“Cabo, Cabo, Cabo.” If you are like us and grew up in the Laguna Beach era of MTV, you probably know this line and its association with Cabo San Lucas. This once sleepy little fishing village has grown into a thriving resort city in Mexico. Located on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, Cabo is known for its beaches, nightlife, and water-based activities. Although it is a great getaway destination for many spring breakers and snowbirds alike, it also includes some hidden gems well off the beaten path of bars and establishments like the well-known spot of Squid Row. Enter the Solmar hotels.
Consisting of five properties including the Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes, Grand Solmar Land’s End, Grand Solmar The Residences, Playa Grande Resort and Grand Spa, and of course, the Solmar Golf Links (a Tiger Woods fave). These properties were established by Don Luis Bulnes and Doña Conchita Malo. These five locations are now under the watchful eye of their daughter, Charo Bulnes Malo, the President of Solmar Group.
If you are wondering what you can do when you book a stay with the Solmar Group, here are ten things to do during your next visit to Cabo San Lucas.
Book a Boat Tour and See the Cabo Arch
If you are a mermaid at heart, then you are going to want to book a boat tour to see the breathtaking Cabo Arch. Solmar’s exclusive and intimate vessel invites land lovers to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Cabo San Lucas from the water. Motor out into the Cabo San Lucas Bay and head out to the Sea of Cortez. Dubbed the “Aquarium of the World,” by Jacques Cousteau, keep your eyes open for wildlife including dolphins, sharks, and even whales. Snorkel, swim or float and soak in the south-of-the-border sunrays. Just remember your SPF.
Head over to the Cabo Arch for a selfie or snapshot then leisurely drive by Lover’s Beach. It is one of the rare spots where two oceans meet – the Pacific and the Sea of Cortez. According to our boat captain, when a storm blows in, the waves of the Pacific Ocean will sometimes fall over Lover’s Beach, and the waves of the Sea of Cortez will gently kiss as if the Pacific is making love to the sea. (How poetic).
Catch Some Sun Rays by the Pool
One of the most popular reasons to head south to Cabo is to thaw out from the cold, catch some sun rays, and maybe get a nice little tan to take back home with you. Lucky for you, no matter where you stay, the Solmar destinations all offer multiple expansive pools. The Pacific Dunes property is home to adult-only pools, family pools, infinity pools, and a unique saltwater lagoon. There is even a waterslide and water activities such as paddleboarding and water volleyball, just to name a few. You can also close your eyes and soak in that Vitamin D while you listen to the ocean waves in the distance.
Dine at Anica
Named after the first settlement of Baja California Sur, Anica is the stunning signature restaurant of Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes. Drawing inspiration from local ingredients and traditional tribal cooking techniques, Anica’s talented chefs create an otherworldly dining experience with flavorful and unique dishes. Guests can relish the beautiful atmosphere and views with indoor or alfresco seating, as well as a cosy fire-pit lounge, making every meal a memorable occasion. Plan accordingly though, only breakfast and dinner are served, so you may want to stop for lunch at another one of the many options on the property.
Order a Beach Beverage and Tacos
Okay, so if you cannot dine at Anica for lunch, belly up to the beach bar and order a beach-themed beverage such as a Pina Colada and maybe an order of handcrafted tacos. Choose between chicken, shrimp, or steak. We recommend the grilled chicken. Enjoy a pinch of pickled onions as a sweet relish. Oh and do not forget to order a basket of chips and guac for a side. You are in Mexico, so it is a must.
See the Sunset at Picaro
If you are not on a boat catching the sunset by sea, grab a glass of wine and order dinner at Pícaro Garden Cuisine by Romeo & Julieta. With an Italian-born head chef, you know the food is going to be divine. (Spoiler alert: It is). The East of Italy meets the Southern vibes of Mexico in this mash-up of culinary cuisines that will have you asking for seconds. Be sure to save room for dessert. We highly recommend the profiteroles. Yum!
Sign Up for a Wine Tasting
If you are a wine connoisseur, experience the art of wine appreciation amidst the stunning setting of Deck Aqua, located at the Grand Solmar Pacific Dunes resort. Delight your senses with a curated selection of fine wines sourced from prestigious vineyards. Engage in an enriching journey guided by knowledgeable sommeliers, as visitors explore the complexities and flavors of each pour. Each wine tasting is paired with a course of light bites that pair perfectly with the vino you are sipping.
Spend the day at Solmar Land’s End
As part of the family of Solmar properties, guests of Solmar Pacific Dunes and Solmar Land’s End may spend the day visiting the other property. You simply need to consult with the front desk and ask them to explain the details that are required when setting up a day visit. Keep in mind it is about a 45-minute drive between the Solmar Pacific Dunes and Solmar Land’s End without traffic, so plan your departures accordingly.
Tour the Property
No matter what property you stay at, it is worth a tour. You may already be exploring on your own, but with a proper property tour, you may see sights you never even knew existed simply because they are tucked away. Think of places like the gym, salon, and spa. Coordinate with the front desk and see if a property tour is an option during your stay.
Visit Solmar Golf Links
If you feel like spending a day on the links, plan a tee time at the Solmar Golf Links. A full 18-hole links course, golfers can witness breathtaking views of the Pacific on every hole. What makes this golf course a bonafide links course? Four factors: a landscape with open spaces, least disturbance, by the ocean (cue the wind), and strong dunes. Lucky for golfers, the Solmar Golf Links exhibits all four.
Walk the Beaches
If you come to Cabo for the beaches you are sadly mistaken. Though Cabo has gorgeous beaches, many of them cannot be used due to dangerous and harsh undercurrents, steep ocean-floor drop-offs, and strong waves. (Yikes!) The sandy golden toasted beaches are still beautiful though, so enjoy a walk along the sands, but steer clear of the waves.
The next time you decide to travel south of the border to Mexico, consider staying at one of the many Solmar properties. You can have some fun in the sun while you enjoy the gorgeous sights of Cabo.
Images: Instagram
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