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Get Lost In Los Cabos
Beautiful Scenery, Great Food, Wonderful Weather; What's Not To Like?
The sun sets along the infinity pool at Marquis Los Cabos.
By MARY ALICE WENZL Journal & Topics Travel Writer
Joined at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean create a glorious setting and the backdrop for Los Cabos, Mexico. A country of vast contrasts, Mexico has many luxurious resorts and beaches, some of which are found in Los Cabos. Meaning "The Capes" Los Cabos is situated on that southernmost tip approximately 136 miles south of La Paz.
Marquis Los Cabos Golf, Spa and Casitas Resort, a magnificent resort with junior and master suites and 28 casitas---beach houses with private pools---is a sterling example of that luxury surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California.
Environmentally conscious, the resort honors the nature of its setting by planting indigenous plants, including many kinds of cacti, and over 100 palm trees on the grounds. The property oversees its own desalinization plant where seawater is treated and used in the guestrooms and kitchen. The water is then recycled and used for the landscaping and plants. Nothing is wasted at this resort.
The 237-suite Marquis Los Cabos is an "art hotel" featuring an extraordinary collection of Latin American sculpture and paintings. This hotel is a water wonderland with a 36-foot waterfall flowing through the open-air lobby and cascading over the Dos Mares pool restaurant into a central pool. The open-air lobby's prominent arch is in recognition of the trademark Los Cabos' rock arch poised at the tip of the peninsula.
Infinity pools give one the feeling of swimming in the sea. Unfortunately, because of a dangerous undertow, it is not possible to swim in the Sea of Cortez at this location but the infinity pools certainly make up for that fact. While enjoying the infinity pools and the warmth of the sun, food and drinks are served poolside all day long by the Dos Mares Restaurant and Bar, which specializes in seafood and Mexican light fare.
Dining at the Marquis' Canto del Mar restaurant one evening was a special treat. Only using the freshest ingredients of the day we experienced the menu creations prepared by Chef Thierry Dufour, who has worked in a Michelin two-star restaurant in France.
A special place to enjoy a cocktail is El Suspiro. Situated in an art-filled setting overlooking the pools and sea, we were seated at a low rectangular marble table with an opening the full length of the table filled with ice for appetizers and drinks to remain cold.
The beautiful casitas, very upscale houses on the beach, feature sliding glass doors, which open completely into the walls creating a totally open-air effect. Wonderful amenities such as Bulgari toiletries are provided for guests of the Marquis Los Cabos. A complimentary breakfast including fruit and some sweet-type buns along with a pot of coffee is brought to guests' rooms each day and placed in a private niche to be enjoyed whenever you are ready.
During the winter in Los Cabos you can admire one of the most beautiful natural phenomena to occur on Mexico's coasts; the courtship, mating and birth process of the gray whale. Although it was not yet winter, we were privileged to see two whales while we were on a snorkeling tour on the Marquis yacht. Touring on the Tu Enamorado schooner we sailed to the famous Arch of Los Cabos. On our journey we were graced with the sighting of the whales. We were all mesmerized by the sighting and close proximity of the whales especially because it was early in the season and unexpected. Heads kept twisting and turning to catch a glimpse of a surfacing whale. We were able to experience quite a few sights of these amazing mammals as they emerged from the deep for a few moments.
Of course, the Marquis has among its many amenities a spa. A member of Leading Spas of the World, Marquis Spa is a full-service center along with a fitness area. Treatments of various kinds are available using local ingredients such as cactus oils, agave, sea salt and seaweed from the Sea of Cortez.
An evening away from the Marquis gave us the opportunity to have dinner at Casa Natalia.
A small luxury hotel in historic San Jose del Cabo, one has the feeling of being a guest in an authentic Mexican home. At Mi Cocina---My Kitchen---dinner with its unique Mexican-Euro cuisine, was a casual yet sophisticated affair while dining in a courtyard with beautiful lighting of flaming outdoor braziers at night, palm trees and waterfalls.
Come to Los Cabos and experience the wonderful weather, food and scenery. For more information go to:
www.marquisloscabos.com; www.casanatalia.com