Playa Grande Resort in Cabo San Lucas brings the ultimate in luxury to the tip of Land's End and everything here is done on a grand scale. Huge arches with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, a large domed lobby complimented by granite and onyx floors, sculptured columns and gorgeous artwork wherever you gaze... all part of the package at Playa Grande.
Cabo San Lucas has more than it's share of luxury resorts. Palmilla, Esperanza en
Auberge, Ventanas al Paraiso and the like offer luxurious accommodations at a price
many travelers simply cannot afford. Playa Grande provides up-scale luxury with
room rates within reach of most Cabo bound vacationers. From the moment you
arrive and the bellmen cart off your baggage, you cannot help but be awed at the
scale of this elegant and seductive hotel. The lobby features a high, domed ceiling
with glass everywhere. Natural light floods in through every arch and window. The
front desk is adorned with wood and polished stone. It is obvious that no expense
was spared in the creation of this masterpiece by the sea.
Playa Grande is the culmination of decades of experience developing resort property
in Cabo San Lucas. The project is the brainchild of Luis Bulnes, who started the hotel
industry in Cabo with Solmar Suites, a property adjacent to Playa Grande. Originally
from Spain, Don Luis (as he is most commonly known) first came to Los Cabos to
manage the then operational fish cannery. Although now just a crumbling ruin, Don
Luis managed to grow the cannery's output, eventually making it the largest cannery
operation in Latin America. At one point the facility supplied about 75% of the
regions seafood. While his impact on the commercial fishing industry was great, it
was his subsequent impact in transforming Cabo - from sleepy fishing village to
major tourist destination - that has made him a true mover and shaker in Baja Sur.
Playa Grande is nestled on a wide beach facing the Pacific. Unlike hotels along the
Sea of Cortez side of the peninsula, street (or beach) vendors are nowhere to be
seen. The peace and quiet is thanks to an arrangement made by Bulnes many years
ago. In exchange for cheap rents for storefront or "flea-market" styled space in
town, vendors agreed to stay off the Bulnes property. This allows guests the
opportunity to enjoy the peace and seclusion of the less traveled and developed
Pacific coast of Land's End.
Styled with traditional Mexican hacienda-style architecture, Playa Grande's bold use
of color plays a big role in creating a "south of the border" atmosphere. Shades of
gold, orange, pinks and reds bring a youthful and vibrant glow to the property.
Extensive use of archways and columns create frames for the magnificent views the
location affords. Guests walk through a huge arch and descend a wide set of stairs
dropping several levels to the resort's pools and restaurants. Paths meander
through gardens, by ponds and fountains, over bridges and streams allowing the
visitor to take in the beauty and attention to detail that Bulnes and the architects
brought to the project.
Accommodations range from Deluxe Junior Suites, Luxury Suites and upwards to the
Penthouse Suites, each with spectacular views. Rooms are well appointed and
decorated featuring an extensive use of polished stone and rich, dark woods.
Comfortable living rooms have plenty of space to stretch out in. They include
futon-style couches that fold out to beds as well as a cleverly concealed fold-away
bed hidden in it's own wood cabinet. Dining areas and full kitchens are part of the
package in Luxury Suites and include table settings, microwave, range and
refrigerator. Blenders and bar glasses make it easy to concoct your own versions of
Margaritas for sipping on the private terraces and balconies. Master bedrooms
feature over-sized king beds with very comfortable mattresses and soft, cool
bedding. Venture into the master bath and you are completely surrounded by
marble. A full sized jetted tub with shower, large vanity with lighted make-up mirror
and hair dryers make it easy to prepare for a night on the town. Each unit has the
convenience of an iron and ironing board.
On site restaurants include Calima and the Brigantine. Calima offers casual dining
on one of many patios or under a large and well-designed pergola. Dishes range
from regional seafood to steaks, chicken and even Sushi - all well prepared and
stylishly presented by an attentive staff. A visit to Calima's bar is a must as they
create some very enjoyable and potent libations, including the Calima Special;
Captain Morgan's Rum, Bailey's, Kahlua, banana, coconut milk, evaporated milk and
pineapple juice blended with ice and served in a tall hurricane glass. A few of those
and just about any worry you have simply melts away leaving only a smile.
The Brigantine restaurant is a good choice for dinner. The menu is diverse and
features local seafood, lobster, pasta and Mexican specialties including a delicious
Stuffed Poblano chile. The décor is elegant with leaded glass windows, marble
floors and linen tablecloths. Dining options are indoors, with air conditioning, or
outdoors under covered patios with wonderful views and ambience.
For other dining options, the group that owns Playa Grande also owns other
restaurants within walking distance; The Galeon (Italian and continental cuisine),
Romeo and Juliet (also Italian), and La Roca located at Solmar Suites right next door.
