Soleado

"Let's focus on the present", that has been the message from the wisest people in the world, he hear it, we read it everywhere. What if your present is bringing you the beautiful breeze from the ocean, the sound of waves caressing the beach and the infinite blue of the sea reflecting in your eyes. We, humans are pulled toward the the water as if by some invisible force, and even more if the water feature also involves sunlight and fantastic weather.

Soleado Beach and Resort is the newest creation of Portus Group, and offers all the amazing privileges of a Beach Front property. It is a Resort, it is a sanctuary, a place for you and your loved ones to relax, to be in touch with your soul. It only takes a moment of full awareness to remember that happy and enlighten being within yourself.

We provide the amenities; yoga, wellness center, art gallery, just to mention a few. Nature provides in its splendor too; the beach to jog every morning, the waves to surf or the incredible scenario to paint, take a picture or make memories for a lifetime.

This is Soleado, and take advantage of the opportunity now that it is under construction. Let me know if you want to receive any further information. 

Starting price is $475,000, and this is the video took during the Surf Tournament 2014, right in front of the Soleado Location.

Video Soleado

Vanessa Castillo

vanessa@portusmexico.com

Healing Souls

One of the most beautiful experiences I have ever lived in Cabo was being able to participate in the great program that Modu Seye and the team of Moduvated got up few days after Odile Hurricane impacted Cabo in September 2014.

Modu Seye is such an inspiration of consistency and braveness and the story about how he pursued his dreams makes you think that you should too, do whatever it takes to be there. He has become one of the most important personalities in Cabo, training and really making a difference in people's life.

Everyone loves him, admires him, and his charming personality works as a magnet to many of the ones that know him. This actually worked perfect for times of need in Cabo, Modu and the Moduvated team reached the people with resources and good hearts that were able to help rebuild and rebound communities bringing back smiles and hope to their hearts.

In three weeks Moduvated team was able to raise $67,262 USD, served 15 communities and fed over 3,500 families, and I was privileged to be part of that amazing team... I can just say that it was exactly what my soul needed, after seeing my beautiful Cabo in so much need and devastation, giving myself, my spirit and energy to this kind of actions felt like manna from heaven.

Watch the video or follow Modu at: MODUVATED VIDEO

I met incredible people after this experience and now I train with Modu at the bootcamp. It is a real boost for having amazing days, to eat healthy and to be stronger and fitter, to have respect for your body... Bootcamp starts at 6am in Palmilla beach, and when you get there you can see the stars, your eyes use their full capability to run in the dark... and then, you witness the beginning of a new day, The Sunrise. We run, we jump, we do burpees, squats, etc. basically we get MODUVATED!!

Us at boot camp

Modu and its indomitable spirit keeps changing the world, his world one step at a time, or well maybe some times too fast!!  He is working now with kids and has amazing projects going on, if you are interested take a look and contact the Moduvated team, you can be sure whatever you want to donate to these good causes they do, really do get to the people that need it the most, I have witnessed it with my own eyes.

Love your body, respect your body.

Love Cabo, live Cabo. #CaboforLife

"Dia de Muertos" Day of the Death in Mexico

I know that when my loved ones make an "altar" for me, it will be one full of flowers, my favorite ones, the Sunflower, but also the traditional ones, the Cempazuchitl Flower. On the "Dia de Los Muertos" they will make an Altar with my picture, my favorite things, they sure will bring cats, in any form or representation, there will be chocolate, pinole, atole de grano and strawberry with cream. Maybe some fruit like guanavanas, juaquiniquiles, changungas and and of course my favorite drink, Mezcal. They will also play music!! Luis Miguel, some Bosanova, Jenni and the Mexicats and Vanessa Paradis. Hope I have opportunity to be a writer, so in the altar there will be one of my books and maybe a little treasure that belonged to me. 

That is what we do in "Dia de Muertos" we remember and honor the dead ones, the ones we admired, we loved and have passed away. It takes place on November the first and the second. Families all over Mexico make an Altar at their homes, their offices, even in public spaces... and it is a tradition to do all together, family and friends reunited, sometimes with humor and always with joy. Also they bring flowers and "Ofrendas" to the cementery, a place that during this night, instead of being a dark and lonely place, turns into a sanctuary full of candles, people and magic.

The best and richest representation of this tradition takes place in the state of Michoacán. All over the state you will see all the altars, all the colors and smells. One of the main cities of Michoacán is Patzcuaro. And in Patzcuaro there is the famous lake called "Lago de Pátzcuaro" that has an island called Janitzio. People get together all around the lake, the island and the town and all night you will be surrounded by the lights of the candles, by the energy and feeling of the people, the living and not living ones, you are in that place and moment that the spirits are called and invited to visit their last home. Is in my personal experience one of the most fantastic moments of my life.

