Cabo Azul: San Jose del Cabo Bliss

People refer to Los Cabos as a twin destination. Cabo San Lucas is an endless fiesta, full of flashy nightlife and all-inclusives, and San Jose del Cabo for languishing in the sun and experiencing the quiet charm of ‘old’ Mexico. Being a solace-seeker, I naturally gravitated towards the latter, and looked forward to a blissfully endless weekend in the sun of Baja California Sur at the beautiful Cabo Azul Resort.

With a flight time of under 3 hours, Los Cabos is a trip that needs little forethought for Californians. Though there are countless beautiful properties in San Jose del Cabo, one in particular made an impression on me. Cabo Azul, by Diamond Resorts is a newly redesigned hotel with serious design flair. Resplendent in dark carved wood, modern lines, and stunning rope accents, Cabo Azul defies convention in the best way.

Our top floor studio suite overlooked one of the serenity pools. At over 700 square feet, our suite was spacious and beautifully appointed in the same carved woods as the outdoor accents. I loved the metal lamps that flanked both sides of the kind sized bed which provided a glowy twinkling light. Our terrace was an ideal place to enjoy morning coffee. A true oasis of calm.

Cabo Azul has a stunning tri-level infinity pool. With a beautiful swim-up bar and exceptional poolside service, Cabo Azul ensures that you are well taken care of. Poolside dining at Flor de Noche, has wonderful ceviche options, as well as local seafood favorites such as aguachiles. Poolside seating is ample and uncrowded. Relaxation pods provide welcome shade and privacy. Perfect for devouring novels with the sea echoing against subdued tropical music. The beachside lounge area is wonderful. I love the ‘floating’ style daybeds that sway in the breeze. Guaranteed relaxation.

Although the beach that flanks Cabo Azul is not swimmable due to the tides, it is beautiful. I have watched sunsets at countless beachside destinations, but I can say with certainty that the shore break at Playa Presidente is the most dramatic I have ever seen! Watching the sky glow as locals and tourists alike watched the giant waves pound the sand was magical. Horses rode by in a moment that is forever cemented in my memory. Experiences like that are what travel is all about!

Dining at Cabo Azul provides a glowy romantic experience. The main restaurant, Javiers, offers a wide selection of fresh caught seafood, upscale Mexican choices, and surprisingly delicious local wines from Baja. The seabass was impeccable! Within walking distance of Cabo Azul are a handful of restaurants with bistro-style seating which provide further dining options on a budget. I especially enjoyed Ten Tu Taco and Jazz Tapas.

Exploring San Jose del Cabo is easy via taxi. Although on par with California prices, cabs are a quick way to get around. Whether its to explore old town San Jose del Cabo, or to beach-hop, there is a ton to explore. My recommendations? Stop by Playa Costa Azul to watch surfers brave the legendary Zippers break. Then, head down to Playa Palmilla to drool at the gorgeous villas flanking a nearly empty and swimmable beach with impossibly blue water. Life plans: disappearing to a Palmilla villa.

San Jose del Cabo has the perfect blend of accessibility via direct flights from California, yet feels just removed enough from the party scene. If lounging in the sun, fresh seafood, and a little Spanish practice are on your list, I implore you to spend a few days losing track of time in San Jose del Cabo.