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www.DestinoMagazine.com | MAY 2014
5th Annual
Publisher Owen Perry
CABO MARINE SHOW
Editor in Chief Michelle Monroy Creative Editor Yésica Pineda Moreno “Yeye” Art Michelle Monroy
Official program on page
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Fishing Los Cabos Cover photo by Gary Graham
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LOS CABOS 101
Los Cabos & South Baja: This incredible corner of the World 5 Maps: Baja Peninsula • Baja Sur • San José del Cabo • The Corridor • Cabo San Lucas 8 Activities: Snorkelling • Scuba diving • Surfing • Fishing & boating • Golf • Adventures • Activity of the Month: Birding in Baja Sur 12 Los Cabos Top Beaches: descriptions and tips about the best beaches to visit Useful Information: How to dial in Los Cabos • Driving tips • Money & Currency • Important phone numbers
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Editors Contact: destinomichelle@gmail.com destinoyesica@gmail.com
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ENTERTAINMENT
Happening Now • Cabo’s Party Scene • Live Music Schedules • Destino Puzzles • Who is the Chef? Emanuel Olivero, Doc Wine Bar
HEALTHY LIVING
Organic • Yoga • Spa • Beauty • Right Livelihood
ART & CULTURE
Artist Profile: Manuel Adria • My Experience With Traditional Mexico • Giving Back: Love the Elderly
COUPONS REAL ESTATE
Real Estate Q&A • Design Challenges: Lighting your landscape • Imagine you live here • RE Listings
Writers / Contributors Yeye Michelle Monroy Blake Harrington Bonnie Chase Bruce Herman Bryan Jáuregu Fernando Rodriguez Gary Graham James Longton Kale Cowell Marilyn Graham Michael Koehn Michelle Geisler Wendy Rains Contributing Photographers Bruce Herman Francisco Estrada Gary Graham Kaia Thomson Larry Dunmire Accounting Manager Lance Niederhaus
Next advertising reservation closing date for our JUNE issue: MAY 8th Próxima fecha de cierre para reservarde espacios publicitarios en la edición de JUNIO: 8 de MAYO For advertising rates and placement, please contact: advertising@destinomagazine.com (624) 105-9700 / (624) 142-4949 DESTINO GROUP SA de CV
Los Cabos, BCS Ph (011 52) (624) 142-4949/105-9700
contactdestino@gmail.com ISSUE 65 MAY 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 65 MAYO 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
activities ~ top beaches ~ maps
LOS CABOS & South Baja
Los Cabos (the capes) is in the southernmost tip of the State of Baja California Sur and consists of three main areas: Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo and the East Cape. In between you will find smaller towns and points of interest such as Santiago and Miraflores which are 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,” 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 warms waters of the Sea of Cortez.
THE BAJA SUR LOOP If you look at the Baja Sur map you can see that the highways and towns form a loop. There are ongoing road improvements and new highway constructions, so getting from one place to another will only get easier. 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. You will find the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meeting at Land’s End and the beautiful rock formations that create 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 A 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 to snap some photos of the beautiful beaches and make a roadside stop 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
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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, 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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activities
There is a variety of things to do in the Los Cabos area. Enjoy the water while snorkelling, surfing or and fishing. Stay dry and play a round of golf or take a hike or an ATV tour. Here is a guide to the main activities in San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.
at least one day before. Most charters include a fishing license, bait, tackle and equipment. Some also include food and drink or can be added at an additional cost. The earlier you leave the better; trips usually begin around 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. 15% to 20% of your charter cost is a customary tip for the crew.
BOATING & FISHING
Calm waters, extraordinary fishing and perfect weather...some would 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, the options to fit your needs are endless. BOAT RENTALS Private yachts and sailboats There are several charter companies that can accommodate you depending on what you need. What you do on your trip is really up to you, but it will typically consist of a tour around the arch, fishing for a couple of hours and a cruise to any of the beautiful bays for swimming. Most boats have fishing equipment and a knowledgeable crew, but the main difference between renting a yacht and a fishing boat is the cost.
Fishing Boat Rentals You can always fish on a yacht, but cruisers and pangas are more commonly used. Pangas and super-pangas are a more affordable option, but cruisers will fit more people and will be more comfortable if the sea is rough on a windy day.
