- Honeymoons
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- Los Cabos
LOS CABOS
Mexico Destinations:
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Two very different, very picturesque towns surrounded by desert and sea: to the northeast, San Jose del Cabo, a mission town established in the 18th century and still charming; and at the southern tip, Cabo San Lucas, whose shops, restaurants and nightclubs rock around the clock.
- Beaches galore.
- Spectacular scenery with dramatic rock outcroppings, most famously El Arco, a rock arch at the tip of Land’s End, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortes.
- Virtually guaranteed great weather, with an average temperature of 70 degrees (though much higher in summer) and an average annual rainfall of only 10 inches.
- A bevy of world-class luxury spas.
- Several pet-friendly hotels, in particular Esperanza, Las Ventanas and One&Only Palmilla.
- Easy access, with a variety of nonstop flights or convenient connections from Aero California, Aeromexico, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, US Airways, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Mexicana and United.
WHEN TO GO
The high season runs from October to April, so if you're on a budget it's best to travel between May and September, when the temperature soars to 100-plus degrees but rates plummet. The little bit of rain that does fall comes during September and October.
WHAT TO PACK
Passport; resort attire (some restaurants prohibit shorts and sandals); swimwear; sunglasses, sunscreen, hat; camera.
WHAT TO BUY
Handblown glass, ceramics, Mexican artwork, Mexican fire opals, Talavera pottery, silver jewelry, cigars, tequila.
TOURIST INFO
Contact the Los Cabos Tourism Board (Lazaro Cardenas Edificio Posada, Cabo San Lucas, BCS Mexico; 52-624-143-4777, 866-LOS-CABOS; visitloscabos.org). Another excellent Web resource is loscabosguide.com.
GETTING MARRIED IN LOS CABOS
You can have your ceremony on the beach, on a yacht, in a private villa or a golf clubhouse, even while scuba diving. Several resorts have wedding chapels. You'll need current passports; certified copies of both your birth certificates; a Tourist Card (which you get upon arrival in Mexico) or a visa; health certificates and blood tests (hotels will help you set up the tests, which have to have been done in the past 15 days). If you've been divorced you must wait a full year to remarry and provide a certified copy of the final divorce decree. Widows or widowers must have a certified copy of the death certificate. And you'll need two witnesses at the ceremony.
C Restaurant
One&Only Palmilla
Carretera Tranpeninsular Km 7.5
San Jose del Cabo
Tel: 52-624-146-7000
oneandonlypalmilla.com
C might well stand for "couples," with romantic tables for two that allow lovers to sit side by side as they share a milk-chocolate soufflé. Before you get to the dessert, start with the Pacific sushi bento appetizer, one of the signature dishes at renowned chef Charlie Trotter's restaurant. Then move on to, say, mahimahi from the Sea of Cortes with smoked buckwheat fettuccini, a variety of sautéed mushrooms and spicy dry chorizo. The dazzling menu changes daily to reflect the region's freshest seafood, steak, game and produce. The decor is an eye-pleasing blue, with bright orange and blue in the entry.
EL RESTAURANTE
Esperanza
Carretera Transpenisular Km 7
Cabo San Lucas
Tel: 52-624-145-6400
esperanzaresort.com
Although it's excellent for breakfast and lunch, nighttime is when the setting really rocks. Sit in the open air, perched on the bluffs of Punta Ballena (Whale Point) as the waves crash below you. Torches illuminate the Mediterranean-influenced cuisine, which incorporates local resources and regional flavors. The delicious pear will go nicely with your pear-shaped diamond. Sea bream from a local farm in La Paz, tuna with porcini mushrooms and risotto are other hits. If you can't decide, there's always the superb tasting menu. If you can, reserve table 60, on a private terrace.
SEA GRILL
Las Ventanas al Paraíso
Carretera Transpeninsular Km 19.5
San Jose del Cabo
Tel: 52-624-144-2800, 888-767-3966
lasventanas.com
Your food is literally hot off the grill at this oceanfront restaurant where everything is cooked on wood-burning grills or in the wood-burning oven. The toast tartine with grilled and fresh tomato, aged manchego and basil is the fave appetizer. Follow it with free-range rock Cornish hen, veal chops, lobster tail or Ensenada mussels cooked in a clay pot. Pizza lovers have their pick of pies. After the meat and the seafood from local waters are branded on the grill with the Las Ventanas logo, your waiter cuts freshly picked herbs from the resort's garden right onto the plate in front of you.
