www.DestinoMagazine.com | DECEMBER 2014
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letter from the EDITOR As our readers know, Cabo has always been a magical place that attracts the stars and celebrities. However, it seems our Baja town has a special draw to the rock stars and legendary musicians particularly. So who better than Grammy Award winner Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles, to help us close out 2014 and welcome 2015 here in Cabo! I had the pleasure to chat with Mr. Felder and as you'll read in this issue, his relationship with Cabo goes back more than 30 years. Our sincere thanks to Don for his time and love for Cabo! Of course, December also means the Holidays in Los Cabos. Tis the season to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life and spend that much needed time with your family and friends. 2014 was a great year for Destino Magazine and we expect 2015 to only be better. From our family at Destino Magazine to yours, we wish you the happiest of Holidays and continue to value your readership and contributions to our community.
Interview With Don Felder
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Michelle Monroy Editor in Chief
Editor in Chief Michelle Monroy Creative Editor Yésica Pineda Moreno “Yeye” Art Michelle Monroy Writers / Contributors Yeye Michelle Monroy Blake Harrington Fernando Rodriguez Gary Graham James Longton Kale Cowell Marilyn Graham Contributing Photographers Blake Harrington Michelle Monroy Justin Miller PR and Marketing Director Bonnie Chase - destinobonnie@live.com Advertising Account Executive Ali Lohrman Investment Manager Lance Neiderhaus
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LOS CABOS 101
3 Los Cabos & South Baja: This incredible corner of the World 4 Useful Information: How to dial in Los Cabos • Driving tips • Money & Currency • Important phone numbers 5 Maps: Baja Peninsula • Baja Sur • San José del Cabo • The Corridor • Cabo San Lucas 8 Activities: Fishing and Boating •Snorkelling and Scuba Diving • Golfing • Activities for Families • Adventures 12 Los Cabos Top Beaches: descriptions and tips about the best beaches in Los Cabos
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Events • Live Music Schedules • Cabo's Party Scene
DESTINO DIARIES
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ART & CULTURE
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Editors Contact: destinomichelle@gmail.com destinoyesica@gmail.com
Next advertising reservation closing date for our JANUARY issue: DECEMBER 8th Próxima fecha de cierre para reservarde espacios publicitarios en la edición de ENERO: 8 de DICIEMBRE For advertising rates and placement, please contact: advertising@destinomagazine.com (624) 105-9700 / (624) 142-4949
ENTERTAINMENT
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24 A LEGENDARY NEW YEAR'S EVE SHOW AT DESPERADOS RESTAURANT & CANTINA
Publisher Owen Perry
One on One with Don Felder Holiday Traditions in Mexico • San José Art Walk
HEALTHY LIVING
Inspiration • Yoga • Organic
DISCOVER
The islands of Loreto
COUPONS HOME
Real Estate Q&A • Imagine You Live Here: 5 Great Reasons to Live in Los Cabos
DESTINO GROUP SA de CV
Los Cabos, BCS Ph (011 52) (624) 142-4949/105-9700
contact@destinomagazine.com ISSUE 71 DECEMBER 2014 Printed in USA. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. © 2014 Destino Group SA de CV Numero 71 DICIEMBRE 2014 Todos los derechos reservados por Destino Group. Prohibida la reprodución total o parcial del contenido sin previa autorización por escrito de los editores. © 2014 Destino Group SA de CV DESTINO GROUP welcomes all written and photographic material. We cannot guarantee return. Rights to publish unsolicited material are retained for 12 months. Circulation throughout Southern Baja. For more information on distribution visit: www.DestinoMagazine.com Imported by: Comercializadora Californiana, S de R.L de C.V.
LOS CABOS 101
LOS CABOS & South Baja
Los Cabos (the capes) is located in the southernmost tip of the State of Baja California Sur and consists of four main areas: Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, Todos Santos and the East Cape. In between you will find smaller towns and points of interest such as Santiago and Miraflores, located inland at the skirts of the Sierra de la Laguna, or Migriño and Pescadero which are located on the Pacific side, in between Cabo San Lucas and Todos Santos THE AQUARIUM OF THE WORLD. These are the words that the Jacques Cousteau used to describe the Sea of Cortez. It is said that eons ago, back when the Earth and Continents were still taking their shape, the edge of Mexico split from the mainland to form the Gulf of California and the Baja Peninsula. This allowed the Pacific Ocean to rush into the gap and create the Sea of Cortez, or as some call it, Mother Nature’s own fish trap. Hundreds of varieties of fish and mammals found their way into this “trap” and either stayed in its warm shallow waters or ventured down into the cool bottom of the two mile-deep San Andreas Fault. For millenniums, the Colorado River has been dragging its rich minerals and nutrients into the Sea of Cortez, aiding the living species to thrive in these waters. In the months of January through March, Gray whales make their yearly migration from Alaska to give birth to their young in the shallow and warm waters of the Sea of Cortez.
THE BAJA SUR LOOP Take a look at the Baja Sur map bellow; you can see that the highways and towns form a loop. Ongoing road improvements and new highway constructions are making road trips quicker and easier every year. The new highway from Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos is impressively well done, making it only a 45 minute drive. Cabo San Lucas Also just known as “Cabo,” is a tourist friendly town located on the tip of the Baja California peninsula that’s full of entertainment for every age and liking. The Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meet at Land’s End, where you can observe the beautiful rock formations and the famous Cabo arch. Cabo San Lucas has the liveliest beach in the Los Cabos area, an impressive marina and countless restaurants and bars that keep the town alive day and night. The Corridor The corridor is the 40 km highway that connects Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo (about a 25 minute drive). Along this road you can find various hotels, luxury ocean front homes, championship golf courses and beautiful views. Have your camera ready and make a roadside stop at the Costa Azul view-point for photo opportunities or at the Cabo Real arroyo for a refreshing coco frío (cold coconut). San José del Cabo Walking around downtown San José will allow you to experience a traditional Mexican town. You will find yourself surrounded by colorful buildings and quaint cobblestone streets that lead to the town’s picturesque zócalo (main plaza). Over the years, San José has become an artistic and cultural centre with numerous fine art galleries in its downtown art district. From November through June, the popular Art Walk takes place every Thursday evening where galleries welcome
guests to sip some wine while they view their exhibits; however, the galleries are open year-round. San José del Cabo’s historical downtown also offers world-class restaurants from Mexican gourmet cuisine to authentic Thai food. San José has a beautiful beach where you can take a horseback ride and explore the estuary that is home to many different bird species. East Cape People often call it “the old Cabo” because of its pristine beaches and small fishing towns such as Buena Vista and Los Barriles. The East Cape begins just east of San José and extends about 100 miles up the Sea of Cortez coast. Sixty miles outside of San José is the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, an eight fingered coral reef that offers outstanding snorkelling and scuba diving and turtle nesting on the beach. Very popular for fishing and surfing, the East Cape also attracts kite surfers, campers and folks who just want to get away from it all. Todos Santos Located on the Pacific Ocean side of the peninsula, Todos Santos is an oasis where artists and surfers flock to enjoy the culture and excellent surf. Home to the famous Hotel California, this charming town offers great restaurants and a cooler climate than Cabo San Lucas and San José due to the Pacific’s breezes. La Paz La Paz is the capital of the state of Baja California Sur and is known for its warm people and beautiful beaches. This authentic Mexican city (as well as the general south Baja region) has been rated as one of the safest in Mexico and still maintains the small town feel that is very welcoming for tourists. La Paz is a departure point for tours and charters to the stunning Espiritu Santo Island as well as whale watching excursions. Stroll down the colorful malecón (boardwalk), walk hundreds of feet in waist high water at Balandra beach or have a fine dining experience; La Paz has a lot to offer. *
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LOS CABOS 101
USEFUL INFORMATION Exchange rates - Dollars are accepted almost everywhere and you will most likely get your change back in pesos. The exchange rate varies every day, but some places have a set rate.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
ATMs - The easiest and most cost effective way to get pesos is not to bring dollars and exchange them, but simply to pull pesos out of an ATM after you arrive in Los Cabos. Bank ATMs give the daily exchange rate (best possible rate) with reasonable fees. Examples include Banorte, Santander, Banamex, and HSBC. If you go to a non-bank ATM, you will pay higher fees. Some ATMs only give you dollars, some only pesos and some give you the option to withdraw both. Pay close attention to what currency you’re withdrawing. Try to get as much cash as possible in one transaction to avoid paying high fees. Cash or Card? - Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards are generally accepted, but you often run into cash only places, so always ask beforehand and carry cash. Tipping - Standard tipping rates are about 15%. Buying groceries - San José has two major grocery stores; Wal-Mart and Mega. Mega is a higher-end option with more American products, but is slightly more expensive that Wal-Mart. San Lucas has a Wal-Mart and Costco. If you just need to grab something quickly, OXXO stores are small, reasonably priced convenient stores located all over town. Driving - Renting a car will allow you to enjoy the freedom of exploring Los Cabos. Driving in Mexico might be intimidating to some, but if you just go with the muddled flow, you will realize that there is some organization within the chaos. If you are pulled over by local police for committing a driving infraction, the standard procedure is for them to take your Driver’s License. You will then have to go to the Police Station to pay your ticket and pick-up your license. There are two types of gasoline: Magna or verde (green) which is regular and Premium or roja (red). Lleno (pronounced yeno) means full. Major credit cards are accepted. Tipping the gas station attendant around $10.00 pesos (less than a dollar) is customary. ALTO STOP
CUATRO ALTOS FOUR WAY STOP
ARROYO DRY RIVERBED
NO ESTACIONARSE NO PARKING
ESTACIONAMIENTO PARKING
TOPE SPEED BUMP
4 ALTOS
HOW DO I DIAL? The local area code is 624 To dial to other countries: 00 + country code (1, 2 or 3 digits) + number From a Mexican land line or cell phone: To a Mexican long distance number: 01 + 3 digit area code + 7 digit number To a Mexican cell phone number: 3 digit area code + 7 digit number To a U.S. phone number: 00 + 1 + 3 digit area code + 7 digit number From your U.S. cell phone: To a Mexican land line or cell phone: 011 52 + 3 digit area code + number To a U.S. phone number: 00 + 1 + 3 digit area code + number Some U.S. cell phone carriers have arrangements with Mexican carriers and when you travel here your cell phone uses their towers. If this is your case, you will have to dial as if you had a Mexican phone. U.S. TOLL FREE NUMBERS (International rates will apply) To a 1 (800): 00 + 1 + 880 + phone number To a 1 (888): 00 + 1 + 881 + phone number To a 1 (877): 00 + 1 + 882 + phone number To a 1 (866): 00 + 1 + 883 + phone number 4
Emergencies: 066 - (equivalent to 911) Police Department: - Cabo San Lucas 143-3977 - San José del Cabo 142-0361 Fire Department – Dial 116 or: - Cabo San Lucas 143-3577 - San José del Cabo 142-2466 Highway Patrol: 146-0573 Tourist Police: 143-3977 Hospitals: Amerimed: - Cabo San Lucas 105-8500 - San José del Cabo 105-8550 Baja Medical Response: 144-3434 Blue Medical Net: - Cabo San Lucas Hospital 104 3911 - San José del Cabo Clinic 142-3511 Cabo Surgical Center: 172-6030 North American Hospitals and Clinics: 142-2770 One World Hospital: - Cabo San Lucas 143-4911 - San José del Cabo 142-5911 - Todos Santos: (612) 145-0600 Walk-in Medi Clinic: 130-7011 Air Ambulances: Skymed Air Ambulance: (866) 805-9624 Air One Ambulance: (800) 236-8080 U.S. Consulate: 143-3566 Canadian Consulate: 142-4333 Taxi Cabo San Lucas: 143-2221 Taxi San José de Cabo: 142-0401 Immigration: 143-0135 Airlines: Aero Calafia: 130-7822 Aeromexico: 146-5097 Air Canada: 01 (800) 719-2827 (Toll free within Mexico) Alaska Airlines: 146-5166 American Airlines: 146-5302/5303 Continental Airlines: 146-5050 Delta Airlines: 146-5005/146-5217 Interjet: 01 (800)-011-2345 (Toll free within Mexico) Spirit Airlines: 1 (800) 772-7117 Sun Wing: 1 (800) 668-4224 Volaris: 01 (800) 7VOLARIS (Toll free within Mexico) US Airways: 146-5380 West Jet: 1 (800) 538-5696
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LOS CABOS 101
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LOS CABOS 101
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LOS CABOS 101
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LOS CABOS 101
activities
FISHING REPORT All that’s fishy from Lands End to La Paz by Gary Graham
Seasonal Fishing Chart:
BOATING & FISHING
With calm waters, extraordinary fishing and perfect weather, some may argue that boating is the most popular attraction in Los Cabos. Whether you want to take a cruise to Santa María Bay on a luxury yacht or wake up at the crack of dawn for a fishing adventure, there are endless options to fit your needs. BOAT RENTALS Private yachts and sailboats There are several charter companies that can accommodate your needs. What you do on your trip is really up to you, but it will typically consist of a tour of the landmark arch, a few hours of fishing, and a cruise to one of our beautiful bays for a swim. Most boats have fishing equipment and a knowledgeable crew, but the biggest difference between a yacht and a fishing boat rental is the cost. Fishing Boat Rentals You can always fish on a yacht, but cruisers and pangas and super-pangas are a more affordable option. Cruisers accommodate larger groups and are more comfortable when the sea is rough on a windy day. THE MARINAS Marina Cabo San Lucas, the area’s largest commercial marina, features 380 slips and accommodates vessels of up to 375 feet. Amenities include 24-hour security, electricity and potable water, a fuel dock, and convenient laundry and shower facilities. Puerto Los Cabos, located in La Playita, just north of San José del Cabo is the newest marina in the area with 200 available slips 8
Sport fishing flags commonly seen in Los Cabos:
for boats up to 400 feet. Amenities are similar to Marina Cabo San Lucas, though the boatyard’s 150-ton travel lift can accommodate larger vessels. FISHING There’s a reason why the world’s richest fishing tournament - the Bisbee’s Black & Blue - has taken place in Los Cabos for over thirty years. This part of the world offers abundant sea life and an exceptionally high catch success rate, no matter what your level of fishing experience is. What to Expect Most charters include a fishing license, bait, tackle and equipment.
