Cabo San Lucas has more than it’s share of luxury resorts. Palmilla, Esperanza en Auberge, Ventanas al Paraiso and the like offer luxurious accommodations at a price many travelers simply cannot afford. Playa Grande provides up-scale luxury with room rates within reach of most Los Cabos bound vacationers. From the moment you arrive and the bellmen cart off your baggage, you cannot help but be awed at the scale of this elegant and seductive hotel. The lobby features a high, domed ceiling with glass everywhere. Natural light floods in through every arch and window. The front desk is adorned with wood and polished stone. It is obvious that no expense was spared in the creation of this masterpiece by the sea.


Stone paths meander through spectacular landscaping at Playa Grande Resort.

Playa Grande is the culmination of decades of experience developing resort property in Cabo San Lucas. The project is the brainchild of Luis Bulnes, who started the hotel industry in Los Cabos with Solmar Suites, a property adjacent to Playa Grande. Originally from Spain, Don Luis (as he is most commonly known) first came to Los Cabos to manage the then operational fish cannery. Although now just a crumbling ruin, Don Luis managed to grow the cannery’s output, eventually making it the largest cannery operation in Latin America. At one point the facility supplied about 75% of the regions seafood. While his impact on the commercial fishing industry was great, it was his subsequent impact in transforming Cabo San Lucas– from sleepy fishing village to major tourist destination – that has made him a true mover and shaker in Baja Sur, Mexico.

Playa Grande is nestled on a wide beach facing the Pacific Ocean. Unlike hotels along the Sea of Cortez side of the peninsula, street (or beach) vendors are nowhere to be seen. The peace and quiet is thanks to an arrangement made by Bulnes many years ago. In exchange for cheap rents for storefront or “flea-market” styled space in town, vendors agreed to stay off the Bulnes property. This allows guests the opportunity to enjoy the peace and seclusion of the less traveled and developed Pacific coast of Land’s End.

Styled with traditional Mexican hacienda-style architecture, Playa Grande’s bold use of color plays a big role in creating a “south of the border” atmosphere. Shades of gold, orange, pinks and reds bring a youthful and vibrant glow to the property. Extensive use of archways and columns create frames for the magnificent views the location affords. Guests walk through a huge arch and descend a wide set of stairs dropping several levels to the resort’s pools and restaurants. Paths meander through gardens, by ponds and fountains, over bridges and streams allowing the visitor to take in the beauty and attention to detail that Bulnes and the architects brought to the project.

Accommodations range from Deluxe Junior Suites, Luxury Suites and upwards to the Penthouse Suites, each with spectacular views. Rooms are well appointed and decorated featuring an extensive use of polished stone and rich, dark woods. Comfortable living rooms have plenty of space to stretch out in. They include futon-style couches that fold out to beds as well as a cleverly concealed fold-away bed hidden in it’s own wood cabinet. Dining areas and full kitchens are part of the package in Luxury Suites and include table settings, microwave, range and refrigerator. Blenders and bar glasses make it easy to concoct your own versions of Margaritas for sipping on the private terraces and balconies. Master bedrooms feature over-sized king beds with very comfortable mattresses and soft, cool bedding. Venture into the master bath and you are completely surrounded by marble. A full sized jetted tub with shower, large vanity with lighted make-up mirror and hair dryers make it easy to prepare for a night on the town. Each unit has the convenience of an iron and ironing board.


Restaurants at Playa Grande take full advantage of extensive waterscapes.

On site restaurants include Calima and the Brigantine. Calima offers casual dining on one of many patios or under a large and well-designed pergola. Dishes range from regional seafood to steaks, chicken and even Sushi – all well prepared and stylishly presented by an attentive staff. A visit to Calima’s bar is a must as they create some very enjoyable and potent libations, including the Calima Special; Captain Morgan’s Rum, Bailey’s, Kahlua, banana, coconut milk, evaporated milk and pineapple juice blended with ice and served in a tall hurricane glass. A few of those and just about any worry you have simply melts away leaving only a smile.

The Brigantine restaurant is a good choice for dinner. The menu is diverse and features local seafood, lobster, pasta and Mexican specialties including a delicious Stuffed Poblano chile. The décor is elegant with leaded glass windows, marble floors and linen tablecloths. Dining options are indoors, with air conditioning, or outdoors under covered patios with wonderful ocean views and ambience.

For other dining options, the group that owns Playa Grande also owns other restaurants within walking distance; The Galeon (Italian and continental cuisine), Romeo and Juliet (also Italian), and La Roca located at Solmar Suites right next door. If you enjoy a well-made Mexican coffee, a trip to Galeon is definitely in order. The process is more an event than just a simple after dinner drink. Masterfully created before your eyes, the staff even dims the lights to enhance the flaming and mixing processes that make up a true Mexican coffee. The Sea Queen located on the marina is the newest restaurant to join the group and features seafood and sushi prepared by their chef who is a graduate of the San Francisco Culinary Institute.