DON EMILIANO
Boulevard Mijares 27
San Jose del Cabo
Tel: 52-624-142-0266
donemiliano.com.mx
Don Emiliano is to Mexican gastronomy what Armani is to fashion. Internationally known chef Margarita C. de Salinas, founder of Baja's chapter of Slow Food International, designed the haute menu, whose highlights include sopa morena, a traditional black-bean broth from the Huichol Indians; chile relleno San Jose, a sweet and smoky red chile filled with shrimp and baked in a to-die-for cilantro sauce; and a dessert of roasted mangoes filled with almonds, pistachios and pumpkin seeds resting in a broth of spiced orange juice. Enjoy it all on the patio of an old hacienda that once belonged to one of the town's founders.
NICK-SAN
Blvd. Marina lote 10 local 2
Plaza de la Danza
Cabo San Lucas
Tel: 52-624-143-2491
Las Tiendas de Palmilla Local 116
San Jose del Cabo
Tel: 52-624-144-6262
nicksan.com
Mexico and Japan collide at this restaurant and sushi bar with outposts on each side of the cape, so it's convenient no matter where you stay. The Japanese classics—teriyaki, tempura—are fine, but live a little and opt for something more creative from executive chefs and owners Angel Carbajal and Masayuki Niikura. How about the scallops dinamita (baked local scallops and stone crab mixed with white mushrooms, masago, chives and spicy red sauce) or the tuna tostada (Pacific yellowfin tuna belly on a rice-cracker tostada with sliced avocado, Habanero red-onion sauce and sesame seeds)?
FRENCH RIVIERA BAKERY
Manuel Doblado y Miquel Hidalgo
San Jose del Cabo
Tel: 52-624-142-3350
frenchrivieraloscabos.com
You'll swear you were on the Côte d'Azur when you bite into one of the delectable fresh-fruit tarts, decadent chocolate pastries, flaky croissants or hot-from-the-oven baguettes. French chef Jacques Chretien's place is the bakery of choice for many of the area's hotels and fine restaurants, which depend on his terrific breads, desserts and specialty items like chocolates and wedding cakes. But it's more than a bakery, offering everything from light fare to hearty meals for breakfast, lunch or an early dinner. There’s also a more elaborate restaurant in Cabo San Lucas (Carretera Transpeninsular Km 6.3; 52-624-104-3125) serving dinner only.
DAMIANA
Boulevard Mijares 8
Town Plaza
San Jose del Cabo
Tel: 52-624-142-0499
damiana.com.mx
Damiana, which has been around since 1983, is named after a Baja desert herb that's used as an aphrodisiac—and you'll be ready to rush back to your room after you eat here. You can dine under the stars in a sea of bougainvillea on the 18th-century hacienda's romantic patio, serenaded by strolling troubadours. A must-have is the Imperial Shrimp Steak, a fillet of succulent shrimp knit together and grilled. The tortilla soup, mini turnovers and char-broiled lobster tails in Mayan sauce are surefire as well.
LA PANGA ANTIGUA
Zaragoza Street 20 Centro
San Jose del Cabo
Tel: 52-624-142-4041
lapanga.com
When the touristy Cabo San Lucas starts to get to you, head to San Jose del Cabo; this restaurant, where you feast on contemporary Mexican cuisine surrounded by beautiful colonial architecture, is an exemplar of the town's charm. You'll be tempted to fill up on the fresh seafood (think Pacific salmon, red snapper, pan-fried jumbo shrimp and yellowfin tuna). But don't—or you'll regret not having saved room for the signature dessert, a molten Callebaut chocolate tamal baked in a corn husk drizzled with tequila caramel.
MI COCINA
Casa Natalia
Boulevard Mijares 4
San Jose del Cabo
Tel: 52-624-142-5100
casanatalia.com
Another place that's worth the jaunt to San Jose del Cabo is "My Kitchen," where the fare probably outdoes the grub in most people's own kitchens. Executive chef and owner Loïc Tenoux artfully combines local ingredients with a wealth of international experience to whip up inventive Euromexican cuisine in a darling setting: art-filled exposed-brick walls, dramatic lighting, and linen-covered limestone and lava-stone tables. You can also devour your seafood, grilled meats and poultry, garden salads and handmade desserts out in the courtyard, whose several levels offer views of palm trees, cascading waterfalls and, at night, flaming braziers.
