Playa Grande Resort in Cabo San Lucas brings the ultimate in luxury to the tip of Land's End and everything here is done on a grand scale. Huge arches with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, a large domed lobby complimented by granite and onyx floors, sculptured columns and gorgeous artwork wherever you gaze... all part of the package at Playa Grande.

By Richard Chudy

Cabo San Lucas has more than it's share of luxury resorts. Palmilla, Esperanza en Auberge, Ventanas al Paraiso and the like offer luxurious accommodations at a price many travelers simply cannot afford. Playa Grande provides up-scale luxury with room rates within reach of most Cabo bound vacationers. From the moment you arrive and the bellmen cart off your baggage, you cannot help but be awed at the scale of this elegant and seductive hotel. The lobby features a high, domed ceiling with glass everywhere. Natural light floods in through every arch and window. The front desk is adorned with wood and polished stone. It is obvious that no expense was spared in the creation of this masterpiece by the sea.

Playa Grande is the culmination of decades of experience developing resort property in Cabo San Lucas. The project is the brainchild of Luis Bulnes, who started the hotel industry in Cabo with Solmar Suites, a property adjacent to Playa Grande. Originally from Spain, Don Luis (as he is most commonly known) first came to Los Cabos to manage the then operational fish cannery. Although now just a crumbling ruin, Don Luis managed to grow the cannery's output, eventually making it the largest cannery operation in Latin America. At one point the facility supplied about 75% of the regions seafood. While his impact on the commercial fishing industry was great, it was his subsequent impact in transforming Cabo - from sleepy fishing village to major tourist destination - that has made him a true mover and shaker in Baja Sur.

Playa Grande is nestled on a wide beach facing the Pacific. Unlike hotels along the Sea of Cortez side of the peninsula, street (or beach) vendors are nowhere to be seen. The peace and quiet is thanks to an arrangement made by Bulnes many years ago. In exchange for cheap rents for storefront or "flea-market" styled space in town, vendors agreed to stay off the Bulnes property. This allows guests the opportunity to enjoy the peace and seclusion of the less traveled and developed Pacific coast of Land's End.

Styled with traditional Mexican hacienda-style architecture, Playa Grande's bold use of color plays a big role in creating a "south of the border" atmosphere. Shades of gold, orange, pinks and reds bring a youthful and vibrant glow to the property. Extensive use of archways and columns create frames for the magnificent views the location affords. Guests walk through a huge arch and descend a wide set of stairs dropping several levels to the resort's pools and restaurants. Paths meander through gardens, by ponds and fountains, over bridges and streams allowing the visitor to take in the beauty and attention to detail that Bulnes and the architects brought to the project.

Accommodations range from Deluxe Junior Suites, Luxury Suites and upwards to the Penthouse Suites, each with spectacular views. Rooms are well appointed and decorated featuring an extensive use of polished stone and rich, dark woods. Comfortable living rooms have plenty of space to stretch out in. They include futon-style couches that fold out to beds as well as a cleverly concealed fold-away bed hidden in it's own wood cabinet. Dining areas and full kitchens are part of the package in Luxury Suites and include table settings, microwave, range and refrigerator. Blenders and bar glasses make it easy to concoct your own versions of Margaritas for sipping on the private terraces and balconies. Master bedrooms feature over-sized king beds with very comfortable mattresses and soft, cool bedding. Venture into the master bath and you are completely surrounded by marble. A full sized jetted tub with shower, large vanity with lighted make-up mirror and hair dryers make it easy to prepare for a night on the town. Each unit has the convenience of an iron and ironing board.

On site restaurants include Calima and the Brigantine. Calima offers casual dining on one of many patios or under a large and well-designed pergola. Dishes range from regional seafood to steaks, chicken and even Sushi - all well prepared and stylishly presented by an attentive staff. A visit to Calima's bar is a must as they create some very enjoyable and potent libations, including the Calima Special; Captain Morgan's Rum, Bailey's, Kahlua, banana, coconut milk, evaporated milk and pineapple juice blended with ice and served in a tall hurricane glass. A few of those and just about any worry you have simply melts away leaving only a smile.

The Brigantine restaurant is a good choice for dinner. The menu is diverse and features local seafood, lobster, pasta and Mexican specialties including a delicious Stuffed Poblano chile. The décor is elegant with leaded glass windows, marble floors and linen tablecloths. Dining options are indoors, with air conditioning, or outdoors under covered patios with wonderful views and ambience.

