Showing posts with label Los Cabos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Los Cabos. Show all posts

Friday, February 28, 2014

Chef Surprise at Capella Pedregal in Los Cabos

The sun was once again shining on the Capella Pedregal resort in Cabo San Lucas and my friend Lynn and I were ready to take full advantage of it on our final day.  

We started off with a leisurely breakfast at Don Manuel’s Restaurant. Julieta Hernandez of the Los Cabos Tourism Board joined us and told me about some of the new hotels going up in the area. She also told me a bit about nearby La Paz and the whale shark tours.

I had known that as a Mexican playground for Hollywood stars Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo boasted many fine resorts, but I didn't realize until our conversation how many more there were in this area that were among the best in the world.

I promised Julieta I would return soon to check out more of the Baja Peninsula and then headed to enjoy my final pool day for a long while.

Even though my foot had just been stitched and I couldn’t go in the water, I enjoyed a few hours in front of Capella’s massive infinity pool under warm sunny skies.  Since I grew up (and spent most of my adult life) on Long Island I always found the view of the beach comforting. The advantage of this strip of sand not being a swimmable beach was peaceful with only the sounds of the waves.

The waiters were quick to bring us a bucket filled with ice cold water bottles and what had become my standard drink at this resort, a Watermelon Mojito.

One of the things that Capella Pedregal has available for its guests are cooking classes. Most chose the ceviche class, but considering Lynn and I are both allergic to seafood, that wasn’t an option. It worked out well, though, because I got to learn how to make one of my favorite foods, tamales.

Executive Chef Yvan Mucharraz, a protégée of Thomas Keller who spent time with the famed chef in Napa, was ready for us in the private kitchen reserved for classes and chef’s dinners (something we were doing that evening).

He told us about the history of tamales and how the fillings are really optional. We talked a bit about how tamales of all kinds are sold on the streets and made as a cheap meal in Mexico. I had only previously had pork filled ones and sweet corn tamales, which were filled, for breakfast.

We made chicken tamales and vegetarian ones with peppers, tomatoes and onions. Chef Mucharraz also showed us how to make quick and easy tomatillo salsa and salsa ranchera to serve with them.

During the tamale cooking class, mixologist and head bartender Osvaldo brought us some drinks he had created just for us. We named one of them “Samantha” for our daughters at home who share the same name. We also happened to love the drink, a blend of gin, lavender syrup, plumb bitters, Domaine de Canton liqueur, basil and lychee.

After the cooking class, Lynn and I each went back to our rooms. The complimentary guacamole, chips and Corona was delivered as usual and I enjoyed the view from my balcony for a while before showering and dressing for dinner.

Before dinner we went down to check out the weekly cocktail party they have for guests. It was an intimate setting with maybe two dozen people and a guitarist in the background. We each had a glass of wine and toasted to what would be our final evening in Los Cabos, Mexico.

Chef Mucharraz had put together a private dinner for Lynn and I for our final night. It was paired with wines and cocktails for a memorable experience. I was even impressed with how the chef didn’t blink about making my rib eye steak well-done. And, it was delicious, served with a parsnip puree and morel mushrooms.

I didn’t have much room left to finish the meat as we had already finished a tasty heirloom beetroot salad and a ginger-spiced butternut squash soup.

I almost wasn’t able to make it to the dark chocolate ganache dessert, but anyone who knows me knows that I am always ready for anything that includes the words “chocolate ganache!”

It had been an unbelievable week in Los Cabos between the (mostly) beautiful weather, relaxation and great food. It had also taken a very different turn at one point as I was going home with an injury to my toe, foot and ankle. It kept me from swimming with the dolphins – or swimming at all – but it also gave me more reason to come back to Los Cabos soon. 

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Day of Luxurious Fun at Capella Pedregal Cabo San Lucas

The sunrise from my balcony at Capella Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, was so beautiful I didn’t mind that I was up so early and had almost forgotten I was still in a wheelchair from my injury. I vowed to enjoy the day anyway and that didn’t seem hard at a place as beautiful as this.

Breakfast was outside at Don Manuel’s where we had a view of the ocean. My friend Lynn took a little of everything from the buffet and I just had some of their warm doughnuts with jam and a side of yogurt to start my day.

Adriana Silva, the resort’s Public Relation Coordinator, took us on a tour around the property after breakfast. We were far from the only ones who thought Capella Pedregal was incredible. It had been bestowed the rare AAA Five Diamond award.

The tour took us by golf cart in and out of the buildings, including one area that was reserved mostly for families.  It reminded me a bit of some of the resorts I had visited in Arizona with cacti between the casitas. Some of the buildings appeared to even be built right into the mountains.

