Destination: Los Cabos and the Pacific Coast of Mexico
Pacific-fringed beaches, dramatic landscapes and warm hospitality lure travelers to Mexico's Pacific Coast and Baja Peninsula. This coastal stretch is dotted with distinctive regions, all with luxury hotels designed with meetings and events in mind, plus golf courses and emblematic beaches to help guests unwind.
In Los Cabos, which is situated at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. Nicknamed "Land's End," this region is geographically blessed with mountains, desert and ocean landscapes, as well as some of the most stunning sunsets you'll ever witness. In Puerto Vallarta, which has earned the reputation as the "Friendliest City in the World," the coastline is dotted with beaches and islands, while the Sierra Madre mountains provide a scenic backdrop. The less touristed Nayarit region tempts with fewer crowds and authentic coastal charm.
Why Los Cabos and the Pacific Coast of Mexico?
- The desert's dry, hot days plus cool nights make Los Cabos a year-round destination. (But meeting guests have the added bonus of watching whales migrate from December through April).
- Los Cabos is a golf destination, with green golf courses winding through cactus-studded foothills or perched parallel to dramatic seascapes.
- The International Convention Center of Puerto Vallarta is a state-of-the-art meetings and events center with 47,000 square feet of meeting space.
- Major carriers have several non-stop flights to the international airports in both Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta.
- ALHI hotels in Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos have award-winning golf courses.
- During downtime, guests at luxury hotels along the Pacific Coast and Los Cabos can enjoy vast beaches for snorkeling or relaxing, epic sunsets and world-class dining.
What's new in Los Cabos and the Pacific Coast of Mexico?
- Cabo San Lucas International Airport's Terminal 2, which serves international travel, recently underwent renovations and expansions. The project added 10 departure gates and an extra 365,000 square feet of space.
- One&Only Mandarina made its debut in late 2020. North of Puerto Vallarta, this ultra-luxe, secluded property features spacious treehouse-style lofts nestled in the lush jungle.
- For 2021-22, Los Cabos has a health and safety manual for meeting attendees and organizers to follow that covers three phases: pre-event, during the event and post-event.
- At the moment, you don't need a negative COVID-19 test to enter Mexico. But you will need one to return to the United States, and many hotels provide these as a courtesy to guests.
See
photo courtesy of Global DMC Partners
The Arch of Cabo San Lucas
If Cabo had an official postcard, the Arch of Cabo San Lucas would be a solid contender. Reachable by boat, but visible from the coast, the rock formation at the southern tip of Cabo San Lucas is known as "Land's End." It was carved by wind, waves and erosion over the years, and today is one of the most photgraphed spots in Los Cabos.
Downtown Puerto Vallarta
An authentic Mexican destination, downtown Puerto Vallarta is defined by its reed roofs, colorful cobblestone streets, street taco stands and art galleries. The Malecon, or boardwalk, is like an open-air museum, featuring street art, sand sculptures and iconic Pacific sunsets. Attendees can also enjoy the "Voladores de Papantla," an amazing airborne performance of music and dance high atop a pole next to the Malecon.
Cerro del Morro
Located north of Banderas Bay, Cerro del Morro is a popular 40-minute hike that leads to a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding greenery. There are also tour operators and expert guides who can take you to the top, where you'll discover a 360-degree lookout of Banderas Bay and unspoiled beaches.
For more activities and ideas ask your ALHI GSO about working with Global DMC Partners
Do
photo courtesy of Global DMC Partners
ATV at the Los Cabos Canyon Bridge
Intrepid visitors can go ATVing at the Los Cabos Canyon Bridge, which is 1,082 feet long and hovers 165 feet above ground. Super strong steel cables allow the bridge to hold up to 300 people or 50 ATVs simultaneously. From the bridge, you get a good glimpse of the glass-bottom gondola and brave bungee jumpers. Continue the ATV ride through the desert and canyon landscape.
Snorkel at Los Arcos Ecological Reserve in Puerto Vallarta
Located in the Bay of Banderas, Los Arcos Ecological Reserve is a protected spot perfect for diving, swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. The group of granite islands and islets is home to various seabirds, including seahawks, parakeets, cormorants, pelicans and more. Colorful fish and other species can be spotted just below the surface in the crystalline waters.
