Baja Keeps Growing

New developments in Los Cabos

By Rick Stedman

It seems that every year in Los Cabos, the bar is elevated higher on the quality gauge for new developments in the region. The year 2010 is no different.

Los Cabos continues to redefine itself as one of the world’s most luxurious destinations. Like a good read, visitors simply cannot get enough of this best-seller.

One example of an exclusive new resort that opened in the summer of 2009 is the stunning Capella Pedregal, a top-tier hotel and residence resort on the Cabo San Lucas marina with breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortés and Pacific Ocean. Also under development is The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos, Quivira, which is scheduled to open in 2011. This world-class hotel will also feature luxurious amenities and services that are the prestigious brand’s hallmark.

Another improvement in the works is the San José del Cabo International Airport expansion, which is currently under way. To accommodate the region’s tourist explosion, airport and tourism officials announced that the airport will grow and receive a number of upgrades during the next couple of years. Airport enhancements will include the addition of parallel landing strips to welcome more arrivals and departures, reconfigured highway access to ease airport and road congestion, a fourth terminal building that will be united with a remodeled Terminal 3, and a new structure offering enhanced car rental facilities, shops and business services. The expansion began in 2007, and the whole project is slated for completion by early 2010.

Road improvements in the East Cape are also on the drawing board. A $26 million private investment by a Spanish firm is viewed by officials as a potential boon to the East Cape villages of La Ribera, Buenavista and Los Barriles.

Cabo San Lucas was also designated as one of several cities around the country in line for a cruise ship dock. Not only will this alleviate the shuttling of passengers on small tenders to and from shore; it will also create more local jobs. This is part of the government’s five-year plan for economic improvement.

Here is a roundup of recent hotel and resort developments as well as commercial activities in the greater Los Cabos region.

You'll also find a complete list of real estate resources in the Business Directory.

NEW HOTELS AND RESORTS

Cabo Riviera Marina & Golf Resort. Located just 45 minutes north of San José del Cabo International Airport, this 900-acre development that had its groundbreaking in 2008 is situated along a 2-mile strip of beach in La Ribera on the Sea of Cortés. Included in this master plan are two five-star resort hotels with an 18-hole Pete Dye golf course, along with an option to add an additional nine holes. Golf course and beachfront lots will also be available for custom home sites. The marina and golf course should be completed in 2012, while the entire master plan including commercial space, resort villas, employee village and the final phases of the marina and golf course will be completed later. U.S. investor in the project Gary Jacobs said, “The East Cape is one of the most spectacular areas in the world.” www.caboriviera.com.mx

Capella Pedregal Resort & Spa. Officially opened in July 2009, Capella Pedregal is a 66-room top-tier hotel and residence resort situated along the Cabo San Lucas marina with spectacular views of both the Sea of Cortés and the Pacific Ocean. The 18,000-square-foot Auriga Spa features 10 treatment suites, including treatment pods and deluxe suites. Each floating pod and suite will open to the outdoor spa pool area. Don Manuel’s Restaurant will be headed by Executive Chef Marco Bustamante, while the Farallon Seaside Grill will offer the quintessential cliffside dining experience. Fractional ownership opportunities are available with 31 three- and four-bedroom residences starting at US$490,000. Full ownership opportunities are available with 19 casonas starting at US$2.8 million. www.CapellaCabo.com

Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa. Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa is one of Los Cabos’ newest properties comprising 188 suites, including 13 penthouses. It features two restaurants and three bars, each with a distinctive menu and atmosphere. Leisure activities include lounging by one of the two swimming pools or relaxing at the Casa Dorada Beach Club. Casa Kidz offers a selection of supervised activities for children and adults; the property’s B Lounge offers a Beer Tasting educational course. www.casadorada.com

Espíritu Del Mar. Del Mar Development’s newest creation is a luxurious Mexican village nestled into a natural hillside within the 1,000-acre Palmilla development. This spectacular community features breathtaking vistas, overlooks and natural desert arroyos that have been strategically integrated into this unique 75-acre setting. Experience 28 acres of winding pedestrian pathways and make your home in either Las Casitas or Las Terrazas, which range in size from 3,700 to more than 4,000 square feet. Homes are priced from US$1 to $7 million, and lots range from US$700,000 to $1.75 million. www.snellrealestate.com/espiritu.cfm

