THE STORY OF TEQUILA

Tequila is made from the fermented and distilled sap of the blue agave plant and was the first distilled spirit on the North American continent. Most all tequila producers are located in and near the Jalisco State of Mexico. In the 1500s, the Spanish adapted the indigenous drink pulque, fermented from the maguey plant, into mezcal, which was eventually distilled into the tequila we drink today, using agave. Cuervo would be the first distillery to bottle tequila in the late 1900s when others were still using barrels.

Tequila is given a category based on age and color. Blanco (white or silver) is un-aged tequila, while “Gold” tequila is bottled young. Rested tequila is aged in oak for at least two months and Añejo has aged for a year or more. To be classified as tequila, it must be made from no less than 51% Weber blue agave. The finest tequilas are 100% blue agave distilled for about nine years. It can still be high quality if not 100% blue agave, but when it falls in the 80-85% range, it is more standard fare. It also doesn’t have to be aged more than a year after distillation, but the older the tequila, the smoother it will be.

TEQUILA TASTINGS RECOMMENDATIONS

The recommended places below will be able to offer expert advice on good quality tequila. When you rent your Cabo San Lucas vacation rental, you also have the option to hire private tequila tastings.

Cabo San Lucas

Pancho’s Restaurant & Tequila Bar
One of the best dining operations in Cabo, Pancho’s is likely the first name you’re given when you ask about finding good Tequila. Pancho’s provides tasting classes as well.

Arriba Tequila Bar
Offers the best tequilas nationally and internationally where you can try each one in the tasting each Friday.

J&J La Casa del Habano
A cigar shop to buy authentic Habanos (Cuban Cigars) but also specialized in Premium Tequila and Mezcal tastings.

Macho Tequila Boutique Bar
Nice variety of tequilas with samples available.  Located behind Solomon’s Landing in the Tesoro resort.

San Jose del Cabo

Habanero’s Gastro Grill & Tequila Bar
Habanero’s will happily provide guidance to more novice tequila tasters. The bar has received an award for its know-how from the Mexican Tequila Regulating Agency.

Antiqua Los Cabos
This unique store is filled with handcrafts, designer linens, fine leather and unique beverages but Antigua Los Cabos also offers complementary tequila tastings. You will learn about top notes, undertones and finishes of these premium distillations. They feature carefully selected tequilas and tequila-based liqueurs.

Los Barriles de Don Malaquias
Habanos and Tequilas. Unique bottles, good selection (260 tequlias), specialty almond, coffee and tequila liquors and hand crafted miniature white oak barrels. Free tequila tastings daily with 52 tequilas to choose from.

BEST PLACES TO BUY

– Costco for the best price and a very good selection.
– Europa located at the mall on the marina.
– Boulevard Vinos y Licores
– Duty free shop at the airport
– Cabo Duty Free
– Cabo Wabo Boutique and Tequila
– Tequila’s House Liquor Store
– El Sureño Liquor Store
– Tequila Town
– La Cofradia Tequila – Factory Store

TRAVELING

You can take back 2 bottles per person for checked baggage only.

Expand your business horizons and plan your next corporate retreat at a luxury vacation villa rental in beautiful Cabo San Lucas. What a great way to reward and treat your employees with adventure and rejuvenation. Hold some business meetings, add some adventure, explore the area, dine on exquisite cuisine, and enjoy the lively nightlife.

Renting a vacation villa is a perfect idea for how to not only save money but also create a more relaxed environment for team building and add value to your time together. A private villa will provide privacy, space, amenities and entertainment for everyone. You can reduce your business trip costs by cooking in your own kitchen or order chef service and catering to serve amazing meals at the house.

Five important benefits of a destination Corporate Retreat. It will be your company’s best decision and smartest investment.

Comfort + Luxury = Morale Building + Rewards

One of the most important assets of your company is the employees and it’s important to acknowledge them. Going on a corporate retreat allows your employees to renew their enthusiasm and excitement for work. It will also help gain focus and dedication, while showing gratitude and appreciation. Enjoy unique opportunities to network with clients or team members around the poolside and boost team morale in style.

