A couple of weeks ago we celebrated Sal’s 40th birthday in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico! It was most definitely the trip of a lifetime and I wanted to share our travel details with you all. Mexico has my heart. Since before we had kids it has been our getaway spot. When Sal & I first started dating I invited him to come on a big family trip to Mexico with my parents, siblings, cousins, and significant others. He said he had to work, but then surprised me and showed up after the first day. That was a magical moment – we both knew then ;). We’ve since celebrated our honeymoon there, our anniversaries, family getaways, weekend getaways, my sisters wedding, and now we can add Sal’s 40th birthday to that list! 

Being from Saint Louis, it is easier for us to travel to the Caribbean and to eastern Mexico – like Cancun, Riviera Maya, Playa Del Carmen, and Cozumel, while our west coast friends have long known about beautiful Los Cabos, Mexico for their getaways. Spoiler alert: It’s got something for everyone!

Cabo is has a certain unique beauty to it. It is desert – meets mountains – meets ocean. It is hard to put into the words the beauty to be taken in – all in one panoramic view! It is a little harder to travel to if you are from the Midwest, as you usually need a connecting flight – BUT, it is worth it. I would recommend an extra day to your trip to account for any time lost traveling. To me Cabo is the perfect mix of true scenic beauty, amazing weather, romance, relaxation, and fun.

The Waldorf Astoria – The Pedregal

This is Sal and I’s favorite spot ever! This was our 3rd time staying at this resort and I can promise it will NOT be our last. I really can’t say enough great things about it.  Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, formerly known as the Resort at Pedregal, is the ultimate in luxury Los Cabos resorts. When you enter the resort, you drive through a private tunnel blasted out through the mountains which exits into paradise. This is right when you let every care drop away! The resort is absolutely gorgeous with breathtaking views any which way you look. They have spacious villas, casitas or private homes, each with a private plunge pool and ocean views to calm and center you.

The Location

One of the things we love most about the Waldorf is its location. When you are at the resort you feel like you are secluded in the depths of paradise, yet you can walk through the tunnel to the otherside of the mountain and land right into the heart of activity in downtown Cabo. We love spending time at the pool, long mornings with coffee on our balcony, walking the beach, but we also love to get off the resort and move around a bit, too! We love to walk off the resort and take walks to the marina where you can browse fun shops, vendors, and little restaurants and bars. We love to watch the boats come in and out of the marina and oftentimes they are followed by sea lions – so adorable! We also love to walk around town to the shops and restaurants and experience the local Mexican culture.  

Amenities

You can spend days at the resort relaxing. They have an incredible infinity pool overlooking the ocean. You can eat lunch poolside and enjoy the amazing fresh and delicious mexican cuisine. I love the shrimp tacos and fresh sushi, and of course a jalapeno margarita to go with it! Even the drinks are top notch! They have an adult pool as well as a family friendly pool. There are not many kiddos at the resort, but if you did want to bring kids they have amenities that cater to them. They even have a kids club where you could send your kiddos for half or full day so that you can enjoy some adult time.  Do not let this be a deterrent if you are booking an adults trip, because like I said there are not many kids at all. 

Don Manuel’s is the resort’s signature restaurant within a Mexican hacienda. They have incredible breakfast every day, open for lunch, and even dinner. For breakfast, I usually order an eggwhite omelette, but you better believe I had the (2 inch thick) french toast once or twice accompanied with some rose champagne. We love to eat outside with the ocean view. Breakfast doesn’t get much better than that! After dinner, they usually have live music where you can sit by the fire and enjoy the entertainment and cocktails before slipping up to your room for the night.

The resort has an incredible spa. The first time Sal and I visited the resort we got a couples massage. It was wonderful and relaxing. Such a nice way to start the day! They perform some of their mayan rituals before and during the spa treatment – which was a fun twist. They also have a fabulous fitness center at the resort. The gym has everything you need to get in a killer workout. Sal and I like to get our workouts in even while on vacation. In fact, sometimes I find them the most relaxing because for once I am not in a rush. I like to sweat it out and work for those margaritas later 😉 

You can ask your concierge for help with booking any adventures or activities like fishing, whale watching, jet skis, tours, hikes, etc. Although we have done excursions in the past, we usually like to just enjoy our time at the pool and in town when we travel. 

