I’m fortunate enough to say that I’ve done a lot of traveling in my life, and that I’ve been lucky enough to call some of the world’s best hotels “home” for at least a few nights at a time. It’s funny though, because much like love, we all seem to come back to what’s in our mental backyard. For Americans, Mexico is our “backyard.” I love Mexico. I love the easy flights, laid back people, fresh food, and warm coastal water. In fact, any somewhat exotic place within a few hour flight of New York is automatically on my list of places to try, go back to, and keep trying. No matter what you’ve read in the news about Mexico lately, the truth is that resort cities like Cabo are simply untouched by the political drama unfolding in Mexico City and elsewhere. Cabo is a safe haven of upscale beach-goers, spa-lovers, honeymooners, and the Spring Breakers we all wish we could ignore.
The last time I was in Cabo was only a few months ago and I loved every second of it. I had the pleasure of touring the soon-to-be-completed Grand Solmar Hotel, and remember thinking that I’d be back just as soon as their doors opened. The property itself was enormous, and right at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, the most desired coastal location in the region. Most of the rooms have incredible views of the iconic El Arco, the rock formation that punctuates the tip of the peninsula.
The hotel, now open, boasts unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean from every one of the 119 suites, which will soon be met by an additional 170 suites upon the completion of the hotel’s 2nd phase. The spa will be opened by the end of the second phase, giving guests a chance to relax, eat, party, and relax some more. Aside from Hotel Encanto in Acapulco, Grand Solmar Cabo is my top pick of hotels worth seeing in Mexico for 2011.
