Solmar (solmar.com), one of the leading independent families of Cabo San Lucas hotels and resorts, also happens to still be on the vanguard of what exceedingly popular “Bleisure” travelers want. In fact, the influence of founder Luis Bulnes Molleda in shaping Cabo’s tourism industry and culture is so profound that the 1974 opening of his first property, Hotel Solmar, is listed on several Cabo San Lucas history sites. Today, his sons are not so much continuing the vision as they are pushing its boundaries.
In addition to visually appealing meeting spaces, an excellent fitness center, and wonderful service, Grand Solmar at Land’s End (grandsolmarresort.solmar.com) features spacious suites with a blend of traditional and contemporary appointments, a newer incarnation of “flagship” restaurant La Roca (built for the original Solmar Resort, subtly nested between this property and its Playa Grande resort), the Sea Spa, beachfront yoga, tequila cocktail making classes, a superb sushi bar, and a sprawling expanse of pools that mirror the waves active Sea of Cortez/Pacific shoreline.
Playa Grande Resort (playagranderesort.solmar.com), meanwhile, is regarded as the “entry level” and the most family-friendly of the group and is ideal for a business retreat allowing participants to bring the kids. That said, there is still plenty of grown-up sophistication to be enjoyed, including its spa (whose menu includes an intense Temazcal Ceremony using herbs from a small garden flanking the sweat lodge as well as traditional spa treatments) and interiors with a touch of French Riviera glamour, albeit with a Mexican twist dimension. The main outdoor area leading to the beach has an appealing “hacienda” village feel that makes a colorful backdrop for family portraits or fun last-day group shots.
The three Solmar resort properties are a short walk from Cabo San Lucas’ busy marina and downtown area, yet are ingeniously shielded from the city’s bustling young adult party scene. It’s truly a best-of-both-worlds scenario offering easy access to the many attractions of the city partnered with the intimacy of the higher-end resort/spas located along the corridor between San Juan del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas and Los Arcos.
The Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas (grandsolmarranchosanlucas.solmar.com), the company’s newest most ambitious endeavor to date, is slowly rolling out along a sun-dappled and Pacific Ocean-hugging stretch of desert 45 minutes away from party central. Even as construction continued on the hotel as well as Greg Norman Estates luxury homes and world-class golf course at press time, the epicenter of its meeting amenities was up and running. Other features include an impressive swimming pool/lagoon hybrid, dozens of rustically lavish suites, and Anica, the resort’s sophisticated high-end dining venue.
Those seeking out the perfect Mexico second home or vacation property should look into investing in one of the “Rancho’s” customizable palatial homes and condos, which can be outfitted with their choice of chic Mexican, Moroccan, or Mediterranean appointments and architectural flourishes. A week at the resort side of the property is pointedly designed to make all guests feel like a VIP, if not tempt them to consider buying a property should any dwellings be available.
Meanwhile, back at the Rancho San Lucas, public and private spaces incorporate earthy hues and contemporary furnishings which harmonize with the shoreline and desert terrain. Individual suites and villas are quietly opulent, with marble floors, spa-style bathrooms with Jacuzzi tub, fully appointed kitchens, and terraces framing the ocean and beach views. The ambiance also ensures that a rehearsal dinner at Anica, ceremony, and reception will be tasteful and lively. Rancho’s spa, fitness room, and Greg Norman golf course, adults can work off the calories taken in at Anica and other property restaurants with aerobics classes staged on specially designed paddle-boards as well as mountain bike tours, yoga, and other pursuits. As completion will set in over the course of 2019 and 2020, one can only assume life on this Rancho will become all the more unforgettable.
Before and after meetings and retreat activities, the party can enjoy the unspoiled desert and sea with nearby ATV tours, fishing cruises, kayaking, wave runner rentals, stand-up paddle and surfing lessons, diving at Pelican Rock, and even a variety of extreme sports activities including Bungee jumping, zip-lining, parasailing, and flyboarding.
