My friend called me recently and instead of saying “hello,” she greeted me with those five words every new mami has uttered in desperation, “I. Need. To. Get. Away.” That’s exactly how she said it. A period after each distressed word. She had a baby 9 months ago and had been swimming in a sea of diapers and formula, drowning from lack of sleep and actual contact with another adult. I had been expecting this call. We all know our roles as friends. You may be the “let’s go for a run” friend, or the “let’s go for a drink” friend, or the “let’s share a pint of Rocky Road and watch train wreck reality TV” friend. I am the “let’s hop on a plane and escape from reality” friend. So, as soon as I heard those five little words, I sprang into action.
“How do you feel about a few days in Cabo?” I said.
“Yes! Please! When?” I honestly think she would have answered the exact same way if I had said, “How do you feel about a few days in Kuwait?” But—lucky for her—I am more familiar with Cabo.
GETTING THERE
Cabo is the perfect three- or four-day girlfriend getaway. Delta and Alaska Airlines have multiple flights going in and out of the San Jose del Cabo airport (SJD). Use discount sight KAYAK for great fares.
A word of warning: as soon as you get off of the plane and make it through customs, you must avoid the Time Share peddlers at all costs. They will offer you absurdly good deals on everything and anything Cabo has to offer. Free dinners, a free ride to and from the airport, free sports activities. Everything is free, free, free! Keep walking! Don’t make eye contact! You have a beach chair—and a cocktail—with your name on it! It’s that elusive so-better-enjoy-it-while-you-can mami play time!
Read Related: Mamiverse Guide to the Dominican Republic
Hop in a cab and enjoy the scenery on the thirty-minute drive to the town of Los Cabos. The cabdrivers are friendly and helpful in pointing out landmarks. You will pass the extremely posh resorts, Las Ventanas and The Palmilla. Both are celeb favorites, and if you have the desire and dinero, you can stop right there and hole up for some very swanky digs. But, if you’re like us, keep driving and head into downtown Cabo, where the real party’s at…
WHERE TO STAY
Playa Grande
If you want to stay close to downtown, this is the place. It is a large sprawling resort on the Sea of Cortez. Request a room by the infinity pool where you can spend your days relaxing and tanning while nestled in the cliffs of Cabo. The best part is that it is stumbling distance from the downtown bars, especially if, like my friend, it’s been more than a year since you’ve had a margarita. And they have a great spa. What more do you want?
Sirena del Mar
For a more intimate option, go to Sirena del Mar, which is a ten-minute drive from the center of Cabo. Each villa at this resort has patio with a direct ocean view. Of course, they, also have a fantastic spa. Melt away all mami stresses with a poolside massage. You’ll never want to leave!
WHERE TO EAT
Mi Casa
Authentic Mexican cuisine in an authentic Mexican atmosphere. Start with the El Queso Fundido a la Mexicana—a sinful cheese appetizer that is meant to be shared and devoured. Finish with the Homemade Mango Ice Cream. What you order in between is up to you, but you can’t go wrong with any of the entrees!
Nick-San
I am not exaggerating when I say this is the best sushi I’ve ever eaten. Yes, in Mexico. Nick-San offers an inventive and amazing menu of Japanese-Mexican fusion that will surprise but never disappoint. You must try the Tuna Tostada, the Cilantro Sashimi, the Clear Lobster Roll, I could go on…
WHERE TO DRINK
Cabo Wabo Cantina
When Van Halen rocker Sammy Hagar first set foot in Cabo 20 years ago, he fell in love with what was then a small fishing village and dreamed of opening a nightclub. With the Cabo Wabo Cantina, he almost single handedly turned Cabo into a vacation and party destination. Some may say the cantina has gotten a little touristy. I say it’s got the best live music and margaritas in town, so there.
WHERE TO SHOP
The Markets
Wander the open-air markets of downtown and have fun bargaining with the local vendors for handmade wares. We left with piles of turquoise and silver jewelry to bring home to our fellow mamis.
The Shoppes at Palmilla
Take a cab ride out to the Palmilla resort if you are looking for high-end shopping. Set amidst traditional Spanish hacienda architecture and tropical gardens, it is a shopping experience like no other. And when you are done flexing your retail muscles, grab a drink and appetizers at one of the seaside restaurants as you watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
I’d like to tell you that we partook in all of the activities that Cabo has to offer—from ATVing to ziplining. But honestly, we just sat on our beach chairs, indulging in guacamole and gossip. And tequila, of course. Next time, maybe we’ll take a spin on the wave runners.
And there will be a next time. Because there is a beauty and magic in the world of diapers and baby formula, smiles and daily milestones. But every mami needs a few days away, in the world of beach chairs, sunshine, and daily margaritas, to fully appreciate the magical Mamiverse of home.
