Part 1 of our stay at the Paradisus Los Cabos resort in Los Cabos, Mexico!

So while I’ve lamented on this blog about the unglamorous, slightly annoying aspects of travel blogging, the reality is that it’s really not that bad. Actually, most of the time, it’s really quite good.

I say this now because I’m still on a high from the three days Liebling and I spent in Los Cabos, Mexico last month at the Paradisus Los Cabos all-inclusive resort.

The good peeps over there invited us to experience the property and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity for a few reasons. Firstly, the Paradisus Los Cabos, owned by mega hotel chain Mélia, is newly renovated (and you know I love me a new hotel). Secondly, the dates of our stay not only fell over Valentine’s Day, but also coincided with Liebling’s birthday (shhh!), and what better way to spend quality time celebrating with your main squeeze than at a luxurious beachfront resort? And thirdly, since I am a huge fan of Mexico in general after living and travelling all over the country for a year, I use any excuse to return. (Sidebar: I can’t believe I lived in Monterrey A DECADE AGO. My, how time flies!)

Saying yes was thus a no-brainer. And when we arrived at the hotel after a 5.5 hour flight from New York City plus 40 minute transfer from Los Cabo’s airport, all I could utter was YASSSSSSS.

Because what awaited us was pure beauty.

I know, I know: to say that the property and location were stunning is probably terribly cliché and highly unimaginative. Bad travel writer, I am. But it’s entirely truthful, as you can see from the photos.

Our room didn’t disappoint either. It was spotlessly clean, modern, and fresh, and had a balcony that Liebling, ever the outdoorsman, lounged on whenever he had the chance. What’s more, as a part of the Paradisus’ Royal Service designation of upgrades, we were treated to an adults-only experience which included butler service (which we foolishly forgot to use), and exclusive access to a private lounge, restaurant, and pool!

I also must comment on the overall loveliness of the hotel staff. Having lived in Mexico, I can attribute a part of their friendliness to Mexican culture, which is extremely warm and welcoming to begin with. It’s one of the top reasons I enjoyed living and working in the country. The service was excellent, speedy, and always done with a smile.

However, I must admit that one of the best parts of my stay at the Paradisus Los Cabos was the beach. Cabo San Lucas is located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, so expansive views of the sparkling Sea of Cortez were had from all around the resort. A walk down stairs and across the beach also brought you to the water’s edge in no time at all. While I was too chicken to get in (the water was a bit cold and rough while we were there), I spent a lot of time observing the rolling waves from the craggy rocks located at the shore.

The pool, however, was neither cold nor rough, so I spent a good amount of time there, lounging, catching up on work, and getting Liebling to take my picture.

While it may look like all we did was hang out in our room, by the pool, or in the ocean, Liebling and I did get up to a few activities during our stay, including a mixology class, cigar rolling lesson, and whale watching.

Lauren Pope