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Travel Alert from U.S. State
Department about Mexico The alerts concern primarily the border
areas between the U.S. and Mexico. Alerts do not include Cancun, Cozumul, Cabo,
Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo or similar tourism centers. The primary concerns
are on the border of Mexico along the state lines of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona
and southern California.
See more from the U.S. State Department concerning
Mexico.
  Desire Los Cabos is for adult couples only. Nudity is
permitted in the resort but not on the beach. Family resorts are located on
either side of the property. Plus, beach water is usually cold in Cabo where
the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez, a mixture that generates undertow, strong
undercurrents and rip tides in certain places
Other than that, the
large heated pool plus the cool casitas (called Palapa Beds) for lounging plus
the hot tub above the fitness center offer welcome options for adult sunbathing
or a little privacy to relax with your honey. The swim-up bars both places are
a definite plus.
Desire Los Cabos is all-inclusive and appeals to
adults without being over the top. All inclusive means: Accommodations, all
meals, bar drinks, activities, entertainment, gym & fitness center, hotel
taxes, tips and service charges are included. Airfare and transfers are
extra.
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U.S. Citizens: Passports are
required for international air travel to all destinations outside the
USA.
San Jose del Cabo is in the Mexican state of Baja
California Sur, at the southern tip of the Baja peninsula on the Pacific side
of Mexico, about 1,000 miles south of the U.S. border.
The Los Cabos
airport is about 15-20 minutes away from Desire Los Cabos if you use the toll
road that skirts the town. Toll cost is a few bucks but it's worth it to avoid
congestion through town. The area between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo
is called the tourism "corridor." Further beyond San Jose del Cabo is the area
known as the "east cape," with some great beaches, fishing and a few small
villages to break up the trip.
If you rent a car: As you leave the
airport take the main exit, immediately turn to the left and then stay on your
right. Follow the signs to "Cabo San Lucas Cuota" and drive for 15 more minutes
on the toll road. After you pay the fee, drive for about 3 more minutes and
take the left exit to "San Jose Centro", (the smaller exit) then drive around
the traffic circle to the Hotel Zone, just beside the "Mega Comercial Mexicana"
mall. Then take the Blvd. Malecon San Jose and on the left at km 0.5 you'll
find Desire Los Cabos Resort Spa Los Cabos
.
Transportation
By air: Several airlines from
Mexico and the USA service the region called Los Cabos. Air carriers include:
American Airlines, America West, Continental Airlines, Aero California, Aero
Mexico, Mexicana, Alaska Air and several regional airlines. The plane ride from
Phoenix, Los Angeles or Houston is about 2 hours.
Airport Transfers:
You can reach the resort via taxi, rental car or bus. There is shuttle service
between the airport and both towns.
Always cut your deal with the taxi
driver first before departing. Most popular destinations and hotels served by
taxi use a fixed rate. All rates are subject to change without notice and
transfer or taxi costs may vary.
If you rent a car: As you leave the
airport take the main exit, immediately turn to the left and then stay on your
right. Follow the signs to "Cabo San Lucas Cuota" and drive for 15 more minutes
on the toll road. After you pay the fee, drive for about 3 more minutes and
take the left exit to "San Jose Centro", (the smaller exit) then drive around
the traffic circle to the Hotel Zone, just beside the "Mega Comercial Mexicana"
mall. Then take the Blvd. Malecon San Jose and on the left at km 0.5 you'll
find Desire Los Cabos.
To town: From the resort to San Jose del Cabo is
a 20-30 minute walk or a short cab or bus ride.
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| Google Map to Desire Los
Cabos |
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 Desire Los Cabos is a full service, all inclusive resort for
adult couples and singles. All inclusive means: Accommodations, all meals, bar
drinks, activities, entertainment, taxes, tips and service charges are
included. Airfare and transfers are extra. Spa services, fitness center, fine
dining and restaurants, night club and lounging are all available at the
resort. A souvenir shop and small boutique are located off the lobby. Other
services at extra cost include: Money exchange, local tours, safety deposit
boxes, logo shop, spa, sauna and steam room, massage services, direct dial
telephone service, car rental and taxi service. Electricity is 110v.
