Luxury Two Day Guide to Los Cabos Mexico

With its dramatic landscape where the desert meets pristine white sand beaches Los Cabos is an exotic escape on the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula––and, less than a three-hour flight from Los Angeles, a long-standing favorite getaway for West Coasters. Connected by its namesake Corridor, Los Cabos actually encompasses two cities: lively Cabo San Lucas and low-key San José del Cabo.

Home to postcard-perfect natural sea arch El Arco and romantically named Playa del Amor, this quintessential Mexican beach destination has it all––from adventurous activities and glamorous resorts to a solid farm-to-table food scene. Here’s how to spend a few days in this special corner of Baja.

DAY 1 in Los Cabos

2PM: CHECK-IN: The CAPE

Arguably one of the swankiest hotels in Los Cabos, The Cape is a boutique retreat that enjoys a secluded beachfront location with views across Monuments Beach point break and Sea of Cortez to the famed El Arco rock formation. Designed by acclaimed Mexican architect Javier Sanchez, the lobby area packs a serious wow-factor punch upon arrival––think Bond villain lair meets 1960s California.

The rooms are sleek and have luxurious amenities, including ocean-view balconies, and glass-enclosed bathrooms with freestanding copper tubs. Modern industrial elements like wood, leather, and stone feature throughout the property alongside décor and furnishings all handmade in Mexico.

3PM: HIT THE POOL

With two oceanfront infinity pools, one of which is built into a natural rock formation, and a swim-up bar, this is the place to come post check in. Get comfy in a pre-booked cabana before slipping into the pool with a cocktail and gazing in awe at the dreamy ocean views. If you feel like getting a little sand between the toes there’s a private stairway down to Monuments Beach, a famous surf spot that, due to strong tides, can make it tough for swimming.

6:30PM: MEZCAL TASTING

Often referred to as Tequila’s smoky cousin, learn about Mexico’s other agave-based spirit (which is made using the heart or piñas of different agaves mainly grown in Oaxaca state, the country’s primary producer of mezcal) with in-house mezcalero Daniel Quezada. Held in the intimate Glass Box bar, a suspended glass cube with floor-to-ceiling windows and more unbelievable views, pairings might include El Farolito, and Ancestral Sacapalabras mezcals served alongside orange segments and fried grasshoppers to help explore flavor profiles and whet the appetite before dinner.

8PM: DINNER AT MANTA

Helmed by superstar Mexican chef Enrique Olvera, The Cape’s sleek signature restaurant Manta not only boasts incredible seascape views, but a menu of elevated Mexican favorites fused with Japanese elements–– think black miso fish tacos, cured nopales salad with nori and mirin, and mushroom ramen with epazote.

Named after the Spanish term for blanket, Manta’s four-course tasting menu, which changes nightly, is a great way to experience Olvera’s “comfort seafood.” Olvera also curated the toe-tappingly good Spotify playlists and was hands-on during the design process on details from the plate ware and handwoven rug in the private dining room to the light fixtures and haute-chic hostess uniforms.

DAY 2 in Los Cabos

9AM: SNORKEL SANTA MARIA & CHILENO BAY

The late French explorer Jacques Cousteau once called the Sea of Cortez the world’s aquarium and, handily located along the Corridor, Santa Maria Cove (one of the region’s prettiest beaches) and Chileno Bay are two of the best snorkeling spots in the area. While it’s possible to explore both locations by yourself, there is a 3.5-hour guided small group tour out of San José Del Cabo that includes all equipment and affords better access to the coral reefs. Endorsed by the Lonely Planet, it’s a great way to see more diverse marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, eels, and rays.

Noteworthy Mention: Between October and February swimming with whale sharks in nearby La Paz is a once in a lifetime experience. Book with a reputable company such as Cabo Adventures, Baja Adventure Co., or Adventure 19.

1:30PM: LUNCH + RELAX

Head back to The Cape for lunch at patio restaurant The Ledge or poolside at swim-up bar and terrace Point Break, where dish highlights include the daily catch sushi and sashimi, charred octopus tacos, and Baja ceviche tostados. Maybe squeeze in a treatment at Currents Spa, whose menu covers everything from facials and mud wraps to manicures and massages, or simply take five on the fabulous hanging day bed in your oceanfront room or suite.

3PM: CACAO CEREMONY

Beyond the standard spa treatment, this unique ritual is said to help open the heart chakra and create a more profound sense of connection to the self. Led by partner company Baja Wellness, the spiritual ceremony begins with a warm drink made from raw ceremonial grade cacao before continuing with guided breathwork, sound meditation, and intention setting. Live acoustic music, incense such as copal and palo santo, and essential oils heighten the experience.

6PM: SUNSET SAIL TO THE ARCH

Home to some seriously picturesque sunsets, a luxury cruise on a classic French sailboat is a spectacular way to soak in the Cabo coastline. And getting up close to Los Cabos’ famed El Arco rock formation (commonly known as “The Arch” at Land’s End) as the sun dips below the horizon is hard to beat –– especially with a chilled glass of champagne. The adults-only trip with Cabo Adventures features a premium open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and round-trip transportation.

8PM: DINNER AT EDITH’S RESTAURANT

Located near Médano Beach, this charming Cabo San Lucas favorite––where reservations are always a must during high season––is owned and operated by Edith Jiménez, a Jalapa native and one of Cabo’s most successful restaurateurs. With its thatched ceilings the candle-lit palapa dining room of Edith’s is a picturesque setting to dig into flavorful Baja and Guerrero cuisine, from fresh seafood, grilled lobster and chile poblano to rustic stews and handmade tortillas.

DAY 3 in Los Cabos

Head down to the Lobby Bar and linger over a cortado or cappuccino and fresh pastry from the Glass Box, while taking in those views across the Sea of Cortez one last time before checking out.

11AM: EXPLORE SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO

With its picturesque church and cobbled streets, the quiet colonial town of San José Del Cabo has a laid back, authentic feel and is well worth exploring. Known as the arts and shopping hub of Los Cabos the burgeoning Gallery District––home to 14 major galleries and the weekly San José Art Walk, which runs every Thursday evening from October through June–– is located behind the historic main square. Standout boutiques include Eduardo Sanchez for one-of-a-kind jewelry, Santo Cabo for organic soaps and lotions, and Shima Shima, for handmade goods from Baja and beyond.

1:30PM: LUNCH AT ACRE

A lush oasis of towering palms, cacti, and other assorted flora surrounds this eco-chic resort just four miles outside of San José del Cabo. Helmed by chef Alex Branch, field-to-table dishes at Acre’s award-winning restaurant use produce from the onsite organic farm––think heirloom tomato gazpacho and crispy vegetarian tacos–– the cocktails are fresh, inventive, and incredibly moreish.

There’s a menagerie of rescue animals here too, including Burrito the donkey and resident peacock, Chucky, who’s been known to join guests for table tennis. If you get the urge to rebook those plane tickets, Acre has a dozen chic eco-designed treehouse accommodations decked out with furnishings and accessories made by artisans from across Baja and the Mexican mainland––many of which can be purchased in the boutique.

GETTING THERE & AWAY

British Airways operates a direct daily flight from London Heathrow to San Diego International, from there Alaska Airlines operates direct daily flights to Los Cabos. From Los Angeles LAX, major carriers, including American Airlines and Delta, also operate direct daily flights to Baja.

Local taxis cost around US$50 per journey (no matter the distance) so hiring a car in Cabo can be a good idea. The Cape, which also offers private airport transfers, is located about 40-minutes from the airport along the Los Cabos Corridor and 15-minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas.

 

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