Dia de Muertos at Patzcuaro

Go ahead and make an Altar if you wish to honor and remember someone cherished in this day, these are the ten elements you need to have a good altar or ofrenda:
1. Candles - Represent religion
2. Picture of the person - So everyone knows who is the altar for.
3. Flowers, use Cempazuchitl, and if you do not find it at your home, just any yellow, orange flower will do.
4. Salt - Symbol of purification.
5. Incience - Symbol of purification and a way to attract the spirits.
6. Paper (Papel de China) - Thin paper colorful and decorated.
7. Sugar or Chocolate Sculls (Calaveras) - Like a joke to the death.
8. Sweet Bread (Pan de Muerto) - Traditional delicious bread made with flour, eggs, sugar, butter, orange peels anise and yeast.
9. Food and Drinks - The ones your honored person used to like or love.
10. Other - Any object that will evoke the likes, the life and the essence of the honored one.

There has been always a wonder, a mystery about the after-life. No matter which side of the world, or religion we have. The Egyptians made massive tombs to their kings, made boats to help the deceased ones passed to the other life, there is one thing that is sure, after 5000 thousand years we are still talking about Egypt about Tutankhamen and all of their gods.

At the end of our lives, we may or may not have a future life, a continuation of our souls... some say we end right there, some others believe in reincarnation, maybe we will live in our happy place forever!! But all that is just nothing to be sure of, meanwhile let's live our only reality.  

It is in our closed ones that we continue to live, in their hearts and memories, it is how we make people around us feel that survives. It is the good we did to this world that will make us immortals.

Cempazuchitl flower

If you live in Cabo, remember there is a great altar exposition and contest at Puerto Paraiso Mall. Sunday November 2nd from 6 to 10pm. Don't miss it!!! Link Altar de Muertos Puerto Paraiso

Be, live, love. #CaboforLife

10 Things to do when visiting Cabo

Yes, you should really consider coming to Cabo ASAP!! The town is getting renovated and many places have offered the lucky ones that are here some really cool opportunities!

Here is the list of things I would recommend to do if you visit Cabo any day soon:

1. Get the best activities reservation, at super discounts. My favorite place is Cabo Adventures, and yes they are open!
2. Enjoy a 50% discount at Arts & Sushi Restaurant by the Marina. They offer this discount during the month of October, and you should try the Tuna Tostada, mmmm!! Deliciosas! Or go to Ladies Night at Capitan Tony's by the Marina as well... they have amazing life music at night.

3. Get a super discount on Golf such as Questro Golf Courses!! Just bring a donation such as clothes, food or money to support the people affected by Odile Hurricane.
4. Go to the Beach and enjoy the view, the people, the music and some margaritas. Of course, the biggest tradition is Mango Deck and they also have discounts and happy hours!
5. Have the best Pescado Zarandeado, ceviche, or any kind of seafood at Mariscos Mazatlán, a restaurant full of life, locals and great service.
6. Have a delicious dessert at Señor Sweets!!! I always order the Lemon Pie Gelato or the Special Cinnamon Roll with chocolate and cream cheese... they are to die for!! well I sometimes order both of them jaja!! And they have discounts during October too!

John Travolta at Señor Sweets

7. Come and enjoy the ambiance at the marina for the RICHIEST FISHING TOURNAMENT IN THE WORLD!! The World's famous, Bisbee's Black and Blue Tournament. So much activity and excitement at the marina for 4 consecutive days!! From October 21st - 25th 2014
8. Do shopping!! Prices are as low as they could ever be!
9. Get involved in one charity or organization, you will sure feel useful and could make a difference in someone's life! My suggestions are:
Amigos de Los Niños, For the last 22 years they have been helping the Children of Cabo with their health, the most important thing!
ModuVated Getting to the poorest families of Cabo, giving food and water. Many projects are coming, mostly focusing on the Children, giving them an inspiration to be better every day.
Feeding the FireFighters Feeding every Saturday all the Heroes of Cabo
Humane Society - Shelter Yes furry friends also need your help, take doggies for a walk or pet the kitties.
10. And of course, get advantage of all the free things Cabo will offer you, such as the beach, sunsets, sunrises, smiles from all the people and the best weather ever!

Grab a beer and toast for Cabo, because it is just getting better and better, newer and stronger than ever!

#CaboStrong
#CaboforLife

HOTELS IN CABO

According to Hotels Association of Cabo, this is the Calendar of the RE-Opening of Hotels in Cabo.