NIKKI BEACH
ME Cabo Hotel
Playa el Médano
Cabo San Lucas
Tel: 52-624-145-7800
nikkibeach.com
This internationally known hot spot draws the jet set at its various locations around the world. Here you and your partner can snuggle up in a poolside Opium day bed under a white teepee as you feast on champagne and sushi and watch the scene unfold on the shores of El Médano Beach—where romantic dinners under the stars with a private server can also be arranged. There are also New York steak, Mediterranean catch of the day, chicken satay, lobster, beef medallions and shrimp on the lunch and dinner menus, though admittedly the real focus is less on the food than on the deejay and on seeing and being seen. Eva Longoria, Adrian Grenier, Adam Sandler, Michael Jordan, the Kardashian sisters and Tara Reid are just a few of the celebs who've been spotted.
ESPERANZA
Carretera Transpenisular Km 7
Cabo San Lucas
Tel: 52-624-145-6400, 866-311-2226
esperanzaresort.com
Voss, anyone? Bottles of the designer water in darling little ice buckets are complimentary in the casitas and poolside—just one of the many amenities at this 57-room hotel. Esperanza recently unveiled a luxe penthouse suite with a private elevator; honeymooners can roll around on the Italian linens. All the casitas have oversize baths with killer views, and most have a Jacuzzi on the spacious terrace. (A few have hammocks instead.) Two private coves on the beach make for an ideal amorous setting. There are two couples suites in the dazzling spa—one of Mexico's best—which is built into a landscaped rock garden. No wonder celebs such as Jennifer Aniston and BFF Courteney Cox and Sheryl Crow have stayed here.
LAS VENTANAS AL PARAÍSO
Carretera Transpeninsular Km 19.5
San Jose del Cabo
Tel: 52-624-144-2800, 888-767-3966
lasventanas.com
"Windows to Paradise" is what the hotel's name means, and that's where you'll think you've arrived when you pull up to Rosewood Resorts' enchanting white Mediterranean-Mexican masterpiece. It oozes luxury and sets the standard in Los Cabos. Lovebirds Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo, and Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin are among the many boldfaced names who have vacationed here. The resort gets a third of its business from weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries and even employs a director of romance. Weddings can take place on the beach or on the large oceanfront plaza with the Sea of Cortes as a backdrop. Honeymooners usually opt for the one-bedroom suites, but there's is a wide choice among 71 suites ranging from 960 to 3,893 square feet.
ONE & ONLY PALMILLA
Carretera Transpeninsular Km 7.5
San Jose del Cabo
Tel: 52-624-146-7000, 800-637-2226
oneandonlypalmilla.com
Couples have been exchanging vows at the quaint Mexican-style chapel (capacity 46) on a hillside surrounded by swaying palms and vibrant bougainvillea since 1956, when this property opened with 15 rooms. It reopened in 2004, after a $90 million renovation and expansion, with 172 rooms and suites, all boasting sea views. Guests can also stage their wedding on the pristine white-sand beach. Great places to eat (including the C Restaurant—see Eat), a spa that includes a yoga garden, one of the area's few swimmable beaches and a 27-hole golf course are other plusses. At night, myriad candles illuminate the grounds of this longtime favorite retreat for celebs dating back to the John Wayne days and now attracting the likes of Dustin Hoffman and John Travolta.
MARQUIS LOS CABOS
Carretera Transpeninsular Km 21.5, Lote 74
Fraccionamiento Cabo Real
Tel: 52-624-144-2000, 877-238-9399
marquis-los-cabos.com
It's all about dramatics here—from the stunning arch in the open-air lobby that offers an unobstructed view of the ocean to the spectacular 36-foot falls whose waters then flow through the lobby and cascade over the Dos Mares pool restaurant and into the main swimming pool. All 237 suites feature Frette linens, goose-down comforters and Bulgari toiletries. Weddings with 15 to 600 guests can take place in the ballroom, on the beach or poolside. Or rent Novia Mia (My Girlfriend), the hotel's new 80-foot Turkish schooner, for 24 hours of wedded bliss on the high seas; the craft can host eight overnight guests and 35 day guests. Honeymoon and wedding packages are available, and there's an on-site wedding planner.
