The best things to do and where to eat and drink in Los Cabos
Your plane has emergency landed at JFK; you miss your connecting long-haul; you, unexpectedly, have to layover in Dallas; you proceed two more unplanned flights; the airline loses your luggage; you’ve been wearing your travel clothes for three days straight and now, the question that possesses you and your two travel buddies: is this holiday even worth this hassle?
First-world problems? Absolutely. But, despite – excuse my pun – the unpreventable yet unfortunate turbulence of travel (understatement of the century, IMO), this six-turned-four-and-a-half-day holiday to Los Cabos, Mexico, was the best I’ve ever had.
Mexico has always been on my radar as a travel destination. The food, the heat, the history, the beaches, the culture. Need I go on? But it’s never one that I associated with wellness. Spring break parties? Sure. But a place for relaxation and reconnecting with nature? Apparently so! Cabo San Lucas and Santiago opened my eyes to their wellness scenes.
Where to stay
Hotel El Ganzo
Defined as ‘the act of practising healthy habits [...] to attain better physical and mental health outcomes,’ I think it’s safe to say that ‘wellness’ cannot be properly achieved without a place to rest your head – and my head was certainly rested at the adult-only boutique luxury hotel, El Ganzo. The hotel is located in a quiet part of San Jose del Cabo, Baja California MX and overlooks a picturesque marina. Not only does it comprise of 70 rooms, but a roof-top pool, bars and restaurants galore, and even a music studio available to artistic residencies.
Getting real, the exterior pictures online don’t do the place justice. IRL, the scenery is undeniable. Surrounded by water on three sides where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, El Ganzo offers more than a destination – it’s an experience steeped in art, culture and other opportunities for self-fulfilment.
Aside from the aesthetics, Hotel El Ganzo is a playground of peaceful healing for body, mind and spirit… I’m talking the spa! But more on that later.
Amet Nature Resort
If you’ve got a little more budget to play with or are simply looking to go all out and escape to a haven like no other, then Amet Nature Resort is where it’s at. Rarely lost for words (uh, hello, I’m a writer!), this place, the people and all that it has to offer truly had me speechless. Think: ‘Instagram vs Reality’, but the reality is even better than the glam life of filtered social media posts.
The recently opened Amet was imagined by an ex-banker, Monica and soon after, built with love by her son. Monica, the founder herself, alongside the resort manager and workshop leads, welcomed and hosted us with warmth, making the experience a home away from home – and a luxury one at that!
The retreat is located half an hour from the San José airport and spans over 2.5 acres of land. The resort is made up of a handful of luxury suites and glamping tents, meaning that in its entirety, Amet can sleep up to 16 people. In other words, it’s ideal for a private group getaway; Larger families, hen-dos and 30th birthday groups, I’m looking @ you.
With a private chef, outdoor yoga sessions, workshops and beyond, there’s no better immersion into sanctuary living. The entire property is surrounded by breathtaking views of the lagoon, mountain ranges and nearby waterfalls, which in itself, speaks a thousand words. Or rather, none at all, because we’re relaxing… shh. It’s a little thing called feng shui, friends.
What to do
On-site activities
Whether you decide to set up camp at El Ganzo or Amet Nature Resort, there are plenty of wellness activities to see you through. Both offer yoga sessions for all abilities – whether you’re a beginner or a fully-fledged yogi, El Ganzo co-creates experiences in the fields of yoga and wellness with a whole host of ongoing programmes. While the programmes do evolve with the seasons, in June, I experienced both rooftop and indoor yoga sessions in the mornings, Monday through Sunday. Finish with a dip in the pool and a mocktail in hand… it’s like a reward.
Qualified psychologist, Ofelia Bojorquez often collaborates with Amet to carry out yoga sessions, as well as meditation, breath work, sound bath and cold water therapy retreat days (yes, she’s a woman of many talents). Never did I think a Wim Hof breathwork exercise could open my eyes to the importance of wellbeing, but it did, and of course, a three-minute dunk in an ice bath. To curate an itinerary of activities that suit you, you can contact her joint holistic wellness concierge online via @bajawellness.
