Category Archives: mexico

The Great Escape – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

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Welcome to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas is a city at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula and is listed as one of the top 5 vacation destinations in Mexico. Located on the Sea of Cortez, Cabo San Lucas or Cape Saint Luke has almost picture-perfect weather year round. Offering all kinds of accommodation options, a wide range in dining and any activity you can dream up, it’s easy to see how Cabo San Lucas is a Mexico top spot for a couples retreat, family vacay or girls getaway!

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This visit was actually my second to Cabo San Lucas but much has changed since I was there many years ago and only for the better. It can be quite a haul from the east coast but I truly feel it’s worth the time investment. Anyone could be happy here, whether you’re a beach goer or an active sort, and I’m thrilled I made it a ‘Great Escape’.

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Edith’s

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Located just steps away from Medano Beach, Edith’s is a charming restaurant with a rustic Californian decor and vibe. Not only did I love the festive lanterns and candles scattered about, but the food, made with local ingredients, was amazing. I went with my usual order of enchiladas and was not disappointed. It probably didn’t hurt that the tortillas were hand-made.

Bar Esquina

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Bar Esquina at Bahia Hotel gives Mexican food a Mediterranean twist. Bar Esquina uses locally grown products, fresh fish from the Pacific & Sea of Cortez and the best meats cooked on a mesquite grill. Great inventive cocktails and live entertainment in the evenings make it that much more appealing. I love a good hotel scene and one sure fire way to guarantee that is to have a bar and restaurant that is a destination not just for the hotel guests but locals as well.

Guaycura Todos Santos

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At Hotel Guaycura Restaurant, member of Small Luxury Hotels of the world, you can take in the sunset on the terrace, while sipping a refreshing cocktail by the pool. Dining alfresco is always fun especially while eating delicious Mexican/Mediterranean influenced dishes. Big on localized fare, Hotel Guaycura is fortunate to get its food supply from the nearby ocean and Todos Santos’ farms. The fresh fruit margaritas are to die for!

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Nikki Beach

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It’s tough to beat a lazy afternoon, lounging on a poolside daybed, being served endless mojitos like they do it at Nikki Beach Cabo San Lucas. Located on Medano Beach at ME Cabo, this Nikki Beach has the same sexy vibe of the jetset see and be seen crowd as the others I’ve visited. I didn’t witness the live music but, if I had, I’m quite sure I would have enjoyed that scene too.

The Office

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Now, if you are looking for a great place to have a drink right on the beach, The Office is your spot. Nothing like having a cold one, while your toes are in the sand, watching the world go by and listening to the waves. It’s casual and cool and definitely a must visit of Cabo! Yeah, I wanna be there right now too.

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Bahia Hotel

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Bahia Hotel and Beach Club’s urban-chic style is completely inline with my vibe and you can feel the great attitude as soon as you step on property. I think it’s a combination of the crisp white flowy décor and the warm welcoming staff. I literally wanted to say ahhhhh when I walked in to the Bahia. This 85 room boutique hotel is located in the heart of the Medano Beach District which means you’re located steps from the most swimmable beach in Cabo, a whole host of activities as well as the best restaurants and nightlife.

Hotel California

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Located in the sleepy town of Todos Santos, it is rumored that Hotel California is the very one the Eagles wrote a song about. Urban myth or not, this eclectic 11 suite hotel is full of charm and has a great little restaurant on property too. Todos Santos is an artist community that has many galleries and artisan store fronts. Hotel California couldn’t be a better fit with its one-of-a-kind style. PS – the pool area is secluded and special.

Las Ventanas

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Las Ventanas al Paraiso is a lovely little slice of paradise 2o minutes outside of Cabo San Lucas. The AAA Five-Diamond awarded property has expansive suites, amazing culinary options and The Spa at Las Ventanas, which has been named one of the World’s Top 50 Spas by Tatler. You can tell this desert beach hideaway is perfect for couples and those wishing to get away from it all. It is a very special property, indeed, with thoughtful touches present throughout the resort.