SHERATON HACIENDA DEL MAR RESORT AND SPA
Corredor Turistico Km 10, Lote D
Cabo del Sol
Cabo San Lucas
Tel: 52-624-145-8000, 888-625-5144
sheratonloscabos.com
This 270-room resort takes you back to Old Mexico with its cobblestone lanes, winding paths and quaint fountains (not to mention restaurants and shops). The princess in you will be drawn to the fairy-tale setting at the 80-seat Mexican chapel, which, though built in 1999, has an impressive antique wooden door. Or go for an intimate ceremony on the beach. Honeymooners can expect a welcoming fruit basket, a bottle of wine and flower petals on the bed upon arrival, and petals in the tub throughout their stay, as well as a daily surprise.
PUEBLO BONITO SUNSET BEACH RESORT AND SPA
Predio Paraiso Escondido
Domocilio Conocido
Cabo San Lucas
Tel: 52-624-142-9999
pueblobonito.com
You can get away from the concentration of hotels along the Sea of Cortes at this 50-acre site that sits on the western side of the tip of Baja, overlooking the Pacific and known for its magnificent sunsets. It's a perfect place for a wedding, whether at the Gazebo on the expansive private Sunset Beach or inside the elegant new Sunset Chapel, which seats 140. The resort has more than 500 rooms. Be sure to plan a meal at Frida!, the phenomenal restaurant that serves gourmet Mexican cuisine.
CASA NATALIA
Boulevard Mijares 4
San Jose del Cabo
Tel: 52-624-142-5100, 888-277-3814
casanatalia.com
If the large resorts are too much for you, then head to Casa Natalia, a luxury European-style boutique hotel (16 rooms) in the village of San Jose del Cabo. Opened in 1999 by Nathalie and Loïc Tenoux, who reside on the premises, it's ensconced in an oasis of 39 palms and a sea of bougainvillea. Throw your wedding in Casa Natalia's garden, on the beach or at the historic church of San Jose del Cabo, which Nathalie and a wedding coordinator will arrange. The innovative Euromexican restaurant Mi Cocina (see Eat) is another plus. A full-service bar and outdoor palapa lounge with views of the hotel’s cascading waterfalls, heated swimming pool and dramatic open-flame braziers complete the idyll.
CABO AZUL RESORT AND SPA
Paseo Malecon S/N, Lote 11 Fonatur
San Jose del Cabo
Tel: 52-624-163-5100, 877-216-2226
caboazulresort.com
The area's hottest new resort (fully operational as of March 2008) aims to become to Los Cabos what the Palms is to Las Vegas: the trendy place to sleep and lounge. May 2008 marks the debut of the open-air five-story (yes, five!) chapel, complete with a reception terrace and panoramic vistas of the Sea of Cortes. Ceremonies are also held on the beach, and an on-site wedding planner is available. The hotel comprises 332 state-of-the-art villas; a tri-level oceanfront infinity swimming pool; a spa featuring Asian-inspired therapeutic treatments; and an outdoor ceviche, taco and tequila bar.
ME CABO
Playa el Médano
Cabo San Lucas
Tel: 52-624-145-7800, 866-43-MELIA
mebymelia.com
The beautiful people flock to this sexy hotel nestled on the sands of Playa el Médano, where you can cuddle up on 300-thread-count linens and down pillowtop mattresses. Go all out and book a room on the Level, whose lavish Chic and Loft suites have floor-to-ceiling windows with extraordinary ocean views, and bathrooms with rainfall shower heads and bath jets. An "Aura Manager" strives to make your stay memorable—so ask for anything. Although just a handful of weddings have been held here, plusses are the swimmable beach, the close proximity to downtown and preferred access to Nikki Beach (see Eat), which is on the grounds.