For other dining options, the group that owns Playa Grande also owns other restaurants within walking distance; The Galeon (Italian and continental cuisine), Romeo and Juliet (also Italian), and La Roca located at Solmar Suites right next door. If you enjoy a well-made Mexican coffee, a trip to Galeon is definitely in order. The process is more an event than just a simple after dinner drink.

Blended into the sweeping architecture of Playa Grande are several pools complete with waterfalls, volleyball courts and kids play areas. For the adults, swim-up bars and a large outdoor Jacuzzi round-out the aquatic features of Playa Grande. Towel service, comfortable padded chaise lounges, cocktail and food servers and colorful landscaping make this a great place to work on your tan or laze under an umbrella with a good book.

For those after more activities, The world-famous Solmar Fleet is at your disposal. Solmar Fleet's sport fishing and diving boats range from 28 foot cruisers to the 112 foot Solmar V, one of the most luxurious live-aboard dive vessels in the world. SOLMAR V is the only luxury live-aboard vessel departing from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - well within range of the most exciting diving in the Sea of Cortez. Whether you choose to spend your time on the water battling world-class billfish or under the water swimming with sea turtles, Manta rays and Whale Sharks, the Solmar fleet is well equipped to handle your every need.

Other nearby activities include; golfing on one of five world-class golf courses featuring designs by Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye and Robert Trent Jones, Jr., sunset cruises, snorkeling, ATV adventures, horseback riding, parasailing and myriad eco-tours. All off-site activities can be arranged through the resort's concierge.

Another wonderful feature of the resort is the Thalasso Spa. Fashioned with the French "Art de Vivre" sensibility, the Thalasso Spa utilizes thalasso therapy that originated in France in 1865 by Dr. La Bonardiere. Thalasso therapy features the use of seawater baths and seaweed based treatments for both preventative and curative purposes. French doctors estimate that the benefits realized from six days of thalasso therapy will bring curative results lasting six to eight months. For those who appreciate the personal rejuvenation and revitalization of exercise and weight training, a full gym is also available for use by hotel guests.

While Playa Grande is first and foremost a destination for the vacationer, the resort also boasts full-service conference facilities including a theater complete with stadium seating, podium and screening equipment for audio/video presentations. Several meeting rooms are immediately adjacent to the theater making the planning of corporate events and retreats easy. Playa Grande hosts many corporate functions and has been selected as the preferred resort and events center for one of Los Cabos most exciting events - the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament.

The Los Cabos Billfish tournament is fast becoming one of the world's premier off-shore fishing tournaments. The organizers have once again chosen Playa Grande as the host resort of the tournament and it's participants. Anglers from around the globe will converge on this spectacular resort commencing the second week of October. The official tournament start takes place on October 11th. The awards presentation is on the15th. Participants from last year's event raved about the resort and the treatment given by the staff. Both Playa Grande and their sister resort, Solmar are offering tournament participants special discounts on lodging. If you're looking for something truly exciting to do in October, this could be it!

If you find that the rates at Playa Grande are a little beyond your budget, there's good news. Solmar Suites is located right next door to Playa Grande, offers the same gorgeous beach and tranquility, but at lower rates. I've had the pleasure of staying at Solmar in the past, although it has been years now, and really enjoyed my stay. While not as luxurious, Solmar's suites are clean and well maintained and the staff is just as terrific as the staff at Playa Grande. Smaller and more intimate, Solmar can and does provide exceptional value and magnificent views. One of the best features is the proximity of the rooms to the beach. Every room features a furnished terrace and those on the first floor have direct beach access, two steps and your toes are in the sand!

To learn more about Solmar Suites, visit them online at: http://www.solmar.com or call them toll free at 800-344-3349.

PLAYA GRANDE RESERVATIONS: Toll Free - 800.344.3349 www.playagranderesort.com Email - caboresort@aol.com

RATES

PEAK SEASON Junior Suites $260.00 Luxury Suites $310.00 Presidential Suite $395.00 Penthouse Suite $495.00

MID SEASON Junior Suites $235.00 Luxury Suites $280.00 Presidential Suite $355.00 Penthouse Suite $445.00

AMENITIES * Air conditioning * Satellite TV * In-room safe * Purified water system * 2 on-site restaurants * 3 off-site restaurants * Multiple pools * 2 pool bars * Car rental * On-site fishing charters * On-site scuba center * Thalasso Spa * Full gym * Tennis

For more information, visit http://www.playagranderesort.com - For more about Cabo, visit http://www.CabosBest.com
About the Author

Richard Chudy is the author and President of Cabo's Best, a travel website dedicated to Los Cabos. To learn more about Cabo and what it offers the traveler, visit http://www.CabosBest.com or email Richard at caborich@cabosbest.com.