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Sunset Cruise

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I always say when you are visiting a destination with a body of water, you have to get out on it to see the place from another perspective. A sunset cruise aboard Sun Rider is a perfect way to accomplish that and more. The 2.5 hour long cruise includes a Mexican buffet, open bar, fun music and dancing. Plus, of course, the best sights to be seen of Cabo, like the famous Land’s End Arch, Lover’s Beach and the million dollar villas on the rough Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas. I definitely enjoyed the free-flowing margaritas and shaking my groove thing while aboard.

Stand Up Paddleboard

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CABO SUP is the first Stand Up Paddle Board Club offering lessons, rentals and guided tours on Medano Beach, Cabo’s most swimmable beach. This was my first foray into Stand Up Paddle Boarding and I absolutely loved it. I took a guided tour to Lover’s Beach at the Land’s End Arch. As they say at CABO SUP, there is no right or wrong way to Stand Up Paddle. Just get out on the water, enjoy nature and have fun.
PS – CABO SUP features the only Academy of Stand Up Paddleboard certified instructors in Baja.

Cabo Open of Surf

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The CABO OPEN OF SURF is a week-long newish event to Los Cabos where the destination is positioning itself as a niche location that’s all about surfing and the surf lifestyle. Located at Zippers – Costa Azul, obviously, you will find a surfing competition going on there. Also a part of  the Cabo Open of Surf is a music festival. I quite enjoyed my afternoon lounging on the beach, sipping a cerveza, watching the surfers and people scantily clad stroll by while tunes were playing in the distance. This year’s dates are June 16-22, 2014.

Rates for CABO SUP group guided tours are $30USD. Rates for Sun Rider’s Sunset Cruise are $68USD per person.

A HUGE GRACIAS to Bahia Hotel and Beach Club for hosting and arranging such an outstanding itinerary! You are most definitely ‘Lola Approved’!!

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Filed under cabo san lucas, hipster hotels, mexico, swanky luxe stays, travel

Staying Laid-back Chic at Bahia Hotel, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Welcome to the stunning south of the border destination – Cabo, Mexico!

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It’s said that the Sea of Cortez used to be home to pirate vessels waiting to pounce on Spanish treasure ships and when you look out onto the famous sea arches you can imagine this to be true. Today, however, Cabo San Lucas is home to big yachts and multi-million dollar homes as well as many posh hotels, clubs and restaurants and has been rated as one of Mexico’s top 5 destinations. With beautiful beaches and a plethora of activities to please almost anyone, I agree it should be in the top 5.

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Finding the right place to stay, however, can make or break a vacation and certainly sets the tone. Cabo San Lucas has a reputation for being a party destination, which, for me, is good only in small doses so the hotel choice definitely comes into play. I was beyond thrilled to discover the Bahia Hotel and Beach Club. Its urban-chic style is completely inline with my vibe and you can feel the great attitude as soon as you step on property. I think it’s a combination of the crisp white flowy décor and the warm welcoming staff. I literally wanted to say ahhhhh when I walked in to the Bahia. This 85 room boutique hotel is located in the heart of the Medano Beach District which means you’re located steps from the most swimmable beach in Cabo, a whole host of activities as well as the best restaurants and nightlife. Having said that, Bahia Hotel feels like a little oasis from it all. Things you can expect from this laid-back property are rooms with private balconies, luxury amenities, complimentary wifi and 24-hour concierge that will arrange any activity including VIP bar and nightclub reservations. You know how I like the VIP treatment!! What I loved best about Bahia was that it encompassed everything I could want on a vacation right there on property. I felt a part of the Cabo hip scene without the hassle. Everything was easy and relaxed.

