A short flight from almost anywhere in Texas will get you to Cabo San Lucas, where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez and creates its own peninsula of juxtaposing desert, mountain and ocean views.

Nothing like its party hearty neighbors to the northeast, Cabo San Lucas is a wonderland of sophistication, and nowhere is that more evident than at Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas.

With more than 620 units available, including residences and penthouses, the property has stunning ocean vistas, beautiful native landscaping and endless activities. Let yourself be pampered by the staff; the hotel takes pride in their superior guest services. Anything you need can be procured, prepared or bought for you. Think lazy days spent next to the saltwater pool (known on property as The Lagoon), afternoons spent at the spa or exciting excursions off-property. Either way, your time at Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas will be one of beauty and luxury.

“We cater to all of our guests; there are some that want to be downtown close to the marina and we can get them there. At the same time, we have those who want to stay in one place and never leave the property, that is why we have so many amenities and activities,” said Rodrigo Gutierrez, General Manager. “We have amenities both indoors and outdoors for everyone from couples, to groups and families.”

Day Trips

Plan to spend at least one day at Grand Solmar Land’s End, located only 15 minutes away next to downtown Cabo San Lucas. The stunning hotel is decorated in a sumptuous Mexican hacienda-style that will make you want to sit back, relax and enjoy the sunny vistas.

While at Land’s End, spend the afternoon at a tequila tasting with Sommelier Jose Martinez Caceres, who is not only charming, but a walking encyclopedia of knowledge about wine and tequila. You’ll not only have great drinks, but you may even soak in a little bit of history as well.

A visit to Los Cabos isn’t complete without a boat ride out to the iconic El Arco. Part of the larger landform Land’s End, a visit to El Arco requires a trip to the marina, easily arranged by the hotel’s concierge. Keep your eye out for the local celebrity sea lion, Pancho, who will jump on your boat and hitch a ride in exchange for some tasty fish. Also take advantage of the local shopping opportunities at any of the mercados or head further into town for some higher end shopping destinations.

Where to Eat

Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas has made it easy to wine and dine without ever leaving the property. There are eight restaurants to choose from, including fine dining at Anica or casual to-go options from The Deli Café. Guests can also enjoy dining at one of the four bar-themed restaurants. Each has their own specialty cuisine including sushi, hamburgers, tacos and ceviche in addition to the standard poolside menu.

Every menu at Grand Solmar is robust and there is a healthy variety of options available from traditional Mexican cuisine to everyone’s favorites pizza and hamburgers. Guests will enjoy the emphasis on fresh seafood available daily and the handcrafted cocktails are delightful. A mentioned, visitors should also take advantage of the onsite sommelier to make every meal one to remember.

“Sommelier Caceres and I work together to give the guest the best experience they can have with each pairing. We work hard to make sure that each meal and combination of flavors works well together,” said Executive Chef Hector Lucas.

When to Visit

The location of Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas at the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula creates a unique microclimate that you’ll want to be prepared for. Seasonal whale watching is at its best from January to mid-March when humpback whales and gray whales are the closest to the coast. Plan to eat in Anica, where floor-to-ceiling windows give you the best views. It really can’t get much better than whale watching while you enjoy a delicious meal.

June through January have the warmest, most temperate weather, so depending on where you are coming from this may be the perfect time to visit. There is a windy season on the peninsula from March through May (with May being the windiest month), so although the temperatures will still be warm, the wind will cool things off quite a bit.

As Texans we are lucky that the most magical places in Mexico are so accessible. Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas is one of those places; getting there is easy, but leaving and getting back to normal life just might be the most difficult part of the whole journey.

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Cover: Both fresh and saltwater pools are just a small part of what is offered at the beautiful Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas. Courtesy photo

Gabi De la Rosa lives in Houston with her husband and three children. You can usually find her at a great local restaurant or out exploring HTX with her family. Visit her on Instagram @gabioftheroses_htx