CASA DORADA LOS CABOS RESORT AND SPA
Calle Pelicanos s/n
Colonia el Médano
Cabo San Lucas
Tel: 52-624-163-5757, 866-448-0151
casadorada.com
New on the scene is Casa Dorada, which debuted on El Médano Beach in January 2008. Stretching over five acres, the hotel lies within walking distance of Cabo San Lucas' shops, restaurants, marina and nightlife. All 186 suites have terraces that offer views of the Sea of Cortes and Land's End Rock, and all have separate makeup areas and kitchens. There's a family feel here—and a kids’ club area allows adults to enjoy quiet time. Check out the Saltwater Spa and B lounge, which offers 50 different beers, including a custom-made mango-flavored brew. You'll also love the swim-up bar, fire pits and 24-hour room service.
BEACH-BUMMING
Between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas there are 20 big white sandy beaches to explore. The most famous are Playa Costa Azul, a haven for surfers; Playa Palmilla, a favorite for shutterbugs; Santa Maria Bay, with its protected cover and marine sanctuary; Playa Chileno, known for fine swimming and snorkeling; Playa el Médano, the center of Cabo San Lucas water sports; and Playa del Amor (see below). Currents are strong and very dangerous, so read posted signs and seek advice before swimming.
PLAYA DEL AMOR
"Love Beach" isn't easy to reach. You can get there from the Hotel Solmar by hiking over the rocks—but it's much better to hire a water taxi at Cabo San Lucas' marina. The captain can take you on an informative tour of the diving areas around El Arco and then around the popular point for a wonderful view of the dramatic area where the Sea of Cortes meets the Pacific Ocean, before dropping you off at Playa del Amor and returning at a predetermined time. Pack a lunch and spend the day. But be careful: The powerful waves and currents are extremely perilous. You should swim and snorkel only on the Sea of Cortes side of Playa del Amor.
WHALE WATCHING
This is a must-do for anyone visiting from December to early March, when the gray and humpback whales, weary after their 8,000-mile swim down from Alaska, take refuge in the warm waters of the Sea of Cortes for the birthing of their calves. To watch these gentle giants from shore, go to the beach at the Solmar Suites or any hotel along the Corridor, or the lookout points along the Corridor highway. Several companies, including Cabo Expeditions (behind Desoro Hotel, Boulevard Marina; 52-624-172-0290, 52-624-143-2700; caboexpeditions.com.mx) and SunRider Tours (Office #58, Main Marina; 52-624-143-2252; sunridertours.com), run trips from Cabo San Lucas.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Cantering down a deserted beach or up a desert trail, through narrow canyons or past amazing rock formations on horseback is a wonderfully romantic way to experience Los Cabos. The horses at Red Rose Riding Stables (Carretera 1, Km 4; 52-624-143-4826) are suitable for beginners or experts. Guides will take you riding on the beach and on private trails, where you're likely to spot quail, road runners, rabbits, coyotes and even wild horses. Western and English saddles are available; so are lessons.
ATV RIDING
Another great way to scope out this fantastic scenery is from an all-terrain vehicle, either solo or with a partner. Whether you're a beginner seeking an easy ride or an expert looking for a challenge, Cactus ATV Tours (52-624-130-6864; cactusatvtours.com) has something for you. Guided excursions take you through desert, mountains, canyons, sand dunes, beaches and Indian villages.
SUNSET CRUISES
The spectacular sunsets on the shimmering azure waters in this part of the world are so seductive and romantic that you've just got to hop aboard a boat for at least one sunset cruise. Among the oodles of cruise companies, Cabo Rey (52-624-143-8260; caborey.com) offers an elegant dinner and entertainment aboard a three-level catamaran that glides past El Arco and Playa del Amor. Want a more private affair? Check with your hotel; many resorts have their own yachts.
TODOS SANTOS
Because Los Cabos can get so touristy, a great escape for a day or two is Todos Santos (todossantos.com), an artsy community on the Pacific coast 45 miles (or 45 minutes to an hour) north of Cabo San Lucas, at the foothills of the Sierra de La Laguna mountain range. Although it's not quite the sleepy town it once was, it's still a haven for artists, artisans, surfers and travelers seeking adventure and natural beauty. It nestles among groves of mangoes, avocados, papayas and palms, with magnificent views of the Pacific from its white-sand beaches. Faves include the chic Cafe Santa Fe (Calle Centenario 4; 52-612-145-0340) and, if you're bunking overnight, the Hotel California (Calle Juarez; 52-612-145-0525)—Don Henley's inspiration for the famous Eagles song. Gray Line Los Cabos (52-624-146-9410, 206-331-3812; graylineloscabos.com) offers a day tour.