Some also include food and drink or these amenities can be added at an additional cost. It is better to leave early, and trips usually begin at 6:00 and 7:00 am and last around 6 hours. Cost will depend on the number of people in your party and the size of the boat you choose to rent. It is customary to leave the crew a gratuity of 15% to 20%. Bait and Tackle Most likely, the boat you charter will include your bait and tackle. If you need your own fresh bait, you may buy it along the Cabo San Lucas Marina or the crew you hire may also stop to buy it from the local fishermen on your way out.
After a series of direct hits and near misses, the 2014 Hurricane season seems to be over and offshore conditions have developed into a normal pattern for this time of year. Cooler sea surface temperatures are attracting more baitfish throughout the regions which is good news and accounts for the upward spike in fishing across the board. A variety of billfish feeding on the surface is a common sight and many boats in the fleet are coming in with multiple release flags a flappin’. The much awaited tuna bite is also improving daily and anything from football- to Volkswagen-sized are there for the taking. However, be careful what you ask for -- the big ones are downright tough! Inshore, the wahoo have been biting. Plus there are a few roosterfish with some sierra mixed in closer to shore which make excellent Ceviche. As for dorado, there are plenty of them. More “smallies” then “keepers” so just release the little ones until a bruiser shows. Don’t limit out too early on the little ones or you may miss out on the trophy fish. If you are not into boats, you might enjoy an early morning ATV ride along the beach looking for fish swimming close to shore to cast a lure at. Since the surf has finally laid down there have been some great dog tooth snapper, jack crevalle and roosterfish action on the Pacific near the Lighthouse.
John Kemp with his 51.2-pound wahoo that earned him $45,600 in the WON Tuna Jackpot Tournament held in early November.
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LOS CABOS 101 This rocky ledge leads into a canyon where groupers and larger fish are often sighted; 35 minutes by boat. Blow Hole Beginners/Advanced - 30’-70’ 35-minutes from San Lucas, or just 10 minutes from Chileno beach, this dive offers rocky valleys presenting a variety of fish. Las Salinas Beginners - 30’-45’ - A sunken SNORKELLING & Japanese fishing boat attracts a large SCUBA DIVING assortment of fish at this beginners’ Prepare yourself for an incredible dive; about 80 minutes from Cabo San show of nature as you swim side Lucas or one hour from La Playita. by side with colourful schools of Gordo Banks fish, eels, rays, octopus, sea turtles Advanced - 110’-120’ - A and more. The Sea of Cortez or the seamount provides views of “Aquarium of the World” offers many marlin, hammerheads, skip jacks opportunities to experience incredible and at times huge manta rays; underwater wildlife. one hour from La Playita. Cabo Pulmo SCUBA DIVING DESTINATIONS Beginner-Advanced - 30’-100’ Note: travel time is from the Cabo San A one hour drive east of San Lucas marina José or five minutes by boat and Land’s End you’ll find the only living coral Intermediate-Advanced - 50’-60’ reef in the Sea of Cortez. Five minutes by boat and you can share the water with sea lions SNORKELLING SPOTS and moray eels, with a sunken Cabo offers several methods for boat visible in the Falls. snorkelling. You may drive to a local Sand Falls beach and swim out, book a tour with Beginners - Advanced - 30’-100’ one of the many popular companies, Steep sand banks drop sharply into a or charter a private boat. Tours are canyon filled with tropical fish. The typically two or three hours. Stay away canyon runs from the depths of the Cabo San Lucas bay to within 30 feet of from the Pacific side of the peninsula; its strong currents make it very the beach. dangerous for any kind of water sports. Pelican Rock Pelican Rock Beginners - 25’-80’ A quick five-minute ride from the Cabo This large rock attracts many San Lucas marina or Medano Beach is tropical fish and is only five all it takes to get to this fish-attracting minutes from shore. rock. Neptune’s Finger Lover’s Beach Advanced - 80’-100’ This popular and uniquely-named A spectacular canyon wall dive. beach is accessible only by boat. Be on Cabeza de Ballena the look-out, however, as the water is Beginners - 20’-40’ not roped off for swimmers. A 25-minute boat ride leads to a dive through large boulders with many fish. Santa Maria Bay Snorkel tours regularly visit Santa Santa María Cave Maria Bay. If you choose to drive there, Beginners - 20’-40’ it’s an easy swim from the shore to the Reachable from the shore or a reef on the right side of the cove. 35-minute boat ride, the entrance to Santa Maria canyon has a huge variety Chileno Bay of fish which feed right from your hand. Snorkelers will find a safe, roped-off area for swimming at this common tour Chileno destination. Beginners - 30’-70’ Cabo Pulmo This location offers parking, sea turtle A Natural Marine Reserve in the East sightings, tropical fish, and night Cape, and may offer the best snorkelling dives over a sandy and rocky bottom in the area. This eight-fingered coral following a 35-minute boat ride. reef is about a 2-hour drive from San El Gavilán José del Cabo, but it is well worth it! Intermediate/Advanced - 70’-100’
GOLFING
With the desert meeting the Sea of Cortez as a backdrop, there is no doubt why Los Cabos has become a championship golf destination over the years. From Tiger Woods to Nicklaus and Fazio, many of the big names in golf have designed courses on this unique landscape. There are private courses such as Diamante, Querencia and El Dorado where you have to be invited by a member to in order to play. Many public courses offer a reduced rate later in the day during twilight hours. Appropriate golf attire is required on all courses and club rental prices range from $35 to $ 65. CABO DEL SOL Ocean Course - A Jack Nicklaus signature course with six ocean front holes (1.5 miles). Known for its “3 finest finishing holes in golf” the Ocean Course is said to be one of the most difficult yet beautiful courses in the area. 18 holes, 7,075 yards, par 72. Desert Course – Designed by Tom Weiskopf, this course winds through the desert above the Ocean Course and challenges the golfer with risk vs reward type decision-making. 18 holes, 7,049 yards, par 72. (624) 145-8200 - www.cabodelsol.com CABO SAN LUCAS COUNTRY CLUB This course was designed by Roy Dye and is conveniently located outside of Cabo San Lucas and is the only one with views of Land’s End. It has more than 80 bunkers and slightly inclined fairways and one of the longest holes in all of Mexico at 610 yards. 18 holes, 7,220 yards, par 72. (624) 143 4654 - www.cabosanlucascountryclub.com PUERTO LOS CABOS The only composite course in the area with two different 9 hole courses designed by two legends of golf, Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman respectively. Oceanfront holes, elevation changes, and incredible vistas make Puerto Los Cabos a unique and special experience for any golfer at any handicap. 18 holes, 6,818 yards, par 73. (624) 173-9300 - www.puertoloscabos.com CABO REAL The newly renovated Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed golf course is one of the Corridor’s first championship courses and boasts beautiful views of the Sea of Cortez, elevation changes, and has hosted two PGA Senior Slams. 18 holes, 7,037 yards, par 72. (624) 173-9400 ext. 1 - www.caboreal.com PALMILLA With 27 holes of golf, each 9 hole course offers something different. The Ocean, Mountain, and Arroyo courses all boast Jack Nicklaus Design and a fun and challenging layout with canyons and elevation changes. (624) 144-5250 - www.palmillagc.com PUNTA SUR GOLF - FORMERLY MAYAN PALACE GOLF This 9 hole course is a friendly course but make sure you hit ‘em straight because throughout the course you are surrounded by homes and condos in beautiful San José. A fun course for any level of golfer. 9 holes, 3,141 yards, par 35. (624) 142-0900 - www.vidantagolf.com CLUB CAMPESTRE SAN JOSÉ Make sure you bring your creativity for the greens at Club Campestre, the newest Jack Nicklaus Design in Los Cabos. Almost every green has 2 or 3 different tiers, so spend some time on the practice green before your round. 18 holes, 7,055 yards, par 71. (624) 173-9300 - www.clubcampestresanjose.com www.DestinoMagazine.com | DECEMBER 2014
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LOS CABOS 101 Direction: Right Location: East Cape, about 25 Km from San José del Cabo Nine Palms Level: All levels Direction: Long rights Location: East Cape, about 30 Km from San José del Cabo
SURFING
Baja Sur has been a popular surfing destination since the ‘50s. The East Cape is popular for kite surfing and the Pacific coast has several surf breaks where you will find less crowds. See our map on page 5 and look for this symbol to locate the surf spots mentioned bellow. San Pedrito Level: Advanced Direction: Right, left Location: Pacific side right before arriving to Todos Santos Cerritos Level: Great for beginners Direction: Right and left Location: Pacific side at Km 65 of the Cabo San Lucas- Todos Santos road Monuments Level: Advanced Direction: Left Location: at Km 6.5 of the Corridor, closer to Cabo San Lucas El Tule Level: Advanced Direction: Right and left Location: Exit at Km 16.2 at El Tule bridge Costa Azul consists of three breaks: The Rock or La Roca Level: Advanced Direction: Right Zippers Level: All level Direction: Right Acapulquito Level: All levels Direction: Right Location: at Km 28.5. Access is below the Costa Azul bridge La Bocana at the estuary Level: All levels Direction: Right and left Location: San José del Cabo’s main beach, close to the Holiday Inn Shipwrecks Level: Advanced 10
SEASONS June through November The summer months are known to be the best as the Southern Hemisphere’s swells send great waves to the Pacific, Cabo San Lucas, San José and the East Cape. December through February East Cape and Costa Azul are on the flatter side. The Pacific can be good this time of year because it’s exposed to the west swell. March through May This is the windy season. Swells are consistent and you’ll run into fewer crowds.