The staff is bilingual and well trained. The hotel features its Service
Express: "Ready 24/7 to serve you. If you need a wake up call, towels, sheets
or anything, simply dial "0" and an assistant will be summoned immediately to
serve your needs."
Tour desk, travel agent and concierge service are
available at reception. Service is dependable and attentive without being
underfoot all the time. WiFi is located throughout the resort although it's not
guaranteed in all spots. We found the restaurant area and lobby to be more
dependable than elsewhere on the property but it's not always a
guarantee.
Wedding ceremonies and vows renewals are also available at
Desire Los Cabos. Such services are extra cost and must be arranged in advance.
Let a Castaways travel professional help you set up the event.
Service
list:
* Topless-optional heated swimming pool
* Three restaurants,
including a snack bar and grill
* 5 bars
* Disco Lounge
*
Sensations Spa with sauna, steam room and a full menu of exclusive, sensual
treatments (Extra Charge)
* Gym
* Topless-optional, infinity Jacuzzi
Lounge with wet and dry bar with beachfront location ideal for long walks and
jogging but open to public view
* Logo shop
* Exclusive domestic and
international wines and liquors available for purchase
* Internet access,
fax machine and printer (Extra Charge)
* Beautiful beach for strolling or
jogging
Spa Sensations:
Sensation Spa, three double cabins await
couples; two individual cabins let you go solo. Available for all: a sauna,
steam room, pressure showers, a cabin with Vichy shower and a spectacular ocean
view and a cabin for facials. There is also a large Jacuzzi overlooking the
ocean.
Choose from a menu of healing rituals and spa treatments that
promise both relaxation and rejuvenation. The spa treatments and services of a
masseuse are extra.
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All meals, bar drinks, soft drinks, accommodations,
entertainment, hotel taxes, tips and service charges are included in your room
tariff.
At the resort-Restaurants
Desire Los Cabos has three
fine restaurants on site plus fast and responsive room service, 24 hours/day
with a set menu depending upon time of day or night. Clothing is required in
the dining areas.
IL PIACERE
Italian. Featuring two separate
sections, diners can choose from outdoor seating or indoor seating. The former
offers a more casual feel, with wooden floors and dark-colored, rattan-backed
chairs. Inside, the decor is more formal, with a color scheme of tan and white,
leather chairs and booths, marble floors and gold and silver murals. The bar
decor is amber-colored stone, lit up to create a sensual atmosphere. Ladies:
Take a light wrap or jacket for the evening in case you're seated outside and
the night is cool. The follow times are subject to change without notice.
Continental Breakfast: 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
Breakfast 7:00 AM -11:00
AM
Dress: Casual. No reservations required.
Open daily, your Desire Los
Cabos morning begins with a bountiful buffet featuring an extensive array of
mouth-watering American and Mexican favorites.
Dinner 6:00 PM - 10:00
PM
Dress: Casual Elegant.
Offering a changing menu each night, the
restaurant is transformed into a satisfying dining experience each evening.
Three nights feature buffet-style Mexican, Mediterranean or Seafood theme
dinners (no reservations required) while an International a la carte menu is
offered on alternate nights.
TENTAZIONE
This outdoor
restaurant shaded by a ramada, serves lunch and fresh by grilled specialties by
the main pool area. Centrally located, it's a great place to grab a bite while
keeping an eye on the poolside action. Ladies: Take a light wrap or jacket for
the evening in case you're seated outside and the night is cool. The follow
times are subject to change without notice.
Open Daily 11:00 AM - 6:00
PM for buffet and grill selection and offering an a la carte menu for lunch
from Noon to 3:00 PM daily
Dinner 6:30 PM -10:00 PM
Dress: Casual
Elegant. Reservations not required.
At night under the stars, the chef
prepares Italian specialties including salads, antipastos and an assortment of
sinfully delicious desserts.
SUKI
 Asian inspired cuisine is served in an atmosphere
of red, gold and chocolate brown decor. Two large tepanyaki tables are set for
12 guests and three larger tables accommodate up to 15 - a great way to meet
people. Smaller tables for four are also offered for more intimate dinners.
Seating is also available at a sushi bar for 10 people. The amber-colored
stone-topped tables are lit from beneath, giving the room an elegant, modern
look.
