San José del Cabo, Mexico
August 9 to August 12, 2024
Family Vacation
This year, we decided to take a family vacation to visit Jared in Europe during the holidays. Sadly, Fiona could not get off work at that time, so we planned a mini vacation with her in Mexico.
Mark, Jeannie, Jewel, and Fiona spent four days in San José del Cabo. This was Fiona’s first international trip.
Hilton Vacation Club
Cabo Azul
Mark, Jeannie, and Fiona had never been to Cabo, but Jewel visited last year. She dined at one of the hotel restaurants and recommended the property for our stay. What a beautiful place!!
We arrived before our room was ready, but the staff was quick to check us in, let us change into swimsuits, store our luggage, and welcome us home. After a welcome shot of tequila, we walked through the lobby and down to the pool area.
The hotel is positioned on 12 oceanfront acres close to the airport. Although the property boasts four pools, our focus centered on the tri-level infinity pool where we enjoyed its swim-up bar and breathtaking ocean views.
While the ocean provided a tranquil backdrop, the video below shows the waves crashing on the shore. Our kayak guide told us he had been a lifeguard in the area many years ago. The rip currents were so strong that even in ankle-deep water it was possible to get swept out to sea. The area no longer has lifeguards. Instead, do not swim warning signs are posted.
We opted to hang out in the pool and view the ocean with a margarita.
Flor de Noche
Flor de Noche was our first stop for lunch. The food, drinks, and service were great.
We ended up eating at this poolside restaurant several times during our stay. They always had a good selection.
Our Room
All rooms at Cabo Azul are suites. We upgraded to a 3-bedroom suite with an ocean view. Our room (#7407) was in building 7 on the top floor. It had a view right over Flor de Noche towards the ocean. Fantastic view!
Since August is off-peak season, we could walk into restaurants without reservations. There was no issue finding covered lounge chairs on the beach. Seats (even in the shade) were available at the swim-up bar. The weather was sweltering and humid but was actually a little cooler than Texas. We had beautiful, sunny days our entire trip.
Javier's
Javier’s Restaurant and Bar is the hotel’s upscale Mexican restaurant. The restaurant has breathtaking beach views and offers indoor and outdoor seating.
We had our first dinner there. The food was delicious. The restaurant was quiet and dimly lit. We opted to sit indoors because it was so hot, and we had too much sun our first day. We enjoyed the air conditioning.
Our next visit was for Sunday Brunch. The all-you-can-eat buffet was amazing! There were several stations: croissants & pastries, omelets, fresh fruit, cheese & charcuterie, raw & sushi, seafood paella, roast beef, pork, carnitas, tacos, wood oven pizza, and desserts. There was so much amazing food.
Mark and Jeannie enjoyed a nightcap at Javier’s Bar on the last evening of the trip.
There was a lovely breeze from the ocean. The outdoor seating area was beautifully lit with torches and firepits.
A wonderful end to a wonderful trip.
Kayak & Snorkeling Excursion
We booked a Kayak & Snorkeling Excursion with Cabo Outfitters. Our guide, Carlos, picked us up at our hotel early Saturday morning. During our 30-minute transfer to the marina, Carlos mentioned that we were the only ones taking the tour. What a treat! We had a private group excursion.
We met up with our second guide, Carlos. The two Carloses started with safety and kayak instructions as none of us had kayaked before.
Once we left the marina, we kayaked along the cliffs until we reached The Arch of Cabo San Lucas where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. This majestic rock formation is situated on the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula and is roughly three stories tall.
Next, we kayaked to Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach). We took a break from kayaking and walked around the beach. The water on the Sea of Cortez side of the peninsula was calm and peaceful. However, as we crossed to the Playa del Divorcio (Divorce Beach), the Pacific Ocean waves violently crashed into the rocks. We were instructed not to get near the water here.
We kayaked to another beach near Pelican Rock and spent some time snorkeling and relaxing. We saw the flying manta rays jump out of the ocean. Carlos told us this only happens at certain times of the year. What a special excursion!
Cabo San Lucas
The Arch of Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas
The Arch of Cabo San Lucas
Lover's Beach
Divorce Beach
Sea of Cortez
Lover's Beach
Viceroy Los Cabos
Cielomar
We walked to the Viceroy Los Cabos Hotel Saturday evening and ate at Cielomar Rooftop Restaurant. We had a table with sunset views of the pool and beach.
Our server, Solomon, was excellent! To begin, he served an amuse bouche – focaccia with labneh. It was amazing! We finished it before we even had a chance to take a picture.
We shared a carpaccio appetizer and then enjoyed a variety of main courses.
We celebrated Jewel’s birthday. She received a chocolate birthday cake, and we each received a chocolate truffle.
Cielomar Rooftop Restaurant
Historic District
Sunday afternoon we visited the old historic district of San José de Cabo. We started walking from Plaza Mijares where we visited the Misión San José del Cabo.
Since we visited on a Sunday afternoon in the off-season, many shops and restaurants were closed. We were able to buy some souvenirs before dinner at Simaruba Rooftop Restaurant.
Simaruba
It didn’t take us long to walk through the San José del Cabo historic district so we arrived at Simaruba early. We enjoyed some drink specials at the bar before dinner.
We were not very hungry since we had the large Sunday Brunch at Javier’s. Instead, we opted for several appetizers and chicken mole. It was the perfect amount. The food and drinks were good, but the kitchen was very slow. A relaxing and enjoyable dinner.
Evening Views
Cabo Azul was just as beautiful at night. The entire property featured water and fire displays. Exquisite!