As soon as we lay down in front of the infinity pool, a waiter came over with a bucket of ice containing bottled water and asked if we wanted anything else to drink. It was a bit early for me and I just got comfortable on the lounge with my foot up.

I would not be able to get my foot wet at all this trip. I knew if I rested it I would be able to cut down on the wheelchair use. I was a bit jealous as Lynn went into the water, but the scenery was so incredible and the free time so rare (thanks again, Los Cabos Tourism for building in so much relaxation in the itinerary) that I couldn’t complain.

Although the water in front of Capella Pedregal was too rough to swim in, it certainly looked beautiful from the pool, with the palm trees swaying in front of it.

Lynn wasn’t feeling well and headed back to the room for a bit while I had lunch poolside. It was a delicious steak sandwich accompanied by the scrumptious truffle fries I had the previous day and, of course, another watermelon margarita to wash it down with.

I stayed by the pool for a while and then went upstairs to change for our tequila tasting, something all guests at Capella Pedregal can arrange.

The mixologist and head bartender Osvaldo took us through the history, making and tasting of not only tequila, but also mezcal and sotol, which I had never had before. It is also made from an agave plant, but has more fruit and floral notes than its more known counterparts.

Fortunately, there was time for a nap between the tequila tasting and dinner at El Farron. This restaurant on the mountain cliff certainly brings romance to a new limit with all the candlelight and spectacular ocean views.

While Lynn and I didn’t exactly appreciate the romance and the regular menu of seafood we were both allergic to, we definitely enjoyed the ambiance and the food we could eat, including the soup, appetizers (which included tender lamb chops), steak and pineapple cake.

The steak was brought to the table on a grill filled with vegetables and potatoes.

Although we had talked about checking out the bar scene after dinner, we were both exhausted after the day in the sun sampling tequila. We each went back to our rooms and rested up for another day at Capella Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Introduction to Capella Pedregal

We were up early for our last room service breakfast at Hotel El Ganzo. I hadn’t expected to be continuing my trip in a wheelchair, but an accident had left me resting a dislocated toe, torn ligament and deep cut a bit longer.

I was in Los Cabos, though, and determined not to let the injury keep me from enjoying it – especially since my friend Lynn and I were heading to one of the most acclaimed resorts in Mexico, Capella Pedregal.

I had heard so much about this hotel and had actually been trying for two years to plan a trip there. As much as I had looked forward to the other two hotels in Los Cabos, it was this one I had been waiting for.

The excitement began before we arrived as the driver took us through the private tunnel in the mountain that leads to the grand entrance at Capella Pedregal. 

We were a bit disappointed that it was raining, but since the weather had been beautiful all week (and looked to be again), we didn’t let it ruin our mood.

Adriana Silva, Public Relation Coordinator at Capella Pedregal, was there to greet us when we arrived and quickly made some changes to our plan to fit the current circumstances. Since it didn’t look like it would be much of a beach day, our spa appointments were moved to earlier. And, since I was wheelchair bound for at least another day and a large accessible suite was not available, we were each given our own rooms.

Each room was just incredible, with a huge bathroom that had a separate tub, a shower and even a couch! I also had a loveseat and infinity plunge pool on my balcony, which provided breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains.  

The refrigerator was stocked with bottled water and juice, while a bottle of Jose Cuervo Tequila was waiting for all guests. The manager had also sent a fruit, cheese and chocolate plate with a bottle of wine.

Lynn’s spa appointment was first and since I was not able to get my foot wet and enjoy the sauna, steam room and whirlpool facilities at Auriga Spa, I went ahead and had some lunch at the Beach Club Restaurant.  The club sandwich was good and the Truffle Fries heavenly. It was there I also got my first taste of Capella’s Watermelon Mojito.

After lunch, I headed to the spa. I was greeted with a cup of tea and led to the locker room to change before my welcome cleansing foot bath ritual. It is something everyone has before their treatment, using local herbs and a special beverage that is changed to be in harmony with the current phase of the moon.

I was then led to my pod jutting out on the water for a peaceful atmosphere to have the most heavenly one hour massage. I was more relaxed than I had been in months.

When I got back to my room I found what is a daily afternoon treat at Capella Pedregal, chips, guacamole and Corona Beer. I tried not to eat too much because I knew there was a big meal planned for the evening.

We had dinner at Don Manuel’s with Shirley Dunn Hanks, Director of Sales and Marketing, and Adriana Silva. They had made a special menu just for us, taking into account that Lynn and I both had seafood allergies.

The Poblano Risotto with pumpkin seeds, corn and wild mushrooms covered in smoked parmesan was a great appetizer and a lot more filling than I expected. The Heirloom Salad was also fresh and colorful with avocado and carrot with toasted fennel seeds.

