In January, I set off for Cabo San Lucas.
I’m a seasoned solo traveler; I’ve spent months in various locations around the world. So, when I was considering Cabo, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It has the party-centric, over-done connotation around it that I love to challenge. I just wanted to escape the cold of winter and maybe get a tan. Those two things were accomplished, amongst some pleasant surprises.
Cabo San Lucas is a barrage of upscale resorts and hotels. Despite my taste for all things luxury, I chose to stay in an Airbnb about 15 minutes from downtown. This was a cheaper option with all the amenities one would enjoy as a local. The Vista Vela Residencial apartment complex was within walking distance to Costco; the local grocery store, Soriana; and a fabulous outdoor restaurant called Cabo Grill Shop. The complex includes two pools, a gym, and gated access. I enjoyed morning coffee on my balcony and being able to pick up local fruits and snacks at Soriana.
On my very first night, I sought out a nice restaurant for dinner. Edith’s Restaurante surpassed all my expectations. It’s a colorfully decorated open-air restaurant with exceptional service and even better food. Being solo has its advantages: I sat at the bar early and observed the wait staff preparing for a busy night. They were incredibly welcoming; we chatted about the menu, and I ordered a special seafood dish along with my favorite simple cocktail: a gin and tonic.
I spent 10 days in this beautiful desert oasis. The combination of surrounding desert near the ocean is striking and makes for incredible sunsets and photographs. I ventured on two separate excursions during my stay, both purchased via Viator.
The first was a whale-watching tour through Cabo Adventures. I joined a group of about 10 others. Hilariously, I joined the Spanish-speaking-only boat by accident. While I’m somewhat versed in my Spanish, I’m by no means fluent. I tried to hold my own without making a peep but was discovered after not understanding directions on how to pose for an arch photograph. Many apologies were made by the tour guide, and he translated for me the rest of the trip. We sailed out to see many active whales, some with their babies. It was an incredible experience. Once the whales had waved goodbye, we jetted off to see the famed arch. The boat then dropped us off for an hour to enjoy Lover’s Beach and, my favorite, Divorce Beach. When I tell you Divorce Beach is gorgeous, I mean it’s likely been featured on your pre-saved screensaver.
After marvelling over the impossible beauty of a beach named after the big “D,” I wandered to find some tacos. After speaking to a few locals, I honed in on one spot: Guss Tacos. From the street, you can see the al pastor on its glorious vertical spit just beckoning for you to experience it. I sat in a proper plastic chair and promptly ordered and devoured 4 al pastor tacos, accompanied by an array of Pico, lime, and salsa. The messier the better.
The next excursion I took was a tour to the small town of Todos Santos. This included a delicious local lunch, tequila tasting, a tour of a camel ranch, and viewing traditional Mexican blanket making. We also visited Hotel California, which is rumoured loosely to be the inspiration for the famous Eagles tune. Todos Santos is a perfect town to wander and shop in, slower paced with excellent gifts to bring home.
The rest of my days were filled with wandering the streets of downtown Cabo San Lucas, which feels very safe. I got an excellent manicure and pedicure from Marina Sol Nail Bar & Spa, a massage at Serenium Wellness Spa, and watched the sunset on the beautiful rooftop patio of Corazon Cabo Resort: The Rooftop 360. One morning, I joined numerous others to hike up to Mt. Solmar with rescue dogs. This was truly the highlight of my trip. The views from Mt. Solmar overlooking Cabo San Lucas left me in awe for hours.
Cabo San Lucas certainly fulfilled my wishes and surprised me in all the best ways. While it fits the needs of any luxury bachelor party, wedding, or family occasion, it also catered well to this bougie solo traveller.
Review written by Sarah Simpson