Relax + Unwind = Bonding + New Perspectives

Corporate retreats are a great way for employees to refresh, relax, and strengthen communication and interaction with each other. Communication builds connections that spurs creativity and empowers employees to gain new perspectives for the business. It is a valuable time to train together and build bonds together.

Adventure + Activity = Team Building + Skill Building

Enjoying adventure and team building activities together builds camaraderie and helps train employees to identify and incorporate personal strengths of individuals to achieve group goals. By working together effectively and gaining new skills, it will improve the performance of your work force. This time will bring employees closer together as a team which will increase communication and enhance trust.

Refresh + Rejuvenate = Increased Productivity + Problem Solving

Corporate retreats are not only for team and skill building, they are also for improving morale, strategizing and creating a working environment that can give your team a boost.  A company retreat allows team members to regroup and renew visions, which in turns leads to solving problems. Statistics show that engaging with fellow employees on a vacation corporate retreat will bring excitement and increase productivity.

Inspire + Create = Defining Goals + Objectives

With increased productivity and rejuvenation sparks ideas and focused goals. This time can be used for brainstorming, defining goals, creating agendas, building productivity. With the popularity of remote offices, this is a great opportunity to gather everyone together.

Book a Vacation Rental Villa for your next Corporate Retreat

Villa Cielito

The spectacular villa is beach front property on Chileno Bay and accommodates 16 guests and for special events up to 65 guests. Full Staff is included and Breakfast, lunch or dinner can be prepared for guests for a reasonable fee. There is a minimum stay requirement, an extra event fee plus any applicable permit fees.
 
 
 

Villa Marcella

This amazing beach front villa in the exclusive Pedregal community accommodates 17 guests and for special events up to 200 guests. Included is a full staff to provide all house needs and meal prep for a reasonable fee.  There is a minimum stay requirement, an extra event fee plus any applicable permit fees.
 
 
 

Villa Esperanza

This beautiful 7 bedroom villa accommodates 22 guests and for special events up to 75 guest sitting or 100 guests standing. There is a minimum stay requirement, an extra event fee plus any applicable permit fees.
 
 
 

Villa Penasco

The villa is a most spectacular 360 degrees cliff front property and accommodates 14 guests and for special events up to 60 guests. There is a full staff to provide for all house needs and meal prep for reasonable fee. There is a minimum stay requirement and extra event fee plus any applicable permit fees.
 
 
 

Villa Maria

Villa Maria can accommodate 12 guests and for special events up to 80 guests sitting or 150 guests standing. A minimum stay requirement, extra event fee, and applicable permits apply. Complimentary Chef Services for two meals per day on 4+ night stays (breakfast and lunch only). Gratuity and cost of food not included.
 
 
 
 

Casa Luca

Villa Mariposa

This amazing beach front villa near San Jose del Cabo and Pamilla accommodates 15 guests.This stunningly beautiful villa boasts a privileged location on a glorious stretch of sand. With spectacular views and elegant furnishings, Casa Mariposa is the perfect choice for your corporate retreat.

Just 30 minutes north of Cabo San Lucas is the quaint and artsy town of San Jose del Cabo. This historical town features art exhibits, superb restaurants, a local town square with a colonial mission and cute narrow cobblestone streets.  San Jose del Cabo was the original community in the most southern tip of Baja California when the original Mission de San Jose Anuiti was built in 1730. The current church residing in the square was rebuilt in 1932. Today, San Jose is the up-and-coming trendy town, coming alive with a vibrant musical scene, art galleries, chic shops, boutiques, and exquisite dining, yet it still has the old-charm feel that portrays real life in a Mexican small town.  You will fall in love with this charming colorful town, encounter warm people, and be entertained at the center town square for weekend festivities. Enjoy and take your time exploring the unique charm that this town has to offer during your stay in Los Cabos.

Must Experience: Three Inspiring Events to Discover

San Jose del Cabo Artwalk – Thursdays, 5pm-9pm, November-June

The ever-growing weekly Art District has become the cultural center of Los Cabos with many high-end fine art galleries. More than a dozen art galleries take part in an exquisite art display plus many restaurants participate with food samples and drinks for the guests. It has quickly become one of the top tourist activities in Los Cabos and it’s recommended that you discover it. Also, the municipal plaza, in the town square, has an organic market starting at 5pm.