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Another thing that Bahia Hotel and Beach Club got very right is their gourmet restaurant and bar, Bar Esquina. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (even late-night dining until 2am), Bar Esquina gives Mexican food a Mediterranean twist. MMMM! Bar Esquina uses locally grown products, fresh fish from the Pacific & Sea of Cortez and the best meats cooked on a mesquite grill. Great inventive cocktails and live entertainment in the evenings only make Bar Esquina that much more appealing. I love a good hotel scene and one sure fire way to guarantee that is to have a bar and restaurant that is a destination not just for the hotel guests but locals as well. Bar Esquina definitely attracts a see and be seen crowd from all over Cabo and that keeps things fresh and fun! AND don’t even get me started on the coffee.

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Now, onto to all you can do while visiting Cabo San Lucas. Known as a world-class fishing destination, Cabo also has every other water sport you can imagine available. I took on Stand Up Paddleboarding and a wave runner ride but you can do everything from snorkeling and parasailing to glass bottom boating and surfing, and on & on. Bahia’s multi-lingual staff made arrangements for me to experience a poolside massage, mixology class and an ATV ride through the desert to the beach. TOO MUCH FUN! Onsite at Bahia you will find a fabulous pool complete with daybeds, the beach club just minutes away and spa treatments can arranged as well. Oh, and reservations to restaurants, bars and clubs. Basically, it’s a NO BRAINER! You can experience it all if you stay with Bahia Hotel and Beach Club.

Important things to note:

  • Rooms at Bahia Hotel and Beach Club start at $144 US.
  • The airport is approximately 40 minutes away. Bahia can arrange airport pickups.
  • Cabo San Lucas enjoys a long high season from January to July and October to December. Only September and August are considered low season.

PS – Some exciting news for engaged couples!! For the first time ever couples have the opportunity to say “I do” in a romantic and exhilarating underwater wedding ceremony. YES, you read that right! Bahia Hotel—in conjunction with Bar Esquina and Nautilus Dive Tech—is proud to announce the newest wedding venue in Los Cabos—the Sea of Cortez, which Jacques Cousteau famously called “the aquarium of the world.”

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A big GRACIAS to Bahia Hotel and Beach Club for hosting my stay. I loved it so much that I want to return right this very minute! I so completely ‘Lola Approve’ it. The views here are mine!

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Filed under cabo san lucas, hipster hotels, mexico, travel

i spy eye candy! – Cabo San Lucas

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it’s been a while since  where in the world is lola? has given you EYE CANDY. for shame!! 

since i’m off to MEXICO tomorrow i figured that’s as good excuse as any. after all, Cabo San Lucas is thought of as a sexy spot to visit so why not make it a topic of EYE CANDY?! this isn’t lola’s first rendezvous with Cabo and surely won’t be my last BUT it has been several years and i hear it just keeps getting better down south of the border. here’s what i’m looking forward to…

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doesn’t that look delicious? here’s my little ditty about CABO, MEXICO!

C is for catamaran cruises waiting to be taken

A is for the amazing Bahia Hotel & Beach Club where i’ll be staying

B is for the beach – on which i cannot wait to relax and have a cocktail to sip

O is for my Orchid Boutique bikini i’m going to wear picked specifically for my Cabo trip 🙂

M is for the many margaritas to make and sample – oh so fine

E is for eager to try stand up paddle boarding for the first time

X is for X-cited to be visiting when the Los Cabos Open of Surf competition is going on!

I is for i will get my summer tan going – it’s been too long since i’ve been in the sun

C is for the company i’ll keep with my gal pals Leah Travels, Jetset Extra & Mrs. O Around the World

O is for OH what fun we are going to have – follow #FourPlayMex on Twitter to see how we like to travel as girls

where are you heading this summer? what eye candy are you hoping to get a bite of? let me know!

XO – lola

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Filed under cabo san lucas, eye candy, mexico, travel

#WINNING – Summer Swimwear For The Win with @OrchidBoutique

Because the PERFECT swimwear to compliment your getaway will make it that much better!