LA ZORRA CANYON
On a day trip here, you'll rub your eyes in wonder at seeing the largest waterfall in the area in the middle of the desert. And you don't have to just stand there—if you're a thrill seeker, you can hurl yourself from the top of the canyon down into the pristine water. Baja Wild (52-624-172-6300; bajawild.com), a travel vendor that picks up from hotels in Los Cabos, offers a year-round excursion to Santiago, about 60 to 90 minutes outside Los Cabos, for a hike through the canyons of Sierra de la Laguna that ends at the waterfall. (Because Santiago is right on the Tropic of Cancer, it can get boiling hot—which sometimes shuts the tour down at the height of summer.)
DOING ART IN SAN JOSE
In the old adobe buildings of the ever-growing Art District behind the main square of San Jose del Cabo, away from the busy main streets, an ever-growing array of galleries features works of Mexican and international artists and artisans. Los Cabos Amber Gallery (Obregon 18; 52-624-105-2332) has a Chiapas amber collection handcrafted by the owner. Julian Garcia's paintings and metal sculptures are on display at Arte Julian Garcia (Plaza Paulina; 52-624-142-3566; juliangarciaf.com). There's an excellent combination of Latin American art and fine jewelry at Barrio Latino (Hidalgo at Obregon; 52-624-142-6394). On pleasant "Art Nights" (Thursdays, 5–9 p.m., November–May), you can stroll along Obregon Street behind the church, sipping wine and visiting galleries.
GOLF
The near-perfect weather has made golf a prime attraction in Los Cabos. There are championship courses around several resort hotels along the 20-mile Tourist Corridor. Many of them have been designed by the greats, including Jack Nicklaus, architect Tom Fazio, Robert Trent Jones II, Tom Weiskopf and the Dye Corporation. The Golden Bear is actually behind three courses: the 27 holes at Palmilla, the 18 at the Eldorado Golf Club and the 18 at Cabo del Sol. For more information, visit cabogolf.com.
CACTIMUNDO LOS CABOS BOTANICAL GARDENS
Curious about all the cacti you encounter around Los Cabos? Head to Cactimundo in San Jose del Cabo (52-624-146-9191), the leading Latin American cactus company. These gardens were created to promote, conserve and reproduce the desert plants of Mexico and elsewhere. You'll see cacti and succulents from all over the world, as well as species that are almost extinct in their natural habitats today. Rare mutations—"Whims of Nature"—have also been successfully preserved for visitors to enjoy in this astounding collection.
TIENDAS DE PALMILLA
Carretera Transpeninsular Km 27.5
San Jose del Cabo
Tel: 52-624-144-6999
This upscale shopping center on the Tourist Corridor has internationally recognizable brand names—Harry Winston, Pineda Covalin, Tommy Bahama, Emilia Castillo, Chopard, Piaget. It's an outdoor plaza in hacienda style, with shoppers strolling down arching corridors that glow cozily in the evening. Be sure to stop by Pepita (named after its owner, a Southern California transplant) for handpainted dresses (custom-fit for every body type), blouses, scarves, bags, jewelry and accessories. Tropica Calipso has mix-and-match swimwear separates in sizes XS–XL.
PUERTO PARAISO MALL
Lacaro Cardnas
Cabo San Lucas
Tel: 52-624-143-0000
puertoparaiso.com
Whether you're looking for fashion, quality arts and crafts from throughout Mexico, exclusive jewelry and gems, watches or refined perfumes (with the advantage of buying duty-free), you'll find them at this three-level indoor mall in downtown Cabo San Lucas. Forget to pack your bikini? There's no shortage of swimwear stores. You can get packable, crushable handmade hats at Cabo Hats and lingerie at Négligé. Art lovers should head to Galeria de Kaki Bassi and Sergio Bustamante. A good jewelry bet is Mexico Lindo Joyeria. You'll also find Kenneth Cole, Hugo Boss and Lacoste stores.
NECRI BOUTIQUE
Boulevard Mijares 16
San Jose del Cabo
Tel: 52-624-130-7500
necri.com.mx
This beautiful store in downtown San Jose prides itself on its handpainted Talavera pottery from Puebla, Mexico’s fine Majolica ceramic, pewter chandeliers and dinnerware, custom-designed place settings and other fine handcrafts. German owners Christa and Andrea Ehrenberg moved to Los Cabos from Mexico City and opened the store in 1988. Worldwide shipping is available.