KITE SURFING
This sport is most popular in the East Cape due to the El Norte winds. Playa Norte (the north-east side of the beach) in Los Barriles is said to be the most popular destination and is also the location for a professional kite-boarding school. La Ventana is also a popular spot and is closer to La Paz. There is less wind in Los Barriles than La Ventana, but the surf is bigger. The best months are January, February, March, October, November, December.
STAND UP PADDLING
There is something special about paddling out and finding yourself floating in the ocean with just your paddle and your board. Stand up paddling is growing to be more popular each year and is available all around Los Cabos. It’s a great way to see marine life, to get a great workout and to enjoy nature. At Médano beach you can rent boards in several locations. Paddle along the rocks of Land’s End to make your way to Lover’s Beach and the Arch. Certain companies offer paddling lessons and some have yoga classes on the board. Tips! • Your feet should be parallel, about hip-width distance apart, centred between the board rails (edges). • Keep toes pointed forward, knees bent and your back straight. Balance with your hips and core. Keep your arms straight and twist from your torso as you paddle. Think of using your torso to paddle rather than your arms; you have more strength in the abdominal muscles than in your arms. Your gaze should be level at the horizon and avoid staring at your feet. • If you’re paddling on the right, your right hand is lower and on the paddle shaft. Your top left hand is on the top of the grip. The elbow (angle) of the paddle faces away from you. • Plant the paddle by pushing the blade all the way under the surface, pull it back to your ankle, then out of the water. To go in a reasonably straight line, paddle about 4 or 5 strokes on one side, then switch to the other. When you switch sides, you’ll reverse hand positions. • When you fall aim yourself to the side so you don’t fall the board.
SKATEBOARDING
Visit the Pescadero Skate Park located on km. 64 of HWY 19, in the town of El Pescadero. The park is surrounded by lush gardens, and the cost to enter this pro-park is $2.00 USD. www.DestinoMagazine.com | DECEMBER 2014
LOS CABOS 101 ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES
Los Cabos offers entertainment for all ages and is an ideal destination for families. Blown Glass Factory Don’t miss this factory located in Cabo San Lucas where youngsters can watch the highlyskilled artisans perform the art of glass-blowing. Adults can shop for that one (or probably more than one) perfect piece to take home. Make sure you visit the factory before 2:00 pm in order to catch the show. Adventure Parks There are several adventure parks and eco-adventure companies in Los Cabos where you and your kids can experience zip-lining, back-country ATV tours, a camel safari, and more. Zip-lines are appropriate for kids of 8 years and up and be prepared to hike from 5 to 15 minutes from line to line. Most companies include transportation. Ask your concierge to setup your adventure. Swim with Dolphins Los Cabos has a few facilities where you and your kids can swim with trained dolphins. By visiting one of the dolphin centres you and your kids will experience a one-on-one connection that will be memorable. You will learn special hand signals and ways to communicate positive reinforcement to the dolphins. Swimming with dolphins is a very gratifying and joyful experience for people of all ages. Wet Fun Water Park Located about 20 minutes from San José, this water park has shallow pools and small slides for young children, water mushrooms, a pirate ship and a giant bucket that dumps water on the bystanders bellow. For the adrenaline seekers, several fast and large slides stand tall and mighty and offer a great view of the beautiful surrounding mountains. To get there take HWY 1 north from the San José International Airport towards La Paz and East Cape. After about 15 miles, the exit for Caudaño and the water park will be at km 66. Follow this road for a few minutes and you will find the park on your right. Turtle Release Every year, several species of endangered sea turtles nest in the warm sands of Los Cabos. Your family will have the opportunity to help these fragile and tiny creatures make it safely into the sea. Children will learn about the importance of conservation and they will surely enjoy the experience of helping these little friends. Whale Watching Whale watching in Los Cabos is an unforgettable experience for any age. During the months of December through March, it is not hard to find whales breaching just off the shore. Book a private charter or take one of the many whale watching tours available. Horse-back lessons at Cuadra San Francisco This world class equestrian centre was established in 1994 by Francisco J. Barrena M. and is home to about 50 horses. Each one has been trained by professionals to ensure safety and an enjoyable ride. The riding school’s speciality is high level dressage, which is an excellent way to perfect any riding discipline and to become an better rider overall. The staff can accommodate riders of any age and skill level. Cuadra San Francisco is located at km. 19.5 of the main highway between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.
ADVENTURE
Los Cabos offers a number of entertainment options for adventure seekers. From guided bicycle tours to a sunset horseback ride on the beach or a high-speed zipline across one of the many local canyons, pick an adventure that is right for you and get out there! Buggy, Atv, Or Bike Rentals There are several local companies which offer ATVs, buggies, and other off-road vehicles for trail and beach cruising. Strap on some goggles and hop behind the wheel of one of these off-road racers for an afternoon of fast-paced fun! Vehicles include typical ATVs or enclosed rail buggies or RZR ATVs. Tours are typically three hours, and drivers must be 16 years of age with a valid drivers’ license. If pedal-powered rides are more your speed, look into renting a mountain bike, beach cruiser, or joining a guided bicycle tour of town. Just make sure to wear a helmet! Horseback Rides, Nature Walks, and Bird Watching Los Cabos (particularly San José del Cabo) offer a number of horseback excursions for all ages. Saddle up for a sunset guided beach ride, venture up a hidden canyon trail, or just sit back in the shade while experienced horse trainers give the kids lessons in horsemanship – there’s something for everyone! San José also boasts a natural estuary and nature preserve. Enjoy a peaceful, self-guided nature walk to observe some of the lushest landscape in the area. Species of flora and fauna are abundant: dozens of species of cactus, lizards, and birds can be spotted on this solitary walk, just a few minutes from downtown. Cactuslovers may also want to check out the nearby cactus gardens Wirikuta, offering a large variety of cacti laid out in an artful outdoor setting. Parasailing, Bungee Jumping, and Ziplines Get ready to shout “Geronimo!” as you leap off a platform in one of the most extreme outings! Several local adventure-parks provide bungee jumping packages, and high speed zipline canopy tours are offered in a number of local canyons. If heights over land are not right for you, try a parasailing trip and gain some altitude to enjoy beautiful views of Cabo while tethered firmly to a speedboat!
www.DestinoMagazine.com | DECEMBER 2014
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LOS CABOS 101
Imagine floating in a turquoise bay with pink sand or riding some epic waves: every Baja beach offers something unique. Here is a list of the must-see beaches -- visit them all to decide which one is your dream beach!
Cabo San Lucas
Along the Corridor
If you’re looking for the action, here it is. El Médano (as the locals call it) is a 2-mile stretch of hotels, restaurants and bars, right on the sand. It’s a swimmable and family-friendly beach with endless options for souvenir shopping. Numerous activities and water sports are available. If you want to take a water taxi to Lover’s Beach, this is the best spot to do it. Its stunning view of Land’s End and the vast entertainment options make this beach a must-see.
LAS VIUDAS
José, follow the sign which reads “Santa María” and exit the highway at Km. 13. Follow the dirt road until you reach the parking area. Santa Maria provides no services and hardly any shade. You can rent umbrellas on the beach, but if you happen to have one, bring it anyway. Snorkelling gear will help you get the most of this beautiful beach!
Location:
San Jose del Cabo
MEDANO BEACH
Las Viudas (The Widows) beach is not visible from the road and is possibly the most private beach you will find on this list. What makes it unique are the rock formations which create small pools and coves where you can have a private and peaceful beach day. This beach is swimmable with caution but if you find your own pool you can avoid the waves. Turn right at Km. 12.5 of the corridor and follow the dirt road down to the beach. There is a sign that reads “Las Viudas” but slow down and keep your eyes peeled; the entrance may sneak up on you. You won’t find any services or vendors so bring all your beach essentials with you.
Tips:
CHILENO
Chileno is a very popular location for snorkelling, swimming or just spending the day under the newly-installed palapas. You’ll find tide pools at the east end of the beach and beautiful reefs offering excellent snorkelling and scuba diving. This is the only beach with public restrooms and it has plenty of palapas for shade. Going from Cabo San Lucas towards San José, follow the signs for Chileno Beach Club near Km. 14 of the main highway. If you visit Chileno on a weekend, make an effort to arrive early; snorkelling visibility is often better in the mornings, you’ll avoid the mid-day snorkel tours and, if you beat the crowds, you’ll be guaranteed a palapa to yourself for much-needed shade. Bring snorkelling gear!
Tips:
PALMILLA
Palmilla beach is known for its family-friendly calm waters and a mile-long stretch of beach. Located within the resort community of Palmilla, you will find yourself surrounded by oceanfront luxury homes, the One&Only Hotel and the world renowned Jack Nicklaus Ocean Nine golf course. Pangas and fishing cruisers are available for charter, but you won’t find water sport rentals such as kayaks or jet skis.
Location: Location:
In the heart of downtown Cabo San Lucas. This is accessible by foot through the east side of the marina or via Avenida del Pescador.
Tips:
Be prepared to be approached by souvenir vendors. If you’re not there for the shopping, just respond with “No, gracias.” Prices don’t vary much from one water sports rental place to another. Visit Lover’s Beach while you’re there.
LOVER’S BEACH
Getting there is an adventure in itself, due to the fact that it is reachable only by boat or kayak. The easiest way is to take a water taxi from the Cabo San Lucas Marina or Medano Beach. Prices are around $15.00 USD per person. Ask your captain to cruise by the arch and the sea lion rock for some great photo opportunities. Once you arrive, you’ll notice the striking rock formations and caves. Walk to the other side of the rocks and you’ll find yourself looking at the Pacific Ocean; the locals call this Divorce Beach. This side is very dangerous for swimming because of the powerful undertow, so swim on Lover’s Beach only. Land’s End beside the famous arch. This beach is accessible only by boat. There are a couple of vendors who offer beer and water, but you won’t find any other services. A good idea is to spend the day at Medano Beach and take an hour or two to go to Lover’s Beach; this should be time enough to explore this natural wonderland.
Location: Tips:
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Tips:
SANTA MARIA
Santa Maria offers a stunning horseshoe cove with coralcoloured sand and abundant marine life. Boat excursions and private charters often stop here to enjoy the snorkelling and scuba diving that this National Marine Preserve offers. This family-friendly beach is relatively secluded; therefore, you rarely run into beach vendors. Travelling west from Cabo San Lucas towards San
Location:
Location: Take the Palmilla ramp exit at Km. 27. Follow
the signs and turn into the main beach parking area before the entrance to the One&Only Hotel. Palmilla is popular among local families on the weekends, so arrive early if you want a palapa, or bring your own umbrella. No services are available here.
Tips:
COSTA AZUL
If what you’re looking for is a good surf spot you can find it here without driving out of town. Head over to Zipper’s for a surf session and lunch and beers at the restaurant. To the west of Zippers is Acapulquito beach where the Cabo Surf Hotel and Mike Doyle Surf School are located. You can find surf shops in the area where you can rent surf and stand-up paddle boards and set up lessons. The surf is bigger during the summer, and in the winter this is a good spot for snorkelling and swimming. Exit at Km. 28 via the Costa Azul Bridge. Swimming with caution is possible in this area but keep an eye out for surfers.
Location: Tips:
www.DestinoMagazine.com | DECEMBER 2014
LOS CABOS 101 LA PLAYITA
La Playita (the little beach) is a long stretch of beach where you will often find locals fishing from the shore and families with children enjoying the beach-front playground. On the right end of La Playita you can find a roped-off swimming area just outside the entrance to the beautiful Puerto Los Cabos 500-slip marina. To the left is the natural open beach where you can swim, skim-board and enjoy a peaceful beach day away from the crowds. Follow the signs to La Playita/ Puerto Los Cabos from Boulevard Mijares in downtown San José del Cabo (across from the fire department). You will find new and well-maintained bathrooms, palapas and fishing charters. There are no food services directly on the beach, but several casual restaurants dot the surrounding area.