Dinner 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Dress: Elegantly Casual. No
reservations required. (No Shorts, T-Shirts or Sandals allowed)
This
sensual dining venue serves exotic Asian culinary delights including the
freshest Sushi, tasty Tepanyaki and savory desserts.
*Days of operation
will vary seasonally.
At the Resort: Bars
MELANGE
BAR - Outside in the patio area
Large round loungers are scattered
about, both low rise and high. Gauze curtains also surround the large square
beds for privacy. Chairs are grouped for conversation near the fire pit,
candles and lamps offer indirect lighting. Here guests can chill-out around the
clock, enjoying cocktails and late night snacks (pizza and baguettes from 11 PM
to 6 AM). Ladies: Take a light wrap or jacket for the evening in case you're
seated outside and the night is cool.
SUKI COCKTAIL & SUSHI
BAR - Inside
Suki includes a large bar for cocktails and conversation
or retire to the seating areas for more intimate gatherings. Daily 6:00 PM -
10:00 PM
TEMPTATION JACUZZI LOUNGE - Outside upstairs
The
topless optional Jacuzzi Lounge and Bar serves up a large Jacuzzi hot tub with
a view of the lounge and the surroundings. Three fire pits warm things up in
the cool evenings, and large square beds are available for your pleasure.
Ladies: Take a light wrap or swimsuit cover up for the evening in case the
night is cool.
Daily 1:00 PM - 3:00 AM
TENTAZIONE POOL BAR -
Swim Up Bar Service/Outside
Stay at Tentazione to meet new friends, enjoy
the cool breeze under the palapa, soak up the sun and enjoy a drink. Pool-front
and the center of attention, this bar serves drinks, fresh squeezed juices,
cold beer and chilled cocktails. Ladies: Take a light wrap or swimsuit cover up
for the evening in case the weather is cool.
Daily 10:00 AM - 6:00
PM
L'ALTERNATIVE DISCO - Inside Upstairs
Dance with your
favorite people and enjoy theme-party costumes (optional). Daily 10:00 PM -
2:00 AM
In Town
Numerous restaurants and grocery stores are
in town; a big market is across the street from the hotel. A short taxi ride
will take you to the heart of town in about 5 minutes.
Tourism arrived
years ago in San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas after numerous sports
fishermen discovered the region, followed later by golfers and vacationers.
You will find the most expensive places located in Cabo San Lucas.
Little restaurants and shops off the main drag are the best bargains...the
further away from the hotel strip along the ocean, the cheaper the prices.
Lower prices are along on the corridor and best bargains are in San Jose del
Cabo about 30 minutes from each other. San Jose del Cabo, the town where Desire
Los Cabos is located, is more of a classic Mexican village, built in the
traditional colonial style complete with town square and shops surrounding the
area.
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Room rates are "all inclusive" which means all meals, bar
drinks, soft drinks, entertainment, hotel taxes, tips and service charges are
included. Airfare and transfers are extra. If you prefer, you may decide to tip
your service person for extra attention provided although it's not
expected.
Rates vary by room category from
approximately$180/person/night for Superior rooms to double that to
$400+/person/night for Jacuzzi suites or Passion suites. ALERT: Room rates are
not guaranteed and will change without notice. These rates shown are
approximate. Seasonal specials may apply for winter and low season tariffs.
Early booking discounts often apply seasonally. Rates subject to change without
notice.
Total room count is 149 located. Resort is constructed in a "U"
shaped building with most rooms facing towards the ocean. Only the Jacuzzi
suites and Passion suites face the ocean but you really can't see the water due
to the privacy fence at the east end of the property. The 2nd and 3rd floor
suites offer a glimpse of the sea.
NOTE about the "Ocean view:" A
privacy fence is located on the beachside of the property adjacent to the
fitness center that effectively seals the resort from passersby while also
eliminating any sea view. Only the 2nd and 3rd floor suites offer a glimpse of
the sea.
Check in time: 3 PM
Check out time Noon
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Couples only…ages range from late 20s/early 30s to
late 50s+. Most are in the middle.