Mercado Organico – Saturdays, 9am-3pm

An entire Saturday can be spent strolling between booths at the Organic Market. Festivities include jugglers, face-painting booths, and live folk music to keep the whole family entertained. It’s a great place to shop for local produce, handmade items, jewelry, fresh aguas frescas, and food vendors.

Wirikuta Experience & Cactus Botanical Gardens – Wednesday Evenings

A unique and spectacular Los Cabos Nighttime Theater Experience. Staged in the famous Wirikuta botanical garden pyramids at Puerto Los Cabos, you will enjoy a three-hour cultural experience with stadium style seating. Tickets can include dinner, transportation, and open bar.

Must Eats: Favorite Restaurants with Live Music

Organic Farm to Table Restaurants

There are 3 wonderful Organic Farms in San Jose del Cabo that are worth spending a whole day exploring. Flora Farms is a unique restaurant located on a 10-acre organic farm & 150-acre ranch in San José del Cabo. Make your reservation early as it is booked up for months ahead. Next, is Acre Baja, home to a 25-acre organic farm and restaurant with exceptional farm-to-table cuisine in a uniquely stylish setting. Third, is Los Tamarindos, one of Los Cabos region’s largest organic farms with rich history dating back to 19th century.

La Lupita Taco Y Mezcal, Live Music (Thurs/Fri/Sat)  – $-$$

Cabo’s best and most creative taco menu is at this rustic old style restaurant. Enjoy fresh tortillas stuffed with fish, cheese crust pastor, pork belly, al pastor, duck mole, scallops and many more!

Tropican Inn

Located in the Historical San José’s Downtown, Tropicana Restaurant is one of the most frequented restaurants by tourists and locals. It has become the place to enjoy delicious food & great live music entertainments. It is also a charming boutique motel.

Mi Cocina at Casa Natalia, Live Music – $$$

For authentic style Mexican dishes and live music, this hacienda-style boutique hotel in downtown San Jose is a perfect stop. Visit the brightly colored bar in the back and find amazing bartenders preparing their famous spicy mango martini or classic margaritas.

La Osteria, Live Music (Thurs/Fri/Sat) – $$-$$$

Great place where you can enjoy some delicious tapas and drinks with your friends while a band performs for you. It has been noted that famous musicians from U2 have played a surprise impromptu set.

7 Seas, Live Music (Friday) – $$-$$$

Located in the Cabo Surf Hotel and Acapulquito Beach, near the famous Zipper’s Surf Beach is one of the “best kept” secrets. Notable events include memorable full moon dinners pairing specially designed menus with live jazz. Food style is Mexican, Mediterranean, and Asian Fusion.

Hotel el Ganzo, Live Music (Saturday) – $$$

At El Ganzo you’ll feel like you’ve arrived someplace special, someplace different. It’s a hotel that boasts in creativity, originality and service.  Whether you’re in the main restaurant, on the roof, or at the beach, you’ll find lots of delicious choices.

Baja Brewing Company, Live Music (Thurs/Fri/Sat) – $$

Baja Brewing is the original craft beer of Los Cabos Baja and the favorite spot for craft flights and good food.

The Container, Live Music (Thurs/Fri/Sat) – $$

The Container is located at the Puerto Los Cabos Marina, and gives you priceless views of the marina, the yachts, and mountains while you sip their famous mojito and savor fresh seafood, delicious ceviche, grilled tacos, shrimp casserole, steak and more. 

Villa Vista del Mar Querencia Private Vacation Rental with Panoramic Views of Sea of Cortez

While in San Jose del Cabo, stay at this stunning private vacation rental villa with panoramic spectacular views.

A popular question we often hear is “Where is it safe to swim in Cabo?” Below is a complete list of all the beaches and recommended activities and safety precautions for each beach. When you book your private villa with Baja Sur Vacation Rentals, the list below and the detailed map of beach locations, will serve you well in your vacation planning.