If you enjoy a well-made Mexican coffee, a trip to Galeon is definitely in order. The
process is more an event than just a simple after dinner drink. Masterfully created
before your eyes, the staff even dims the lights to enhance the flaming and mixing
processes that make up a true Mexican coffee. The Sea Queen located on the marina
is the newest restaurant to join the group and features seafood and sushi prepared
by their chef who is a graduate of the San Francisco Culinary Institute.
Blended into the sweeping architecture of Playa Grande are several pools complete
with waterfalls, volleyball courts and kids play areas. For the adults, swim-up bars
and a large outdoor Jacuzzi round-out the aquatic features of Playa Grande. Towel
service, comfortable padded chaise lounges, cocktail and food servers and colorful
landscaping make this a great place to work on your tan or laze under an umbrella
with a good book.
For those after more activities, The world-famous Solmar Fleet is at your disposal.
Solmar Fleet's sport fishing and diving boats range from 28 foot cruisers to the 112
foot Solmar V, one of the most luxurious live-aboard dive vessels in the world.
SOLMAR V is the only luxury live-aboard vessel departing from Cabo San Lucas,
Mexico - well within range of the most exciting diving in the Sea of Cortez. Whether
you choose to spend your time on the water battling world-class billfish or under
the water swimming with sea turtles, Manta rays and Whale Sharks, the Solmar fleet
is well equipped to handle your every need.
Other nearby activities include; golfing on one of five world-class golf courses
featuring designs by Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye and Robert Trent Jones, Jr., sunset
cruises, snorkeling, ATV adventures, horseback riding, parasailing and myriad eco-
tours. All off-site activities can be arranged through the resort's concierge.
Another wonderful feature of the resort is the Thalasso Spa. Fashioned with the
French "Art de Vivre" sensibility, the Thalasso Spa utilizes thalasso therapy that
originated in France in 1865 by Dr. La Bonardiere. Thalasso therapy features the use
of seawater baths and seaweed based treatments for both preventative and curative
purposes. French doctors estimate that the benefits realized from six days of
thalasso therapy will bring curative results lasting six to eight months. For those
who appreciate the personal rejuvenation and revitalization of exercise and weight
training, a full gym is also available for use by hotel guests.
While Playa Grande is first and foremost a destination for the vacationer, the resort
also boasts full-service conference facilities including a theater complete with
stadium seating, podium and screening equipment for audio/video presentations.
Several meeting rooms are immediately adjacent to the theater making the planning
of corporate events and retreats easy. Playa Grande hosts many corporate functions
and has been selected as the preferred resort and events center for one of Los
Cabos most exciting events - the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament.
The Los Cabos Billfish tournament is fast becoming one of the world's premier off-
shore fishing tournaments. The organizers have once again chosen Playa Grande as
the host resort of the tournament and it's participants. Anglers from around the
globe will converge on this spectacular resort commencing the second week of
October. The official tournament start takes place on October 11th. The awards
presentation is on the15th. Participants from last year's event raved about the resort
and the treatment given by the staff. Both Playa Grande and their sister resort,
Solmar are offering tournament participants special discounts on lodging. If you're
looking for something truly exciting to do in October, this could be it!
If you find that the rates at Playa Grande are a little beyond your budget, there's
good news. Solmar Suites is located right next door to Playa Grande, offers the same
gorgeous beach and tranquility, but at lower rates. I've had the pleasure of staying
at Solmar in the past, although it has been years now, and really enjoyed my stay.
While not as luxurious, Solmar's suites are clean and well maintained and the staff is
just as terrific as the staff at Playa Grande. Smaller and more intimate, Solmar can
and does provide exceptional value and magnificent views. One of the best features
is the proximity of the rooms to the beach. Every room features a furnished terrace
and those on the first floor have direct beach access, two steps and your toes are in
the sand!
To learn more about Solmar Suites, visit them online at: http://www.solmar.com or
call them toll free at 800-344-3349.
PLAYA GRANDE RESERVATIONS:
Toll Free - 800.344.3349
http://www.playagranderesort.com
Email - caboresort@aol.com
RATES
PEAK SEASON
Junior Suites $260.00
Luxury Suites $310.00
Presidential Suite $395.00
Penthouse Suite $495.00
MID SEASON
Junior Suites $235.00
Luxury Suites $280.00
Presidential Suite $355.00
Penthouse Suite $445.00
AMENITIES
o Air conditioning
o Satellite TV
o In-room safe
o Purified water system
o 2 on-site restaurants
o 3 off-site restaurants
o Multiple pools
o 2 pool bars
o Car rental
o On-site fishing charters
o On-site scuba center
o Thalasso Spa
o Full gym
o Tennis
For more information, visit http://www.playagranderesort.com
Richard Chudy is the author and President of Cabo's Best, a travel website dedicated to Los Cabos. To learn more about Cabo, visit http://www.CabosBest.com or email Richard at cabo rich@cabosbest.com
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