The main courses all sounded wonderful. I really enjoyed the Crispy Suckling Pig with peanut marzipan and black sesame puree while Lynn made a good choice with the Short Ribs Barbacoa style.

The Cinnamon Meringue dessert was light and flavorful, but Estudio de Chocolate (Study of Chocolate) was a delicious selection of one of my favorite food items.


We finished up the evening toasting with Jose Cuervo’s Special Reserve Tequila. It had been a great first night at Capella Pedregal and I knew there were two more to come. 

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Beach Time in Los Cabos

I found one advantage to my injury on Day One at El Ganzo, the wheelchair put me in a position to do nothing all day but enjoy the glorious Los Cabos weather on the beach.

The original plan for the day had us starting swimming with the dolphins at the newly opened Dolphin Discovery. I was unable to get into the water so we had to cancel.

The manager at Hotel El Ganzo instead suggested that we spend the day on a canopy bed at their private beach club on the other side of the lake.  I get few (if any) full beach days on these trips and even though I had to stay dry, it still sounded like it might be fun.

Getting around wasn’t so easy so we started the day with a room service breakfast. The pancakes were very good and after some coffee and a bit more time than usual to get dressed I was ready to be wheeled to my adventure.

The staff was very helpful in getting me on to the boat that would take us over to Hotel El Ganzo’s man-made beach. We decided to have lunch when we arrived at Ganzo de Playa as I knew it wasn’t going to be easy to get back and forth to the sand.

I had been told that the cocktail selection was incredible, and I was in Mexico, after all, so I decided to forego the pain killers and enjoyed a few libations from the pages in the massive cocktail list.

I began with one of my favorite indulgences – a mudslide, followed by a refreshing mojito.

We actually closed down the beach, staying until the sun was ready to set. We sampled the gelato and a few more cocktails and then took the boat back to Hotel El Ganzo
I also decided it was a comfort food day and the burger with guacamole and fries fit the bill perfectly. Lynn went for the chicken tacos with a salad.


After we were done eating, the staff actually carried me in the wheelchair down to our beach bed! While it looked like a queen size bed, we were able to each raise and lower our head and I was even given some pillows to put my foot up.

Lynn enjoyed the clear, calm water and I made the best of relaxing and reading as that alone was something I rarely get to do. The sky was clear and the weather was warm. I made good use of the canopy to keep from getting too much sun.


I went back to the room to rest while Lynn decided to check out the rooftop Jacuzzi. I have to admit I was quite jealous I couldn’t join her, but was feeling the injury.

The original plan was to see a rooftop concert our last night at Hotel El Ganzo. I wasn’t feeling up to it and we opted for some tortilla soup and guacamole from room service and an early bedtime.

We would be off in the morning to our last stop, Capella Pedregal, for our final three days in Los Cabos, Mexico. 

Friday, January 31, 2014

Los Cabos From Hilton to El Ganzo

I was up early and walked along the beach in behind of the Hilton Los Cabos while the sun came up over another beautiful day in Los Cabos.

My friend Lynn soon joined me at El Mason restaurant, where they have one of the best breakfast buffets I’ve seen at a resort. I ordered an omelet and filled my plate with fruit and chiquillas, a Mexican favorite of mine that’s basically a breakfast casserole of softened tortilla chips with eggs and salsa and cheese.

I finished up with some coffee and a cheese and almond filled pastry before we headed down to our last time at the Hilton’s massive infinity pool. 

The water was surprisingly cold, but I couldn’t resist taking a little dip while Lynn stuck with the whirlpool. I do have to admit that one of my laps was to the swim-up bar to “warm up” with a mango daiquiri.

Rossy Rossier, the Marketing Manager at the Hilton Los Cabos, then met me for a tour of the resort. I was surprised that there was so much more (including another pool, a deli and a kids’ club) I hadn’t seen.

The main object of the tour, though, was to check out the spa. It is quite big and had lots of treatment rooms, a Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. Spa Oasis at the Hilton is also the only place on the island that has a Nausicaa machine.

Rossy explained to me how this machine uses water to produce steam, mist, chromatherapy, polishing showers, warm air and rhythmical massage. It sounds heavenly and I hope I get to try one someday soon.

We headed up to the scenic rooftop of the spa, where they were setting up for a wedding party of 16. The hotel was hosting 250 the next day and the bride, bridesmaids and her family were all sitting back in the warm air enjoying pedicures, manicures and facials.

I went back to the room to pack up and Lynn and I bid Rossy and the Hilton Los Cabos farewell and took a cab to Hotel El Ganzo.

