Cabo: Tequila & Timeshares

When you’re passionate about travel there’s a certain expectation about where you’re going next. Your peers expect you to say something like “I’m off to Bhutan for a yoga retreat” or “I’m checking out some cool agriturismo in Tuscany.” But after spending four months living out of a suitcase and going on amazing and meaningful trips, I needed a vacation from all the travel, and there was only one place I wanted to go: Cabo.

Every trip to Cabo comes guaranteed with two things: first, you will be offered tequila; second, someone will attempt to sell you a timeshare. Quite often these things are offered in tandem, and tequila and timeshares do not mix. But if you can run the gauntlet from the baggage claim area at the San Jose del Cabo airport to the taxi stand without agreeing to tour a timeshare (usually in exchange for a “free” tequila tasting and a complementary ride to your hotel), you’re in for a good time.

Cabo has delicious food and hospitable people, and hotels at every price point. It’s a popular spot for destination weddings, and for good reason. It’s easy to get to from most anywhere in the States, and the change of time zones is minimal, which makes jet lag a non-issue. Plus, the weather is almost always beautiful.

This time I checked into Capella Pedregal, a stunning cliffside resort within walking distance to the marina. As soon as I arrived at the hotel, I ordered a margarita and guacamole. Once I squeezed the lime wedge into my drink, I began to chillax. For some reason I will never understand, the limes in Mexico are vastly superior to those north of the border.

There is plenty to do in Cabo. Golf courses galore, ATV adventures, parasailing, snorkeling, and sunset cruises are all readily available. I chose to do none of it. My goal was to turn my brain off for a couple of days. So I played in the surf, soaked up some sun, read a book and learned far more about tequila than I ever intended.

The bartenders were experts on the Mexican spirit, kind of like tequila sommeliers. They taught me the difference between blanco, reposado, añejo and extra añejo tequila. Sadly, much of this interesting information was promptly forgotten once I started sampling the stuff. There is a reason they don’t serve tequila on airplanes—it can be heady stuff. As my bar tab grew I began feeling really, really fabulous! I made new friends. Of course I insisted on buying them tequila. I would have bought a timeshare if anyone offered to sell me one in the infinity pool.

Instead I opted for a long siesta and then headed over to the Auriga spa, where my masseuse clearly had experience with tequila overdoses. I emerged blissed out. Rumor has it that the key to avoiding a tequila hangover is to drink only the good stuff.

Even the most adventurous of global nomads need their batteries recharged once in a while, and Cabo is always there ready and willing to help.