As a mom of three young boys, life before kids seems like a whole life ago. However, I’ve come to realize it’s important to occasionally be reminded of that frivolous, fun, and carefree woman I know exists underneath the all-things-mama I’ve become.
My husband and I escaped our kids for a few days at Grand Velas Los Cabos. It was stunning. It was relaxing. And for a moment in time, I let go of all responsibility and simply unwound.
Here’s how to do Cabo in four fantastic days.
Day One
Arrive
Arrive at Los Cabos International Airport. Pre-arrange transportation through the resort. Airport to resort is a simple 30 minutes.
Be greeted with bubbly
The Grand Velas check-in process is intimate and easy. In fact, as you get situated, you’re simultaneously treated to a champagne cocktail with fruit caviar.
The open-air lobby is nothing short of breathtaking. Upon walking in, you’ll see a Sergio Bustamante sculpture that says, “The Magic Begins Here” ...a reminder that magic can be found in stolen moments.
The AAA Five Diamond all-inclusive resort has dramatic ocean views infusing every area of the property. Honored among the top resorts of the world and #1 all-inclusive in Mexico in the latest TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, Grand Velas will make you feel far from home.
See your suite
Once check-in is complete, you’ll meet your personal concierge- a butler that caters to your every need throughout your stay. You’ll be escorted to your suite, which in our case was the Grand Class Suite. The spacious 1600+ square foot accommodations are overwhelmingly luxe, featuring a private plunge pool overlooking the Sea of Cortez, an oversized jacuzzi bath, huge shower, and plush areas for lounging. Modern, cool, and contemporary.
Keep in mind, your private concierge is available via text, so if you need time to regroup after the flight, order some room service and indulge in some R&R on your private terrace.
Do dinner at Lucca
After catching the pink sky via your terrace at sunset, gear up for a lovely dinner at Lucca. Grand Velas has an array of fantastic dinner restaurants- all included in your stay- so attempt to taste-test them all.
Lucca’s gourmet menu features fresh Italian and Mediterranean cuisine using the finest local and imported ingredients. Try to secure a spot on the patio overlooking the resort and ocean. Personally, I loved the ricotta ravioli with spinach, fresh tomato, and asparagus. There’s also a flaming Mexican coffee dessert that’s quite entertaining.
Day Two
Awake in paradise
Leisurely wake and order breakfast to the room. (Why not, right? You have a terrace with unobstructed ocean views... makes for a nice breakfast spot in a robe.) After prepping your resort-provided beach bag and putting on a suit and cover up, head to the property’s pools for a day packed of sun, sea, and sippers.
Set up shop at the pool
Grand Velas Los Cabos has three pools. The lowest pool- closest to the beach- flaunts an infinity edge and swim-up bar. There are plenty of loungers or hammocks, and poolside service is available as well.
Walk the beach
Before diving in, go for a cliché long walk on the beach. Keep in mind, most of Cabo’s beaches are not for swimming- it’s too strong and dangerous. However, you’ll feel the cool mist of the waves and can easily dip your feet in the water.
Grab a Miami Vice
After your walk, cool off in the adults-only pool which is set to a perfect temperature. We found ourselves quite comfy at the pool bar; I’m all about the Miami Vice (a strawberry daquiri- piña coladamix). For the next few hours, enjoy doing nothing. And trust me, doing nothing is quite enjoyable. Snag some sun and then dip in the pool.
Eat lunch at Cabrilla
I’m all about the resort’s fancy dinner restaurants; however, nothing beats Cabrilla. The outdoor lunch spot is all things ceviche; seriously, the place is ceviche heaven. The menu offers a variety of fresh concoctions that will tickle your tastebuds, and out of our many taste-tests, I liked the “Los Cabos:” fish, shrimp, octopus, cocktail sauce, avocado, and coriander.
Tequila Taste
Your butler will advise you on the day’s special activities, one of which is tequila tasting (yes, please!). Reservations are required, and the experience is well worth it. Learn all about the tequila process and then taste three of Mexico’s best. We had a great time and preferred the Reposado; SALUD!
Nap off your buzz
After a sun-filled day (and after a few shots of tequila), head to your room for downtime. Sleep your way to a second wind because tonight’s dinner is truly an experience.
Dine at Cocina De Autor
Two-star Michelin Dutch Chef Sidney Schutte heads the fine-dining restaurant Cocina de Autoralongside Francisco Sixtos of Guadalajara. Utilizing European techniques with the freshest Mexican ingredients, Shutte’s menu includes eight to ten courses with wine pairing nightly.
Every course has a story, and each bite is more unique than the last. Plus, you’ll be soothed by the sounds of live music; in our case, it was a beautiful violinist.
Day Three
Wake when you want
To switch things up, opt for the breakfast buffet at Azul. Indoors or covered patio settings are available. Casual and nautical, there are plenty of delectable options to choose from (I loved the made-to-order quesadillas).
Snag some pics
If you’re all about Insta-worthy pics, I put together a list of 10 Velas hot spots to snap swoon-worthy photos.
1. The adults-only pool overlooking the ocean.
2. Chilling on a hammock.
3. Cheers’ing at the pool bar.
4. The beach, atop stunning rock formations.
5. The lobby balcony- it’s grandiose.
6. Velas’ many restaurants.
7. Your suite’s private balcony
8. Tequila tasting.
9. Getting pampered at Se Spa.
10. Sporting swanky resort apparel (my faves are Ramy Brook, Cabana Life, and Glasses USA).
Sunset dinner at Velas 10
Perched dramatically over the golden sands of Los Cabos, Velas 10 offers the freshest seafood and the finest steaks, with unsurpassed oceanfront views. Known for their succulent tomahawk steaks, this memorable and ultra-romantic meal is enjoyed best on the patio.
Day Four
Morning at leisure.
As this is your last morning in paradise, sleep in (or wake early and catch the sunrise via your balcony’s plunge pool). Ring your butler for a light bite, coffee, and tea, while savoring the sights and sounds of the sea.
Chill poolside.
A kid’s-free vacation is all about R&R, so today, dedicate your time to the pool and beach. Grand Velas Los Cabos has quite a plush setup on the sand in case you prefer lounging overlooking the ocean.
Lunch at Azul.
You’ve already done breakfast at Azul... now it’s time to experience its lunch buffet. Take your pick from seafood, meats, cheeses, fruit, desserts, and drinks galore; the creative menu will leave you delectably satisfied.
Dinner at Frida.
Before jumping from lunch to dinner, take a final dip in the pool and walk the beach one last time. After a well-deserved nap and getting dolled up for your exit dinner, head to Frida, a dining experience that honors the famous Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. The restaurant brings the Epicurean culture of Mexico to life with gourmet specialties that adhere to the most representative dishes with a contemporary twist. With royal blue walls and elegant art deco style, you’ll dine on an assortment of tacos stocked with brisket, shrimp, pork, octopus and mushrooms. As a main course, go with the Red Snapper.