THE MARINAS 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, Los Cabos won’t disappoint you.
What to Expect It’s recommended to make a reservation
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Seasonal Fishing Chart:
Bait and Tackle Most likely, the boat you charter will include your bait and tackle.
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 marine life and an exceptionally high catch success rate. No matter what your level of fishing experience is, Los Cabos won’t disappoint you.
What to Expect It’s recommended to make a reservation at least one day before. Most charters include a fishing license, bait, tackle and equipment. Some also include food and drink or can be added at an additional cost. The earlier you leave the better; trips usually begin around 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. 15% to 20% of your charter cost is a customary tip for the crew.
Bait and Tackle Most likely, the boat you charter will include your bait and tackle. If you need your own fresh bait you can buy it along the Cabo San Lucas Marina or the crew you hire can also stop to buy it from the local fishermen on your way out.
Sport fishing flags commonly seen in Los Cabos:
FISHING REPORT by Gary Graham
All that’s fishy from Lands End to La Paz
Baja Sur is quivering with anticipation as the 2014 spring season begins to unfold. Striped marlin have been holding center stage on the Pacific side in Cabo for several months, but as sea temps continue to climb, the stripers will be replaced. Larger blue and black marlin, sailfish, a few swordfish, as well as increased numbers of dorado and hopefully, the yellowfin tuna that have been in short supply recently, will begin to trickle into the area. Meanwhile, on the Sea of Cortez side, striped marlin numbers will continue to grow as they, along with schools of dorado and yellowfin tuna, follow the warm currents flowing all the way north to Cerralvo and Las Arenas. Those who prefer beach fishing should expect to see jack crevalle joined by growing numbers of roosterfish and pompano as the summer season gets underway. The downer on the horizon is the lack of live bait being found throughout the area.
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LOS CABOS 101
SNORKELLING & SCUBA DIVING
This is your chance to experience the underwater life in the Sea of Cortez. Prepare yourself for nature to showoff as you swim side by side with colourful schools of fish, eels, rays, octopus, sea turtles and more. SCUBA DIVING DESTINATIONS Note: travel time is from Cabo San Lucas marina Land’s End Intermediate-Advanced - 50’-60’ Just 5 minutes by boat you’re swimming with sea lions and moray eels. Also a sunken boat can be seen in the Falls. Sand Falls Beginners - Advanced - 30’-100’ Steep sand banks go down sharply into a canyon filled with tropical fish. A short boat ride from shore, the canyon runs from the depths of the Cabo San Lucas bay to within 30 feet off shore. Pelican Rock Beginners - 25’-80’ Just 5 minute boat trip to this large rock that attracts many tropical fish. Neptune’s Finger Advanced - 80’-100’ Spectacular canyon wall dive. Cabeza de Ballena Beginners - 20’-40’ 25 minute boat ride to dive through large boulders with lots of fish. Santa María Cave Beginners - 20’-40’ 35 minutes by boat, or dive from the beach. The entrance to Santa Maria canyon has a huge variety of fish which feed right from your hand. Chileno Beginners - 30’-70’ 35 minute boat ride and a sandy and rocky bottom. Lots of turtles sighted here, tropical fish, night dives. El Gavilán Intermediate/Advanced - 70’-100’ 35 minutes by boat. Rocky ledge
leading into a canyon where groupers and larger fish are often sighted. Blow Hole Beginners/Advanced - 30’-70’ 35 minute boat ride from San Lucas, or just 10 minutes from Chileno beach. Rocky valleys present a variety of fish. Las Salinas Beginners - 30’-45’ 1.4 hours by boat from San Lucas, or 1 hour by boat from La Playita. A sunken Japanese fishing boat attracts a large assortment of fish. Gordo Banks Advanced - 110’-120’ 1 hour boat from La Playita, there is a seamount where you can see marlin, hammerheads, skip jacks and at times huge manta rays. Cabo Pulmo Beginner-Advanced - 30’-100’ 1 hour drive East of San José on the paved road. 5 minutes by boat you’ll find the only living coral reef in the Sea of Cortez. SNORKELLING SPOTS There are a few ways to experience snorkelling in Cabo: book a snorkel tour, drive to a beach and swim off the shore or charter your own private boat. Tours last around two or three hours and cost around $40.00 dollars per person. If you’re venturing out on your own, stay away from the Pacific side; its strong currents make it very dangerous for any kind of water sports. Pelican Rock This rock attracts many fish and is just an easy five minute boat ride from the Cabo San Lucas Marina. You can take a water taxi from the marina or from Medano beach. Lover’s Beach Accessible only by water taxi. Be aware that this is a high boat traffic area and it’s not roped off for swimmers. Santa Maria Bay Santa Maria is a regular destination for snorkel tours. If you drive there, it’s a very easy swim from the shore to the reef on the far right side of the cove. Chileno Bay This bay is also a common destination for snorkelling tours and has a safe roped off area for snorkellers. Cabo Pulmo Cabo Pulmo is a Natural Marine Reserve in the East Cape that offers possibly the best snorkelling in the area. To get to this eight fingered coral reef you have take about a 2 hour drive from San José del Cabo, but it’s well worth it.
