In the words of the famously infamous Anthony Bourdain, ”I think food, culture, people and landscape are all absolutely inseparable.” And nowhere are these wise words more evident than in Cabo San Lucas. The destination itself is breathtaking, offering the most majestic views from its Southernmost point on the Baja Peninsula. The region is rich with Mexican culture and colorful characters, but the food. Oh, the food!
While many visitors find the beach and the ocean to be the ultimate playground; for me, it’s the eclectic, energetic and engaging culinary scene. A real chance to get your hands dirty (literally), throw back a few shots of mezcal, and dive in to the authentic cuisine – which may include catching the ‘fresh catch’ yourself.
Pueblo Bonito is the destination where it all happens. Nestled on a secluded beach within the exclusive residential development of Quivira Los Cabos, this luxury, all-inclusive property caters (quite literally) to those in search of a culinary adventure. The property’s main resort, Pacifica, is the quintessential playground for foodies. It provides opportunities to roll up your sleeves and become an expert in all things Baja cuisine.
Surf fishing may not be at the top of the list of activities during your luxury vacation, but believe me, when you take that first bite of fresh-caught ceviche, you’ll be casting that line every morning. It all starts bright and early at Pueblo Bonito’s “Hook & Cook” experience where you can try your hand at some surf fishing along the resort’s gorgeous private beach that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The sea’s a bit rough on this part of the coast so put on that bathing suit, grab a Bloody Mary (to loosen up your grip of course), and start casting. Depending on what you hook, the chef will turn your morning catch into an instant ceviche or a special evening meal, complete with the perfectly paired wine. No worries if your attempt to hook a big one doesn’t pan out. The chef and his team are prepared with their own catch, and will offer a quick lesson on how to make a simple, but utterly tasty ceviche. You can always try again the next day.
Food in this part of the world is uniquely fresh, coastal cuisine… but prepared using the simplest techniques. You can become your own Baja chef by joining the resort’s chef for the Orchard Cooking Class. The chef will take you on a tour of the resort’s garden where you hand pick herbs and vegetables to prepare an authentic locally inspired dish. The chef often incorporates local cooking techniques into the class, so you could find yourself making traditional Mexican stone soup using stones heated by the sun, or searing a piece of fish on a hot stone. You’ll be amazed at how using just a few fresh ingredients and simple techniques can result in an incredibly elegant meal. This experience is a take home souvenir for sure!
You can step up the level of service by booking The Towers at Pacifica with 24-hour butler service certified by the British Butler Institute. Your own personal butler is there to ensure that your culinary journey is a memorable and exciting one. Want a romantic dinner that is guaranteed to be unforgettable? Your butler can arrange for a private, candle-lit dinner on the beach followed by a nightcap in your own sandcastle, a firepit carved out of sand with a roaring bonfire in the center. If breakfast in bed is more your style, your butler will ensure that it will be a meal unlike any other.
If you’re staying at the resort’s ultra-luxe Montecristo Estates Luxury Villas, a private chef is available to prepare a meal in your villa. You can select the menu, but my recommendation is to let the chef do what he/she does best, create. These 3-bedroom private residences are located in a gated community that sits high above the Pacific providing panoramic ocean views, the perfect spot to enjoy that custom meal. Each villa features a private infinity pool, an indoor and outdoor Jacuzzi, maid and butler service, and unlimited access to the restaurants, bars and facilities at the Pueblo Bonito resorts.
And when you’re not catching and preparing your own meals, there’s no shortage of dining options at Pueblo Bonito’s 27 restaurants. You can get a taste of it all from Baja to Mexican to French and Mediterranean. The resort’s iconic La Frida restaurant, (dedicated to Mexican artist Frida Kahlo) is an elegant, candlelit dining room, decorated with reproductions of Kahlo’s paintings. The restaurant’s sommelier will introduce you to the wines of Mexico’s Guadalupe Valley in Baja California Norte, an award-winning appellation. Peninsula is the resort’s oceanfront restaurant that pairs fresh ingredients from the sea and garden. Quivira Steakhouse is al fresco dining located at the golf club and offers the most magical views of the Pacific under the thatched roof clubhouse. The fast casual Market at Quivira, inspired by the great food halls of Europe, is an urban marketplace that puts a whole new spin on grazing.
Just as there’s no shortage of upscale and unique dining experiences, you can find plenty of adventure in your beverage choices, whether it’s an early morning eye-opener, happy hour by the pool, or a late night digestivo. The resort’s master mixologist will take you on a tour of Mexico by way of tequila. Learn the history and processing of tequila and its cousin mescal while also sampling three tequilas—blanco, reposado, and añejo—and one mezcal. And naturally, the resort has an extensive wine selection and a master sommelier to offer suggestions to suit your mood and your cuisine.
Pueblo Bonito resorts offer all of the usual beach vacation experiences but if you’re up for a culinary adventure, don your chef’s hat and get your hands dirty. Quivira Los Cabos is the luxury residential resort community that is home to Pueblo Bonito Pacifica, The Towers at Pacifica, Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, Montecristo Estates Luxury Villas, along with two residential communities, Copala and Coronado. Ground has been broken for a new St. Regis Resort on the property. Two additional Pueblo Bonito Resorts are in downtown Los Cabos on Medano Beach, Pueblo Bonito Rose Resort & Spa and Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos Beach Resort.
