By: Marcia Abramson
And forgetting my umbrella and rain gear has never been a problem since annual rainfall is a scant five inches. Los Cabos is located at the southernmost tip of Baja, Calif., and is a favorite getaway for Californians. It was a fishing haven for Bing Crosby, John Wayne and Ernest Hemingway when they wanted to get away from the glitz of Hollywood to the remote fishing outpost that was once Los Cabos. Marlin and sailfish were the first tourist attractions that lured anglers to wage warfare with the powerful fish that inhabited the waters of Los Cabos between the turbulent Pacific Ocean and the tranquil Sea of Cortez.Imagine a landscape of desert, mountains and canyons with large areas of green grass, resulting from development of superior golf courses adjacent to world-class hotels. Whale watching is another attraction or a distraction for duffers who suddenly see spouting or breaching whales on the horizon. Diving has also become a popular activity. It is not uncommon for dive boats to join the early morning fleet out at sea, where scuba divers or snorkelers can swim with manta rays and watch the angelfish in the beautiful coral reefs. It is no wonder that world-class hotels have found their way for about 50 miles along the primitive Baja, Calif. Peninsula coastline, from Cabos San Lucas through the surreal corridor of verdant golf courses and luxurious resort hotels. I particularly enjoyed the ambiance of the junior suite at the Marquis Los Cabos with its ocean view and daily breakfasts discreetly delivered through a private niche (opening in the outer wall). The thermos of steaming hot coffee, basket of freshly baked breads, pastries and fresh seasonal fruit was the perfect way for me to start my day before heading off to the fabulous international spa for a special massage and manicure and pedicure. Golfers can partake of two rounds of golf at one of Los Cabos' best golf courses in a special package for four days/three nights.There is also the Hilton with its own fairway, the Presidente Intercontinental and the Westin Regina Golf & Beach Resort, in addition to more than a score of other fine hotels to lure families, honeymooners, mature travelers, golfers, eco-tourists, artists, photographers and just plain sight-seers. I was surprised to find how much I enjoyed kayaking and the ATV desert excursions in an environment that is friendly with exotic landscapes, including a craggy sandstone arch in the swirling blue sea at the very tip of the Baja, Calif. Peninsula.The international section of the Sunday New York Times of Oct. 26, prior to the disastrous fires in Southern California, reported that Baja is closer by land and air to the United States than it is to the rest of Mexico and that at least l00,000 Americans are making Baja their permanent residence. They also said that since the September 11 attacks and the souring of the economy in the United States two years ago that more Americans are seeking refuge from the regulations and cost of living in the United States. Many are establishing roots in Rosarito, Baja; just about an hour's drive south of the United States border. I had visited Rosarito years ago with my late husband, Martin, when it was just a remote fishing village with very few if any American residents. Martin was researching an article on abalone, a mollusk that is a delicacy on the West Coast. I wonder what affect the horrific fires in San Diego will have on the ever-growing American population in Baja and possibly in the southernmost portions of Los Cabos, which is now mostly a luxurious resort area with picturesque zocalas (village squares).When the temperature plummets in the northeast, I can't think of a better place to escape from the chilly blasts and ice and snow than Los Cabos. Incidentally, there are now direct flights from New York, which should be an even greater incentive to explore this upscale region.
Copyright © by Marcia AbramsonE-mail: mascribe@aol.com