Hacienda Encantada Resort & Spa. Mexico Grand Hotels has created a unique vacation destination: the Hacienda Encantada Resort & Spa, which joins its sister property, the Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa. Located five minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas, the resort offers beachfront property with such perks as a beachside restaurant, seven swimming pools, tennis courts, hot tub, whirlpool spa, DVD player, satellite TV, microwave and wireless Internet, as well as a restaurant/bar, full-service spa and shopping center. It comprises studios, one- and two-bedroom accommodations, and a penthouse with breathtaking views of Land’s End.

Mexico Grand Hotels also created the Marina Golden Zone, a one-stop shopping and dining plaza located in downtown Cabo San Lucas next to the Puerto Paraíso Mall. It has a fascinating atmosphere where you can discover the Huichol culture and its traditions, learn the nuances of tequila or dine at one of several restaurants. www.clubhaciendaencantada.com

Quivira and The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos. Originally conceived as Cabo Pacífica, the property has since been rebranded as Quivira. “The name Quivira, pronounced key-vee-ra, more accurately defines the near-perfect setting of endless beauty, dramatic scenery and unimaginable treasures,” says Gabriela Barron, marketing manager for the project. Legend holds that Spanish bishops founded seven cities in the New Land. Quivira was the most famous of those cities of gold. The 1,850-acre Quivira project is a joint effort by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and Mexican resort developer Ernesto Coppel for a 200-room hotel and 200 luxury residences on a secluded 3-mile beach, and will also feature two Jack Nicklaus–designed courses. Also under development is The Ritz-Carlton Los Cabos, Quivira, which is scheduled to open in 2011.

The planned hotel will rest on a 31-acre oceanfront site, where every guest room will have ocean views and spacious balconies. “My dream has always been to create the premier residential resort community in Los Cabos,” said Coppel. “It has been my life’s work to provide the very finest experiences, services and amenities. Quivira is quite simply the pinnacle of my efforts.” www.quiviraloscabos.com

Temptation Resort Spa. Officially opening its doors in February 2009, this adults-only all-inclusive resort is just 15 minutes from the San José del Cabo International Airport. Amenities include a spectacular Jacuzzi lounge bar with a stunning view of the Sea of Cortés. Socialize at the swim-up bar in the topless-optional pool or enjoy five bars, three gourmet restaurants, a gym, spa and 24-hour meal service. Temptation’s exquisitely decorated rooms offer three categories: Deluxe, Jacuzzi Suites and Temptation Suites — all with a private terrace or balcony. www.temptationresort.com

NEWLY RENOVATED HOTELS AND RESORTS

Cabo Villas Beach Resort & Spa. Cabo Villas Beach Resort & Spa has announced the development of the new Bayview Suites tower with seven floors of accommodations ranging from two- to four-bedroom luxury villas, and two floors of underground parking. The US$10 million property overhaul also includes remodeling of the reception area and the addition of a new martini bar. www.cabovillasbeachresort.com

Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa. Recently, Dreams Los Cabos Suites Golf Resort & Spa completed a renovation of the property’s guest rooms and five restaurants. With a total investment of US$3.5 million, Dreams Los Cabos offers guests an exclusive Unlimited Luxury® experience. Guests can also partake in the Dreaming of Freedom Turtle Program, where they will be able to release a baby turtle into the sea and to its freedom during this seasonal daily program. www.dreamsresort.com

Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort. Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort recently completed a dramatic remodeling of the property’s ocean view dining venues that also included several name changes and the La Vista lobby bar, El Mesón restaurant, Madero Bar & Grill and La Barca. The property also redesigned all guest rooms and renovated its fitness center with all new Precor equipment. In addition to these upgrades, the Hilton Los Cabos also opened the new Spa Oasis, a full-service spa providing guests with an array of unique and indulgent treatments. www.hiltonloscabos.com

