Destination style Explore the wonderful delights of Los Cabos

we Explore the world’s most influential design destinations. HB features editor holly byrne reports from the ground

On the tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, the luxurious resort region of Los Cabos (affectionately known as Cabo) glistens. Stretching over the townships of San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, the area is famed for its A-lister holidaymakers

(Will Smith, Jennifer Aniston and George Clooney, just to name a few), five-star beaches and a vivacious night-life – but it also boasts an equally exciting farmto-table culinary scene. The colourful Mexican culture combined with world-class hospitality makes Cabo a feast for the senses.

SHOP 1. San José Del Cabo

Cobblestone roads and brightly coloured building facades (inset, below right) are just the beginning in San José Del Cabo, the calmer of the Cabos. Don’t expect to spend your days browsing generic chain stores or major franchises. Here, the vibrant streets are filled with local artists (such as Ricardo Quero, whose work is pictured, top left), jewellery makers, and arts and crafts. From November to June, galleries in the Art District stay open late on Thursday evenings so you can admire and collect inspiring works by artists from all over the country.

Bookmark: visitloscabos.travel.

2.Todos Santos

Take a drive north to discover the charming village of Todos Santos – it’ll take about an hour from Cabo San Lucas and the scenery alone is worth it. Founded in 1724 as a mission, Todos Santos is rich with history and culture and is home to a thriving arts community. Along the way on Highway 19 you’ll pass Justina Factory blanket makers – a family run business that’s been operating for more than 30 years, where you can pick up stunning

Mexican textiles (you’ll spot the hatted cactus from the road, above pictured right). In town, Casa Catalina y Galeria is worth checking out for its pottery and purses.

Bookmark: todossantos.com.

EXPLORE 3. The Arch

Arguably the most impressive natural attraction in Los Cabos, the famous arch of Cabo San Lucas (inset, above) is a distinctive rock formation at the most southern point of the peninsula. While adventurous travellers explore this natural beauty on kayaks, the waters can be rough, so if you’re not game (or travelling with kids), take a water taxi or opt for a boat tour. Humpback whales are usually passing by from mid-January through to mid-March, while whale sharks visit from October to April. Book wildlife experiences through local vendors, such as In Cabo Travel or Cabo Adventures.

Bookmark: incabotravel.com.

4. Hotel California

Founded in 1947 by a Chinese immigrant and opened in 1950 as a 16-room hotel, this was the first hotel in Todos Santos to serve cold beer. For years rumours have swirled about the connection between the Grammy-winning Eagles song and the hotel, though there’s no hard evidence the hotel inspired the song.

Bookmark: hotelcaliforniabaja.com.

“YOU COULD SPEND DAYS EXPLORING ALL THAT’S ON OFFER AT THIS BEAUTIFUL OASIS” ~ HOLLY BYRNE, HB FEATURES EDITOR

5. FLORA FARMS

WHILE THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND VENTURE BEGAN AS A HUMBLE WORKING

FARM (ABOVE) TO GROW ORGANIC PRODUCE FOR A LOCAL CAFE, FLORA FARMS IS NOW A DESTINATION IN ITSELF. NESTLED IN THE FOOTHILLS OF THE SIERRA DE LA LAGUNA MOUNTAINS, NOT ONLY IS THERE A BAR, BAKERY AND A FARMERS’ MARKET, YOU CAN ALSO ENJOY A COOKING LESSON, PAINTING CLASSES OR

BOOK IN FOR A LUXE

SPA TREATMENT. BOOKMARK: FLORA-FARMS.COM.>