Hotel El Ganzo was an entirely different experience. It is located in a new area, Puerto Los Cabos, which will soon also have another Secrets Hotel, as well as a JW Marriott.  It was a little difficult to imagine as the area looks pretty deserted, but El Ganzo certainly doesn’t.

This hotel is built around the arts, with modern touches that radiate music, paintings and a laid back atmosphere. The marina is man-made and there are only 72 guest rooms. The fitness center and spa were just opened when we arrived. 

Our room was rather small, but well-equipped with a Jacuzzi on the balcony facing the marina and unique touches such as free Wi-Fi, coronas, water and soda in the rooms, as well as use of an IPad which comes packed with the room service menu and hotel details.

We had lunch at the hotel’s only restaurant, Downstairs at El Ganzo. It was a perfect day to sit on the patio and we both loved the Veggie Sandwich, made with pumpkin, asparagus, onion, pepper and cheese.  A glass of Waterford Columbia Valley Pinot Gris brought us into the relaxing atmosphere a we talked to other guests and waited for our tour guide.

Mark Rudin, the El Ganzo music director, told us about owner Pablo Sanchez Navarro, who had come up with the concept of a hotel in this area for “music in residence.” Mark came to build the recording studio and worked his way up to management.

We walked throughout the hotel, looking at the artwork and some of the suites. When we finally made it up to the rooftop, I could certainly see how this was Charlie Sheen’s favorite place in Los Cabos.

The views were incredible from this height and angle and the rooftop included a bar, infinity pool, lounging beds, a Jacuzzi in clear glass and a sushi bar.

The next stop is one I wished I had skipped as a microphone fell on my foot while I was enjoying the Mark’s piano playing in the recording studio. I will skip the details, but suffice it to say, the rest of my Mexican adventure was spent out of the water with my final diagnosis of a sliced and dislocated toe and torn ligament in my ankle.

Our dinner at Flora Farm had to be cancelled. We did make it back from the hospital in time to catch one of the musical performances that Hotel El Ganzo is famous for while having dinner (and some churros for dessert) at Downstairs at El Ganzo. 

The sounds of Chaplin were still in my ear as I drifted off to sleep thinking of an alternate plan to the dolphin swim I was looking forward to in Los Cabos. 

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Exploring Los Cabos

It was our first full day in Los Cabos and my friend Lynn and I woke up early enough to see a beautiful sunrise from our balcony at the Hilton Los Cabos. We then went down for breakfast at El Meson, for yet another seaside view before our 9:00 am pickup for A Taste of Los Cabos Tour.

When the Los Cabos Tourism Board asked if I was interested in activities, I immediately gravitated to that tour. I wanted to see as much of the area as possible and this seemed to offer the best selection. It was a good choice.

Mauro, a biologist who used to work exclusively with dolphins, was our guide for the day. He also told us about the humpback whales that would soon be coming from the sea along Baja, California, Mexico, the second largest peninsula in the world at 1,000 miles.

Our first stop was at the brand new shopping mall and port, Puerto Paraiso. It was here that we were to pick up our glass bottom boat tour. 

We were warned that the water was a bit choppy and that was no exaggeration. As the boat rocked up and down, back and forth, I was glad I had brought my ginger chews.

The views were worth the ride, especially as we reached El Arco de Cabo San Lucas and Pelican Island, where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meet. Mauro also pointed out Lovers Beach, which goes right through a tunnel to the Pacific Ocean on the other side.

We saw some sea lions on the rocks. If the water been steadier, I would have loved to explore the area more, but the waves were getting higher and I was ready to head back. I wasn’t the only one as a sea lion followed us back to shore!

Before we left the port we walked through a few shops and tasted a variety of tequila, including a creamy coffee one that I vowed to pick up a bottle of before I left.

Our next stop was at the Vitrofusion Glass Blowing Factory, where we watched some demonstrations of the workers making glass animals before going into the store.

Mauro then drove us down to San Jose de Los Cabos, a quaint village about 30 minutes away. There we had an authentic Mexican lunch of tortilla soup (perfect, with fresh avocado on top), chicken fajitas and a smooth and cinnamon filled vanilla flan. 
We walked around the shops and looked at the jewelry and artwork before Mauro took us back to the Hilton Los Cabos.

There was nothing on the agenda for the afternoon and it didn’t take us long to put on our bathing suits and land at the pool with pomegranate margaritas. Lynn spent some time in the Jacuzzi, but I was content just laying on my lounge chair and walking through the infinity pool.

We were too tired and comfortable to even think about getting showered and dressed for dinner.

Fortunately, the hotel has extensive poolside service so we were able to order some more drinks (mango daiquiris this time), along with sliders and a veggie pizza.


We ate by the pool, watching the remnants of the sunset. It was the perfect end to a perfect day in Los Cabos paradise.