to say, one of our best friends came into town the last day of rain, and at night we felt like going for a beer, I do not know if it was adventurous or just bored, but we took the car and passed by all the water streets and finally ended in "Mango Deck", where we had some delicious Quesadillas and Guacamole, and of course, couple of Pacificos. The ambiance was wonderful, people dancing, live music, it was like being in a traditional Mexican Wedding with all the salsa and the cumbia famous songs. After dinner we went to "Nowhere Bar" and "Mandala". We met ladies from San Diego that told us how they went out a night before, it was raining all night but every soul was still having fun at Squid Roe, even dancing on the rain! How fortunate! I wish we would have gone out a night before…

Anyway, the reason I decided to write about the rain, is mainly because it has impressed me these last days how green a desert could turn out! Really, I am sharing you some pictures, wish you were here to witness… is amazing all these trees that before seemed like no-alive now they are full of these small soft leaves, so green, so beautiful.

We have a saying in Spanish “Viejos los montes y reverdecen” meaning how even when the hills are very old, they can still go green again. Is just a little message to let us know how not matters how dry we could have been before, how old we are, we still can be green, alive with new energy, new strenght.

Love Cabo,Live Cabo

Cabo For Life

A weekend in Todos Santos, BCS

Todos Santos

Located on the Pacific side of Baja CaliforniaSur, Todos Santos means “All Saints” and is been named by UNESCO as a “Magic Town” since 2006.

The new highway that goes from Cabo to La Paz is now finished, and it makes very easy traveling from one city to another.Todos Santos is located almost at the middle of the way to La Paz, is about 50 minutes away from Cabo.

When visiting Todos Santos you can stay one or two nights, there are many good hotels there. One of the most famous hotels there is Hotel California, which apparently is the one of the Eagle's Song. From a personal experience I highly recommend Hotel Guycura, with amazing views, rooms, food,  Beach Club. On our way back we discovered Hotel Rancho Pescadero, it was really amazing, for next time we will try it. We had one cocktail made with orange juice and mezcal, it was delicious.

About Restaurants in Todos Santos Area, well there are many options… Italian, Mexican, even Oriental food. I have not been able to try them all, but if you allow me to recommend one, my favorite is Café Santa Fe, right in Downtown… if you like Italian food made with super fresh ingredients, you will sure like this place.

Another very interesting place is “Art and Beer”right in Pescadero, by the high way, Km. 69. You can stop there for a Michelada or a Piña Colada, is such an experience. Owners are in charge and will give you the tour in their property, surrounded by dessert plants and pictures of every kind of visitor to this little art and beer sanctuary.

Michelada "Art & Beer"

And of course, the traditional Cerritos Beach Club is something that you can’t miss. Swimmable beach, ceviches and cervezas, whatelse do you need in life? You can go with your family, your dogs and/or your surf board. Times passes so quickly there, we would have loved to stay there forever, and just live the ocean, the sun, the taste of lemon and shrimp in the“Aguachile”. If you go in Sunday, you will be able to listen to Daline Jones, jazz singer that will make the Cerritos experience even better. Do not forget to take sunscreen and a towel because they do not have any there.

So take the road and explore this magnificent Pacific side of Baja, so many other places to talk about, so many things to enjoy and people to discover.

Live Baja, Love Baja. Cabo For Life

Summer in Cabo

SUMMER IN CABO

For those fortunate ones that will stay in Cabo for the summer, just forget for a while the fact that is going to be a hot summer and let’s think about all the fun things you will get to do in this season.

We should first let everyone know that Cabo is a paradise, and many people have chosen to live here for many reasons, one of them is the weather.

360 days of Sunny weather, and average temperatures of 80°F, except the summer when it can go up to 100°F or more. Yes I know what you are thinking, that is far from paradise weather! But the good news is these degrees are just for a few months, August and September are the hardest ones. Anyway, many of the local residents just run away to enjoy cooler summers up in their country. The rest of us, however, just have to stay, so we put ourselves the “Hot Summer” mode, we try not to complain all the time about weather and of course we have our advantages.

If you are planning to be in Cabo for this warm season, please take note:

SUP, or Stand Up Paddle, has become oneof the trendiest activities in Cabo. From a personal experience I have to say I am not a surfer and not fan of hard working exercise… so I was a little reluctant about doing it. But from the first time I finally did it, I have to say I am always looking for the time to do it again and again. Is almost like walking on the water, such a peaceful experience! The best time to practice SUP is early in the morning, before all the boats and wave runners start to pack the beach, perhaps around 7 or 8 am. If you go to Medano Beach you will find many options for renting the paddle and the surfboard, they will give you a 10 minutes first lesson and that is it! Go and enjoy it, feel safe there is nothing to fear of. Average rates are from 20 USD per hour.