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 be invited by a member 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 | MAY 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 11 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 popular mainly in the East Cape due to the El Norte winds. Playa Norte (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 kiteboarding 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 available all around Los Cabos. It’s a great way to see marine life, get a great workout in and enjoy nature. In Médano beach you can rent boards in several locations and paddle along the rocks of Land’s End to Lover’s Beach. Companies like Cabo SUP and SUP Mexico offer not only paddling lessons, but also a yoga class on the board while floating in the water. 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 those abdominal muscles than in your arms. • Your gaze should be level at the horizon. 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 that you fall into the water and not onto the board. Falling onto the board can cause an injury.
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LOS CABOS 101
DESTINO ADVENTURE OF THE MONTH:
Birding 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. Cactus-lovers 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 eco-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!
in Baja California Sur
by Bryan Jáuregui, photos by Kaia Thomson
Dr. Roberto Carmona, one of the leading ornithologists in the state of Baja California Sur (BCS), went bird watching for a few hours one recent morning at the La Poza lagoon in Todos Santos. What he saw amazed him - in that very small area he spotted 68 different bird species, including three that are endemic to BCS. That is the beauty of birding in Baja California Sur: there are so many diverse habitats in such close proximity to each other that it is possible to see a good percentage of the state’s 430 species in a relatively short period of time. The book Birding in Baja California Sur, is a photographic celebration of these habitats and the incredible array of feathered glory that they attract and support. So what is there to see?
At the top of everyone’s list are the endemic species in BCS: Belding’s Yellowthroat - found in the cattails that line the estuaries of Todos Santos, San Jose and San Ignacio; Xantus’s Hummingbird – found near any clump of bougainvillea, sabilla or similarly yummy flowering plant; and the Gray Thrasher – frequent visitor to backyard gardens and desert scrub. In addition, the Sierra de la Laguna mountains play host to several endemic species or sub species, including the Cape Pygmy Owl (sometimes considered a subspecies of Northern Pygmy Owl), Baird’s Junco (sometimes considered a subspecies of the Yellow-eyed Junco), and the San Lucas Robin (considered a sub-species of the American Robin). In addition to our endemics, there is a large population of migratory birds in BCS. In fact, the National Audubon Society (NAS) estimates that 174 of the bird species on the Pacific Flyway from Alaska to South America use the freshwater estuaries of BCS as a stopping point. Yet our very own Belding’s Yellowthroat is listed as critically endangered due to loss of its estuary habitat, and the NAS states that habitat loss and water shortages due to development are threatening the birds of the Pacific Flyway, 24 of which it has targeted for specific conservation efforts. Birding in Baja California Sur is not a bird identification book so much as a bird habitat book that hopes to inspire those who see it to not only explore the great bird bounty of Baja, but to help conserve the estuaries, dunes, coastlines, mountains, islands, deserts, oases, bays and mangroves that make Baja such a magnet for birds – and the people who love them. Birding in Baja California Sur is available at Baja Books and Maps in San José del Cabo, El Tecolote Bookstore in Todos Santos and Allende Books in La Paz.
