For this post, I’m pleased to feature Latin Flyer’s first contribution from travel journalist Ramsey Qubein, who recently was a guest at the new Barcelo Los Cabos Palace Deluxe. You’ll find Ramsey’s bio at the end of this article; stay tuned to LatinFlyerBlog.com and LatinFlyer.com for even more from this globe-trotting travel expert!
Introduction: Barcelo has brought its famous name to the Baja peninsula with its newest resort in Mexico. Just a short drive from San Jose’s historic city center, this sprawling resort is perfect for both couples and families who prefer the serene beaches of San Jose to the more touristic center of Cabo. The living is easy at this truly deluxe offering, which far surpasses the traditional notion of an all-inclusive resort. In fact, the elegance of the guest rooms and the quality of the public areas here are more akin to a high-end brand rather than traditional all-inclusives. Dining: Guests are wowed by seven separate eateries spread about the Californian hacienda-designed property. The primary outlets are the buffet spots where breakfast and main entrees alternate locations; the food is plentiful and cheerfully presented. A la carte specialty choices are available for all guests, and options range from an Asian fusion restaurant where guests choose from sushi and teppanyaki menus to the popular Italian venue where extravagant artwork and a knowledgeable chef insure a buon appetito for all. Additional outlets include a French restaurant, seafront steakhouse, and poolside buffet. Depending upon one’s room type, guests are allowed to dine at various properties a certain number of times to insure there is space for everyone. Accommodations: All units are suites with spacious sitting areas, equipped with whirling ceiling fans, that overlook the beach, swimming pools, or property gardens; the main bedrooms feature cool tile floors, iPod docking stations and fully stocked complimentary minibars. Large flat-screen TVs show a plethora of channels, but also double as individual computers with wireless keyboards and mouse that put clunky web TVs to shame. Designers will be more than pleased with the tremendous effort put into the decor, which emulates that of a trendy beach resort. The best feature is the bathroom, which opens to the guest room with drawn shutters that provide ocean views from the rainfall showers and deep soaking tubs. Additional Amenities: A full-service spa and three large swimming pools are surrounded by numerous seating areas and a swim-up section plus infinity-edge fronting the shoreline to add to the entertainment. Families flock to the children’s pool where activities include waterslides and sprouting fountains. Hammocks, whirlpools, water fountains, and floating fire pits provide endless choices for relaxation. This is the newest and most impressive opening in Los Cabos, and it attracts guests at a variety of price points.
Best For: Couples and families looking for upscale amenities, plenty of on-site options for entertainment and dining, and great ocean views.
About $256 and up, per room, per night.
Barceló Los Cabos Palace Deluxe: http://www.barcelo.com/BarceloHotels/en-GB/Hotels/Mexico/LosCabos/LosCabos/Home
About Ramsey: Ramsey Qubein is a travel journalist and full-time correspondent for Northstar Travel Media covering the hotel and airline industry from every corner of the globe. He has traveled to 109 countries (many of them more than two dozen times) and lived in both Madrid and Paris. His work has appeared in consumer and industry magazines including Business Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Airways, and Singapore Airlines’ Silver Kris. He serves as the Charlotte Travel Examiner and writes for numerous blogs and web sites in addition to appearing on various broadcast programs. He completed a Master’s Degree thesis researching various aspects of branding in the travel industry and is recognized as an expert in travel loyalty programs, business travel and the luxury travel segment. He speaks four languages, and, despite flying more than 300,000 miles per year, finds time to make North Carolina his home base.