Water Safety

Beach Resorts use a flag system to indicate water safety. Depending on the weather, flag colors may change, so be sure to always check on current beach conditions. Even on swimmable beaches, exercise caution due to these seasonal changes. 

Red – Dangerous
Yellow – Caution
Green – Safe
Blue Flag Beaches– World-renowned eco-certification awards for being clean and accessible, great water quality; meets high safety standards; and works hard to protect local shorelines and ecosystems.

Cabo San Lucas

PEDREGAL(Pacific Ocean): NO Swimming or Wading Near Shore Break
A beautiful and pristine beach, but there is no swimming allowed on any beaches located on the Pacific Ocean side because of strong and dangerous currents, harsh waves, and under toes.

PLAYA SOLMAR (Pacific Ocean): NO Swimming or Wading Near Shore Break
Located on the Pacific side of Land’s End, Playa Solmar offers spectacular views and long stretches of white pristine sand. Beach vendors are not allowed access. Absolutely no swimming is allowed because the strong currents and powerful shore break is very dangerous.

LOVER’S BEACH (Sea of Cortez): Swimming, Snorkeling, Kayaking
Lover’s Beach (Playa de Amor) is located on the Sea of Cortez side near the famous stone arch (El Arco). The only access to this beach is by water taxi from the marina or Medano Beach. Make sure to arrange for your return trip. Swimming and snorkeling is good on the Sea of Cortez side depending upon the water conditions.

DIVORCE BEACH (Pacific Ocean): NO Swimming or Wading Near Shore Break
Warning! While at Lover’s Beach do not attempt to wade or swim on the neighboring Pacific Ocean side, called Divorce beach, as strong and dangerous under toes are prevalent and very dangerous.

MEDANO BEACH (Sea of Cortez): Safest Swimming, All Water Sports, Blue Flag
Medano Beach is the safest swimming beach in Cabo San Lucas in the middle of downtown and all the major happenings. The water is calm so is great for swimming. Here you will find all the water activity rentals. Since this beach is the most popular, it tends to be very crowded.

CANNERY BEACH (Sea of Cortez)(La Empacadora Beach): Swimming, Kayak, Blue Flag
For a more peaceful experience, this small beach (located at the end of Marina Blvd. past the Navy base) is popular with locals. This hidden gem is a private, but public beach, with no vendors and is great for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Tourist Corridor

PLAYA MONUMENTOS (Monuments Beach): Surfing (No Swimming)
This small beach is good for expert surfing only. It is the closest surfing area to Cabo San Lucas. Great to explore the rocky terrain. It is below Sunset Da Mona Lisa Restaurant with incredible sunset views.

PLAYA CABEZA DE BALLENA(Whale’s Head Beach, Punta Ballena): Swimming, Snorkeling
Great beach for snorkeling and swimming. It’s also a nice sandy beach for sunbathing and relaxing.

PLAYA BARCO VERADO (Shipwreck Beach):Swimming, Snorkeling, Diving
Great for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and tide pools. Although swimming is generally safe, proceed with caution during times when the sea is rough. This is a common diving location for tours. It is located by the Sheraton Grand and the Hacienda Resort.

PLAYA LAS VIUDAS(Widow’s Beach or Twin Dolphin Beach): Swimming, Snorkeling, Blue Flag
This beach should be top on your list as it has many private coves and scenic rock formations. Great for swimming, snorkeling, and has excellent tide pools.

SANTA MARIA BEACH: Safest Swimming, Snorkeling, Blue Flag
Another beach that should be top on your list is Santa Maria Beach. This beach boast calm, clear waters which is perfect for diving, snorkeling, and swimming. It is claimed as a marine sanctuary with an abundance of tropical fish. This beach is great for families.

CHILENO BEACH: Safest Swimming, Snorkeling, Diving, Blue Flag
Great for families, snorkeling and diving. Several reefs are situated in these calm, clear waters with an abundance of marine life consisting of over 80 species. This is a common area for snorkeling and diving tours. Public restrooms and showers are available as well as sandy beach areas and shady places to rest and relax.

TEQUILA COVE (Hilton Cove or Playa Bledito): Swimming, Water Sports
Very safe for swimming and water sports as it has a man-made break water.