However, if you’re more of a girlie who likes to ~lay~ (same, girl), fear not because the El Ganzo spa has a range of services on offer. In the words of Craig David, there’s ‘7 days’ worth to get through… Monday calls for a craniosacral massage, facial treatment is on Tuesday’s agenda, Wednesdays are for hydrotherapy and a mani-pedi come Thursday. Trust me, the spa has you sorted!
Tune into spirituality
Did you know that Mexico is known for its rich spiritual tradition and aspects of the culture are rooted in astrology? Well, as a horoscope girlie, you best believe I embraced, felt and shared the love.
Of course, there are many astrological activities on offer in the surrounding areas (there’s even a zodiac x snorkelling boat tour!) but for groups curating their own arrangements, psychologist and astrologist Norman Gosenheim is your guy. Norm often works with Ofelia at both El Ganzo and Amet, bringing spiritual workshops to life at your very doorstep. During my time in Los Cabos, we went all out with tarot readings, summer solstice astrological chart breakdowns and even a manifestation circle via a cacao ceremony. It’s all things written in the stars.
Adventure out
Rest and relaxation are always good for the mind and sometimes, holidays call for slow days. However, if you have time, a Cabo Adventures day trip wouldn’t go amiss. It’s just as tranquil being at one with water creatures, trust me.
Camelback rides, swimming with dolphins and sailing days are all on offer, however, the latter is what we opted for to coincide with our lunisolar retreat. We ate, drank, relaxed, saw the Arch of San Lucas and soaked in the sun but also opted to go for a swim, getting to snorkel with the Mexican fish. Kayaking is also an option on most Cabo Adventures sailing trips – just make sure to check what’s included in your package.
Beach days are also essential when travelling to Cabo San Lucas. Although there are few swimmable beaches in San José, my favourite and the only one you need boasts endless views of the ocean and a garden surrounded by sea. Veleros Beach Club is the perfect white sand spot to spend the day soaking up the sun and you can enjoy a wide variety of fresh seafood and “catch of the day” dishes, accompanied by refreshing cocktails and mocktails.
If the location of Amet in Santiago is your preferred destination, expect a long drive to the beach, seeing as it is an old town. Having said that, there’s no compromise on swimming activities because situated less than 10 miles from the natural hot springs of Agua Caliente, El Chorro, and Santa Rita, there are plenty of outdoorsy things to do with activities. Hiking along the rushing ‘Sol De Mayo’ waterfall, mountain biking and trekking are all a must, as well as planning a quiet lunch at the Palomar restaurant, one of the only places near the area to stop for a traditional Mexican feast.
Where to eat
Crania Restaurant, Cocktail Bar & Air Disco
Crania is not just a restaurant in San José del Cabo, but a cocktail bar and late-night disco, too, with installations and artwork that look straight out of Burning Man Festival. Start with traditional grilled corn and end with a boogie alongside the DJ.
As of July 2024, the restaurant has taken a brief pause but says they will soon return with new ideas and flavours.
Valeros Beach club
Veleros Beach Club is the perfect lunch spot, serving fresh seafood every day from 10 AM–6 PM and situated just across the marina from El Ganzo. The oysters were the star of my show but the sliders, fish tacos, ceviche and aguachile dishes are also great.
Materia Pastry Boutique
Just because we’re in Mexico, doesn’t mean a 3pm sweet treat isn’t needed. Established in San José del Cabo town, Materia Pastry Boutique serves otherworldly desserts. Owner Angel Ramirez Betancourt is the genius behind the eclectic menu, offering everything from white chocolate skulls to pink lemonade pies and even spicy peanut butter cookies. The only way to describe them: delicious works of art.
Lumbre restaurant
If a full culinary experience is what’s on the menu (soz), see to Lumbre in the art district of San José del Cabo town (which is also just a short walk away from Materia Pastry). The restaurant is a former warehouse from the 1960s that has been fully renovated into a lively modern-industrial concept. It’s a place of a place full of vibrant and bold food experiences and the kind of restaurant that connects with every sense and emotion.
Palomar Restaurant
Located in the quaint, charming town Pueblo of Santiago, Palomar Restaurant is an unsuspecting oasis with fresh food, friendly service and a relaxing atmosphere. Huevos rancheros is a breakfast must here!
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