Birds you’re likely to spot in the different habitats of BCS
Shorelines and Dunes: • • • • • • • •
Magnificent Frigatebird Blue-footed Booby Brandt’s Cormorant Black-necked Stilt Marbled Godwit Snowy Plover Yellow-footed Gull Caspian Tern
Estuaries: • • • • • • • • •
Belding’s Yellowthroat Tri-colored Heron Long-billed Dowitcher White-faced Ibis Eared Grebe Great Blue Heron Snowy Egret Cinnamon Teal Black-crowned Night-Heron
Palm Oases: • Scott’s Oriole • Hooded Oriole • Costa’s Hummingbird • Xantus’s Hummingbird • Black-headed Grosbeak • Black Phoebe • Little Green Heron • White-winged Dove
Arroyos and Open Desert: • • • • • • • •
Crested Caracara Gila Woodpecker Red-tailed Hawk Gilded Flicker American Kestrel Cactus Wren Harris’s Hawk Phainopepla
Islands, Bays and Mangroves: • • • • • • • •
White Ibis American Oystercatcher Reddish Egret Double-crested Cormorant Brandt’s Cormorant Whimbrel Red Knot Marbled Godwit
Sierra de la Laguna: • • • • • • • •
Cooper’s Hawk Greater Roadrunner Black Phoebe Ladder-backed Woodpecker Eurasian Collared-Doves Zone-tailed Hawk Oak Titmouse Orange-crowned Warbler
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Tips:
You won’t find any services or vendors so bring all your beach essentials with you.
Santa Maria A stunning horseshoe cove with coral coloured sand and an 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. Going from Cabo San Lucas towards San José, follow the sign that reads “Santa María” and exit the highway at Km. 13. Follow the dirt road until you reach the parking area. No services and hardly any shade. You can rent umbrellas on the beach, but if you happen to have one bring it anyway. Bring snorkelling gear!
Location:
Imagine floating in a turquoise bay with pink sand or riding some epic waves, each beach offers something unique. Here is a list of the must-see beaches to help you decide which one is your dream beach.
Cabo San Lucas Medano Beach
This is where the action 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. All water sports and activities are available. If you want to take a water taxi to Lover’s Beach, this is the spot to do it. Its stunning view of land’s end and the vast entertainment options makes it a must-see. In the heart of downtown Cabo San Lucas. You can walk through the east side of the marina or access it via Avenida del Pescador street. Get prepared to be approached by souvenir vendors. If you’re not there for the shopping, the only thing you can do is say “No Gracias.” Prices don’t vary too much from one water sports rental place to another. Make a trip to Lover’s Beach while you’re there.
Location: Tips:
Lover’s Beach
Getting there is an adventure in itself due to the fact that it’s only reachable 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 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 now 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 only swim on Lover’s Beach. Land’s End beside the famous arch. Only accessible by boat. There are a couple of vendors that offer beers 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 enough time to explore and enjoy this natural wonderland.
Location: Tips:
Along the Corridor Las Viudas
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 that 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 keep your eyes peeled; the entrance sneaks up on you.
Location:
Tips:
Chileno
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 for excellent snorkelling and scuba diving. This is the only beach with public rest rooms 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 for that much needed shade. Bring Snorkelling gear!
Location: Tips:
San Jose del Cabo Palmilla
Palmilla is known for its family friendly calm waters and 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. 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 available.
Location: Tips:
Costa Azul
If what you’re looking for is a good surf spot that doesn’t require driving out of town... this is it. 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 Cabo Surf Hotel and Mike Doyle Surf School are located. You can find surf shops in the area where you can rent surf and SUP boards and set up lessons. The surf is bigger during the summer and in the winter it’s 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:
La Playita
Puerto Los Cabos 500 slip marina entrance. 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 form 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 there are several casual restaurants in the surrounding area.
Location: Tips:
On the Pacific Cerritos
Cerritos beach is a popular surf spot and swimming 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. 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. Lounge chairs, restrooms, food and drinks are available at The Cerritos Beach Club Restaurant.
Location: Tips:
La Paz Balandra
A stunning bay that will take your breath away. You can walk back and forth in the bay in waist high water that is crystal clear with shades of blue turquoise. Follow the shore towards the north-east side and you will find the famous “mushroom rock” as well as other interesting rock formations. You won’t regret visiting Playa Balandra! 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 a lot. You can rent kayaks and snorkel gear.
