The phrase “Cabo” alone doubtless conjures visions in your thoughts of beautiful, rocky landscapes framed by crystal waters. Possibly listening to its identify, you are wistful for a keep in one of many luxurious resorts that attract Hollywood A-listers and different celebrities.

Lengthy a well-liked winter escape from the USA, the area of Los Cabos is attracting new curiosity throughout the Atlantic because of new nonstop flights to international locations in Europe.

I’ve no scarcity of causes that it’s best to think about Cabo in your subsequent seaside trip (solar! desert landscapes! superb meals!). However as a vacation spot editor for Lonely Planet, I am additionally at all times attempting to take a look at widespread locations from a brand new perspective and collect concepts of the place I will help you break away from the crowds and expertise one thing new. 

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That is why I lately accepted an invite from the Los Cabos Tourism Board to take a look at its blossoming rural tourism scene, which generally is a nice launching pad for out of doors journey within the space. In case you’re the kind of one who loves a resort, however is able to do one thing totally different after a pair days, you would possibly wish to think about including a pair days within the countryside to your itinerary. 

The place is Los Cabos?

 Los Cabos refers back to the regional space that features the dual cities of San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, situated on the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula in Mexico. 

When most individuals say they’re headed to “Cabo” – they’re often referring to considered one of these cities to take in some solar and disconnect from the frenetic tempo of life.  Together with dreamy resorts and beautiful seashores, you’ll additionally discover a bit of little bit of every thing an out of doors fanatic would love right here: snorkeling, scuba diving, mountaineering and kayaking. 

However there are additionally a number of smaller villages within the space like Santiago, which might provide an opportunity to attach with nature and other people in the best way you solely can if you happen to’re keen to stray away from the standard itinerary. 

How did I get there?

After my worldwide flight landed, I hopped in a automotive from Transcabo, one of many transport companies within the space. From there, I made the hour-long journey north from the airport in San José del Cabo by the desert panorama to the village of Santiago. 

Planning tip: if you happen to’re planning to remain within the extra rural areas, seize sunscreen and different sundries earlier than you permit the airport. 

The place I stayed: Amet Nature Retreat

On arrival, our taxi driver almost handed the discreet entrance to Amet Nature Retreat, which is tucked behind a gate alongside a desert street. When the sliding gate rolled again to disclose the luxurious and beautiful oasis hidden behind it, my coronary heart skipped a beat.

The proprietor was a banker in Switzerland earlier than she returned house to Mexico and acquired the close by property for her private residence. After a hurricane, she found a pure spring beneath the property. She paid to have it dredged to create the calm freshwater oasis.

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She then purchased the property subsequent door and in late 2024, she opened Amet to the general public. 

The architectural design of the tranquil, adults-only 6-room property (three elevated glamping tents, three upscale rooms with views) was created by her son.  With few friends to compete with, it’s an important place to unwind. Foodies will take pleasure in its culinary choices, which is farm-to-plate. The chef determines the menu every day primarily based on what’s contemporary from the market and close by farms. 

Why keep in Santiago

Staying in Santiago places you strategically a bit nearer to considered one of my “don’t miss” highlights of the world: Parque Nacional Cabo Pulmo, a nationwide marine park. 

In case you have been to come back to this park from Cabo San Lucas, you’d need to think about a two-hour drive, which might restrict your time to expertise the park. Staying in Santiago, you shave that drive in half. 

The protected space caps the variety of guests – so that you’ll wish to plan upfront by reserving a tour. When you get out on the boat, it’s uncommon to see others on the water close to you. The Sea of Cortez boasts crystal clear water and a wide range of beautiful wildlife to watch.

We noticed faculties of fish and sea lions, however my favourite half was observing the whales, which make their manner right down to the seas round Los Cabos in March to offer beginning to their infants. We noticed spectacular breaches by whale households who have been very energetic whereas we have been there. Plus, we have been the one boat observing the ballet by these magnificent mammals. It was actually magical. 

After the go to to the park, we headed again to our resort in Santiago.  Away from the hustle and bustle of the busy seashores, you get an opportunity to actually absorb the slower tempo. 

What else is there to do?

The world is a superb launching pad for different out of doors actions as nicely. You possibly can kayak the oasis at sundown. You possibly can take a mountaineering journey to Sol or to El Refugio. On my journey, I did El Refugio. The trailhead for the path stuffed with boulders begins on a farmer’s ranch so youʻll must name forward to get entry to it, however you can too organize for the proprietor to make you a scrumptious post-hike lunch of quesadillas. 

My favourite expertise was beginning off the primary night on the resort with the cultural expertise of a cacao ceremony within the fireplace pit space of the resort. After a busy day of journey, the meditation was extremely enjoyable and put me in the correct mindset for the remainder of the journey. 

What else so as to add to your itinerary

You’ll have a good time however in all probability exhaust every thing to do in Santiago in a pair days. I believe this can be a nice journey to mix with one of many bigger cities within the Los Cabos space: San José del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas. 

I ended up in San José del Cabo staying at Resort El Ganzo, a boutique artsy resort that boasts a personal seaside membership in addition to a surprising rooftop with views for days. 

A few suggestions on what to do right here. In case you love recognizing wildlife, exit with Dan from Uncharted Expeditions. He has deep data, respect and keenness for the ocean that’s contagious, and also you’ll come again with a brand new appreciation for the oceanic ecosystem. He additionally is a superb photographer and brings all his gear together with a drone so you’ll be able to see the wildlife from above. 

In case you’re prepared for time on the town after being within the rural areas, head to the Gallery District of San José del Cabo, which is a particularly walkable space with tons of artwork galleries and eating places to go to.

My favourite meal of the journey was at Don Sanchez, which boasts modern Mexican delicacies. Order considered one of their cocktails to begin your meal – the presentation dazzles – or have the waiter suggest one of many native Mexican wines on the menu. The waiters are nicely versed in every course they bring about, providing you with new perception to the produce accessible within the space and appreciation for the world of Los Cabos. 

Melissa traveled to Santiago and San José del Cabo on invitation from the Los Cabos Tourism Board. Lonely Planet doesn’t settle for freebies in alternate for optimistic protection.