Rhythms of the Night show in Puerto Vallarta
A combination of a cruise, dinner and show, Rhythms of the Night begins with a sunset cruise across the Bay of Banderas. The showproduced by Gilles Ste-Croix, co-founder of Cirque du Soleilincludes contemporary dance choreography at the pyramid amphitheater.
For more activities and ideas ask your ALHI GSO about working with Global DMC Partners
Eat
photo courtesy of Global DMC Partners
La Lupita in Los Cabos
A colorful cantina in downtown San San José del Cabo, La Lupita, serves tasty al pastor (pork) tacos and has an extensive menu of mezcals to sample.
Trio in Puerto Vallarta
Striking a just-right balance of casual but elegant, Trio is a multilevel restaurant in the heart of Puerto Vallarta, and an ideal spot for groups. It has a small, open garden with a quarry fountain, tropical plants and an exhibition featuring local artists. Trio serves Mediterranean gourmet food.
Hector's Kitchen in Punta Mita
Chef Hector Leyva, a well-known figure in Punta Mita's culinary scene, crafted a menu that's inspired by the bold flavors from the many regions of Mexico. Dishes include fresh fish and produce sourced locally on the Pacific Coast. The industrial-chic bar has an impressive selection of Mexican beers, wines and spirits.
For more activities and ideas ask your ALHI GSO about working with Global DMC Partners
Stay / Meet
Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos
A popular resort for corporate functions, the 527-room Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos has some of the largest and best meeting facilities in the region, plus exceptional views of the Sea of Cortez. With nearly 14,000 square feet of meeting and event space, the facilities are equipped with the latest technology and serene ocean views. The resort is also home to two renowned golf courses: Ocean by Jack Nicklaus and Desert by Tom Weiskopf. To unwind, guests can retreat to the SOMMA WineSpa for "vinotherapy" treatments and a spa menu inspired by rituals from around the world.
Nobu Hotel Los Cabos
Blending Japanese minimalism with locally sourced Mexican materials and finishes, the Nobu Los Cabos is a ultra-stylish 200-room hotel. Perched on the ocean's shore, the hotel boasts 14,389 square feet of meeting and event space, including two ballrooms, an outdoor terrace and a pair of outdoor lawns. For some R&R, the hotel also has in-room onsen soaking tubs, plus infinity pools, swim-up cabanas and bars, and a 22,000-square-foot spa.
One&Only Palmilla
Set within lush tropical gardens along a stunning coastline, One&Only Palmilla infuses business travel with luxury. The 74-room hotel has flexible meeting and events spaces, from boardrooms to ballrooms, and a team that can customize events for groups. The oceanfront accommodations feature terraces and dedicated butler service. In addition to being a known spa destination, guests can enjoy complimentary yoga and fitness classes here, and the resort is home to an award-winning Jack Nicklaus-designed 27-hole golf course.
One&Only Mandarina
North of Puerto Vallarta, One&Only Mandarina is nestled on a rare, undeveloped coastline in Mexico's beachfront rainforest. Guests at this unique hotel can choose between designer eco-treehouses and clifftop villas with private infinity pools and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The hotel has a mix of stunning indoor and outdoor venues, a ballroom and unique spaces woven throughout the property. Salón Papelillo, an indoor ballroom, caters for up to 120 seated guests banquet-style and 180 standing, and has an adjacent courtyard and boardroom with a spacious terrace. Guests can unwind with unlimited ocean adventures, from kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to surfing and yacht excursions.
Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive
An ideal spot for business meetings and conventions, the beachfront Fiesta American Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive has a stately grand marble entrance and a classic Mexican design and architecture. The meeting space is an open-design concept with garden view windows. The convention center can accommodate up to 520 attendees in an auditorium-type assembly. All rooms come with an ocean view. The hotel is ideally located just 10 minutes from the airport and five minutes to downtown.
Editor's note as of 5/28/21: At the moment, you don't need a negative COVID-19 test to enter Mexico. But you will need one to return to the U.S., and many resorts in Mexico are offering on-site testing as a courtesy to guests.