Location: Tips:
Loreto
Isla Coronado
A wildlife reserve where visitors may anchor, snorkel, scuba and camp. 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. About 7 miles or 30 minutes (on boat) northeast of Loreto. To get to Coronado Island you must take a boat or a panga. You will find pangas in Loreto’s Marina that you can hire to take you. The best option is to ask your concierge to arrange this for you. There are no services or restaurants on the beach. There are several large palapas with tables and benches and also an eco-restroom. Bring hiking shoes if you plan to explore the area. Bring Snorkelling gear!
Location: Tips:
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 will find a roped-off swimming area just outside the beautiful
www.DestinoMagazine.com | MAY 2014
13
LOS CABOS 101
Useful INFORMATION 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
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
4 ALTOS
14
NO ESTACIONARSE
ESTACIONAMIENTO
No parking
Parking
TOPE SPEED BUMP
MONEY AND CURRENCY 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. 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. ATMs - 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 commissions. Commissions on the street ATMs are higher than going to a bank. IMPORTANT NUMBERS 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 105-8550 San José del Cabo 105-85-50 Los Barriles: 141-0797 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 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
www.DestinoMagazine.com | MAY 2014
www.DestinoMagazine.com | MAY 2014
15
ENTERTAINMENT
events ~ dining ~ music ~ nightlife
LOS CABOS is an energetic place. 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.
HAPPENING
NOW By Fernando Rodriguez and Marilyn Graham
MAY 1 ~ LABOR DAY A Labor Day parade was held in Mexico as early as 1913, but the holiday was first officially commemorated as a national day of rest on May 1, 1923. Schools, banks, and government offices along with many businesses are closed on this date. MAY 5 ~ CINCO DE MAYO You can attend Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Los Cabos at most hotels and bars that recognize American and Canadian expectations of celebrating in sunny Baja California Sur. This date commemorates the Republic of Mexico defeating the French army in a battle in Puebla in 1862. This battle was one of David versus Goliath proportions, as 4,500 poorly equipped Mexicans defeated Napoleon’s French army of 8,000 soldiers using guerrilla warfare tactics. Cinco de Mayo is a national holiday; banks and government offices remain closed. MAY 10 ~ DÍA DE LAS MADRES - Mother’s Day in Mexico is always celebrated on this date. MAY 12 ~ EL GANZO MUSIC SERIES - LOS RUMBEROS DE MASSACHUSETTS. Hotel El Ganzo in Puerto Los Cabos continues with their popular live music series. This acoustic trio of Mexicans from Boston play rumba, Latin rock, blues, and reggae. 9:00 PM. MAY 14-17 ~ SIMA SURF SUMMIT The goal of the four-day, three-night event, administered by the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA), is to network, and bring together surf industry professionals. The 17th annual surf gathering will be hosted this year at Cabo Real by Melia, Los Cabos. Coco Tihanyi, CEO of Southern California retail shop, Surf Diva, has been attending every Surf Summit of the past decade and said, ”I always look forward to seeing so many of my peers, going to the roundtable discussions, and re-energizing my batteries. I just love how we can all be relaxed and discuss so many real issues within our industry.” www.sima.com/surfsummit.aspx MAY 15 ~ DÍA DEL MAESTRO - Teacher’s day. MAY 15-17 ~ CABO MARINE SHOW - This event will be held at the Marina in Cabo San Lucas, and it will showcase marine services and vendors, including nautical products, fishing and leisure yachts, security and communication systems, vacation services and more. With live music, food and such a beautiful venue on the Marina, it should be a funfilled event. www.cabomarineshow.com MAY 17 ~ EL GANZO MUSIC SERIES - JAY NASH, singersongwriter whose music is influenced by American roots,
both folk and rock. 9:00 PM MAY 23 ~ NIKKI BEACH WHITE PARTY The 9th Annual Nikki Beach White Party will take place Friday, May 23 at Melia Resort Hotel in Medano Beach. The much-anticipated elegant and extravagant festivities, with world class entertainment and fireworks, only requires that every guests wear all-white attire and be ready to party until 4:00 a.m. General admission tickets start at $70 US dollars. MAY 24-25 ~ GASTROVINO FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL TODOS SANTOS. An annual food and wine festival in historic Todos Santos. www.gastrovino.mx
