Hola! We have all experienced life altering events in 2020. Whether it be positive or negative, it has tested our ability to keep pushing; forcing us to re-evaluate our pre-covid coping mechanisms.
It is important that we continue to find alternative methods to bring light to our lives; even if it's for just a moment.
My self-care routine has expanded. It includes reading, cycling (new), weight lifting, spending quality time with family and friends, gardening (new), and TRAVELING.
It started something like this 3 weeks before takeoff ... "Where are we going for vacation, i'm going crazy.. Bermuda? Tulum? Cabo?"... and I said "Cabo...let's book". There was no extended discussion and no days of planning. Flights and hotels were booked that day.
Here are some tips from my most recent trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico during the 2020 Pandemic.
1. How to Get there
Let's face it -- U.S. Citizens have a bad rep when it comes to Covid; especially Floridians. Our list is extremely short for international destinations. If we are deemed worthy (lol), there are usually pre-arrival requirements or post-arrival rules.
Cabo San Lucas' requirements were simple:
- Book your flight
- Grab your passport
- Put on your mask (pack extra)
- Complete the medical form (at airport)
- Bring Hand Sanitizer (recommended)
- Negative Rona Test Results (recommended)
Delta is my go-to airlines for international travel. The customer service is top notch and skymiles never expire. For this trip, I found a nice deal for American Airlines and was unexpectedly upgraded to a lovely first class seat that set the mood for the rest of the trip.
Don't worry Delta, I cheat sometimes, but i'll be back.
Note: Delta Airlines implemented the "social distancing" protocol. All middle seats are empty. If you can get a flight with Delta, BOOK IT!
Tip: During the pandemic, flights are either refundable or you can get a flight credit if you need to cancel. Take advantage of this. If you see a good price, but don't know if the dates will work for you, BOOK IT!
2. Hotel Recommendations
JW Marriott Los Cabos - If i'm not staying at the Marriott during my vacation, there has to be a significantly good reason. I stick with this chain to rack up on the points and cash out when necessary.
This ocean front property was EVERYTHING. Prestine, tranquil, and beautiful architecture. Even with Covid-19 restrictions, the level of service is impeccable and social distancing was in full effect. We were given a free bottle of prosecco and a box of chocolate at check out :).
The JW Marriot is located in Cabo San Jose; it's a 35 minute drive from the airport and most of the action is in Cab San Lucas. If you plan to stay at this property, I suggest getting a rental car.
We purchased a rental from Hertz due to "loyalty" of course. Being a gold member comes with perks. Although the rental was significantly cheap ($95 for 5 days), the incidentals hold fee was OUT OF THIS WORLD at $2000.
Pros: Beach Access, Pool w/ Swim up bar, Heated Pool, Free Parking, and the Gym
Cons: Far from the action, need a rental car
Tip: Book Free Cancellation Hotels. We canceled the last two nights of our reservation to move to an Airbnb in Cabo San Lucas.
3. Airbnb Recommendation
This villa won my heart with the private hot tub overlooking the marina area of San Lucas Cabo. All of the excursions, restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions were within walking distance, if you can handle the hills.
There is an assigned parking space and onsite security that guards the gate and the entire property at all times. Don’t waste your time with the onsite restaurants, the condo is surrounded by top notch opportunities for good eats. We'll get into that later.
The price averages $150 a night, which is an absolute steal for what this property has to offer.
Pros: Amazing Views, Private Hot Tub, Spacious
Cons: You can't stay forever
4. Greedy Eats
Alright, now that we've gotten that out of the way...Let's Talk Food!
The Office on the Beach: We met a couple during our ATV excursion and hit it off pretty well, so we invited them to join us for a toes in the sand dining experience in the marina area.
Pescatarians! This is where you need to be...maybe twice before you leave. This is seafood HEAVEN! Check out my kool-aid smile, it says it all. The prices are pretty steep, so make it a special occasion.
Must Try: Fried Snapper (pictured), Guac/Shrimp Salad Combo, and the Sea Bass
Drink: Margarita with Double Casamigos Tequila (or your tequila of choice. PLEASE don't say Patron)
Edith's Restaurant: The highlight of this restaurant is that the waiter brings a table full of steak and lobster, and asks you to make your selections for dinner.
Like other restaurants in Mexico, they prepare Caesar Salads and Guacamole at the table.
The Caesar Salad preparation was a new experience. I had no idea that raw egg whites and anchovies were part of the recipe.
Must Try: Lobster Tacos (pictured), and the Steak and Lobster Chef Special
Claro's Fish Jr
Hands down, this is legit my favorite taco spot in Cabo. Although most northern states in Mexico base their tacos on red meat, the Baja Peninsula is an exception. Here you will find the world famous Baja Tacos, which are fish tacos with many, many variations.
Do yourself a favor and save your belly capacity for loads of seafood Mexican tacos! Do not miss the The Taco de Marlin and Taco de Ostion.
For you carnivores (no shade), I can't speak for the chicken, pork, or beef tacos, but i'm sure those are delicious too. Great service, super fair prices, taco toppings bar, and heavily poured margaritas. What more could you want?
Must Try: Smoked Marlin Tacos, Oyster Tacos, and Shrimp Tacos (all pictured above)
Casasola Cafe & Brunch
Wow! The hype is real about this hidden gem. Way off the beaten path, but make the hike, it's worth it. The spot is nestled near the fancy part of Cabo San Lucas (Pedegral).
The coffee is equivalent to any artisan coffee shop in the states. The cappuccino was perfect! They even had almond milk, impressive.
I ordered the classic egg and avocado sandwich with monterey cheese, tomatos, onions, lettuce, sprouts, mayo, mustard, and Chipotle dressing. But who can try just one dish? The second dish was the Chilaqueles with eggs and it did not disappoint.
It was the best breakfast I had in Cabo and I couldn't stop eating because everything was delish! I washed it down with the Amor de Verano. A freshly prepared smoothie with mango, pineapple, chai seed, honey and orange juice.
Must Try: EVERYTHING!
5. Things to Do
Snorkeling Tour at the Marina:
Lesson Learned on this trip. Stop booking ish early, unless it's a popular restaurant or Scuba! Give yourself some wiggle room to be spontaneous.
Long story short, we missed the small group snorkeling tour because I decided to take my precious time checking out of the hotel. $70 gone, but it was a blessing in disguise. Boats were lined up at the marina with various tours at lower prices.
Here's what we got instead:
Private Boat Ride tailored to our requests.
Stops at The Arch, Lovers Beach, Divorce Beach, and Medano Beach
Drop off at our beach of choice (Pick-up time is totally up to you)
The captain delivered drinks, tacos and ceviche to the beach.
Snorkeling (Snorkel and Fins Included)
Pickup from the beach and back to the Marina.
Pack of Pacifico Local Beer (maybe you'll like it)
Only spent 30 BUCKS!
G-Force Adventures: Beach and Desert ATV Tour
I've done ATV Rides in numerous countries. After being on lockdown this year, I was down to do anything (almost) that would get the adrenaline rush going. It was an incredible off-road drive through sand creeks, canyons in route to the white sands of Margaritas Beach. The view was to die for; easily in my top 3 for ATV excursions.
Highlights
Hotel Pickup and Drop off
Options for 1 person or 2 Person ATV
Beach and Desert Tour
Tequila Tasting included
Last Tip: Drinkers and Non Drinkers -- You MUST have a mango margarita (virgin or alcoholic) before leaving Cabo. It's required. Thank me later!
Catch you on the next trip!
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-GreedyGlobeTrotta
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