PUNTA PALMILLA: Swimming, Snorkeling, Water Sports, Blue Flag
Beautiful and private cove with a large bay perfect for swimming, snorkeling and water sports. Great for families. Near the luxurious One & Only Pamilla Resort.

EL TULE BEACH:Expert Surfing (No Swimming)
Good for the expert surfing only as it has a very strong break with fast swells coming in both directions. Driftwood and boulders on the beach.

PLAYA ACAPULQUITO(Old Man’s Beach & The Rock): Surfing (Risky Swimming), Blue Flag
South of the Arroyo is The Rock and Old Man’s surf breaks. The Rock is best for intermediate surfers and Acapulquito Beach is good for beginners or long boarders.  Good swimming during calm seas.

PLAYA COSTA AZUL (Zippers Beach): Surfing (Risky Swimming)
Home to the world-famous Zippers surf break situated North of the Arroyo and is for advanced Surfers. Swimming is risky and only recommended for surfers. Many surfing competitions take place here every year.

San Jose del Cabo

PLAYA HOTELERA(Hotel Beach): NO swimming, Surf Fishing
A long, open sandy beach with great scenery and good for surf fishing, beach walks (especially at night), horseback riding, and beach volleyball. No swimming allowed as there is a strong undertow.

ESTUARY BEACH: NO swimming
Located at the north end of Hotel Row. No Swimming as the waves and undertow are strong and dangerous.  Also, a freshwater lagoon that has over 350 species of wildlife and beautiful vegetation. Great for bird watching and hiking around the area.

LA PLAYITA and EL GANZA BEACH CLUB: Safe Swimming, Water Sports
At the marina in San Jose del Cabo are two small swimmable beaches. El Ganzo is a beach club with is open to public for small fee. Playita Beach has a roped-off swimming area and regular beach for swimming, skim-boarding, surfing, and other water sports.

LET’S ALL CELEBRATE CHILDREN!

El Dia de Los Niños , a tradition that began in Mexico in 1925, is celebrated on April 30 .  The idea was born from the first “World Conference for the Well-being of Children” that was held in Geneva, Switzerland in August 1925.  At that time several countries selected days to celebrate children.  Dia Del Niño, or Day of the Child, is an annual celebration throughout Mexico.  This day recognizes children, their importance to society and their well-being.

This celebration of children was started in the US on April 30, 1997 and promoted by Pat Mora a literary advocate and award winning author who thought people in the US should join many Latin American countries in this celebration.  Upon learning of this Mexican tradition Pat began developing the coupling of this day with Dia de Los Libros.  Literacy goes hand in hand with the well-being of children. Her idea was to equate El Dia de los Ninos to El Dia de los Libros  and to encourage the love for reading and learning.  A time for parents to read together with their children, visit libraries and bookstores and to create a special library for children to enjoy at home. She presented her idea to the University of Arizona Latino faculty and staff. They contacted a local chapter for the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and Spanish-Speaking.  In addition a group in Santa Fe New Mexio, a national Latina advocacy organization, endorsed the idea.  From the grass roots beginning the idea grew for support in linking language and literature for Dia del Niño and became official in the US in 1997.

Cabo San Lucas Country Club Winter Golf Deal

The Cabo San Lucas Country Club is offering Winter Golf Cards good November 2011 through April 2012 at great discounts.

Platinum Card
Initial Payment of $998.00
4 monthly payments of $250.00 each
Unlimited green fees
Use of practice facility
2 Guest passes
USGA Handicap service
20% merchandise discount
Weekly skins game
Season ending Club Championship
Add family for $899.00
Tax included
Gold Card
Initial Payment of $525.00
5 monthly payments of $175.00
Unlimited greens fees
($22.00 cart fee required)
Use of the practice facility
2 guest passes
USGA Handicap service
20% merchandise discount
Weekly skins game
Season ending Club Championship
Add family for $699.00
Tax included

Baja Sur Vacation Rentals has a number of Cabo Condos and Cabo vacation rental homes near the Cabo San Lucas Golf Course.

Check our inventory at http://www. bajasurvacationrentals.com