ONGOING EVENTS
• Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 8:00 am -12:00 pm. Los Cabos Organic Farmers Market. In Pedregal. • Wednesdays 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm - BIKE RIDE IN SAN JOSÉ. Meet at Plaza del Pescador before 7:30 pm. Bike rentals available at Sportia bike store located in Plaza del Pescador. More info: info@ sportia.com (624) 130-7159 • Wednesdays 7:30 pm - EL GANZO FILM CLUB. Hosted by Art Director Marc Deniro whose credits include Troy, Master and Commander, among others. www.elganzo.com (624) 104-9000 • Wednesdays - 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 • Thursdays 5:30 pm - WINE TASTING at DE CORTEZ Restaurant in the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar. $35.00 per person. • Thursdays 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm - SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO ART WALK. Takes place during the months of November - June. Galleries welcome guests to enjoy an evening strolling the neighbourhood, viewing art, sipping wine and dining. www.artcabo.com • Thursdays 7:30 pm - CINE CLUB EN EL PABELLON CULTURAL. Free movies at the Cabo San Lucas Cultural Pavilion located on the marina. • Fridays 12:00 pm until sunset - NIKKI BEACH IN THE HOUSE. 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 • Fridays 9:00 am to 1:00 pm - Palmilla Farmers Market. At the Shops at Palmilla. • Fridays 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm - ART FEST downtown
Events and dates listed are subject to change. Check with your concierge or call the listed phone numbers.
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Cabo San Lucas in Plaza Amelia Wilkes. • Saturdays 9:00 am to 3:00 pm- San José del Cabo organic market. Art & Crafts, food, music, and a good time. • Saturdays 12:00 pm to sunset - Soleil @ NIKKI BEACH. The sexiest party in Cabo, set against the backdrop of swaying palms and the glistening Sea of Cortez. Resident DJs: Sam Koen + Antonio Flores • Saturdays 2:00 pm - EL GANZO POOL PARTIES at rooftop pool with special guest DJs. www.elganzo.com. (624) 104-9000. • Sundays 7:00 am to 11:00 am - CICLOVÍA CABO SAN LUCAS - The main street of Cabo San Lucas closes to automobile traffic allowing bikers, skaters, walkers and joggers to exercise freely. • Sundays 12:00 am to sunset - AMAZING SUNDAYS @ NIKKI BEACH. Delight your palate with our exquisite Sunday Brunch and amuse your senses with live special performances. • Sundays 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm - FAT LOSS SCIENCE SEMINARS. 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.
Note worthy LOCAL TALENT
Many artists become inspired in Los Cabos. Currently residing in El Pescadero, Baja California Sur, DJ ALEX NAVARRO has been sharing his mixes and talents as a local DJ since 2002. His most recent project is Night Delight, a 75 minute mix that transports you to a chic pool party or will get you moving for a great beach workout. The mix quickly climbed to the TOP 20 of Beatport.com’s charts within a week of its world-wide debut on April 4th. If you want to have a good time and also support Los Cabo’s local talent, purchase Night Delight exclusively at http://dj.beatport.com/alexnavarro for $9.99. Second Mix Coming Soon! Follow Alex at: Twitter: @alexnavarromix Facebook: Alex Navarro Mix
www.DestinoMagazine.com | MAY 2014
ENTERTAINMENT
CABO’S PARTY SCENE There is no denying that many come to Cabo for the beach parties and the nightlife. From trendy nightclubs to booze cruises, you will always find a party... anytime, anywhere.
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.
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
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. MANDALA - When you’re walking the main street of Cabo, you will surely notice Mandala’s striking entrance and sleek Asian decor. If you are looking for the stylish nightclub scene and great dance music, this is where you want to be. PASSION NIGHTCLUB - Sexy atmosphere, cosy indoor cabanas, special champagne cocktails and a spacious dance floor. Ladies’ night on Thursday. Guest DJs on Fridays. Located inside the ME Hotel by Melia San Lucas. PINK KITTY - Known for its club 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.
www.DestinoMagazine.com | MAY 2014
17
ENTERTAINMENT
DESTINO PUZZLES - Catch a Line!