Hotel Finisterra. Hotel Finisterra offers guests some of the best views of Los Cabos. With the option for Pacific or bay views, guests are sure to overlook the azure waters of the destination. Recently, the property completed a renovation of its rooms that overlook the marina as well as the addition of a new bistro on the terrace. The Whale Watcher Bar is a great place to relax and take in the atmosphere and fabulous views of the ocean. The nearby Blue Marlin Restaurant also serves fabulous fare. www.finisterra.com

Marbella Suites en la Playa. Tucked into the fabric of Cabo’s most exclusive estates, Marbella Suites en la Playa is located about 20 minutes from both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo on the Sea of Cortés. This boutique hotel caters to those preferring an intimate and authentic Mexican experience — sans in-room televisions and telephones, and high prices. Its vintage open-air design features a shaded lagoon-style pool, the Capitán’s poolside bar, ocean view hot tubs and the casual La Terraza Restaurant. A new massage therapy room has been added and is open to guests and visitors. In addition to a well-equipped fitness facility and computer room, free phone calls to the U.S. are available. www.marbellasuites.com

Tesoro Resort Los Cabos. Tesoro Resort Los Cabos is located in the Cabo San Lucas marina, just 40 minutes from San José del Cabo International Airport, and it boasts 286 completely remodeled rooms and junior suites. Activities available nearby include dining, entertainment, shopping and nightlife. There are more than 50 restaurants and grills around the hotel, all within walking distance — as well as over 20 bars and clubs, where guests receive discounts and specials just for staying at Tesoro. A large shopping area and two casinos are also within walking distance. The resort’s oversized pool is a great place to sip a beverage and watch boats go by. Guests can get free transportation to Médano Beach, and there’s a service desk to help you plan activities. (624) 173-9300; www.tesororesorts.com

QUALITY RESORT OFFERINGS

Cabo Azul Resort & Spa. In 2008, Hospitality Design magazine selected Cabo Azul Resort & Spa as a finalist for its prestigious “most beautiful resort in the world” category. This luxury all-villa resort in San José del Cabo features 332 state-of-the-art villas. Nestled on 12 oceanfront acres, the property includes an adjacent boutique hotel which also opened in 2008 and features the designs of interior designer Dodd Mitchell. Cabo Azul Resort & Spa also features its signature-designed restaurant, Javier’s Cantina and Grill. For an enchanting ceremony, the property also has a five-story, open-air wedding chapel complete with a reception/party terrace and panoramic views of the Sea of Cortés. www.caboazulresort.com

Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort. Located on The Corridor in Los Cabos, the Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort offers 249 luxurious rooms and suites, with private balconies overlooking the hotel’s private beach and the sea. The unique architecture affords picturesque views of the desert and ocean at every turn. Guests enjoy five swimming pools, a modern fitness center, the SOMMA WineSPA and fine cuisine at several on-site restaurants.

The resort is proud to announce that it is ranked number nine on Golf Digest magazine’s prestigious list of the “Top 50 Golf Hotels in the World.” The hotel was recognized for its exclusive access to the two adjacent Cabo del Sol championship golf courses: the famous Jack Nicklaus Ocean Course, listed as one of the top 100 courses outside the United States, and the Desert Course, known as one of the best courses in Mexico. The Fiesta Americana presents attractive vacation packages for golfers seeking world-renowned golf, pampering spa services, and unique travel experiences such as outdoor dining and wine tasting, all in one convenient and breathtaking location. www.fiestamericanagrand.com

Marquis Los Cabos Beach, Golf, Spa & Casitas Resort. The Marquis Los Cabos has been honored for its service, fine dining and hospitality by reputed organizations, such as being included in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Top 500 Hotels for 2008. In 2009, National Geographic Traveler shared with the world that Marquis Los Cabos earmarked a percentage of the hotel’s annual revenue for the staff’s education and healthcare. Since 2003, the resort has helped an average of 20 employees a year obtain primary schooling and bachelor’s degrees. This exquisite property comprises 237 suites: 28 casitas with private pools, 203 junior suites, five Marquis suites and one grand Marquesa del Mar Presidential Suite. All rooms offer ocean views. Three restaurants and one bar are available, as well as the 15,000-square-foot ocean view Spa Marquis. www.marquisloscabos.com