Surf, even if I do not practice this amazing sport, if you like waves do not hesitate to come and enjoy the marvelous waves down in Cabo. Or if you want to learn, you can take lessons in many places along the Baja.

Restaurants discounts, well I must say this is my favorite thing! The list of gourmet places to discover in Cabo is almost endless, but the best part about the summer is that there are many restaurants that offer a very good discount for those who stay, imagine going to the best places in town for very reasonable prices.

Also the GolfCourses offer good discounts during the summer, as long as you cover yourself with Sun Screen and wear a cap, you will be totally safe and can practice this amazing sport. There are many choices, courses designed by personalities such as Jack Nichlaus, Tom Fazio and  Davis Love III are waiting for you.

Of course the snorkeling, fishing, cruising, camping by the beach, etc., are great to do with the warm weather. Also try excursions to Miraflores, La Paz, Todos Santos, the East Coast and the surrounding are full of adventures.

In doors activities with air conditioning such as going to the Cinema, shopping and a visiting a Spa are never a bad idea.

For more info visit the links:

Golf: Cabogolf.com

Surf: Surfincabo.com

Adventures: CaboAdventures.com

Real Estate: CaboforLife.com

A Farm in Cabo, an extraordinary dinner

I have been privileged to be able to enjoy very good food in different places in Cabo, I will eventually go through the great restaurants you definitely have to try when you are in Baja… but I want to start with my favorite one, the place is called Flora Farms, located in the area of Puerto Los Cabos in San José.

Flora Farms Web Page

My husband and I were invited to listen to Nena Anderson, owner of a very sweet voice and great talent, she is from San Diego and Flora Farms invited her to play in their restaurant. We were seated with the hosts and friends and really enjoyed this evening, such as everybody there, as the place was packed. The ambiance was perfect; delightful dinner; warm lights and flowers surrounding the restaurant and of course the music by Nina who made us all feel we have known her for a life time. The music was familiar but at the same time refreshing.

Want to hear about the food there? Is to die for!! First of all, everything they have in their menu is organic, the flavors are really the best you can get in your mouth, no chemicals... just the real flavor. They have these thin crust pizzas with all kind of ingredients, salads, pastas and the homemade bread is really addictive.  

All meats served at Floras Field Kitchen come from their ranch where animals are humanely raised on diets that do not include hormones or antibiotics.

My favorites here are the Beet carpaccio, the Margarita pizza and the fish of the day served with cous cous and eggplant.

Our dinners are always paired with the best wines. You see, my husband is a Sommelier for Baja Wines, so you can imagine he is always taking care of the good harmony in our table. Baja Wines has the best List of Wines covering all the areas in the world, all kinds of budgets but above all, supporting the best Mexican wineries from Baja California… so contact them if you wish to have a “sip” of Baja.

Baja Wines Web Page

For the ones with the sweet tooth, well be careful, desserts are DELICIOUS... chocolate cake, plums crêpes, carrot cake and a banana dessert that is so fresh and rich that you will become selfish for a moment and will not want to share it at all.

If you are coming to Cabo, this place has to be on your list.

Hope you enjoyed these lines; I will keep you updated with more options and up-dates about our Paradise!

Cabo San Lucas Marina

Marina of Cabo San Lucas is just over a decade old, features 380 slips and accommodates yatchts up to 300 feet. The views of the marina are great, you can rent a boat to go fishing, sunset cruising or snorkeling, and they all are super fun to do.

When you are in the Marina, you can also find some of the finest shops in Cabo, so get ready to some serious shopping. The main mall is called Puerto Paraiso, and there are many stores, the big names such as CH, Salvatore, Choppard, Zegna and more are in the Luxury Avenue section. The mall is facing the Marina of Cabo San Lucas; you can start your day there and have lunch in Señor Sweets, where you will totally indulge yourself with some of the best ice-cream in town. 

Ice cream - SEÑOR SWEETS

Or just take a walk by the marina and discover the best places to have that special dinner. One of my favorites is “La Galeria”, they have these Thai Shrimps totally delicious, or if you are vegetarian, they are one of the few places where they actually have a couple of choices, my favorite is the Molcajete vegetebles, try them, you will love them too!

Later at night, maybe you are in the mood of people and party, then you can have a beer or watch your favorite team playing at Baja Cantina or Baja Brewing, they all will welcome you and give you their best service. You can also visit the famous "Nowhere Bar" and have a drink, or two...

Welcome to Cabo, the place with warm weather and warm people, welcome to the marina, the boats, the sea and the fun!

Contact me if you need a place to enjoy Cabo for a life time.

www.caboforlife.com

Love Cabo, Live Cabo, CaboforLife