Cabo Wabo
A baby-less international trip that was also somehow guilt free? Yes, that happened for us.
It all started when Dan made his work’s President’s Club trip to Cabo.
Peighton would only be 4.5 months old and momma bear was having a hard time with the idea of leaving her cub for 5 long days. So an agreement was made: we would travel to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with our baby and her grandma bear to help with childcare.
All of the arrangements were made. Grandma got her flight booked. We had everything set up with the resort. We went to the DMV for Peighton’s passport (cutest thing EVER), received a guaranteed passport arrival date, and went on our merry way. But that was all too easy.
Two weeks prior to leaving for our trip, Peighton’s passport had not arrived as guaranteed. We plotted for some time. Ideas ranged from none of us are going to bring her birth certificate to security and see what happens. Ultimately, a team of persuaders convinced us to go on the trip without the baby.
And so, we rearranged everything to fit this new baby-less trip. We couldn’t bring the baby. She had a team of caretakers and protectors. She was safe and loved - so we could go… well… SLEEP and also have a wonderful adult time.
Travel
Not fans of the layover, but there was no path to Cabo from SWFL without one. Thankfully, it was a swift ATL layover and the flights via Delta were smooth.
Two carry-ons and a golf bag were amongst the luggage. And a big sun hat that is always worn because no matter how many ways I’ve tried to pack a beach hat, they’ve always ended up damaged. All luggage arrived in Cabo seamlessly.
Most importantly, customs was easy. We zipped up through the line without any weird fuss or seeming intimidation tactics. Cabo airport is clean and well designed with a backdrop of the desert mountainside.
We pre-arranged transport to the resort, but as expected two people tried to pull us aside to sell us their transportation telling a fable of no other transportation being real. Beware of this rigmarole, unless you are seeking transport upon arrival. Always easiest and safest to stick with the resort transfer.
Resort
Grand Velas exceeded our expectations.
By far the most stunning resort we’ve been to. The design was a blend of natural materials and modern lines while merging the indoors and outdoors in a flawless journey. It was as if Kelly Wearstler had gone down there and slapped the place with her magic wand. Seriously, this resort is now the design/decor inspo for our FL home.
The staff was very friendly and efficient. We were never left hanging and always felt welcomed.
Strong recommendation at any all-inclusive: TIP people in cash as you go. Don’t assume it’s included and even if gratuity is included tipping cash on top is good for all people involved in the experience.
Food
Never have I ever enjoyed an all-inclusive’s food and beverage so much. Drinkable wine in many varietals, organic dining options on each menu, and a plethora of teas and coffee drinks. The bars served top shelf liquor and impeccable craft cocktails. Poolside, beach side and room service were all delicious. I was especially delighted by their Italian restaurant, Lucca. I’ve found it to be a struggle to get good Italian in MX, but Lucca proved it possible.
One afternoon, we snuck off-resort with a small group of amazing humans to a little spot called Sur Beach Club. Fun yacht-vibe at a swimmable Cabo beach. I was not only happy to swim in crystal clear water, but overjoyed by their sushi. Fresh, tasty, and not over-sauced. I recommend this for a swanky downtown Cabo experience. Reservations needed.
Fitness
With genuine sincerity, Dan brought his workout clothes and was ready to take on some Cabo workouts. However, I decided that due to my body still feeling in recovery from the baby, I would take this as a final restoration week. Aka: I brought zero leggings and no sneakers.
Instead of challenging my body, I went to the Grand Velas resort “Spa Water Journey” for a couple of days. Individualized hydrotherapy that took me through the different phases of water to stimulate the body’s natural healing systems. Sauna, ice room, steam, waterfall, massage pool, hot tub, and polar plunge. Every toxin from the prior day was completely detoxed. I left there refreshed each time!
Dan did make it to the gym. He said it was quite the spot, but took no pictures. Sorry y’all.
Fun
This was without a doubt the laziest trip I’ve been on in as long as I can remember.
That includes when I was pregnant. No excursions. No games. No activities.
We socialized in the pool, ate, walked around the beach, ate again, read on the balcony, napped, ate again, and slept. It was a week of absolute rest.
However, we did sneak in two nights of my favorite spontaneous activity: dancing! One night some mild dancing happened at the resort.
One night happened in downtown Cabo at a club (yes, we went into a club) called “Squid Row” (yes, that’s the real name of the club.) Of course, I beelined it to the stage to show off my “breakdancing” and “salsa” skills. Legitimately, I was sore the following day. Cheers to all of the dancing queens out there that, like me, still enjoy dropping it like they’re 22.
All in all…
Our trip was a win. We returned home to the baby renewed and ready for parenting. Neither of us wanted to stop holding her. We were extremely lucky to have a team of people to help make this trip happen, and to them we are eternally grateful.