The Service

The service at the resort is truly top notch. Everyone there will make sure that you have the absolutely best stay of your life. From housekeeping, to dining, to concierge, to anything you need – they have you covered. 5 stars no doubt! We’ve had nothing but the best possible experiences here. They did a phenomenal job accommodating all of our guests for Sal’s birthday trip as well. They helped me put on a fabulous dinner at the resort and do a great job with any group accommodations, parties, etc. Special shoutout to Daniel, our concierge who made sure everything was over the top perfect…he made sure this trip was extra special for us and it is little details and the personal touch that mean so much.

Top Restaurants in Cabo

EL FARALLON

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Cabo…we’re talking major WOW factor! It is located right next door to the Waldorf.  This beautiful restaurant is carved into the bluffs hanging right over the ocean. You will hear the ocean waves crashing and even feel a few sprinkles now and then right at your table. It is a truly breathtaking view. When you arrive to the restaurant you start at the champagne bar and enjoy a glass of champagne or cocktail in the breathtaking cliffside setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The menu is full of fresh fish or steak cooked just to your liking. They usually have live music as well. This is one of the most romantic settings and will be an experience you won’t forget.

THE CAPE

Sal and I visited this incredible 360 rooftop bar one of the last times we were in Cabo. From the breathtaking views, the live music, and the impeccable service it quickly became one of our favorite date night spots ever! When I was planning Sal’s 40th trip I knew this had to be one of the places we took everyone. We did a rooftop party here one night and it was a night to remember!

Other restaurants recommended in Cabo:

Sunset Monalisa (This is my other favorite restaurant in Cabo – A MUST! It has breathtaking views of the famous Arch.  Delicious Mediterranean and seafood offerings)

Flora Farms (a bit of a drive, closer to the airport, but highly recommend. Go early and explore the farm.  Fresh farm to table)

El Huerto (farm to table restaurant that just opened a few months ago and is located 10 minutes away from the hotel)

Alebrije @ Las Ventanas (incredible gourmet Mexican)

Arbol @ Las Ventanas (Asian influence, fun ambiance)

Mezcal @ The Montage Los Cabos

Cocina Del Mar @ Esperanza (incredible views – ask to dine at the cliff side area overlooking the ocean. Very romantic!)

Comal @ Chileno Bay

Agua @ The One & Only Palmilla (very romantic)

The Office (great spot for a boozy lunch or lively casual dinner)

Edith’s (fun and lively ambiance open air restaurant)

PRIVATE BOAT OR YACHT

If you are going with a group I highly recommend looking into renting a boat for the day. They come in all shapes and sizes and there is surely something to fit your desires. Getting out on the water is truly an experience that you will not forget. There is something magical about getting out there and taking in those views. We were lucky enough to catch several whales! A highlight for me for sure. 

If you are going out on the water as a couple you can reserve the “house boat” at the Waldorf one night. We did this the last time we went to Cabo, just the two of us. They will take you on a little evening cruise for cocktails, apps, and amazing views of the famous arches. Whether you go out for a quick tour of the arches, snorkeling, wakeboarding, or just cruise around – its a must!

WELL INSPIRED TRAVELS

We are so thankful for our friends Chris & Lauren Pronger over at WIT who helped us plan this amazing 40th birthday trip. Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or as a group they can help to make your planning easy. They did everything from help our guests book travel, to  help with party planning, excursions, golf outings, dinners, and more. They made sure every little detail was just perfect. They truly go above and beyond. They always have the best recommendations and will help to accommodate all of your traveling desires.

Well Inspired Travels seeks to be the premier luxury travel company, offering the best of the best, to the very best people!  From singular trips, romantic couples’ trips, Honeymoons, Dude Destinations, Girlfriend Getaways to even large group events, corporate events and retreats.  From your lovely email, I think you can tell that we believe in the following:

• Unparalleled, high-touch service
• A passionate focus on luxury travel
• Curating experiences that exceed the wants and desires of our clients
• Leaving no stones unturned as we cultivate and plan trips
• Paying immaculate attention to every detail
• Understanding what will make the trip an experience of a lifetime, through the eyes of our clients, by getting to know our clients

Website wellinspiredtravels.com

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I think its safe to say I highly recommend Cabo for your next getaway! I’m already daydreaming of the day we can go back! I hope these tips are helpful and I hope everyone gets the chance to experience this insanely gorgeous part of the world if you haven’t already. Cabo, you have my heart!

XOXO,

Racquel