SOL DORADO ART GALLERY
Boulevard Mijares 33
San Jose del Cabo
Tel: 52-624-142-1950
soldoradogaleria.com
Work by Mexico's premier artists and artisans is available at Rosa Luz Duran's gallery, which has been around since 1983. She's put together a beautiful selection of paintings, sculptures, silver, jewels, Huichol Indian art, textiles, ceramics, blown glass, forged iron, tin and carved wood. This is a good place for Talavera from Puebla and Guanajuato, Tonala ceramics and Mata Ortiz pottery. Worldwide shipping is available.
THE GLASS FACTORY
Lazaro Cardenas S/N
Edificio Posada Local 6-A
Cabo San Lucas
Tel: 52-624-143-0120
glassfactorycabo.com
You can watch your product being made by one of the 30 artisans here. Using recycled lead-free glass, they create custom orders for hotels, restaurants and shops as well as original pieces for groups and individual buyers. The glassblowing show is mesmerizing. Try to go before 2 p.m., while the shop is humming with activity. Most tour agencies offer guided visits to the Glass Factory, or you can take a taxi on your own. There's a shop on-site with glassware, figurines, plates and bowls, but special orders are welcome.
THE MEXICAN FIRE OPALS JEWELRY FACTORY
Boulevard Mijares 5
San Jose del Cabo
Tel: 52-624-142-6394
Los Cabos isn't ordinarily the place to go for bling, but Mexican fire opals—named for their brilliant red-to-orange color—are an exception. This factory, owned by the Sanchez family since 1980, specializes in making unique pieces using a huge variety of precious and semiprecious stones set mostly in gold, silver and platinum. You can watch the rings, pendants and bracelets being made (it takes a day before they’re ready); you can also buy loose stones and have something created. Hand-carved figurines made of different types of opal—including black, the hardest to find in Mexico—are also sold here.
CHICAS SIN LIMITES
Miguel Hidalgo Street (in front of Plaza Amelia Wilkes Museum)
Cabo San Lucas
Tel: 52-624-143-1500
chicassinlimites.com
This boutique (the name means "Girls Without Limits") can whip up a custom bathing suit in 24 hours. All you have to do is pick out the fabric and design from a wide selection. (While you're at it, add a matching shawl, wrap or pareo.) Off-the-rack bikinis, tangas, one-piece suits, wraps and other beach accessories are available too.
MAGIC OF THE MOON
Miguel Hidalgo Street (close to Pancho's Restaurant)
Tel: 52-624-143-3161
magicofthemoon.com
Here's another store where sizes run from extra-small to 4X; its slogan is "We make clothes the old fashioned way, one at a time." You can capture your true spirit selecting from more than 650 prewashed European fabrics. The sexy and romantic designs are inspired by golden Baja days and moonlit Cabo nights. Custom orders are ready in just three days, but there's also an amazing array of ready-to-wear blouses, skirts, pants, dresses and pareos.
ANTIGUA LOS CABOS
Boulevard Mijares 5
San Jose del Cabo
Tel: 52-624-146-9933
antigualoscabos.com
A 150-year-old home that was once the public library is now a unique store where you'll find antiques, crafts and books. But the real draw is the great selection of award-winning tequilas, tequila-based liqueurs and Damiana, the liquor produced in Baja California. Antigua Los Cabos offers complimentary tastings during which you can train your palate and learn about top notes, undertones and finishes in these premium distillations.
J&J PREMIUM CIGARS
Madero Street, between Boulevard Marina and Guerrero
Cabo San Lucas
Tel: 52-624-143-6160
jnjhabanos.com
Husband Jose and wife Julieta started out selling cigars from a window in Cabo San Lucas; as word spread that their Cuban cigars weren't fake (which isn't always the case in Los Cabos), their business grew. They now own Cabo's largest cigar shop, offering premium Cuban and fine Mexican cigars—step into the walk-in humidor and make your selection. They also sell a variety of cigar accessories and fine tequilas. Those who don't puff can check out the exclusive line of J&J wear. Note that it’s illegal to bring Cuban cigars into the U.S.