Location: Tips:
On the Pacific CERRITOS
Cerritos beach is a popular surf spot and swimming here is relatively safe. The scenic 45-minute drive from Cabo San Lucas is well worth the trip as you drive along the pristine Pacific coast. The Cerritos Beach Club Restaurant is a perfect spot to spend a relaxing day on the beach or, if you want to be active, you can take a surf lesson at Baja Surf Camp or rent surf and boogie boards at the Costa Azul Surf Shop.
Location: This bay lies about 30 minutes
from the boardwalk in La Paz. Simply follow the main drag along the boardwalk, then through Costa Baja Golf Course and continue to wind around the coast and through the mountains until you see the signs for the beach. No bathroom facilities. There is a truck where you can buy water and snacks, but it is recommended to bring your own in case they are closed. There are palapas, but not many. Kayaks and snorkel gear are offered.
Tips:
Loreto
ISLA CORONADO
A wildlife reserve where visitors may anchor, snorkel, scuba and camp lies on this island. The panga ride usually includes a cruise around the island where it’s very common to see sea lions, seals and even sea otters. The only swimmable beach on the island has pristine white sand and shallow crystal clear turquoise water, which creates ideal snorkelling conditions. Coronado Island is the ideal place for an adventure or to simply immerse yourself in nature and relax.
Location: Tips:
Location:
Exit at Km. 66 of the Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos Highway. Watch the markers and look for the signs. Drive about 1.7 miles to the beach area. Tips: Lounge chairs, restrooms, food and drinks are available at The Cerritos Beach Club Restaurant.
About 7 miles or 30 minutes northeast of Loreto by boat. To get to Coronado Island you must take a boat or a panga. You will find pangas in Loreto’s Marina which you can hire. The best option is to ask your concierge to arrange this for you. There are no services or restaurants on the beach, but there are several large palapas with tables and benches and an eco-restroom. Bring hiking shoes if you plan to explore the area. Snorkelling gear is a plus!
La Paz
BALANDRA
Balandra is a stunning bay that will take your breath away. You can walk back and forth in the bay in waist-high, crystal clear water with shades of turquoise blue. Follow the shore towards the north-east side and you will find the famous “mushroom rock” as well as other interesting rock formations. Pictures just don’t do it justice. You won’t regret visiting Playa Balandra!
www.DestinoMagazine.com | DECEMBER 2014
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ENTERTAINMENT
events ~ dining ~ music ~ nightlife
HAPPENING
NOW By Fernando Rodriguez
LOS CABOS is an energetic place.
Happy Holidays!
let's celebrate...
San José del Cabo buzzes with culture and tradition while Cabo San Lucas alerts your senses with bright lights and sounds of a good time coming from every direction. Sporting events, fishing tournaments, conventions, concerts, charity galas, parties and festivals, are examples of the many events that take place year-round.
December 1-6 ~ Los Cabos Culinary Festival, ''Sabor a Cabo''. Incredible food is on the San José del Cabo menu of this international event that showcases the gourmet delicacies created by star chefs from around the globe. Scheduled for Tuesday, December 2nd, at 6:00 pm, is the luxurious sunset cruise and dinner created by two world-renowned chefs. On December 3rd, the Sabor a Cabo Festival will host a beer fest featuring local Los Cabos artisan brews. The Thursday night Historic San José del Cabo Art and Wine Walk will take place December 4th, beginning at 5:00 pm. On Friday, December 5th, Sabor a Cabo presents an extraordinary Celebrity Chef Dine-Around event involving several restaurants in San José and Cabo San Lucas. The main event and party will take place Saturday, December 6th at 5:00 pm. There will be live music and tasty Mexican wines at nearly all these wonderful specialty events. For more information please visit www.saboracabo.mx/main-event-details or to purchase tickets contact Canirac, (624) 1433944 or email ticket@caniracloscabos.mx.
December 7 ~ Cultural Pavilion Half Marathon - A half marathon and 10K distance run will take place at 7:00 am with the start and fin.ish at the Cultural Pavilion in Cabo San Lucas. Cash prizes and medals to the top finishers in different age categories. The race and course will be along the four lane highway with spectacular views of the Sea of Cortez. The half marathon will go as far as the turnaround point at Chileno Bay, and back to the Pavilion. 14
www.DestinoMagazine.com | DECEMBER 2014
ENTERTAINMENT December 12 ~ Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe - This yearly celebration is a national display of Catholic tradition and Mexican culture that fills San Jose del Cabo and San Lucas with street fairs, fireworks and processions following mass at both historical Catholic Churches in each city. In SJDC, the event will take place in the central plaza, while in San Lucas the festivities will be at Amelia Wilkes Plaza, located at Miguel Hidlago and Cabo San Lucas Boulevard. The popular Catholic feast celebrates the day Juan Diego encountered the Virgin Mary in 1531. It is believed she asked the man to build her a church on the site of where he had been gathering roses, and is considered a turning point in Mexican history, when native inhabitants finally converted from their Aztec religious beliefs to that of Christianity.
be on the 25th at 10:00 am. The Bilingual mass will also be on the 25th, but at noon. Wednesday, December 31 ~ New Year's Eve - For anyone who has never experienced New Year's Eve in Cabo, the place to be is Medano Beach, where the fireworks explode hundreds of feet overhead and then trickle down onto the spectacular atmosphere of the small bay and all its soft sandy terrain. Of course, every resort, restaurant and nightclub in both Los Cabos city's will offer New Year's Eve party packages of their own.
December 13 ~ Dressed to the K9's Cabo Humane Society Fundraiser - This 9th Annual Los Cabos Humane Society Charity Gala theme will be ''A Night in New York,'' a tribute to Tina Turner staring Lisa Monet and ''The Best of Broadway'' directed by Marcie Castro. The event will take place at the Wyndham Resort's all new Skypool level area. Event is from 6:00 pm to 11:30 pm. Ticket cost is $110.00 and VIP tickets are $275.00. For ticket information please visit www.dressedtotheK-9s.com , call 143-9798 or email tropimargarita@prodigy.net.com.
Desperados Restaurant & Cantina will be the setting for a legendary New Years Eve celebration that you won't want to miss. Don Felder, former member of the band The Eagles, will perform a concert on the evening of December 31st in which he will play many of the popular Eagle's hits, among other surprises. Tickets and space are limited. For information please call Desperados Restaurant (624) 143-4313 or (624) 119-2289.
December 25 ~ Christmas Day - There will be Bilingual services at the Historic Cabo San Lucas Church built in 1730 on San Lucas Blvd at 8:00 pm Christmas Eve and Day. In San JosĂŠ del Cabo, at the Catholic Mission Church in the heart of the downtown plaza, English mass will www.DestinoMagazine.com | DECEMBER 2014
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ENTERTAINMENT
CABO’S PA RT Y SCENE Many come to Cabo for the beach parties and nightlife. From beach bars and pool parties, to trendy nightclubs and booze cruises, you will always find a party... anytime, anywhere. Nikki Beach
BOOZE CRUISES CABO ESCAPE BOOZE CRUISE - The name says it all, booze while you cruise at sunset, and bring your dancing shoes. Departs daily at 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Nov-Mar); Dock #3 Cabo San Lucas Marina. Cost: US $45.00 per person. Includes: chips, salsas, guacamole and veggie dips and open bar. CABO ESCAPE FLOATING DISCO - For the late nighters. Dance to current hip-hop and electronic hits. 18 years old and up only. Departs Wednesdays and Fridays 9:00 pm to 12:00 am; Dock #3 Cabo San Lucas Marina. Cost: US $45.00 per person. Includes premium open bar. JUNGLE FLOATING DISCO & CLUB - The one and only late night floating night club with optional open bar or bottle service, VIP tables and STAR lounge. Departs Friday and Saturday from 9:30 pm to 12:30 pm. Cost: US $35 per person. 18 years old and up. Includes: premium international open bar, dancing to current hits, hip-hop and electronic music. JUNGLE REGGAE BOOZE CRUISE - The ultimate Cabo San Lucas wild booze cruise. If you’re here for the famous Cabo spring break, this is the tour for you. Departs: Tuesday through Sunday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (winter) or 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (summer). Cost: $35 usd per person. 18 years old and up only. Includes: All-you can drink booze, dancing, reggae and party music. No dinner included, make sure you eat before the tour! PEZ GATO - Dance, drink and play on a catamaran at sunset. Children are welcome! Cost: US $39 per person and includes national bar. Ages 5-11 are half price and under 5 are free.
BARS and NIGHTCLUBS FUN in the SUN BILLYGAN’S ISLAND - A fun beach club and restaurant where you can go for lunch and soak up the sun in their lounge chairs and beach mats. Don’t miss their house drink called Billygan’s Special and their daily contests and shows. Located in Medano beach. MANGO DECK - The perfect place for those wanting to let loose in Cabo. They have entertainment all day and night, from live music to beer drinking, dancing and wet t-shirt contests. Great happy hour margaritas and a lively staff. Located in Medano beach. NIKKI BEACH - Known for its white teepees, pool-side lounge beds and sexy and stylish pool party scene. As the sun sets, resident DJs get the crowd going with beats of dance and house music. Located in the Hotel ME Cabo on Medano Beach. THE OFFICE - located on Medano beach, it is the perfect place to spend the day sipping on your choice of beach drink, swimming in the ocean, souvenir shopping and people-watching. The Office has great food and is family friendly. 16
CABO WABO CANTINA - A Cabo San Lucas landmark that has been owned by the famous rock star Sammy Hagar since it’s opening in 1990. You are guaranteed some amazing live rock music with their talented house band and if you’re lucky you might even see Sammy or any other big name artist hop on stage on any given night. CANIBAL BAR - A brand-new spot that offers in-door and outdoor areas with special attention to the decor and wall art. Open late. Lounge while you listen to live music or dance to famous DJs’ beats. Located on Vicente Guerrero, across from Cabo Wabo. EL SQUID ROE - You can feel the high energy the moment you walk into this three-story night club and restaurant. It’s very well known for its lively staff that not only serve you, but will entertain you all night long. GIGGLIN’ MARLIN - Just a fisherman’s bar in the beginning, this Cabo landmark is now a seafood restaurant that becomes a lively night club once the sun sets. The large image outside of a man hanging upside down next to a “giggling marlin” is hard to miss. One of the traditions of this bar is to hang brave souls upside down while they do a tequila shot! KNOTTY - The unique decor and ambiance of this club was designed by world-renowned Davis Krumins. Dance to the beats of house music mixed by live DJs and even climb into the tree-like dancing cage in the middle of the club.
Uno Mas?
LA VAQUITA BAR - The newest addition to the nightclub strip in Cabo San Lucas. This multilevel nightclub offers a fun environment with wild and colorful decor and great dance music until the late hours of the night. PINK KITTY - Known for its nightclub bottle service scene and cosmopolitan style atmosphere, Pink Kitty is a popular spot for dance and house music. They often feature famous DJs who fire up the crowd on the dance floor until 4:00 am. THE JUNGLE BAR - Casual bar for good tunes, live music every night and local culture. Located in Plaza de los Mariachis, bellow Cabo Wabo. THE NOWHERE BAR - A happening open-air bar with dance music and dance floor that’s located right on the beautiful Cabo marina. Known for its popular Tuesday ladies’ night, Nowhere Bar is a hot place for celebrity sightings and has an excellent staff and service. Visit during the day for a refreshing happy hour beer or at night for a fun and stylish party scene. UNO MAS? - This casual little palapa bar speaks for itself. Known for their fresh fruit drinks and the damn cold beer, you may stop for just one, but you will find yourself asking for Uno Mas! Located in Downtown Cabo San Lucas in Plaza Del Sol.
