An Enduring Romance with Cabo: Celebrating 13 Years in Paradise
Cabo San Lucas, a destination etched into the very fabric of our love story, has once again called us home. While I’ve lost count of our visits, this latest journey marks a monumental occasion: 13 incredible years of togetherness with Bridger. It feels surreal how swiftly time has flown, yet each return to this sun-kissed slice of Baja California Sur deepens our appreciation for its magic.
Our profound connection to Mexico began in my childhood, vacationing with my mom. This bond strengthened immeasurably when Bridger and I embarked on our very first trip as a couple to Cabo, right after my high school graduation. Since then, it’s become an annual pilgrimage, a cherished tradition that has witnessed some of our most significant milestones, from our engagement to our wedding. The warmth of its people, the exquisite culinary scene, the perpetual sunshine, and the impeccable service all contribute to making Cabo our ultimate escape.
This month, returning to celebrate our 13-year anniversary – a journey that officially began in October 2011 – felt particularly special. It’s truly our personal slice of heaven.
Looking back at our first trip in 2011, we were mere youngsters, full of youthful exuberance! I recall wearing a Victoria’s Secret swimsuit I’d excitedly ordered straight from a catalogue. The memories bring a smile to my face, especially the amusing anecdote of my sister, who was meant to be our ‘chaperone,’ needing Bridger to carry her back to the hotel after an eventful day at Mango Deck. Those early days were a foundational chapter in our love story, setting the stage for a lifetime of shared adventures in Cabo.
The Cape: A Return to Where Our Journey Began
Our recent anniversary trip commenced with a stay at The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, for our first night. This particular hotel holds immense sentimental value, as it was the stunning backdrop for our wedding celebration. Beyond its personal significance, The Cape offers breathtaking vistas, including a magnificent view of the iconic Cabo Arch, the very spot where Bridger knelt and asked me to be his wife. Every corner of this exquisite property, from its chic design to its panoramic ocean views, evokes cherished memories of our special day. For those planning a destination wedding or a romantic getaway, The Cape provides an unparalleled setting. You can relive all the details of our unforgettable wedding day here.
Unparalleled Luxury at Las Ventanas al Paraíso
The majority of our trip was spent indulging in the unparalleled luxury of Las Ventanas al Paraíso, a Rosewood Resort, which remains one of my absolute favorite establishments in Cabo. This resort is not just beautiful; it’s a masterpiece of design and hospitality. From the moment you arrive, the attention to detail is truly extraordinary, creating an atmosphere of exclusive tranquility and effortless elegance. Every aspect of your stay, from the personalized service to the exquisite culinary offerings, is meticulously crafted to ensure a memorable experience. The food is simply incredible, featuring a diverse array of gourmet options that cater to every palate, prepared with the freshest local ingredients. If you’ve yet to experience its magic, I wholeheartedly recommend a stay here. It has certainly inspired me to explore other Rosewood properties around the globe. Do share your recommendations in the comments below!
Our recent visit was our second time at Las Ventanas, and it was made even more special by the arrival of my sister, brother-in-law, and our adorable niece for the final three days. This hotel truly shines as a family-friendly destination, going above and beyond to accommodate guests of all ages. Upon their arrival, their room was thoughtfully equipped with everything a family could need: a crib, a changing table complete with diapers and wipes, a charming baby robe, and a high chair. It’s these thoughtful touches that elevate the stay from luxurious to truly exceptional.
My sister and her family reside in Las Vegas, so we always seize the opportunity to spend quality time together every few months. Last winter, we even had the joy of living with them for two to three months, a period we all cherished, especially after the arrival of our precious niece. Having them join us in Cabo added another layer of joy to our anniversary celebrations, turning a romantic escape into a wonderful family reunion.
Sunny Days by the Pool and Beach
Our days at Las Ventanas were a blissful cycle of sun-drenched relaxation, spent for hours by the inviting pool and the pristine beach. Growing up in Seattle, any opportunity to bask in the sun is a luxury we embrace wholeheartedly. This trip was pure paradise, a much-needed respite from the demands of work over the past few months. We eagerly anticipated the daily delights offered by the resort: refreshing mango popsicles (my perpetual favorite) and freshly squeezed juices, generously distributed to all guests. These small gestures contributed immensely to the relaxed and carefree atmosphere, making every moment feel like a true vacation. The tranquil ambiance of the pool area, combined with the gentle sounds of the ocean, created the perfect setting for unwinding and recharging.
The culinary offerings at the resort’s various restaurants were nothing short of phenomenal. We frequently ordered an array of delicious tacos directly to our lounge chairs – a perfect poolside indulgence. Our go-to choices included succulent beef and shrimp tacos served on fresh corn tortillas, accompanied by gluten-free crackers and crisp corn tortilla chips for dipping into perfectly creamy guacamole and vibrant pico de gallo. Each bite was a testament to the fresh, high-quality ingredients and expert preparation that defines dining at Las Ventanas.
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An Unforgettable Dinner at Arbol
Our first family dinner at Las Ventanas was an extraordinary experience at Arbol, one of the resort’s premier restaurants. Arbol offers a truly unique dining journey, immersing guests in an enchanting atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and deeply rooted in the natural beauty of Cabo. Even if you’re not staying at Las Ventanas, I highly recommend making a reservation here for an unforgettable evening. The cocktail menu is exceptionally creative, featuring innovative concoctions that perfectly complement the vibrant flavors of the cuisine. The extensive menu boasts an impressive selection of sushi and sashimi, rich curries, comforting soups, and exquisite dishes prepared in their charcoal and tandoor ovens. Vegetarian options are abundant, and their wok creations are simply superb. For a truly remarkable meal, I strongly suggest trying the Teriyaki Salmon, the freshly baked Naan bread, and both the Salmon Sashimi and Yellowfin Sashimi. The staff is incredibly accommodating and adept at modifying dishes to meet any dietary restrictions or preferences, such as my gluten-free and dairy-free needs. They also excel at making any special occasion feel truly celebrated and memorable.
