PACK IT UP
In April, temperatures were humid, yet arid, and hot in the upper 70s and 80s. It was as if Virginia and Califonia had a weather baby! Shorts, breezy dresses, floppy hat, light fabrics, sandals, and typical summer resort wear are must-haves in your suitcase.
Quick Tip: Leave extra room in your suitcase! Shopping at the local markets was one of my best memories, and I definitely wish I had had more space because Mexican art is some of my favorite. I was very grateful that my hotel was able to ship back my Mexican star for me. That decorative star is everything!
LOCAL TRAVEL
Once off the airplane, my press trip group and I were greeted by our shuttle drivers thanks to Transcabo. Since the airport was about 30 minutes from the resort area, it was really nice to have stress-free private transportation already arranged once we arrived, and it personally made me feel safe and taken care of. The airport wasn't difficult to navigate but I do highly recommend to know how you're getting to your hotel before you leave Virginia.
TRANQUIL STAY
Since it was a press trip, I was lucky and got to stay at two very different resorts: Westin Resort & Spa Los Cabos and Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort. One modern, quiet, and geared in aesthetics meant for lovebirds and the other with a more family-friendly and old world aesthetic.
The Westin provided beautiful bright colors and contemporary architecture with loads of resort amenities like a swim-up bar (where I totally ordered my first round of cheese quesadillas!), room service, private beach hideaways, and their amazing on-site restaurant, Arrecifes, overlooking the beach and ocean from the cliff. It was definitely my favorite in food and view.
The Sheraton took me back in time and stole my old soul heart with its Spanish-influenced architecture, painted tiles, and a true hacienda layout with a beautiful courtyard and water fountains. Since it was geared with not just the couple in mind, couples-only amenities included the Cactus Spa (great mani-pedis and massages available!) and private dining in the on-site restaurants or a little picnic on the beach. The Sheraton was my definitely favorite in property aesthetics.
Quick Tip: If you're using your phone a lot for photo memories, carry your portable charger as there aren't many public power outlets available!
LOCAL EATS
Oh, the rice, beans, and quesadillas. Listen, friends, there is nothing better to an East Coaster than authentic Mexican food. None of that Tex-Mex stuff! I know I gained at least 10 pounds on this trip, and it was a most delicious 10 pounds. In fact, my Westin hosts ended up affectionately calling me, "Rice and Beans" because I requested this at every snack time, and I loved it!
From the Arrecifes restaurant to private room service, the Westin was very accommodating and knowledgeable with my food allergies, and it set the tone that I could eat delicious food and not worry. When we traveled onto the Sheraton, I did have some difficulties when trying to convey the food allergies with room service, but the on-site restaurant, De Cortez Grill and Restaurant, was much more knowledgeable.
Since I have a seafood allergy, I couldn't partake in some of the region's most popular fare, but you'll certainly want to try ceviche (raw fish "cooked" in citrus juices), fish tacos, and anything seafood. And of course, the rice and beans.
DIVERSE ACTIVITIES
From shopping to whale watching, there are a lot of great options for couples all around Cabo. But to see the famous El Arco up close and cruise around the Sea of Cortés, we were treated to a really beautiful and relaxing sailboat ride with Cabo Adventures. Sea lions sunbathed on the rocks, dolphins swam along the side of our boat, and gulls swooped in the air above us. It was pretty idyllic, and it definitely had me wanting to go on a land tour to scout out the other Baja animals.
For couples looking for a low-key honeymoon destination with a variety of local activities from outdoor adventure to "let's bum out with a fruity drink and sunglasses on the beach" relaxation, Cabo gives a ton of great getaway options, and it's easy to get there!
- Chelsea
VENDOR CREDITS
Photography: Chelsea LaVere
Mini-Disclaimer: Accommodations, meals, activities, drinks, and transportation were all provided by the Westin Resort and Spa at Los Cabos and Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf and Spa Resort Los Cabos when I accompanied Burnett's Boards, and the opinions and photos taken and featured in this post are all my own.
Westin Resort and Spa Los Cabos via Burnett's Boards
Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort via Burnett's Boards
Planning a Honeymoon with Food Allergies via Tidewater and Tulle