ME by Meliá Cabo. ME by Meliá Cabo boasts a pet-friendly atmosphere, spoiling pooches with beds, dog-walkers, blankets and treats — and eliminating the need for kennels and vacation guilt. As part of the new Pet ME services, ME by Meliá’s Pet Concierge provides doggie daybeds, complimentary blanket, and water and food dispenser in guests’ rooms. Upon arrival, pooches receive a Pet ME Doggie Amenity Kit packed with bones, toys and treats. Pet owners receive a Pet ME Owner’s Kit outfitted with plastic baggies, a map of designated pet-friendly walking areas and contact information for bilingual veterinarians in case of emergency. Additional services include Pet ME Personal Trainers available for walks any time of the day and 24-hour pet-sitting services.

ME by Meliá has also introduced the first Yhi Spa in Cabo San Lucas, offering world-class fitness, hydrotherapy and relaxation centers inspired by ancient healing traditions. New and unique spa treatments include the Purifying Cochimie Wrap, which nourishes and connects the body and mind spiritually. This unique anti-aging treatment combines a body mask with an intensive massage that lifts your spirits. www.mebymelia.com

Meliá Cabo Real. This all-inclusive resort is designed to eliminate the stress of vacation decision-making and provide you an unlimited array of dining, entertainment and leisure options for one reasonable price. The Meliá Cabo Real recently renovated guest rooms and suites with state-of-the-art facilities and services. The attentive staff at Meliá Cabo Real takes care of all the details so that you can enjoy every moment of your vacation. Plan your day with the help of the concierge, connect with home at the Internet café or spend an afternoon lying by the pool or getting ready for dinner at the hotel beauty parlor. www.meliacaboreal.com

Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort & Spa. Located in the Cabo del Sol development, with its cobblestone lanes, winding paths, quaint placitas, restaurants and shops, the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort & Spa captures the feel of old Mexico. All 270 rooms are spacious, featuring authentic upscale Mexican décor, a large private balcony equipped with patio furniture and endless ocean views, and the famous Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed. The Cactus Spa offers a diversity of choices that will provide you with an experience involving serenity and the relaxation of your body and soul.

The Sheraton offers four pools with distinctive settings, from the main infinity pool overlooking the Sea of Cortés to the freeform remote pools hidden by the rich surrounding flora. The resort also features three outdoor whirlpools and two adjoining children’s pools. With several dining options, Pitahayas is not to be missed. It is the only restaurant on the Baja Peninsula to have received the coveted Five Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences for seven consecutive years. www.sheratonloscabos.com

Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa. With panoramic views sweeping across the Sea of Cortés to El Arco, Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa lies on Médano Beach — the safest swimming beach in Cabo San Lucas. Tastefully designed in Spanish colonial and hacienda styles, the property is known for its well-appointed accommodations, generous amenities, gourmet cuisine and unrivaled hospitality. Villa La Estancia is adjacent to the upscale Villa del Arco Beach Resort & Grand Spa and the active Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa in a private enclave owned and operated by The Villa Group.

This distinctive beachfront resort offers one-, two- and three-bedroom suites that are stylishly decorated with marble floors, granite countertops, whirlpool tub, walk-in shower, walk-in closet and spacious balcony. For dining, try La Casona, which is the only restaurant in Los Cabos to feature Kobe and Angus certified beef. This fine-dining venue offers an air-conditioned dining room or open-air terrace flanked by a wood-burning fireplace. www.villaestancia.com; www.villagroupresorts.com/resorts

The Westin Resort & Spa, Los Cabos. Only in Mexico could straight lines, hard edges and precise geometry be splashed with the colors of sun, desert and sea to form a paradise that feels as reassuring as bare feet in warm sand. As guests arrive at The Westin Resort & Spa, a celebrated rendition of the arch opens to the Sea of Cortés, offering them a rewarding peek of what awaits them. Famed architect Javier Sordo Madaleno created the lines, curves and color of the resort and spa, reflecting the true sensations of the area’s contrasting wonders.