NIGHTLIFE IN SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO 11:11 DISCO ROOM - San José’s newest night club. An exclusive venue located in Plaza el Pescador that offers a hip and fresh concept for the Los Cabos’ electronic music scene. ROCK & BREWS - The founding partners, which include members of the band KISS, opened their first international location of Rock & Brews in March 2013 in San José del Cabo. It is located in Plaza del Pescador and offers live rock music, flat screens throughout playing some of the greatest moments in rock history, great food and an energetic nightlife. The venue pays tribute to rock & roll with walls covered with rock-inspired art. SHOOTERS - This fun and casual bar located on a second floor terrace overlooks San José’s downtown area and is ideal for enjoying a beer or your favorite beverage while watching the latest hits or a game on their flat-screens. A popular place for local residents. www.DestinoMagazine.com | DECEMBER 2014
ENTERTAINMENT
MONDAYS LOS CABOS ORGANIC FARMERS MARKET - 8:00 am -12:00 pm. Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas. TUESDAYS SAL Y MUSICA FESTIVAL - 6:00 pm to midnight. A street party that celebrates the city’s passion for music and food. Downtown San José del Cabo. WEDNESDAYS LOS CABOS ORGANIC FARMERS MARKET - 8:00 am -12:00 pm. Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas. EVENING BIKE RIDE IN SAN JOSÉ 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Meet at Plaza del Pescador before 7:30 pm. Bike rentals available at Sportia bike store located in Plaza del Pescador. info@sportia.com (624) 130-7159 EL GANZO FILM CLUB - 7:30 pm. Hosted by Art Director Marc Deniro whose credits include Troy, Master and Commander, among others. www.elganzo.com (624) 104-9000 WINE CLASSES AT GRAND SOLMAR A weekly class in wine-making at the resort’s La Roca restaurant. Classes are $49.00. For reservations call: (624) 145 7575 BIRDING IN THE SAN JOSÉ ESTUARY Go bird-watching in the beautiful San José estuary with a guided tour. Includes binoculars and scopes. Reservations required. For more information and reservations call (625) 144-3539 or email birdingloscabos@gmail.com. THURSDAYS SAL Y MUSICA FESTIVAL - 6:00 pm to midnight. A street party that celebrates the city’s passion for music and food. Downtown San José del Cabo. WINE TASTING at DE CORTEZ - 5:30 pm. Restaurant in the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar. $35.00 per person. CINE CLUB EN EL PABELLON CULTURAL - 7:30 pm. Free movies at the Cabo San Lucas Cultural Pavilion located on the marina. FRIDAYS NIKKI BEACH IN THE HOUSE - 12:00 pm until sunset. Sushi 2x1 from 1pm to 2pm Resident DJS: Antonio Flores. For table and bottle reservations:
call 52 624 145.7800 or e-mail: reservations.cabo@nikkibeach.com PALMILLA FARMERS MARKET 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. At the Shops at Palmilla. ART FEST - 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Downtown Cabo San Lucas in Plaza Amelia Wilkes. SATURDAYS LOS CABOS ORGANIC FARMERS MARKET - 8:00 am -12:00 pm. Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas. BIRDING IN THE SAN JOSÉ ESTUARY - Go bird-watching in the beautiful San José estuary with a guided tour. Includes binoculars and scopes. Reservations required. For more information and reservations call (625) 144-3539 or email birdingloscabos@gmail.com. SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO ORGANIC MARKET - 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Art & Crafts, food and music. SOLEIL @ NIKKI BEACH - 12:00 pm to sunset. The sexiest party in Cabo, set against the backdrop of swaying palms and the glistening Sea of Cortez. Resident DJs: Sam Koen + Antonio Flores. For table and bottle reservations: call 52 624 145.7800 or e-mail: reservations.cabo@nikkibeach.com EL GANZO POOL PARTIES - 2:00 pm. At the rooftop pool with special guest DJs. www.elganzo.com. (624) 104-9000. CICLOVÍA CABO SAN LUCAS - Sundays 7:00 am to 11:00 am. The main street of Cabo San Lucas closes to automobile traffic allowing bikers, skaters, walkers and joggers to exercise freely. SUNDAYS AMAZING SUNDAYS @ NIKKI BEACH - 12:00 am to sunset. Delight your palate with our exquisite Sunday Brunch and amuse your senses with live special performances. FAT LOSS SCIENCE SEMINARS Sundays 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. With Robyn Littlewood, Personal Trainer, Weight Loss Expert and Health Journalist. Held in the hospitality suite at Villa del Arco. Call (624) 113-9532 for details.
LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULES by Marilyn G raham
CABO SAN LUCAS BAJA BREWERY IN CABO - Fridays, Blackbeard, rock ‘n roll; 8:30 pm; Saturdays, rock ‘n roll. 144-3805. BAJA CANTINA BEACH CLUB - Medano Beach. Daily 7:00-10:00 pm Tel. 143-1111. BAR ESQUINA - 8:00 pm daily, Tuesday, “Mala Rumba”, Flamenco Guitars; Wednesday, “Toy”, Soft Rock; Thursday, “Chaplin” Acoustic Rock; Friday, “Toy” Soft Rock; Saturday, “Toy” Soft Rock; Sunday, “Kimbara” Bolero Guitar. 624.143.1889. CABO LOUNGE BAR – Saturdays, 8:00 pm, Brian Flynn. CABO WABO - Sammy Hagar’s legendary night-club in Cabo San Lucas. Music Monday through Sunday. Tel. 624.143.1188. CORAZON DE ALCACHOFA - Medano area. Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Groove Machin, featuring Ivan Ocampo on keyboard, Sebastian Dimarco on bass, Sergio Hesting on drums, Howie Clifton on saxophone, and featuring singer Jimena Bautista on Tuesday. Jazz, standards. Tel. 624.143.4041. DOC’s WINE BAR Thursdays 7:00 – 10:00 pm. Diego Ramirez on keyboard and Greg Haugesag on flugelhorn. Tel. 624105-1034. EDITHS’S RESTAURANT - Traditional Mexican music every night 6:00-10:00 pm Tel. 143-0801. HOTEL CASCADES Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9:30 pm. Daline Jones and Diego Ramirez. JUNGLE BAR - Plaza Mariachis, Cabo. Daily at 9:30 pm, Estrogeno. LATITUDE 22 ROADHOUSE - Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 7:00-10:00 pm, Peter Bacon on piano. Tel. 624.143.1516. PUERTA VIEJA RESTAURANT - Wednedays, Fridays, Saturdays, 7:00-9:00 pm, Cuban Night with Rosalia de Cuba. Tel. 624.104.3334.
Photo: Justin Miller
ONGOING EVENTS
RUTHS CHRIS STEAK HOUSE - Lazaro Cardenas S/N, Centro, Cabo San Lucas. Friday evenings, 7:00 to 10:00 pm Tel. 624.144.3232. TANGA TANGA SPORTS BAR - Fridays, 7:00 pm, Brian Flynn THE OFFICE - Daily 6:309:30 pm. Mondays, Shalom & Tito Rodriguez; Tuesdays, Luna Itzel; Wednesdays, Grand Music with Singer Mary; Thursdays, Fiesta Mexicana & Mariachis; Fridays Pa’ax; Saturdays, Kimbara Fusion; Sundays, Pura Vida. Tel. 143.3464 TWO FOR THE ROAD - Live Jazz Spot. In Wyndham Hotel/Tesoro, Blvd. Marina, Local A-15; Tuesday thru Saturdays, 8:00 pm. Closed Sundays. Montana, keyboard, and vocalist Kathy Daniels. Tel. 143-7759 or 132-2282. SOLOMON’S LANDING on the marina. Fridays, “Calle Cuatro”. Tel. 624.143.3050. SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO AY AY AY - Tel. 142-0744. Downtown San José. Bar, grill, karaoke with live mariachi. Fridays 11:00 pm Karla Kassaneth. BAJA BREWING COMPANY - Downtown San José del Cabo, Fridays & Saturdays, Tel. 624.146.9995. CORAL BAJA, MAMA MIA'S Restaurant, The Shamans. Tel. 624.142.3939, ext. 730 DON SANCHEZ CANTINA - Fridays karaoke; Saturdays salsa. Tel. 624.142.2444. FLORA’S FARM Tuesdays & Saturdays, The Shamans (rock); Wednesday's, Howie Clifton saxophone; Fridays, a Latin Trio; Sunday Brunch, jazz. Tel. 624.355.4564. MOLLY’S - 7:00 to 9:45 Plaza Mijares (Hidalgo e/
Doblado y Álvaro Obregón). Singer Jimena Bautista with Alejandro García on Keyboard. Tel. 624-358-7065. ROCK AND BREWS - Plaza del Pescador; Rock n roll. Tel. For Schedule call 624.105.2705. SPICY COOPER’S - Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Pulpos en Su Tinta with David Flores. Located at Morelos #15, in Downtown San José. Tel. 624.142.0739. SYRIACCUS BAR Tuesdays 10:30 pm -1:00 am. 624.142.3939 THE CONTAINER - Puerto Los Cabos on The Marina. Fridays and Saturdays, rock 7:00 pm 10:00 pm. 624.105.6628 TROPICANA Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays. Mariachis grupo “Voces”; Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays. 624.142.4146 or 624.142.2311 ZIPPERS - Wednesdays and Sundays, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm. Singer Jimena Bautista, Alex Garcia on keyboard, Jesse Andrade on guitar, and Joaquin Gonzalez on drums. Fridays, Jesse Davis rock ‘n roll. Tel. 624.172.6162. 7 SEAS SEAFOOD GRILLE - Full Moon Jazz Concerts. Call for schedule. 624.142.2666. CERRITOS CERRITOS BEACH CLUB - Sundays, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Daline Jones and Diego Ramirez. TODOS SANTOS Hotel Guaycura Restaurant - Fridays, 6:30 – 9:30 pm. Saturdays, jazz, 6:30 – 9:30 pm. Tel. 612.175.0800 EAST CAPE THE CROSSROADS Country Club Located 22 miles on camino de la costa pasing Punta perfecta on Vinorama. Tel. 624.157.9542 VIDASOUL - Ecofocused Hotel located at 1000 Camino Cabo Este, Boca de la Vinorama. Beach shows with local legends, such as Pura Vida and Kilometro Band, and U.S. acts like Tim Lang and Portland’s Bolt Upright. Tel. 624.142.1659.
For additions or corrections to this schedule, please email marilynmgraham@hotmail.com
www.DestinoMagazine.com | DECEMBER 2014
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ONE
ON
ONE with
DON FELDER By Michelle Monroy and Yésica Pineda
One of the best guitar solos of all time...mirrors on the ceiling, the pink champagne on ice...this New Year's Eve Los Cabos will party at DESPERADOS. Don Felder is in town! A four-time Grammy® Award winner, one of the most popular and influential rock lead guitarists, famous for his song Hotel California and awarded by RIAA for recording the top-selling album of the 20th century, the former member of the band THE EAGLES saw his record Road to Forever hit #1 in the Classic Rock charts with his song You don't have me. Don Felder chats with Destino Magazine Editor Michelle Monroy about Los Cabos, music, and life. 18
Happy new year!
DM: When was the first time you came to Cabo? What made you return? DF: The first time I came to Cabo was about thirty years ago. My son grew up on the beach in Malibu and was an avid surfer. He wanted to come down to Cabo for his birthday and surf Costa Azul. We went on a dad and son surf trip, flew down with his surfboard, rented a Jeep, headed to the hotel, and the first thing the next morning we went out to Costa Azul. We had a wonderful time; I watched him surf and enjoyed the beautiful weather. After that, I started returning to Cabo with my wife. We would go down and stay at Palmilla; we love that hotel. I would play golf - when the golf course was added - and then I eventually started moving my boat to the Cabo marina during the winters. I met some delightful people that were also using the Cabo Marina as their escape during the cold winters. I just fell in love with Cabo and I returned often as I could, either to play golf or for sportfishing, I just always had a great time. DM: Los Cabos is a great golf destination and it’s known that you’re an avid golfer. Do you have a favorite course in Cabo? DF: I love Cabo del Sol and I've always enjoyed playing Palmilla. A friend of mine built a house out there, just past the Palmilla Hotel. We would go golfing and then go out to the boat on the marina. It was just delightful. DM: You have worked with many musicians throughout your career. Do you have any particular experiences that have marked your life? DF: I think a lot of my musical background came from my early childhood and my teen years when I was in bands with Steven Stills. We were around fourteen years old. I was Tom Petty's guitar teacher when I was about sixteen. Duane Allman taught me how to play slide guitar. There was this studio down in Miami called Criteria Recording Studio and it had five different studios in the complex. When we started making records with the Eagles down there, you could walk down the hallway and the Bee Gees would be in one studio and Crosby Stills Nash and Young would be in another. Clapton would be there, and then Chicago in another room. You would walk down the hall and someone would say "Hey, come in here, we need a guitar part.” A lot of my influences and experiences in my music career occurred by having a lot of doors open when I was at the right place, at the right time, and also by knowing the right people. My early influences were artists like BB King, Albert King, which are great blues players, Chet Atkins who was a great country artist, Howard Roberts, who was a great jazz guitar player. I started trying to learn any and everything I could possibly get my ears on. Just learning how to play it all.