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Lola’s got some great summertime escapes planned that call for a few new luxe swimsuits & cover ups. After all, you cannot be a poshaholic travelista and be seen in the same thing all over the globe! Not that every last detail is firmed up but, besides returning to Miami next week, I will also be heading to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in June. Crossing my fingers for Mykonos, Greece in July. AND very likely going to Vegas for end-of-summer fun and FINALLY trying out the Vegas pool party scene. Given these different locales and the activities I’ll be participating in, I decided I should do some luxe swimwear research and found a very ‘Lola Approved’ resource.

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The Orchid Boutique™ is an online mecca of unique and gorgeous swimwear fashion. They search the world to cherry-pick an elite group of unique designers and offer the most exclusive luxury swimwear as well as a range of complementing items like jewelry and beach handbags. AND, lucky me, their flagship store is located in South Beach – Miami. Soooo, you know where I’m going shopping next week in Miami to shop for my upcoming getaways.

PLUS The Orchid Boutique and Lola’s Travels have teamed up to do a contest for you! One lucky reader will win a $200 gift card toward a #LuxeSwimwear purchase and shipping at The Orchid Boutique online store.

DETAILS, DETAILS…

In order to be entered to win please click the link below and complete the following mandatory steps:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

  • LIKE both Lola’s Travels & The Orchid Boutique Facebook Fan Pages
  • FOLLOW both of us on Twitter
  • TWEET about the contest
  • COMMENT here saying which Orchid Boutique #LuxeSwimwear style you’d choose AND where in the world you would wear it. We’ve made a special Pinterest Board for the contest so be sure to check it out & share your #LuxeSwimwear choice and destination we’ve pinned!

The Orchid Boutique will choose the lucky reader and we will both announce the winner on Friday, May 17 via our Facebook Fan Pages, Twitter and to your email account.

Now for some FUN inspiration!

CABO SAN LUCAS

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When I head to Cabo I’ll be staying at the beautiful Bahia Hotel & Beach Club. Not only will I be poolside but most definitely will be spending time at their beach club as well as the legendary Nikki Beach, which is next door. So, what does one wear for lots of beach-filled days in Mexico? These are two styles I’m debating by L*SPACE & Mar de Rosas along with a hot embellished cover up! Viva la Mexico!

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MYKONOS

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I’m going to Italy in early July and hope to extend and go over to Greece to visit Mykonos. Why? Well, even though I’ve been to Greece it just wasn’t enough time and I really NEED to check Mykonos out. One of my favorite hotel brands, Grace Hotels, has a gorgeous property on Mykonos. Not only do I want spend time at the pool and on the beach but I also think I might need some relaxation time in their boutique spa. So, naturally, I need swimwear suitable for all of these things. What do you think of these options of Sabz Luxury or Aguaclara? They shout out goddess to me – perfect for Greece!

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VEGAS

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Can you believe Lola has yet to experience the pool party fun of Vegas? Yeah, me either. Well, my number one go-to source, Vegas Chatter tells me the BEST place for a sophisticated (read non-cheesy) pool party is Azure over at The Palazzo. I’ve actually stayed at The Palazzo and definitely agree that it’s a classy joint. So why not give it a go?! For some reason, Vegas always conjures up shiny, sparkly, metallic images in my mind. I think these bikini numbers and sexy coverup by Vitamin A fit the bill quite nicely, NO?!

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Which one(s) will I choose? I think it’s going to be a tough decision with so many choices AND I haven’t even stepped into the store! Watch my Instagram account as I show you some of the options I try in Miami. Wish me luck in my shopping endeavors and, of course, I wish you luck in your possible win of a FANTASTIC $200 gift card prize to The Orchid Boutique.

XO – Lola

legal mumbo jumbo: this gift card is non-transferrable; not redeemable for cash, with no cash back from transaction; not redeemable for any previously purchased items.

 

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Filed under cabo san lucas, fashion, greece, mexico, travel, vegas