Each of the 243 guest rooms features the signature Westin Heavenly Bed®, a private balcony, Westin Heavenly Bath® products, plush Brazilian robes, a separate bathtub and shower with dual shower heads, marble floors, ceiling fan, blow-dryer, Egyptian cotton towels, satellite TV, high-speed Internet access, nightly turndown service, and endless views of the pools, beach and sea. Inventive creations and live jazz mark the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, Arrecifes. A menu featuring prized seafood, enchanting hors d’oeuvres and eye-widening desserts makes Arrecifes the perfect place for a romantic dinner. www.westinloscabos.com

TOURISM-ORIENTED REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENTS

CostaBaja Resort & Marina. CostaBaja Resort & Marina is a master-planned community in La Paz, a two-hour drive north of Los Cabos. Surprisingly untouched by tourism and poised for growth, La Paz is winning over the hearts of home seekers with breathtaking sunsets, friendly people and a Mexican small-town feel. In 2008, CostaBaja Resort & Marina announced its new partnership with PREI®-Latin America (Prudential Real Estate Investors). As a result of the developers’ US$800 million investment, CostaBaja Resort & Marina accelerated the development timeline of the resort’s master plan. With Phase I already completed and sold out, construction is currently under way for Phase II homes, which range from US$400,000 to more than $2 million. Home ownership at CostaBaja includes social membership and access to the full range of resort facilities, including the CostaBaja Beach Club with an infinity-edged pool, beachside restaurant and bar, shady lounge areas, fitness center and private beach access to the Sea of Cortés. www.costabajaresort.com

El Cielito Villas. A new development located within the private neighborhood of Rancho Paraíso, El Cielito is located in Cabo San Lucas and is a complex of 22 villas that feature exquisite amenities. With 14 different designs, villas range in size from 2,215 to 6,372 square feet, some with infinity pools, gardens, patios and Jacuzzis, depending on design. Each villa has its own garage, floors of Egyptian marble, mahogany finishing, cedar doors and a stunning view of the Cabo San Lucas Bay. www.piscesrealestate.com/el-cielito.htm

El Rincón del Pedregal. If you imagine your home reflecting the richness of Mexican culture along with the smartest amenities and worry-free living, you just might be thinking of El Rincón del Pedregal, an exclusive ocean view community in Cabo San Lucas, perched on the enclave of a mountain. Twenty-six spacious villas are inspired by a blend of authentic Mexican traditions and premier appliances and technology. With floor plans designed for maximum comfort and with all rooms embracing stunning ocean vistas, the villas feature natural stone, weeping walls, fire pit and saltwater aquarium as well as the latest in technology: media room, game room and the ability to connect to your vacation home via the Internet to monitor or prepare it for your arrival. Special amenities include The Club, featuring spa facilities, fitness center, lap pool and juice bar. The theme of this community supports a healthy, active lifestyle and tranquil living. www.elrincondelpedregal.com

Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas and La Paz. Pedregal de Cabo San Lucas and Pedregal de La Paz are premier residential communities, featuring beautifully crafted homes and selected home sites with oceanfront or ocean view locations. Pedregal de Cabo San Lucas is the foremost residential community in Cabo San Lucas. Once a vision of the Díaz Rivera family, today it’s a dream come true for many others. Growing steadily for the last 30 years, it represents the best of the Old World and all that is new. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can enjoy unobstructed 360-degree views of two bodies of water, as well as the desert and the mountains. Minutes away from the marina and local entertainment, restaurants, shops and nightlife, but far enough to make you feel as if you were in another world: a world of tranquility, pristine comfort and a relaxed lifestyle.

