Cabo San Lucas
Let me start with a quick disclaimer: flying during a pandemic isn’t ideal—especially not with United Airlines. If you're traveling, fly Delta. Trust me.
Still, after the chaos of 2020 and back-to-back postponements in the wedding industry, I needed to recharge. So I did what anyone in search of sunshine and sanity might do—I booked a solo trip to the southern tip of Baja California Sur. Cabo was calling, and I was ready.
What I found there was something I didn’t expect: the most thorough pandemic safety measures I’d encountered anywhere. I’m talking temperature checks at every entrance, sanitation baths, and a much higher percentage of folks masking up than I’d seen back home. And yes, I tested negative when I got back—so let’s get into the fun part.
A Quick Detour to Baltimore
Before heading south, I made a quick stop in Baltimore. It had been a few years since I'd spent time there, and I wanted a moment to reflect and recharge. After revisiting a few favorite spots and soaking in the city’s nostalgic charm, I caught a red-eye from BWI to Cabo—via Chicago. Cold winds out, sun-drenched air in.
As soon as I landed, I was greeted with a temperature check and a round of drinks at the outdoor airport bar. I picked up my rental car and hit the road, immediately struck by the dry, desert-like landscape and dried riverbeds—a stark reminder of the water crisis and climate challenges Mexico faces.
Pueblo Bonito Pacifica: A True Escape
I checked into Pueblo Bonito Pacifica, which absolutely lived up to its name—a peaceful, luxurious retreat by the sea. Upon arrival, I was led through a glass chamber misting sanitation spray, then warmly welcomed by my butler, Israel, who took care of everything. He gave me a tour of the resort, ensured I had drinks in hand, and made sure I felt right at home.
Dinner that night was the first of three incredible multi-course meals I’d enjoy during my stay. Every restaurant at the resort was included, and each brought its own flavor—literally and figuratively.
Change of Plans, Change of Pace
While I was in transit to Mexico, Virginia announced new restrictions: gatherings limited to 25 people. The weddings I had scheduled the following weekend were postponed. Instead of stressing, I pivoted. I extended my trip. A little more sunshine wouldn’t hurt.
Midway through the week, I moved into a rental house in a gated community called Cabo Bello—complete with a private pool, hot tub, and floor-to-ceiling pocket doors that opened to a breezy patio. The house had two bedrooms and a master suite, a wide open living space, and all the comforts of home—but better. I stayed four nights, soaking up every moment.
Tequila Tastings & Ocean Views
One night, I headed into town for dinner and a tequila tasting at Pancho’s. That’s where I discovered Extra Añejo—rich, smooth, aged tequila that instantly became a favorite. I picked up a bottle later that week and, let’s just say, it didn’t make it home.
Another day, I treated myself to a private boat charter. We set sail around the coast, drinks in hand, with the sun on my skin and the breeze at my back. A quick dip in the ocean rounded out the experience, and I returned to shore feeling like a brand-new human.
On the final afternoon at the house, I grabbed lunch at The Office, a beachfront restaurant where the ceviche hit just right and the view was unbeatable—aside from the occasional beach vendor. I wrapped up the day with jet skiing along the shoreline, followed by a home-cooked dinner by the pool. One more toast with that Extra Añejo, and it was time to move again.
Back to the “Pretty Village”
I checked back into Pueblo Bonito Pacifica for another three nights. The butler service wasn’t included this time, but the all-inclusive experience still delivered.
My first night back, I had sushi at the second resort restaurant and unexpectedly met a group there for a wedding celebration. We struck up a conversation, and later that night I was soaking in the hot tub with the groom and his guests, getting invited to their Saturday wedding. Cabo magic, I tell you.
Exploring Town & Quiet Reunions
I spent the next day exploring—walking into town, stopping at a few local favorites, and reconnecting with a fellow wedding industry pro I’d met at Wedding MBA the year before. That evening, I returned for dinner at the third restaurant on property—hands down the best of the three.
Each restaurant followed strict safety protocols: spaced tables, masked and shielded staff, and sanitation mats at every entrance. It all made for a worry-free experience, even mid-pandemic.
Later that night, I ventured out to Casa Amigos, a quiet live music venue with a mellow crowd and plenty of room to spread out. It was exactly the kind of low-key night I needed.
Wedding Crashers, Cabo Edition
Saturday was both my last full day and wedding day for the couple I’d met earlier in the week. I kicked it off with a beachfront massage, followed by a walk on the sand, a few hours lounging in a cabana, and group poolside aerobics (yes, with drinks). That evening, dinner was delivered to my room, then I headed down to the wedding.
LED dance floor? Check. Me, dancing like no one was watching? Also check.
The newlyweds were warm and welcoming, and even invited me to their beach lantern ceremony. We lit and released paper lanterns into the night sky—symbolic of letting go. It was a moment I didn’t know I needed until I was standing there watching those glowing orbs disappear into the darkness.
The Return to Reality
The next morning, I packed up and headed for the airport. More temperature checks, more safety steps. The flight back (again, United… not recommended) was uneventful. And yes, I tested negative again once I was home.
Would I fly during a pandemic again? Probably not—especially not with an airline that didn’t take safety seriously. But would I return to Cabo once the world feels right again? In a heartbeat.
Need recommendations for where to stay, where to eat, or how to build your own getaway?
Feel free to reach out.