Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
Pristine beaches, immaculate summer sunshine, luxurious resort accommodations and carefree schedules to enjoy “freedom of expressions” are what we all desire during hard-earned workweeks. So take my lead and connect with couples that enjoy similar passions on the road and head to the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula for relaxation, exploration, mesmerizing ambiance and energizing entertainment. What are you contemplating? The capes patiently await your arrival.
It goes without saying that we all love our kids to pieces and will go great lengths to ascertain their comfort, good health and well-being. However, as parents we collectively require breaks to regroup, let go and refuel. This is why my wife Misa and I venture out incessantly with fellow Fit Fathers and their spouses to destinations that satisfy the soul. Last year we rediscovered Costa Rica, Jamaica and Cambodia. In 2018 the crew will head to Bali for yoga and meditation. For the summer of 2017 the Rawlins and Elstons decided on Mexico to brush up on our Español while enjoying the amenities of the newly renovated Westin Los Cabos Resort Villas & Spa. This special occasion also marked our 13-year anniversary!
Misa is a Platinum Preferred Guest with SPG which allows us to benefit from additional services such as 4pm checkouts, early check-ins, complimentary upgrades, bonus Starpoints and free breakfasts. Similarly with sky transportation we stick with United Airlines (UA) because I am a 2-million miler and she is a Global Services member. Collectively, honoring one or two brands in each category is best if extensive travel is your pastime of choice.
Since it didn’t take long jet setting to, Cabo was the perfect destination for a 4-day stay. This meant that “day one” consisted of twelve full hours of enjoyment. We flew UA from Washington Dulles International to Los Cabos International Airport with a short layover in Houston. Quite naturally, everyone was upgraded to first class thanks to our elite status. The Westin Los Cabos sent a three-row GMC Yukon to escort us back to the all-villa oceanfront resort where we were greeted with love, big smiles and warm welcomes.
Fashioned by the renowned Javier Sordo Madaleno, the unique atmosphere of the 147 villas was organic yet edgy as its defined difference was far from the manufactured feeling many resorts present. Simple subtlety originated from infinity-edge pools facing the Sea of Cortez, complimentary massages, fresh, healthy foods, beach volleyball, live local music and drinks from La Cantina Sports Bar or Coralline. In fact, at the onsite market place we found chia seeds, Nature’s Path organic oatmeal, granola, veggie burgers, whole grain pastas and organic sauces. Moreover, the extensive breakfast buffet at Cocina Casera restaurant was one of the best in all my travels replete with smoothies, green juices, bean chilaquiles, fruits, salads and various foods the body desires for ultimate nutrition.
“With the revival of Los Cabos and new energy in the destination, this is the perfect opportunity to raise the standards for well-being in the market, as only Westin can,” said Brian Povinelli, Senior Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Westin Hotels & Resorts. “With the brand’s unique wellness proposition for leisure travelers, from our iconic Heavenly Bed to our energetic and nutritious SuperFoodsRX menu, we are proud to empower our guests to be their best selves while on the road and away from home.”
Upon entering the palatial room my wife’s facial expression was classic. I’ve only seen that magical countenance at special places like Phuket and Kyoto. The upgraded two-bedroom premium villa featured a complete kitchen and dining room, two balconies of which one included a Jacuzzi, a washer and dryer, three bathrooms, Heavenly Beds and Heavenly Showers. Of course this was not the time to practice reticence in private, our presence in Mexico would be full of social interaction, exploration and youthful engagement as if we were free of responsibility. Yet, as gorgeous as the accommodations were, Misa’s goal was to tan all day with Alana while Eric and I gathered intel on the local region. It was challenging leaving the Westin Los Cabos with activities such as body experience treatments at the Spa Otomí — dubbed after an indigenous Mexican tribe — to exercising at the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio. Guests can also take advantage of the two outdoor basketball courts which we did indeed. As I always say, “vacation is to relax the mind, not the body.”
Twice we left the resort to explore downtown Cabo San Lucas, the Marina and Playa El Médano for shopping, eating, chilling and cruising. There was an eclectic mix of people from merchants and locals to tourists from various vocations and destinations with a presumed fixation on the playful and flamboyant vibe of Cabo. We found satisfying eateries like Daikoku, Namaste India and Burrito Surf and shopped for beads and artful garments. A two-hour sail on the Los Cabos Luxury Sunset Tour by Cabo Adventures took us by El Arco (The arch of Cabo San Lucas) and Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach) that separates the Pacific Ocean and the aforementioned Sea of Cortez where Gray whales migrate from Alaska to birth their newborn in the warm, shallow waters.
Our last day in town ended with a romantic dinner at the Westin’s classy and gourmet El Ciruelo while watching the sun slowly retreat. We toasted to another memorable year together while simultaneously planning our next voyage to The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, Bali. It’s a beautiful thing when well-respected brands play integrated roles in the success of your relationships.