OPEN HOTEL
         Bahía Hotel And Beach Club
         Best Western Aeropuerto
         Hotel Suites Las Palmas
         Holiday Inn Express Los Cabos
         Quinta del Sol
         Cabo Villas Beach Resort & Spa

OCTOBER
1st     Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos Resort
1st     Villa del Arco Beach Resort & Spa
1st     Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa
1st     Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa
1st     Wyndham Cabo San Lucas
6th     Pueblo Bonito Rosé Resort & Spa
8th     Casa Dorada At Medano Beach
8th     Pueblo Bonito Pacífica Holistic Retreat & Spa
9th     Riu Palace Los Cabos
11th   Grand Solmar Land's End Resort & Spa
11th   Hacienda Encantada Resort & Spa
11th   Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa
11th   Playa Grande Resort & Spa
11th   The Ridge At Playa Grande
11th   Solmar Resort
12th   Los Cabos Golf Resort At Country Club
13th   Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort & Spa
15th   Hacienda Beach Club And Residences
15th   Tropicana Inn
16th   Posada Real Los Cabos
16th   Riu Santa Fe

NOVEMBER
1st      Bel Air Collection Resort & Spa Los Cabos
1st      Sandos Finisterra
1st      Royal Solaris Los Cabos
3rd     Barcelo Grand Faro Los Cabos
5th     Marbella Suites
15th   Esperanza An Auberge Resort
15th   Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos
15th   Secrets Marquis Los Cabos
15th   Secrets Puerto Los Cabos
20th   Decameron All Inclusive Resort

DECEMBER
1st     Holiday Inn Resort Los Cabos
15th  One & Only Palmilla

JANUARY
          Sirena del Mar Welk Resorts
          Melia Cabo Real All Inclusive Beach
          Cabo Azul Resort & Spa

FEBRUARY
          Me by Meliá Cabo

JULY
         Hyatt Place Los Cabos

Come and enjoy Cabo #CaboforLife

Tomorrow?

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 15th. 2014 - Cabo San Lucas

My Agenda

7:00 am Jogging, Meditation at the beach.

8:00 am Call the Honda Dealer to check they have received my car from the Gruas Gustavo (minor damage after hitting a sidewalk)

8:30 am Find a neighbor or someone that could give me a right to Ventanas

9:00 am Get to the Office, talk to my boss about 2 offers of 2 different properties.

10:00 am Phone calls

12:00 pm Tour with client interested in Cabo del Mar properties

Rest of the day: Computer work 

6:00 pm Get my face products at Spa Cielo

7:00 pm Independence Day Mexican Party with friends, Fiesta!!

This was my plans for the day, I had so many important things to do, people to talk to, etc. In real life, this is what I did

Ocean moments before hurricane, Land's End in the back

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 15th. 2014 - Cabo San Lucas

Real life after Hurricane Odile hit Cabo

6:00 am Open door of bathroom where we were guarded for about 7 hours, to discover the damage of hurricane Odile in my friend's Home. 

7:00 am Cleaning Home, broken glass, sand, tree's leaves. Helping the neighbors. Cleaning street. Windows of cars broken, bags and bags of debris taken to the garbage container.

8:00 am Trying to communicate, to make phone calls. Realizing we were totally incommunicado!

9:00 am Taking a drive outside to the streets of Cabo, get to my other friend's home and discover Cabo was devastated by the Hurricane.

Rest of the day: Cleaning glass, drying wet clothes, accepting things and news as they were coming, living the present, not knowing what is going to happen tomorrow.

After days of not having power, water, not being able to communicate with your loved ones, people in Cabo are now getting all the services. There is soooo much people in need but government and donations have helped a lot. 

We have all learned to talk to other human beings without a cell phone, we have appreciated now more than ever a glass of water, a shower a cold beer. But most importantly we have been able to experience the moment, the now! Nobody, during the strong wind of the hurricane was taking a selfie, or checking facebook or playing candy crush.

Please be here, be now! Love your life, be thankful. Do not hold your life in the tomorrow, in your agenda and your plans of the future, they may just disappear from one day to the other.

Live, Love Cabo, CaboforLife

Cabo's facts after Odile

On September 13, 2014, it appeared as if Hurricane Odile would miss Los Cabos and we would experience only some wind and rain overnight.  However, at the last minute the storm veered to the East and the night of September 14, Hurricane Odile hit a largely unprepared Cabo San Lucas directly as a powerful Category 3 Hurricane, the strongest hurricane ever to make landfall in the Baja Peninsula of Mexico.