La Paz is considered by many as the most beautiful city in Mexico’s northwest. Following their dreams and legacy, it’s in this coastal city of peace where the Díaz Rivera family has continued with the concept of “Pura Vida,” or Love for Life, which they started in Cabo San Lucas. Just a few minutes away from downtown, Pedregal de La Paz is a gated community set above the reflecting waters of the Sea of Cortés, offering beautiful home sites and artistically designed homes capturing ocean views. www.pedregal.com

Rolling Hills Estates. Rolling Hills Estates, a gated ocean view community on 275 acres, is located just eight minutes from Cabo San Lucas on the road to Todos Santos. This breathtaking development stretches from the highway 2.5 miles down a rolling hillside toward the Pacific Ocean. There are 650 home sites that range from 13,200 to 20,500 square feet. All have views of the Pacific Ocean and panoramic desert mountains. Many also have views of Cabo San Lucas and the bay. At Rolling Hills Estates you will enjoy an ever-changing canvas of ships, whales and beautiful sunsets. Developer John Thomsen believes that Cabo San Lucas is the hottest real estate market in this hemisphere. www.caborollinghillsestates.com

Villas Aguamarina. Located in Pedregal de La Paz, Villas Aguamarina overlooks the Sea of Cortés. The light colors, natural illumination and gurgling fountains of Aguamarina homes embody the wellness and tranquility you have been looking for. Villas Aguamarina is a collection of 28 modern Mexican homes, with one or two stories, carefully planned for optimal comfort. Private groups of four and five villas share a pool and pergola, along with a traditional Mexican palapa and an outdoor grill. All areas are in Pedregal de La Paz and within easy walking distance to the swimmable beach and the Malecón — ideal for strolling, enjoying the sea breezes and following your dreams. Villas Aguamarina is a perfect solution for your home and vacation retreat. www.pedregal.com/aguamarina

Villas de Oro. Villas de Oro is a luxury community within the master planned community of Palmilla. Many of the condominiums and town homes are built along the 27-hole Jack Nicklaus signature golf course and are within walking distance of the golf clubhouse, miles of pristine beach, the five-star One&Only Palmilla resort and the new shopping village, Las Tiendas de Palmilla. At Las Tiendas, you’ll find high-end shops, cafés and restaurants. Generous floor plans in all units offer two- and three-bedroom layouts, ranging from approximately 2,300 to 3,070 square feet. With ocean and fairway views and golf membership included, prices start at US$725,000.

Thanks to the recent acquisition of 25 additional acres, owner/developer Gerry Burchard’s master plan calls for a variety of residential products, including town homes, villas, single-family homes, custom lots, and the Palmilla Tennis Club with swimming, tennis, a gym and restaurant. At build-out, this 32.5-acre complex will encompass approximately 200 residential units and will be enhanced by a guard-gated entrance, fountains and waterfalls — creating a comfortable neighborhood environment. www.villasdeoroatpalmilla.com

Villas Del Mar. Villas del Mar is best known for its unmatched level of service for its residents — and the developer’s attention to detail has made this community the best the area has to offer. Sweeping ocean views, never-ending amenities and relaxed opulence characterize the Villas del Mar experience. Situated behind a guard-gated entry adjacent to the One&Only Palmilla, Villas del Mar offers a variety of ownership options ranging from oceanfront villas to mountainside casitas. The addition of Villas del Mar’s new Club Ninety Six, a private residents’ beach club, confirms it as some of the most coveted real estate in the world. Established in 1996, Villas del Mar offers three-, four-, and five-bedroom homes with prices ranging from US$2.35 to $7 million. www.villasdelmar.com

VACATION RENTALS AND DESTINATION MANAGEMENT

Pedregal Escapes Property Management & Vacation Rental. Pedregal Escapes has been delivering excellence in property management and vacation rental services in the Los Cabos area for years. As a family owned and operated business run by the Díaz Rivera family, which prides itself of more than 35 years of real estate experience and expertise in development, construction, sales, property management and vacation rentals, the company is committed to both clients and renters and strives to provide professional, prompt and courteous service. Pedregal Escapes handles all the tasks of property management, vacation rentals, concierge services, spa treatments in your villa, sports and outdoor activities, yacht trips, golfing, pre-stocking food and beverages, restaurant reservations, and anything else you might desire for your vacation in Los Cabos. Pedregal Escapes manages several multimillion-dollar homes in Pedregal de Cabo San Lucas, but also homes and condominiums in downtown and other developments all over Los Cabos. www.pedregalescapes.com

Los Cabos Convention & Visitors Bureau Member Resorts Accolades and Awards

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