DM: Where do you find inspiration? DF: I don't really pursue inspiration. I think it finds me. Something happens in the day, or I hear a phrase or I read a couple of sentences that give me a thought, an inspiration or an insight into a song idea. I frequently sit around watching television and playing guitar, just fiddling around, and all of a sudden I hear something in the music score of the orchestra and I have to stop my DVR and rewind it. Sometimes I’m driving down the freeway in LA singing a melody into my iPhone - trying not to get stopped by the police - or I’m on an airplane scribbling lyrics into a music-writing program called Master Writers. I spend a lot of what you would normally call "wasted time" on the road, in hotels, on the airplanes, or backstage playing and writing. It's always around; it's just a matter of hearing something that triggers a thought or an idea. I've learned over my years that if I don't immediately write it down, or immediately jump on the idea, or record it, then an hour or so later it's gone. That's what happened with the song Hotel California. I was sitting on the beach in Malibu playing guitar and this idea came out and I ran into my little one-year-old daughter 's bedroom. When she was awake I had a little recording studio there. I recorded the basic idea and then came back later thinking, "you know, I think I'm going to finish this.” If I had not put it down somewhere it would have gone away. I'm very attentive to those really subtle inspirations that come along, and when they show up, I grab them. DM: Which of the songs that you have written is closer to your heart? DF: I really enjoy the song Hotel California, mainly because at every live show, I get to play it. For example, I do shows for the United Nations in New York City. The last time I was there, which was a couple years ago, I went out and played in front of five hundred Heads of State and Presidents from all over the World. I would say that only less than half of them spoke English, but when I started playing Hotel California, everybody in that room knew the song. Even if they didn't speak English, they hummed and sang along as if they knew the lyrics. At the end, I got a standing ovation for it. That song has probably had the greatest global impact of anything I've been a part of creating. It seems to have the longevity that a lot of other songs don't. DM: Do you have a favorite guitar? DF: I actually do. When we used to travel through Texas at least once, if not twice a year, there was a guy down there that wore a big cowboy hat and he either had a station wagon or a pickup truck or a suburban. Every time he had a different car. He went all around through Texas and the South and found these great old collectible guitars. Gibsons, Les Pauls, Fender Stratocasters, old Telecasters, Broadcasters, Pre-war Martin acoustic guitars,
When we started making records with the Eagles down there, you could walk down the hallway and the Bee Gees would be in one studio and Crosby Stills Nash and Young would be in another. Clapton would be there, and then Chicago in another room. You would walk down the hall and someone would say "Hey, come in here, we need a guitar part." www.DestinoMagazine.com | DECEMBER 2014
19
Photography courtesy Don Felder
Everly Brothers acoustic guitars; things you just never found. In every town that we went through he would show-up with his station wagon full of guitars, knowing that I was the sucker I was at that time. I would buy nearly everything he had in his car. Amongst them was a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Sunburst. I recorded nearly everything on the Eagles records with it, including Hotel California. I still use it today. A couple of years ago, the Gibson Company contacted me. They took that guitar and made an exact replica and duplicated it three hundred times as the Don Felder Hotel California Guitar. Then they went to the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame and took my White Double
up with these songs and know every lyric. This appreciation that you get from the result of your hard work is really what's probably the most gratifying. I would say as far as the difficult times, there's nothing that really outweighs the positive outcome of all of our efforts and successes. At the end of 1999, the RIAA, which is the Recording Industry Association of America, presented us with an award that really surpassed any other awards that I've ever received. It was a plaque for the largest selling album of the twentieth century. If you think of all the other artists of the twentieth century, Elvis, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, there are so many great artists. One of our re-
A LEGENDARY NEW YEARS EVE IN CABO WITH
I started trying to learn any and every thing I could possibly get my ears on. Just learning how to play it all.
Neck guitar and made one hundred and fifty exact replicas. All four hundred and fifty guitars sold within two weeks. I think out of all the guitars I own, I have nearly three hundred, the 59 Les Paul is probably closest to my heart and my favorite guitar.
cords had sold more than any other album in the twentieth century. You go to many peoples homes and you see all these platinum records and Grammys®. I have only one displayed. I guess you can imagine which one it is.
DM: What is the most gratifying experience you took from your time with The Eagles, and which one was the most difficult?
DM: Your musical repertoire includes many different songs. Which style of set list can guests anticipate for New Years at Desperados to welcome in 2015?
DF: Like in any relationship you can think back and have wonderful times, wonderful memories, laughs, and then there's also the really hard work,and the difficulty in all the travel, and all the stuff on both sides of it. We all poured a great amount of hard work into the songwriting, the touring, and the recording. We spent many days, weeks, months and years working to perfect a project. It would take us over a year to make an album that had only ten songs on it because we cared so much about making it really great. Then there’s the feeling that you get from the appreciation of the millions of fans around the world that grew
DF: I will do a lot of the songs that I cowrote, recorded and played on tour with the Eagles during the twenty-seven years that I was in the band. That's pretty much what I’m most known for. I will do some of my solo material like "Heavy Metal," which I wrote for an animated film in the mid-eighties and that so many people now remember, as well as a couple of songs from my new solo CD titled "The Road to Forever. Great rock 'n roll tracks. I will also do a tip-of-the-hat to Stevie Ray Vaughan. It will be a great night of rock 'n roll, everybody knows just about every song. It will be a great time and a fun New Year's Eve.*
20
AT
Space is limited. For tickets please call: (624) 143-4313 or (624) 119-2289 www.DestinoMagazine.com | DECEMBER 2014
www.DestinoMagazine.com | DECEMBER 2014
21
ART & CULTURE SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO
Holiday Traditions in Mexico By Fernando Rodriguez
The Mexican observance and celebration of Christmas in Los Cabos and all over the country, officially begins on December 3, with the start of a nine day novena in honor of the Virgin Mary and the Virgen de Guadalupe (The Novena is a form of worship consisting of special prayers or services on nine successive days). The Mexican celebration of Christmas continues from that early nine days of prayer and service of December 3 through Tuesday December 16. Exactly nine days before December 25, Christmas Day. The second nine days of mini-fiestas are called Las Posadas, which commemorate Joseph and Mary's pilgrimage to the city of Bethlehem. The nine days also symbolize the nine months of Mary's pregnancy with her son, Jesus Christ. The menu at nearly every Latino home during this period will consist of beef, chicken and sweet corn tamales, honey or syrupsoaked sugar fried buñuelos; which are akin to a very thin flour tortilla sized version of sugary sweet french toast. A favorite of everyone, especially the youngsters. Flaky, brown sugarcoated Churros are another sweet mainstay from the fried dough menu during this Christmas week and two days. Most of these tasty treats are accompanied with Mexican hot chocolate, which is made with little brown oval cubes of chocolate, stirred patiently in large metal or clay jugs of milk. Another delectable dish that is part of the gastronomic landscape of ''Las Poasadas'' is pozole (pohso-leh) which is traditionally served on Christmas Eve in a bowl. Pozole is a hominy based soup that comes with shredded beef, chicken or pork, sprinkled with cabbage strips, onions, red chiles, cilantro and lemon. Thinly sliced radishes and 22
chopped avocados are also part of the yummy ingredients to this very tasty Mexican holiday trademark. Mexican piñatas are also a joyous, integral part of the nine day celebration. Every kid loves taking their turn swinging a baseball bat or stick while blindfolded to break the candy filled star shaped piñatas, which then causes the mad scramble by small children and parents to recover the candies that fall from its elevated place, swinging above on a rope. While downtown businesses and homes in Los Cabos do not match the colorful ornaments, and decorative homes with lilies and evergreens, that are visible in cities within the mainland of Mexico, the local community makes every effort to enjoy this special time of Christmas equally. Catholic Christmas Eve mass of course, is celebrated at midnight, as it is in the South America, Europe, the USA and Spain. All of these fun, family festivities end on January 6, when everyone gathers together to share what is known as the Rosca de Reyes or ''Ring of the Kings." The rosca or ''ring'', is an oval shaped sweet bread that contains a few small one inch, white-colored plastic figurines of a baby (Jesus) that symbolizes the epiphany and/or arrival of the Three Kings/Reyes Magos, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, for Christ, the newborn son. The significance of the gold, frankincense and myrrh that the Magi/Three Kings presented to the baby Jesus, according to the Gospel of Matthew (2:11) is these valuable items were standard gifts to honor a king or deity in the ancient world. Gold as a precious metal, frankincense as perfume or incense, and myrrh as anointing oil. *
The Art Walk happens every Thursday evening between the months of November and June, the galleries welcome guests to enjoy an evening strolling by the neighborhood, viewing art, sipping wine and dining at the artsy neighborhood restaurants. Galleries are open from 5pm-9pm special events such as “artist in attendance” or openings of new work will enchant you.
ART DISTRICT MAP AND GALLERIES:
a Amber Art - The finest Chiapas amber
j Ivan Guaderrama Art Gallery -
b
k
c d e f g h i
collection includes perfume bottles, jewelry and sculptures. Arte Julian García - Julian García’s paintings and metal sculptures. Also featuring national and international art exhibitions. Casa Dahlia - Baja’s top contemporary artists. Casa Don Pablo - Custom ironwork, original Mexican art, Talavera, woodcarvings, fine silver, and local historic photographs. El Armario - Authentic Mexican folk art from many different regions around Mexico. El Lunario - Fine Art Gallery. Frank Arnold Gallery - Working in oil on canvas and cast bronze from his studio and gallery in San José del Cabo. Galería Corsica - This gallery specializes in figurative and abstract paintings and sculptures. Galería de Ida Victoria - Fine art by local and international artists featuring paintings, sculpture, photography and limited edition prints.
l m
n o
p
q
Contemporary art with the use of different materials such as glass work and metal. La Dolce Art Gallery - Modern paintings that embrace colour, texture and selfexpression. La Sacristía - Pottery, ceramics and silver jewellery. Mata Ortiz Gallery - Pottery molded and hand painted with different strokes and colors characteristic of the archaeological region of Paquime, Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua.. Muvezi - Sculptures of Shona Artists from Zimbabwe who are recognized as the world’s finest stone sculptors. O Gallery - A gallery that embraces a diversity of style from select artists and craftsmen. The show is ever-evolving, offering beauty and surprises. Patricia Mendoza Gallery - Mexico’s top contemporary artists such as, Lucille Wong, Javier Guadarrama, Eric Perez and Joao Rodriguez, among others. Old Town Gallery - Eight world renowned artists that uniquely capture the color, culture, and light quality of Baja.