Hurricane Odile hit with sustained winds of up to 125 mph, causing major damage to the city, the resorts, and the infrastructure of the entire state of Baja California Sur.  An estimated 92% of the State's population was left without power or water, and most of Los Cabos is still without.  30,000 tourists were in the Baja during the storm, and airlift is still ongoing.  All remaining tourists are reportedly well with food and water.

Recovery in a Nutshell...

According to official estimates:

Los Cabos Int'l Airport (SJD) Reopen:  October 4th
Cabo San Lucas Airport (CSL) Reopen:  October 10*
Power Restored:  45%
Water Restored:  Monday or Tuesday (Already Mostly Restored)
Phone Restored:  Completed
Internet Restored:  Completed
Garbage Pick-Up:  Resumed
Most Hotels Reopening:  October 1 through October 15
Bisbee's Fishing Tournament:  On as Scheduled for October 17

* The CSL Airport reports on their Facebook page that they have been operating normally (days only) since September 17.

"The Local Take"

"GOOD NEWS things are coming back together faster than we ever thought possible. A few neighborhoods have power, gas stations are open and without queues. Banks will open Monday. The army are doing a sensational job of cleaning up and getting food and water to people in need, though not all areas have been taken care of yet. Community kitchens have opened up in several areas". - Pisces Sportfishing 9/20/14

Evacuation Update

Within 36 hours of the storm, the Los Cabos Airport was back in operation for non-commercial flights.  The military, later joined by commercial airlines from the USA, Canada and Mexico, began evacuating the remaining tourists on Tuesday, September 16.  All tourists that want to be evacuated are now on their way home.  Some (bless their hearts) are staying behind to help and show support.

Tuesday Sept. 16:  5,000
Wednesday Sept. 17: 6,000
Thursday, Sept. 18: 8,000
Friday, Sept. 19: 8,000
Saturday, Sept. 20: The Remainder

Airport Update

The Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) did not suffer any infrastructure damage, but there was damage to the terminals and to the control tower.  The airport was open for about a week for humanitarian flights, but now closed again to focus on repair.  It is projected to open again for normal traffic by approximately October 4th, 2014.  The smaller Cabo San Lucas Airport did not suffer damage to the runways and has been operating normally since September 17, but days only at this time.

Utility Update

Nearly 1,000 workers are working feverishly to restore power and water to the Los Cabos area.  At this time, 85% of the power in Northern Baja California Sur has been restored, and about 80% of the power in La Paz.  The power in Los Cabos is more challenging as about 800 power poles need to be reset.  Early estimates of 2-3 weeks seem to have been overstated, as power has already been restored to 45% of Los Cabos.

Telmex has restored telecommunications (telephone, internet) to 100% of the area and no more lines at the gas stations.

Some water has been restored to Cabo - about 40% of normal capacity.  They are testing the desalination plant and expect full water recovery this week.  A very welcome thing indeed.

Security Update

After a couple of days of much publicized looting of stores, official sources and reports from the ground agree that things are now under control and the over 1000 military units are now keeping the peace.  The government says that rumors of a jailbreak were not true.

Business Update

Baja Cantina Marina, Mango Cantina, La Davina and Cabo Cantina are open for business with food and cold drinks available.  Reports are that Solomon's Landing, Mango Deck, Cabo Blue and Captain Tony's will be reopen again probably tomorrow.  Many other restuarants will remain closed until the tourists return since all of their clientele was tourists. Beach vendors have been being spotted again.

6 bank branches have reopened, and 3 ATMs.  Several gas stations are open, and 6 of the area's 19 grocery and department stores have reopened, including Wal-Mart.  Some Cabo San Lucas fishing charters are reporting they are ready to go fishing.

The East Cape area was largely unaffected and those businesses are running as normal.  La Paz is also largely back to normal operations.

Humanitarian Update

Hundreds of tons of food and water have arrived to the area by land and sea and are being distributed to those in need.  The Mexican Red Cross is leading the efforts together with the military and collection stations have been set up throughout Mexico for goods.  However there are thousands of homeless people in the colonies after the storm, and so many more who have lost so much that it will take much time to rebuild their lives.

The local relief organizations are badly in need of funds to assist the families they represent.  You can make a donation directly to the Mexican Red Cross through their website or by using a registered US based foundation such as the International Community Foundation who works together with the local relief agencies in Baja California Sur.

International Community Foundation - $21,295.00 in 5 Days
Sarahuaro Community - $19.635.00 in 5 Days
Bisbee's Hurricane Relief - $40,000.00 in 4 Days + $250k from Bisbees

There are many other unofficial organizations collecting funds as well, which is great.  But we recommend officially recognized organizations.

