Sure, I could spend the entire wedding weekend at the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar — what with the five pools, four fabulous restaurants, five equally great bars, the Cactus Spa, pristine beach… why not?
But, there is a bit more to explore in Los Cabos. For future Cabo travelers, I've laid out a nice itinerary that includes dramatic sunsets, bucolic farms, and yes, all those pools. And, depending on the time of year "“ maybe even a whale or two.
Rehearsal Dinner at Sunset da Mona Lisa
There's a reason that 'sunset' is in the name. I got the most vivid, stunning views of the sunset here. And, of course, delectable food beautifully presented. When returning to home base (the Sheraton), I visited Pitahayitas, the bar at Pitahayas restaurant for classic and modern cocktails and a hand-rolled cigar to top off the evening!
Wedding day morning sailing trip
My day started with the yummy breakfast buffet at Restaurante Tomate where the covered patio affords a beautiful view of the Sea of Cortez. I spent the day relaxing poolside* "“ checking out each one "“ and getting pampered at the Cactus Spa. The Sheraton Hacienda del Mar is home to this luxurious spa where I got one of the best massages in my life! I followed it up with a facial and a sauna. And then the most amazing shower with water coming from all sides! (*My personal favorites are the Delfines with its swim-up café/bar and the Infinity Pool next to Las Sirenas restaurant with its fresh seafood and ice cold drinks.)
I also spent a few hours at sea, snorkeling, watching whales, sunning on the deck of a splendid sailboat with Cabo Adventures. I left my shoes and worries on the dock. I didn't even need my camera since I had my own photographer on board and enjoyed myself without worrying about missing great shots of the famous Pacific Window, or the El Arco (The Arch), or myself and fellow sailors. Upon departing from the marina in Cabo San Lucas I was well taken care of by the attentive and informative crew. Included are delicious snacks and drinks (alcoholic or not) prepared to order.
Saturday afternoon/evening – the Ceremony
At the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar I found you can go big or small. The resort's wedding specialist, Jose Pineda, will make sure brides and grooms can have the wedding of their dreams. Whether celebrants crave an intimate ceremony for a handful of your nearest and dearest or an epic, traditional Hindu ceremony to celebrate with 300+ family members and friends "“ Jose's done it, and everything in between. The night I was there, after a spectacular wedding dinner, overseen by Chef Manuel De Luca, we sat around a fire-pit (the Sand Lounge) on the beach, dug just for us, enjoying champagne and s'mores. And the Sheraton staff makes it all feel effortless, so visitors can relax, knowing that special day is in expert hands.
After the happy couple departs for their complimentary master suite, the wedding guests might want to continue the party at La Suerte Tequila Bar to sample any one of 100 different kinds of tequilas!
SUNDAY- Post wedding Brunch at Flora Farm
Not only is the setting charming and lush, and a complete change of scene from the beautiful beachfront at the Sheraton, but all the food served at Flora Farm, besides being scrumptious, is grown on the farm or locally sourced. And the service is warm and attentive. After brunch I visited the shops for some unique souvenirs "“ the bath and beauty products are incredible and the wine and coffee bar has a lot of choices for connoisseurs.
I can't think of a better way to spend a wedding weekend, or family reunion, or birthday, or any occasion!
Contacts in Los Cabos
(In the contact information below I've included Instagram handles so you can see terrific photos of the resort and the restaurants.)
Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort & Spa:
Website: www.sheratonhaciendadelmar.com
Instagram: @sheratonhaciendadelmar
Wedding Specialist: Jose Pineda "“ jose.pineda@sheraton.com; 001 52 624 145 6184
Sunset da Mona Lisa:
Website: www.sunsetmonalisa.com
Instagram: @sunset_da_mona_lisa
Phone: 1-888-278-8760
Cabo Adventures:
Website: https://www.cabo-adventures.com
Phone: Direct or within Mexico, +52 (322)226 8413; Toll free from US and Canada, 1-888-526-2238
Flora Farm:
Website: www.flora-farms.com
Instagram: @erikaonthefarm
Phone: Inside Mexico, 044 (624) 355-4564; outside Mexico, +52 1 (624) 355-4564
Email: Erika@flora-farm.com
Transportation for Less (transportation to and from the airport and around Los Cabos):
Website: transportationforless.com
Phone: 011-52-624-108-55-83
Written by
Marsha Lenox is a writer and freelance editor. Her articles and essays on travel, roller derby and homeschooling have been featured in newspapers, magazines and on numerous websites and blogs. Marsha writes and performs creative non-fiction stories for Story Salon, the longest running storytelling venue in Los Angeles. She is also a roller derby referee.
Sounds fantastic, Marsha! I have been to Cabo a dozen times and still plan to go again soon.