www.DestinoMagazine.com | DECEMBER 2014
ART & CULTURE
DESTINO PUZZLES
Solution on page 27
ACROSS 1 Wake maker 5 It’s sold in bars 9 Dermatology diagnosis 13 Trademark Cabo attraction 14 Realtor’s listing 15 It’s fit to be tied 16 Bubbly barroom beverage 17 Some saxes or singers 18 Rain in Spain 19 Say it’s so 21 Place for free spirits 23 NCAA affiliate 24 Encouraging word 25 Funny fellow 28 Affectionate term 31 Desert flora 36 Commotion 37 Prepares margaritas, perhaps 40 Tender ender 41 Colorful cocktails 44 Lacking slack 45 A little flat? 46 Election day abbr. 47 Forty winks 49 Catch sight of 50 Inclined 51 Life imitator, often
54 Go for the gold? 56 Hot stuff 60 Puts into office 64 Chip dip, for short 65 Board or beer adjective 67 Piglet’s pal 68 Lake or canal 69 Test type 70 In addition 71 Come together 72 Take five 73 Survive DOWN 1 With 32 Down, ‘Arabian Nights’ hero 2 Rock group? 3 High cards 4 Lost deliberately 5 The sun in San Sebastian 6 In the know 7 Take in or take on 8 Puzzling problem 9 Grumpy crustacean? 10 Downward dog discipline 11 Boot attachment 12 Oolong or Pekoe 14 Hoots and hollers 20 Torah authority
22 The Big Apple, initially 25 Charlie of ‘The Stones’ 26 Best-case scenario 27 Chef’s topper 29 Concern of 25 Across 30 Come to pass 32 See 1 Down 33 ____ Mesa, CA 34 Mooring place (hyph.) 35 Atlas feature 38 Clothing, casually 39 Unduly curt 42 SLC athlete 43 Fit for a king 48 Good buddy 52 One on horseback 53 To the point 55 Sherpa’s turf 56 Preserve, in a way 57 Hard water? 58 How some like 12 Down 59 Back tack 61 Cuba libre ingredient 62 Stir a salad 63 Tequila serving, sometimes 64 Ring rock 66 Kind of cat or chance
www.DestinoMagazine.com | DECEMBER 2014
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HEALTHY LIVING by yeye
Yoga MUSIC
IN SPIR AT I O N Inspiration. Without it nothing gets created. So we keep searching for a muse. Sometimes, mind gets insanely busy, making no space for inspiration, and we forget that the solution is to still ourselves and take time for peaceful contemplation. We get stuck in the repetition of our obsessive thinking, and somehow we create loops in time, finding ourselves living the same experience over and over, until the lesson is learnt. Breath brings us back to our senses, we remember to observe our sensations and honour how we feel, we recover the balance of our mind and find equanimity in the midst of change. Memory keeps a record of that which makes us react, and maybe that is why so many of us choose to loose it at some point or the other, because reactions are not always well advised by wisdom, but the body remembers, life after life. As life keeps happening to us moment by moment, even when we are unaware, either we create or we are created. Inspiration is needed. When inspiration is gone, we always can count on Music to help us reconnect with ourselves. That is why it is healing, music connects us to ourselves, it lights up the whole brain; emotional, motor and creative areas. A group of researchers discovered that playing music to premature babies reduce their pain and promotes healthy feeding habits, which helps them gain weight. Clinical directors and music therapists use instruments that mimic heartbeats and womb sounds, as well as their own voices, to comfort their newborns. Hospitals around the world use music as a way to ease patients’ pain, lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, depression, and trauma. Military programs use Music to help veterans recover their sanity and health, lost in war. The book The Sound of Music details the effects of music and describes the results to the experiments conducted with plants, some music kills the plants, some music helps them grow. So much can be said about the healing benefits of music, people with neurological damage or affected with Parkinson disease can “recover a symmetric step and a sense of equilibrium.” The musical beats can serve as a step signal to the brain. Music can revert dementia, enhance hearing and prevents its loss; it helps a damage heart by reducing arterial pressure, and anxiety. It has been proven that to listen to songs that provoke a sensation of happiness, enhances blood circulation and helps vascular health. Music enhances physical workout, sooths teenager moods and influences behaviour. Music Therapy is a respected profession since 1950s. The musician is the hierophant of the mysteries of the Universe, raising human awareness through vibration and the healing power of tone. Inspiration? It is simple to find, really. It comes right before an exhale. * 24
A yoga practice is a holistic process. Traditionally, unless you are practicing Kirtan yoga, music is not used during yoga practice, as it can distract your attention and make you loose the balance of your mind. That being said, in a world like the one we live today, full of distractions and tons of subliminal information targeted to our consciousness, using Music during asana practice can be a great experience that helps us focus, provides motivation, and generally makes the whole effort more enjoyable. This is because the mind needs to focus its attention to achieve the state of yoga. For the mind to be able to focus its complete attention it must be free from negativity, craving and aversion. In a wholesome yoga practice, the practitioner follows a very clear path of morality in order to be able to concentrate the mind. A yogi vows to do nothing harmful, to speak truthfully (avoiding gossip, exaggeration and harmful speech), vows to avoid taking that which doesn’t belong to you, to have a sexual behaviour that harms no one (including the self), and to keep the mind clear by not intoxicating it with alcohol or drugs. By following this morality (Sila), the yogi can achieve the right type of concentration (Samma Samadhi) so the mind can be purified and have access to insight, making room for wisdom, insight in the true nature of reality (pañña). Since most of us are in the beginnings stages of our understanding of Yoga, our motivation to practice might come only from the health benefits of the physical practice of postures (asana), and we might choose to ignore the other 7 parts of the practice. Here, the right kind of Music can help.
Observe, if you pay no attention to your morality or your breath, your mind will behave like what is called a “monkey mind”, in a loop of repetitive thoughts about what others did to you, what you did to others, what you did in the past and what you plan to do in the future; a worried mind gives no room for the right kind of concentration to happen, and balance is lost; instead of healing the issues that bring you to your yoga practice, without concentration you are bound to create more negativity, and your practice will only suffer. So that is why Music helps. The right kind of music. A good tune will tune you to listen and observe your sensations. By listening to the right kind of music you can ease yourself into your breath, which is the recommended focus point for our attention simply because your breath is connected to your mind, and there is nothing more present than the breath. The more attention you give to your breathing, the less thinking your mind does. The mind can’t focus and think at the same time. The smaller the focused area is, the stronger the focus of the mind is, and it can focus on your most subtle sensations. And that is what yoga practice goal is, to awaken your awareness at the subatomic level, at the deepest level of the mind. By observing your sensations from a yoga practice perspective, ignorance is not longer, negativity is eradicated, and you learn to understand that sensations only arise to pass away. This understanding helps you to not react, and to keep your mind balanced, peaceful, and equanimous in the midst of change. This is wisdom. As unwanted things happen, or wanted things do not happen, you learn to not react with craving or aversion, and be the master of your mind. Why attach to this and suffer if this is going to change? Why reject that and suffer if that is going to change? All is impermanent. Just observe patiently, aware, equanimous...and feel the music. *
Farmer’s Markets
SAN JOSÉ ORGANIC FARMER’S MARKET: Saturdays 9am to 3pm THE SHOPS AT PALMILLA: Fridays 9am to 1pm LOS CABOS ORGANIC MARKET - PEDREGAL, CABO SAN LUCAS: Wednesday & Saturdays 8am to 12pm
* Yeye studies Yoga since 2000, teaches yoga since 2003 and completed a master yoga teacher’s training with her teacher, Ashthanga Yogi and Power Yoga founder, Bryan Kest, in 2010. Yeye is a Vipassana meditation practitioner since 2002 in the tradition of S.N. Goenka. www.dhamma.org. Music and writing are her expression of life, for the benefit of all. She believes all beings are bound to be happy, peaceful, and liberated.
www.DestinoMagazine.com | DECEMBER 2014
Organic
HEALTHY LIVING
MANTRA
It is not only a good idea, it is a natural law: everything in the Universe is vibration. “Vibration though sometimes subtle, it is real. Blessing our food – giving thanks – is also an important piece of healthy, balanced eating. Putting the intention of gratitude into the food we eat enhances its vibrational properties. Reciting a mantra is a way of connecting with and manipulating very specific subtle energies. Mantra is the pure essential energy of Sound, and Sound in its most essential and pure manifestation has infinite creative and healing potentiality.” Tibetan Medicine, a natural herbal medical science mentions Mantra Healing as a method of treatment. Tibetan Medicine has two primary goals: 1. Prevention of Disease through healthy diet and correct habits of lifestyle. 2. Treatment of Disease - when illness has manifested. In Traditional Tibetan Medicine, Treatment generally falls into Four basic categories: Therapeutic Diet, Modifications to lifestyle factors, Use of herbal Medicines, Application of External Therapies. Mantra Healing can be used separately as a treatment in its own right, or it can be combined with any of the four above-mentioned treatment modalities in order to enhance their effects. When used in conjunction with diet, Mantras can be used to empower foods for therapeutic purposes, or to detoxify contaminated foods. We are what we eat, consider what vibration it is that you want to eat today and sing a mantra while cooking. Season your food with some Ra Ma Da Sa for healing or Har Haray Haree for prosperity. According to Spirit Voyage publication, Yoga retreat chefs, Bir Singh and Sirgun Kaur of Austin, say they use Mangala Charan by Satkirin Kaur Khalsa “when energy gets low.” They say it picks them up as the chefs and “puts good energy in the food for the students to keep up.” Baja Sur, is a unique and special land. We are home to a Dzogchen retreat center of Tibetan traditions and healing called Los Naranjos, where educational
workshops, festivals and retreats, are offered to the practitioner. For more information write to tsegyalgarwestsecretary@gmail.com
www.DestinoMagazine.com | DECEMBER 2014
25
DISCOVER
The Islands of Loreto For adventure-seekers and nature-lovers, The Islands of Loreto offer an unknown paradise where visitors can encounter resident seabirds, sea lions, massive rock formations and white sand dunes where you can camp out, swim, sunbathe and just enjoy the dramatic surroundings. CORONADO ISLAND This Island is located 7 miles northeast of the coast of the town of Loreto. It is a wildlife reserve where visitors may anchor, scuba and snorkel. On Coronado Island you can find sea dahlias, various species of cactus, wild cucumber and house-leek. You can also find bird colonies that nest on the island such as pelicans, gulls, petrels and sea ducks that can be spotted in the nearby waters. It’s very common to see sea lions, seals, elephant seals and sea otters. Only a short 30 minute ride, Coronado Island is the ideal place for an adventure or for relaxation; sunbathe on the semiarid beach, observe colonies of sea lions and dolphins, snorkel and simply immerse yourself in nature.
ISLA DEL CARMEN A 45 minute ride in a panga boat from the Loreto’s main dock, Isla Del Carmen is the largest island of the Sea of Cortez that consists of 15,000 protected hectares and is only accessible with a guide. This allows you to experience a strong coexistence with nature along with complete privacy and freedom. The history of Carmen Island revolves mainly around the salt deposits located on the north end of the island which are called Bahia Salinas. The Isla del Carmen salt industry ceased operations in 1984.
ISLA DANZANTE Isla Danzante is a Loreto icon that is home to many endemic plants, coral reefs and a wide variety of marine species. Its lovely and small beaches are a great place to enjoy diving, hiking or just relaxing under the sun at Honeymoon Beach.
MONTSERRAT ISLAND Located approximately 3 hours from Loreto, Montserrat Island is the perfect place for snorkeling and trail hiking. Constituted by volcanic rock, the island measures 4.35 miles long in direction North-South and 3 miles east-west. On the north side there are two islets called Las Galeras where copper veins have been discovered.
ISLA SANTA CATALANA A great extension of land and sea where you will find biznagas (local cactus species) of up to 16 feet tall, incredible natural beauty and a rich diversity of fauna. *
NEW FLIGHTS TO LORETO As of April 15, 2015, WestJet will offer weekly non-stop service from Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Loreto (LTO). “Loreto, Mexico may be one of the best places you’ve never heard of,” says Chris Avery, WestJet Vice-President, Network Planning, Alliances and Corporate Development. “Visitors can enjoy everything from sport fishing and kayaking to eco-tourism adventures.”
New route details provided by WestJet airlines: Route: Calgary-Loreto Frequency: Weekly Departing: 9 am Arriving: 12:55 pm Effective: Feb. 14, 2015
“We have more flights and more seats to the places Canadians want to go,” said Avery.