How Else You Can Help

While the tourist infrastructure may be up and going strong by October, the humanitarian needs of the local people will be high for much longer.  The needs of the local people are great, and without income it will be very difficult for them to recover.

As soon as Cabo is ready to welcome you again, there is perhaps no better way to contribute to the recovery than with your tourist dollars.  Every margarita you drink or taco you eat gives a hotel or restaurant worker a job, who then uses that money to buy things at the store, giving the store employee a job and money to spend to buy things at another store, and so on.  The impact is felt through this small community in so many ways.  Cabo needs you, especially in this already low season.  We hope to see you in October when the resorts and town are ready to host you.

Hotel Damage & Reopening Updates

Many hotels in Cabo fared pretty well during the storm, reporting only minor damage.  However, they still have some clean-up to do which will keep most resorts closed until about October 1st.  By this time many resorts predict that they will open, and many more by October 15.  A few were heavily damaged and will remain closed until October 31 or longer.  Here is a list of the official estimates we have received so far:

Bahia Hotel - Only minimal damage.  October 30 "or sooner".

Barcelo Grand Faro - Still Assessing. Tentatively September 22

Cabo Azul - December

Cabo Pulmo Resort - Minimal damage. Operational.

Cabo Villas - Minimal damage.  September 27

Capella Pedral - October 1

Casa Dorada - October 9

Club Cascadas - October 15

Club Regina - October 31

Dreams Los Cabos - Sustained cosmetic damages and substantial debris, yet no serious structural damages. October 15.

East Cape Resorts - Very minor damage, fully operational. Out fishing.

East Cape RV - Only three trees down and no major damage to trailers or palap
as, and no damage to boats.

Esperanza - October 13

Fiesta Americana Los Cabos - November 15 for a big group, then November 23 for individual reservations.

Finisterra - Tentative date of October 1.

Grand Mayan Los Cabos - Significant damage, including windows blown out. Closed for approximately 2 months.

Grand Solmar - October 22

Hacienda Beach Club - October 15

Hacienda del Mar - October 31

Hacienda Encantada - October 15

Hilton Los Cabos - Still Assessing. Significant damage.

Holiday Inn - "At Least November 1"

Hotel Los Pescadores - Closed for a week or so for personal reasons and waiting for airport to open.

Hyatt Place - October 17

Hyatt Ziva - October 17

Las Ventanas - Assessing damage. Will update on Sept 22.

Los Barrilles - Very minor damage. Fully operational.

Los Cabos Golf Resort - No serious damage, just cosmetic. Closed for 2 weeks for clean-up.

Marina Fiesta - October 15

ME Cabo - October 16

Melia Real - October 15

One & Only Palmilla - October 15

Playa Grande - October 22

Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos - No structural damage, just cleanup. October 1

Pueblo Bonito Montecristo Estates - No structural damage, just cleanup. October 1

Pueblo Bonito Rose - No structural damage, just cleanup. October 1

Pueblo Bonito Pacifica - No structural damage, just cleanup. October 1

Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach - No structural damage, just cleanup. October 1

Quinta del Sol - October 22

Rancho Leonoro - Minimal damage. Fully operational. Out fishing.

Riu Palace - Unofficially saying they expect to be open in 2 weeks. No official word yet.

Riu Santa Fe - Significant damage. No assessment yet.

Royal Decameron - October 17

Royal Solaris - October 10

Secrets Marquis - Sustained cosmetic damages and substantial debris, yet no serious structural damages. October 15.

Secrets Puerto Los Cabos - Cosmetic damage and debris, no structural damage. October 15.

Sheraton - Significant damage. Closed until "at least" October 31.

Solmar - October 22

Villa del Arco - Minimal damage. October 1

Villa del Palmar - Minimal damage. October 1

Villa La Estancia - Minimal damage. October 1

Westin - Significant damage. Windows blew out. Closed until "at least" October 31.

Worldmark Coral Baja - January 31

Wyndham - "Unaffected". Just basic clean-up to do of pools and grounds. October 1.

Zoetry - Cosmetic damage and debris, no structural damage. October 15.

Recommendations

Currently, Cabo is not ready for touristic arrivals.  There is a lot of work to do.  If you have vacation plans during this next week or so, you will want to contact your hotel and airline and change your dates to at least October and at least until after the power has been restored for several days.  In October, there will still be work going on in Cabo, but as long as your resort is open for business, there will still be plenty to enjoy.  The tourist infrastructure always comes back quicker than the local areas, and Mexico is one of the world's best at this.  You will truly be surprised to see how quickly Cabo is restored, given the severity of the hit.

The beaches, the sunshine, the pool, the food, and the margaritas will all be here.  The marina is reportedly without structural damage and most boats were unharmed.