Los Cabos Is Calling

From sunrise sails to wellness rituals, Baja’s coastal playground proves it’s more than a party town

By Heather Shoning

Cabo once had a reputation—a sunburned party strip where spring breakers reigned and tequila shots flowed faster than the tide. But that Cabo is long gone. What remains is something far more refined: a destination that still hums with energy but now channels it into world-class food, wellness, and adventure. I went to find out what the new Los Cabos feels like—and discovered a destination that has grown up beautifully.

Pacific Dreams

My first stop was Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort, perched dramatically where desert and ocean collide in cinematic fashion. The resort feels sprouted from the sand, a sleek Pueblo Bonito enclave nested between the cerulean sea and the cluster of luxury hillside residences in the Quivira Los Cabos master-planned community. 

Early in the morning, I walked the beach as local fishermen cast lines into the surf. I couldn’t resist joining them, feeling the quiet thrill of the tug and the salt air on my face. It wasn’t about catching anything—it was about slowing down enough to belong to the moment.

I eased into Cabo mode at Armonia Spa, where a hydrotherapy circuit, aromatherapy oils, and a relaxing massage erased every trace of travel tension. That evening, I joined a tequila tasting in the resort’s Agave Room. As a non-drinker, I took in the aromas, listened as others described the earthy and floral notes—all in appreciation of the artistry behind Mexico’s most iconic spirit.

Dinner that night was at LaFrida, the resort’s elegant fine-dining restaurant named for Frida Kahlo. The experience was nothing short of artful—each course plated like a portrait, blending modern technique with deep Mexican flavor. From cacao glazed short rib with potato puree and crispy onion to squash blossom cream soup, every bite felt intentional. Mid-way through, a table-side cart laden with top-shelf tequilas makes its way though the dining room. The service was quietly theatrical, the kind that makes you sit back and savor. By the time dessert arrived—a sculptural dark-chocolate creation inspired by Kahlo’s self-portraits—I was convinced that LaFrida belongs among Mexico’s most memorable dining rooms. 

Day Trips and Detours

The next morning, I donned road-trip clothes and took a Jeep ride north toward Todos Santos, an artist enclave about an hour away. The drive alone is worth it: desert scrub and cardón cacti mixed with surprisingly verdant agricultural fields on one side, endless ocean on the other.

In town, I wandered cobblestone streets lined with galleries, cafés, and boutiques. Todos Santos has the soul of a surf village but the sophistication of a design district—murals, textiles, and mezcal bars tucked behind rustic doors. It’s home to Hotel California and all its lore. It’s easy to lose time there, and I happily did until the sun started to dip gold over the horizon.

The next day I swapped wheels for wind and went sailing. Out on the Sea of Cortez, the air smelled like salt and sunlight, and dolphins traced our wake as we glided past Lovers Beach. I leaned over the rail, the water below shifting from turquoise to indigo, the kind of beauty that makes you pause and just breathe it in.

Luxury, Family, and Firelight at Hilton Los Cabos

When I checked into the Hilton Los Cabos, the energy shifted from wild Pacific drama to calm Sea of Cortez luxury. My plunge-pool suite opened to the horizon—morning coffee, private dip, floating breakfast tray, repeat. The resort sits on one of Cabo’s few swimmable beaches, making it ideal for both families and anyone craving easy access to the ocean.

I booked a treatment at the eforea Spa, a tranquil retreat where stone paths lead to open-air massage rooms scented with desert botanicals. The Baja-inspired ritual left me feeling both grounded and renewed.

Later, I joined another tequila tasting, again as an observer. Smelling the different expressions—smoke, spice, citrus—and listening to others’ impressions gave me a new appreciation for the craftsmanship involved.

Dinner that night was on the beach: torches flickering, waves whispering nearby, a table carved from driftwood set for one perfect evening. Afterward, I lingered by the fire pit, toes buried in the sand, watching sparks drift toward the stars. There are plenty of beaches in the world, but few manage to feel both luxurious and wild at once.

Wellness and Wanderlust

Hilton’s wellness program is made for travelers who don’t leave their routines behind when they fly. I joined a sunrise yoga session on the sand, followed by a walk alongside the calm surf. Later, during one of the resort’s eforea Wellness Days, I sampled sound-healing and guided meditation—holistic offerings that balance body and mind as effortlessly as the tides.

When I wasn’t stretching or meditating, I was exploring. A short drive to San José del Cabo revealed one of my favorite discoveries: the Thursday night Art Walk, where the historic district comes alive with galleries, street music, and the scent of tamales steaming from food carts. Between the silver jewelry, hand-woven bags, and local ceramics, my suitcase came home a little heavier—and much happier.

Why Cabo, Why Now

Los Cabos isn’t a secret anymore, but it’s never been more rewarding. The food scene rivals any in Mexico, the resorts deliver thoughtful luxury, and the natural beauty refuses to be tamed.

For Boulder travelers, it hits the sweet spot: active mornings, indulgent evenings, and a cultural rhythm that feels both global and grounded. You can fish at dawn, hike desert trails by noon, learn to make tacos or pasta by afternoon, and end the day watching the moon rise over the water.

Cabo has evolved, and maybe that’s why it feels so right now—refined, relaxed, and full of adventure that feeds the soul. It isn’t the Cabo of decades past. It’s something better. And it’s calling.