Route: Loreto-Calgary Frequency: Weekly Departing: 1:50 pm Arriving: 5:56 pm Effective: Feb. 14, 2015
Fly down to Baja next year and discover beautiful Loreto!
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These 5 islands around Loreto are an excellent choice for a variety of activities and should not be missed. To book an excursion to one of these fantastic islands ask your hotel concierge.
Get the Best Prices in Sportfishing boat luhrs 32 ft. with Danzante Tours.
Ranked the Best Sport Fishing of the World For reservations
Code: destiago14
Toll Free USA/CA 800 790 4187 Photo Courtesy of Villa Del Palmar Loreto
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reservaciones.vdpl@vgloreto.com villadelpalmarloreto.com
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Solution for puzzle on page 23
COUPONS
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HOME
I M A G I N E you live here great reasons to live in
Q:
Real Estate questions asked by you, answered by local real estate expert Blake Harrington, of REmexico Real Estate Group
What is the closing process when purchasing a home in Los Cabos?
A:
There are thousands of Americans, Canadians, and/or Ex-Pats that reside in Los Cabos full time in their deeded full ownership property. The process of closing a deal on your next Baja dream home has continually improved over the years. While each transaction has its own characteristics, here's how it works in most cases and with our buyers at REmexico Real Estate Group.... Deposits: Once the buyer and seller have come to an agreement on price and terms in writing, we categorize the property as "Pending" and/or "Under Contract". The initial deposit is usually between 5-10% of the purchase price, or as had been written and agreed upon in the Offer to Purchase submitted by the buyer, and delivered to an escrow account within 5-7 days of acceptance. Escrow: There are two commonly used escrow holders in Cabo. Stewart Title and Fidelity both have representatives locally and provide services for safe transfers of purchase or proceed funds for both buyer and seller. Each company, respectively, hold accounts in United States and Mexico so the principals/clients can determine which account best suits their needs. Our clients find piece of mind in using these well-respected escrow companies when purchasing a home and we do work hand in hand with the escrow companies on the closings of each deal. Title and Closing Time Frames: As we've discussed before in the Destino Magazine Q&A, the two instruments to hold title depend on your citizenship and status within Mexico. 1. For nationals of Mexico, they may use traditional title with "Escritura". This process is a quicker process where titles can be drawn up in as little as 30 days and closing thereafter. 2. For foreigners, the "Fideicomiso" takes a bit longer to draw up within the banks. So, this makes the closing process more of a 60-90 day process, with most closings happening around the 90th day. Notary and Closing: Once all paperwork, titles are ready for transfer, the buyers and sellers meet with their broker and attorney with a local notary to finalize the deal. At this point, funds are released and all legal documentation transfers are completed. At REmexico Real Estate, we understand that this process may be a bit confusing. However, that is why we are here! We take pride in our knowledge of the process and in assisting our clients through the closing process smoothly. Send us your Los Cabos real estate questions to: blake@caborealestate.com 28
LOS CABOS
by Janet Jensen
You can find Janet Jensen most mornings stand up paddling, surfing or taking a beach walk and a swim with her dogs. Her local favorites are Zippers (San Jose del Cabo), Acapulquito, (Cabo Surf Hotel) and of course the East Cape. A Native of Vancouver, British Columbia, Janet has 18 years selling Real Estate in Los Cabos and was awarded Winner 2010 Real Estate Agent by Cabo Social Magazine. Her work makes her Cabo experience one of a kind, allowing her to meet many great friends from all over the world right here in Los Cabos, with whom she shares what she calls the “Baja Bond.” Excellence is what she strives for in her work, her sport, her health and her surroundings. She believes that ‘Living is a thing you do now or never.’ Here, she gives you her 5 Great Reasons to Live in Los Cabos.
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THE PEOPLE. We are a resort community in an area whose industry, for decades, has been based on farming and fishing. Los Cabos attracts many people from other states of Mexico who know that ‘The Cape’ is a great place to live and work. These lovely people appreciate the beauty, the weather and the opportunity to work in one of the largest tourist destinations in Mexico. I am blessed to be interacting daily with Mexicans. The locals, many who have prospered from owning and developing land, see the opportunity for business. From organic farming, restaurants, fishing fleets, construction and design, ecotourism, education and retail shops, these people are a treat to interact with. Families from all over the world choose Los Cabos as a place to call home. Our area is becoming more and more of a destination, for people from all countries to visit, work and live. When I moved here in 1996 I never counted on meeting people who have become like family. My friendships and relationships are amazing as we all have the common love of the Baja!
2
The Weather. Los Cabos is one of the sunniest locations in the world. We have incredible weather throughout the entire year, making it a great warm-weather vacation destination without the humidity you'll experience in other regions. Winters are mild, with highs averaging in the mid-70's. We have year round warm water surf. The summer months bring highs in the mid-90's. Annual rainfall is very low, averaging under 10" per year. The summer "low season" is a great time to take advantage of summer room rates, warm ocean temperatures and summer golf rates. I love waking up in the morning, knowing that when I walk my dogs, I don’t need boots, or an umbrella…there is a very small chance of rain!
3
The Location. Known by many
as ‘where the desert meets the sea’ . A 1 ½ hour flight from most southern states by air make Los Cabos a natural destination. The 750 mile peninsula is also a favorite drive for many home owners and residents many have done is multiple times, me, only 4. From the Sarcocaule desert surrounding the San José
del Cabo estuary to the pine forest and waterfalls in higher mountain elevations, from white sand beaches to deep ocean depths, the natural beauty is abundant. Both San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas offer great hotels, and resorts, for any budget. Out of town visitors rarely complain about their lodgings or lack of ‘things to do’. I know that to visit my family in Canada I can get to Vancouver in 4 1/2 hours on a direct flight!
4
The Sea of Cortez and the Pacific. My favorite topic!
5
The Food. Where do I begin? Fish
Both bodies of water hold a world of entertainment including fishing, whale watching, and other sea life. Surfing before, after or during a workday is an activity that local surfers appreciate. Many people come here to fish, scuba dive, surf, or go camping on the beach. The water temperature is comfortable year round. My dream day includes surfing, sport fishing, a little work, more surf, a siesta under a beach umbrella, and an evening surf. A walk on the beach and a swim after work, I will take that in a pinch. Get out on the water, no matter what your vessel, there is always something to see! tacos, seafood stands, seaside margaritas, organic, locally produced coffee and produce, Sonora beef. Check out any of the local organic markets and San José del Cabo’s central Mercado where the local’s shop and dine. The fish tables around noon in La Playita may surprise you with a little catch of the day. Splurge on a private chef or restaurant hop in San José del Cabo Centro. Whether you like to eat out or eat in, be your own culinary creator or hire a private chef, all palates are satisfied in Los Cabos. People watch and dine at Plaza Pescador in San José del Cabo or on the Malecón in Cabo San Lucas. Check out one of many culinary festivals in Los Cabos – Sabor a Cabo is coming in December. What is your favourite restaurant? I have a few depending on the day…. One more thing – the golf is amazing, there could be a whole book written about our world-class golf.
www.DestinoMagazine.com | DECEMBER 2014
DESTINO REAL ESTATE LISTINGS.
HOME VILLA LA ROCA Pedregal • Cabo San Lucas • $7,450,000 MLS# 13-1095
7 BR • 8.5 BA The Ultimate in Luxury Cabo Living, This dramatic cliff-side mansion is truly a one-of-a-kind offering. Graced with elegance in design and appointment, while complemented with a natural setting that is second to none. Enjoy the exclusivity and convenience of El Pedregal and live in a way most dream of in this 7BR/8BA 20,000 sq. ft. luxury residence. Set on a cliff and boasting views of both the Pacific and Sea of Cortez, nothing compares to this. Simply jaw-dropping, the attention to detail and craftsmanship is evident with abundant use of highest quality stone. A must see in person to appreciate.
Find paradise an address.
FROM USA & CANADA 858.200.4979 FROM MEXICO 624.191.3462 www.CaboRealEstate.com
VILLA EXTRAVAGANZZA - PRICE REDUCTION! - Open house Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Cabo Corridor • $399,500 • 4 BR • MLS# 14-323 GREAT beach vacation rental. 3 Master bedrooms all with own en-suite. 4th bedroom with full bath is a separate studio with kitchenette. Recent upgrades in 2013. New palapa bar and patio. Kitchen remodeled w/ granite counters, new cabinets and new appliances. New propane tank and all new fans. New paint inside and out. Window treatments throughout. Pebble tech salt water pool. Located in a beach-side gated community with a snorkel swim beach just steps away.
Julie Garnier Lands End Realty 52 (624) 157-9419 juliegarnier22@yahoo.com www.landsendrealty.com
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Stay a day, a week or a lifetime Offering Full & Fractional Oceanfront Ownership on Medano Beach. Breathtaking beauty and personal pampering await you at Villa La Estancia. From your private view of Land’s End to full service ultra resort style amenities. A rewarding personal and financial lifestyle choice. See for yourself why a high percentage of owners purchase more.
Amenities Galore From fine dining at our restaurants, to having your own private chef prepare your catch of the day in the comfort of your villa. A rejuvenating massage on your private veranda, on the sands of Medano Beach or at our award winning Desert Spa. Sip your favorite beverage at our dual swim up bars, while soaking in the Cabo rays. Feel the stress cascading off as you view whales breeching at Land’s End from one of our five ocean view hot tubs. Spa and workout facility, 24/7 platinum concierge service, 24/7 security and assigned underground parking. Market and deli, Doctors office, private tennis courts, Wifi, successful rental/reservation program for owners and much more. A family friendly resort that is close to town and activities, yet private, quiet and secluded.
Life has its moments, make yours memorable.
Luxury Villas: Two Bedroom Three full baths – Sleeps 8 Three bedroom Four full baths – Sleeps 10 Two and Three Bedrooms Eighth Share / Six weeks Low $200,000 – High $300,000 Two and Three Bedrooms Quarter Share / Three months Low $300,000 – High $700,000 Full Ownership and Penthouses $1.3 million - $3.8 million
2 Bedroom Villa Average total Sq. Ft.: 2100
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Mx: 624 143-8121 U.S.:619-683-7883 Toll Free: 1-877-499-1901 own@villalaestancia.com www.DestinoMagazine.com | DECEMBER 2014
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CASA QUACCIA - PLAYA TORTUGA, EAST CAPE $4,900,000 • 7 BR • 8 1/2 BA • MLS# 13-1942 For those looking for the ULTIMATE LUXURY retreat, here you go. A SPECTACULAR BEACHFRONT setting in Playa Tortuga in East Cape with all modern conveniences, yet completely self sustainable with solar power. The setting is second to none as the house rests on a view point looking East with endless beach and ocean views. Private patios, terraces, and guest houses allow for great entertaining for events and family. Don’t miss this chance to purchase one of the most coveted views and sites in the Baja region.
USA & CANADA 858.200.4979 MEXICO 624.191.3462 www.CaboRealEstate.com
PALMILLA OASIS Lot 33 San José del Cabo • Palmilla • $450,000 • MLS# 14-629
ART DISTRICT HISTORIC BUILDING #3 San José del Cabo Art District • $425,000 • MLS# 14-68
300K off original sales price! Build your dream home in the fabled Palmilla Oasis. Included is 100k worth of fully approved designs by Interior Designer Lori Rapport to construct a stunning Spanish hacienda style home! Enjoy the benefits of Palmilla ownership including Club 96, and the Jack Nicklaus golf course.
ONLY HISTORIC BUILDING FOR SALE IN SAN JOSÉ. In the heart of the art district. This building is the third and last registered building in the district only surpassed by the church and Municipal building. Built in 1947 this property exudes the heart and soul of historic San José del Cabo.
Dane Posey
Local cell: (624) 161-2618 From USA: (310) 753-8898 Dane@caborealestate.com www.CaboRealEstate.com
Jason Pryde
From U.S. or Canada: (925) 963-0389 Local cell: (624) 137-7322 Jason@caborealestate.com www.CaboRealEstate.com
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