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 During the
day, guests enjoy a number of activities: water aerobics, water polo, beach and
water volleyball. For the more adventurous, pole and lap dancing lessons and
daily contests, events and activities are hosted by the entertianment
co-ordinators. An activity center is provided where guests can enjoy quieter
temptations such as darts, ping pong and a variety of table games or selection
of books. Daytime around the pool is a relaxing place to hang out, get some sun
and strike up a conversation with your neighbor on the palapa beside you.
Located between the pool and fitness center, cushioned and gauzed
cabanas (called Palapa Beds) offer couples a comfortable option to chaise
lounges around the edge of the pool. Poolside, more wooden, cushioned cabanas
top off the lounge area but get there early each day to claim your spot. The
wooden cabanas are the most popular choice for "hanging out" around the pool.
 Although the
entertainment "animation" staff is small compared to the guest ratio, there's
just enough activity around the pool to keep you occupied if you choose some
diversion
As the sun sets, most guests head upstairs to the hot tub
above the fitness center to catch the last rays of the sun and chill out before
retiring to their room to freshen up for the evening meal, dancing and more
mischief.
For evening, a variety of entertainment activities fill the
night with live music and dancing; contests; theme nights, and professional
entertainment. The main party starts nightly in the Melange Lounge Bar for
cocktails and meeting people or simply enjoy the fashion shows and live music.
The resort has a great upscale, contemporary feel to please client couples of
all ages…..there's something for everyone.
 Here's what the resort
says about adult behavior and nudity: "Please refrain from overt sexual
activities in public areas. Please treat all guests with the utmost respect and
remember the golden rule: No means No. Due to the nature of our resort, please
respect all guests. Photos and videotaping in public areas is not permitted.
Please dress appropriately in restaurants. The hotel location does not allow
topless or nudity beyond hotel beach limits."
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After 3 or 4 days soaking up the sun, you may get the itch
to explore the area.
Los Cabos is a beautiful, rugged area, which has
retained its air of remoteness even though it is easily accessible via its
modern international airport. Attracting Hollywood 's finest since the '40's,
it has grown and flourished into an exclusive luxury destination. Today,
'A-list' celebrities and well-heeled vacationers continue to enjoy its
mountainous, desert beauty and its exciting craggy shoreline.
Tourism
and sight seeing is centered along a 20 mile corridor at the tip of Mexico's
state, Baja California Sur facing the spectacular confluence of the Pacific and
Sea of Cortez. The region is anchored on the east by San Jose del Cabo and the
better known Cabo San Lucas on the west.
Whale watching in season is
usually one of the most popular sports diversions in the Cabo area. Typically,
winter months are the most popular for whale watching.
Other pursuits
include just about everything you can imagine on or under the water including
diving, deep sea fishing, bill fishing, snorkeling, surfing, sailing and
windsurfing. Featured performers for fishing include marlin, dorado/mahi mahi,
red snapper and yellowfin tuna. Cabo is known as the marlin capital of the
world for record catches of blue, black and striped varieties. Due to the
combination of water temperatures, bait fish and sea life in general, Cabo has
been known for years as the best spot to catch record marlin.
Plenty
of Scuba diving spots are available with numerous dive operators to choose
from. Plan on wearing a dive suit.
Rock climbing, repelling, hiking,
horseback riding, world class golfing plus exploring the area on an ATV are
other active sports you can choose from.
Walking the streets and
soaking up the tourism spots in San Jose and Cabo are usually called for at
least once when you're there and more often if you choose to.
Hiring a
boat for site seeing or yachting to see El Arco (The Arch) at the very tip of
Baja is the first thing to do on the tourist map in Cabo. El Arco is the famous
natural rock arch that you typically see advertised in photos of Cabo, which
greets visitors as they enter the harbor. Nighttime, you can take sunset
cruises, dinner cruises and other water-borne voyages to enjoy the local area.
San Jose del Cabo town is closest to Desire Los Cabos. Actually, if you
like to walk, downtown is about 20-30 minutes walk from the resort. The balance
of the paragraph and section is OK. The main street is loaded with shops,
clothing boutiques, restaurants, bistros and bars in the heart of the colonial
district with its traditional streets and neighborhoods, co-existing right
along side many upscale hotel and condo projects seaside. Shops, bars and
restaurants plus nice little bookshops, specialty stores and the town's local
market area all within walking distance of the town square.