The entire setting of Arbol is simply stunning, with lush trees, artful lighting, and elegant decor that create a magical dining experience. Our little niece, Margaux, and her Uncle Bridge absolutely adored the vibrant atmosphere, making it a perfect evening for our family. Every detail, from the gentle rustle of leaves to the soft glow of the lanterns, contributed to a truly memorable meal under the stars.
A Romantic Anniversary Surprise: Dinner on the Beach
To commemorate our 13-year anniversary, I wanted to create an unforgettable surprise for Bridger during one of our evenings. The team at Las Ventanas exceeded all expectations, helping me orchestrate the most romantic dinner imaginable, set directly on the beach in front of one of their private villas. The experience was so breathtaking, it has forever altered my perception of luxury and romance. I’m now utterly determined to experience a stay in that magnificent villa sometime in the future!
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The entire evening felt like a scene plucked straight from a romantic film, a private date orchestrated with exquisite precision. We were personally escorted by our butler to a secluded stretch of the beach, where we discovered the most breathtaking setup I had ever witnessed. Hundreds of flickering candles illuminated the sand, casting a warm, magical glow over our private dining area. Our dedicated personal server for the night, Daniel, was an absolute gem, providing impeccable service that was truly 10/10. The multi-course dinner was an unforgettable gastronomic journey, tailored perfectly to our tastes. To my delight, even the dessert was entirely gluten-free and dairy-free, a testament to the resort’s commitment to remembering and honoring guest preferences at every single meal.
The thoughtful details were simply astounding: intricate designs and a perfectly penned “Happy Anniversary” written in the sand, alongside the comfortable beach sandals they provided for us. This special dinner undoubtedly crowned our entire trip, adding another profoundly unforgettable memory to our ever-growing collection of cherished Cabo moments.
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Staying Active: The Impressive Hotel Gym
I can’t forget to highlight the incredible gym at Las Ventanas! For those who follow my wellness journey, you know I strive to maintain my workout routine, even on vacation. It’s a habit that consistently sets a positive tone for my day, leaving me feeling energized, awake, and generally more agreeable. Movement truly makes me a nicer person to be around! 😉
During this trip, I was actively testing various workouts for my upcoming program, GOOD // SWEAT STRENGTH 2.0. This new guide will build upon the foundation of my first gym guide, incorporating invaluable feedback and suggestions I’ve received from all of you. Having the opportunity to test some of these routines here in Cabo was fantastic, and I’m incredibly excited for its release just after the holidays!
Las Ventanas’ gym is truly exceptional, boasting everything one could possibly need for a comprehensive and effective workout. It features a wide array of state-of-the-art equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, a Stairmaster, Pelotons, a full set of dumbbells, a Smith Machine squat rack, and additional strength machines and benches. Furthermore, a separate, serene yoga room provides the perfect space for stretching and mindful movement. Having access to such a well-appointed and spacious fitness facility is a significant bonus when traveling, ensuring that maintaining a healthy routine is both convenient and enjoyable.
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Bridger’s Grand Finale: Dinner at Baja Luna
Bridger and I have a tradition of prioritizing experiences and travel over material anniversary gifts. This year, our mutual gifts were this unforgettable trip to Mexico and the thoughtfully planned surprise dinners. For our final night, Bridger organized a wonderful dinner for all four of us—my sister and brother-in-law included—at Baja Luna. This exquisite boutique-style events space was created by our incredible Cabo wedding planner, Bonnie from Events By Bliss. We were so captivated by it during our first visit that we decided to invest in it in 2022. It’s truly a magnificent wedding venue, and the ambitious plans for its future expansions are incredibly exciting. I eagerly anticipate witnessing its continued evolution. I highly recommend checking out their Instagram here to see its beauty.
Speaking of Bonnie, she was, without a doubt, the best wedding planner we could have ever asked for in Cabo. Her professionalism and expertise made our wedding planning journey incredibly smooth, even with the added complexity of postponing due to Covid. If you are considering a wedding in Cabo, I cannot recommend Bonnie and her team highly enough. Please, do mention my name if you reach out to her!
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The dinner setup at Baja Luna was incredibly charming, and the meal itself was nothing short of extraordinary. Bridger curated the menu, ensuring every dish was a farm-to-table masterpiece, bursting with freshness and flavor. We began our culinary journey with a delightful mixed green salad, crispy beef tacos, and refreshing ceviche. For our main courses, we savored cedar plank salmon, perfectly crispy adobo chicken, and an impressive Tomahawk steak. To conclude this feast, a variety of small desserts were presented, all meticulously prepared to be entirely gluten-free and dairy-free for me. And the cocktails? Absolutely unreal – inventive, delicious, and perfectly crafted to enhance the dining experience.
We were blessed with the most magnificent sunset, painting the sky with vibrant hues that only grew more stunning as the evening progressed. Each moment felt more magical than the last. Immense gratitude goes to my wonderful husband for planning such a memorable dinner, and to Baja Luna for providing such a breathtaking space and impeccable service.
Serendipitously, a hurricane was scheduled to make landfall in Cabo just a day or two after our planned departure, a stroke of perfect timing that allowed us to enjoy our vacation undisturbed. Hurricane season in Cabo is typically most active from August through October, and we’ve been incredibly fortunate during our previous anniversary trips to navigate these periods without incident, always finding our way to sunshine and calm before any storms.
I genuinely couldn’t have wished for a more perfect week away – completely unplugged, fully immersed in the warmth of the sun, and surrounded by love. Until our next adventure, Cabo. With all my love, xx Rachael