Cabo is
about 30 minutes west of San Jose del Cabo. . The regional airport is about
10-15 minutes north of the center of San Jose del Cabo.
The village of
Todos Santos is about an hour north of Cabo by car, maybe worth a visit to see
the small but famous art center in this colonial town. A couple of other stops
there make it worthwhile.
As the legend goes (and grows), the Eagles
song "Hotel California" was inspired by a visit to Todos Santos years ago
(although the band claims not to have visited Todos Santos…maybe it was
the Chamber of Commerce that started the legend!).
Yes, a there is a
building tagged "Hotel California" in town. Now owned by Debbie and John
Stewart from Canada, the hotel, built in the 1920s by a Chinese immigrant, has
been restored to its former beauty. Room number 5, so the story goes, is where
the song was written (or inspired). The hotel includes only 11 rooms but its
unique boutique, martini bar, courtyard and restaurant are must sees. If you
stop by for a photo and a drink, Debbie will lead you on a tour, complete with
fact and fiction about the place.
Across the street from the hotel,
the obligatory bar and grill has literally thousands of signatures scrawled all
over its walls, silent testimony to all those visitors who believe "you can
check out, but you can never really leave." Many words in the song offer clues
that you may, indeed, be in the real town and at the hotel described,
especially with the "mission bells ringing" and descriptions of the "hot desert
highway," conditions so accurately capturing the tone of the village.
There is a mission next door to the hotel so stop in for a look, since the
interior is quite beautiful, too. Otherwise, hey, just go and have a beer or
margarita. Up the street from the hotel are shops and a little grocery store.
At the town square next to the mission, a famous eatery called Restaurant Santa
Fe offers gourmet meals. If you have time, explore the small artisan's shops,
craft markets and galleries all within walking distance.
Further north
is La Paz, the colonial and energetic capital city of the Mexican state of Baja
California Sur (south). A visit there is best saved for a full day or even an
overnight stay. Take Mexico highway # 19 from Cabo to reach both Todos Santos
and La Paz, with the highway in great shape and views of the ocean and
mountains keeping you company along the way. La Paz is about 130 miles north of
Cabo; Todos Santos is about 45 miles north.
Swimming is not advisable
most places along the corridor as rip tides and undertows can be dangerous.
Best public beaches in the local Cabo area include: Playa Solmar, Playa Medano,
Playa del Amor, Playa Santa Maria and Playa Costa Azul. Check with the locals
about salt water conditions before setting off to the local beaches.
Los Barriles and the east cape are the choices for windsurfing especially
between December and March when wind conditions are best. For pure surf
boarding, try Acapulquito Beach. For snorkeling, try Santa Maria and El Chileno
beaches.
For diving, there is one coral reef nearby called Cabo Pulmo,
also well known for its sports fishing for marlin.
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Can't use the beach too much as the water can be cold
and dangerous. |
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The night club, L'Alternative, is the hot spot of the
resort as well as the roof top hot tub |
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You CAN use and enjoy the big, heated
pool…larger than one would expect. |
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Service is consistent, courteous and prompt. |
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Bedside lamps in guest rooms don't function as
illumination for reading; |
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Resort has an upscale feel |
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The staff is well trained and seem eager to please; a
good reflection of attentive management |
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Don't expect a large entertainment staff for adult
fun and games. With lively guests in attendance, around the pool and in the
club, you don't really need a lot of entertainment. |
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Los Cabos is a year round destination. Winter nights are
cooler than summer so, ladies, bring a sweater or jacket. Guys, pack a wind
breaker or pull over sweater for winter time visits. Summer time, temps are hot
during the day but cool and dry at night.
Daytime weather is superb
year round unless a rare storm off the Pacific visits the area. Humidity is
quite low and rainfall is rate. Think Arizona with beach water.
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Wish guests could use the beach…nude.
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Click on the Photo
Album button to view our Desire Los Cabos Los Cabos photo album. You can
contribute to this section - all you have to do is go to our
Contribute Trip Report /
Photographs page.
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View the Trip
Reports - We could use trip reports from from folks who have recently
visited Desire Los Cabos Los Cabos. You can contribute to this section - all
you have to do is go to our Contribute Trip Report / Photographs page.
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