ACROSS 1 Yacht spot 5 Back on board 8 Sound of silence 12 Bar mixer 14 ‘___ Whom the Bell Tolls’ 15 Bar food? 16 Supporter of the arts? 17 Not a crowd 18 Athletic supporter? 19 Hemingway classic 22 Stag party attendees 23 Sea, to Sergio 24 You stand to lose it 25 Put off, as payments 27 Titanic demise 32 Word with split or tight 33 Squid secretion 34 Neck of the woods 35 Ship’s crew 38 Prepare for sailing 39 Broadway fare 40 October birthstone 41 Hilo hello 42 Canon or Volkswagen model 43 “Shipshape and _______ fashion” 45 Gives a hand 48 Ground breaker 49 Solution reaction 50 Pub potable
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52 Hemingway classic 58 Lack of laxness 59 Distress letters 60 Map within a map 61 Some golf clubs 62 First lady? 63 Jobs in the computer field 64 Hall for hunger 65 Filming site 66 Rock group? DOWN 1 Cook clams 2 Took it easy 3 Ready for commitment? 4 Yacht spot 5 Before follower 6 They’re game 7 Drawing a line? 8 Waikiki wiggle 9 Computer operator 10 Like a fraud or hoax 11 Like top 40 songs 13 Twain’s real name 15 Stetho or spectro ender 20 Hospital unit 21 Sail a zigzag course 26 Has a hunch 28 Wood for rafts and crafts
LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULES by Marilyn Graham
29 Ballpark fig. 30 King of Spain 31 Outboard need 33 Roman trio 35 Group of wise guys 36 Rainy mo. 37 Half a rum cocktail 38 Doesn’t keep his catch 39 The North Star 41 Crazy bird? 42 Canyon call 44 Turkey day (abbr) 46 Quarterback, often 47 Where to wear one’s heart 49 Something of value 51 _____ Park, CO 52 Barbershop request 53 Bring aboard 54 They’re often inflated 55 Boys in blue 56 Good thing to fall in 57 Division word Solution on page 33
BAJA BREWERY - Cabo San Lucas location 8:30 pm, Thursdays Pajaros Negros (rock); Fridays Las Vivas (Latin); Saturdays rock ‘n roll with Bryan Flynn. 624.144.3805. San José location: Thursdays after Art Walk, rock n roll with Bryan Flynn; Fridays The 80s (Mexican music); Saturdays Tienes Fuego. 624.146.9995 BAJA CANTINA Beach Club. Medano Beach. Daily 7:00 to 10:00 pm. 624.143.1111 BAR ESQUINA - Daily 8:00 pm every day; 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 WABO - Tuesday to Friday, 7:15 pm, Cabo Uno acoustic rock patio set; Tuesday to Sunday 10:30 pm Cabo Uno electric rock set; 624.143.1188 CERRITOS BEACH CLUB - Bryan Flynn Saturday afternoons, Daline Jones and Diego Ramirez every Sunday, 2:00-5:00 pm; 624.129.6315 DESPERADOS - Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:00-10:00 pm; Guitarist Roberto Fiallo; 624.143.4313 DOC’S WINE BAR - Thursdays 7:00 to 10:00 pm Diego Ramirez on keyboard and Greg Haugesag on flugelhorn. Tel. 624-105-1034. DON SANCHEZ CANTINA Monday, Howie Clifton on saxophone; Tuesdays through Saturdays, guitar; 624.142.2444 EDITHS’S RESTAURANT - Daily 6:00 to 10:00 pm, traditional Mexican music 624.143-0801 HOTEL CASCADAS - Daily 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm. Daline Jones & Diego Ramirez HOTEL EL GANZO Wednesdays, Guitar Virtuoso Robert Fiallo 8:00 pm; Thursdays, Mark Rudin, 8:00 pm; Fridays, Chaplin, 8:00 pm; Sunday Brunch, 9:00 am, Trova music; 624.104.9000 FLORA FARMS - Tuesday, The Shamans (Rock); Thursday, Howie Clifton saxophone; Friday, Latin trio; Saturdays, The Shamans (Rock); Sunday Brunch, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Howie Clifton; 624.355.4564
H RESTAURANT - Saturdays 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm; Hugo “saxo” Moreno; Saxophone; 624-105-2974 JAZZ TAPAS BAR. Plaza del Pescador, Local 8. Saturdays 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm Marcie Castro. 624.130.7267 JUNGLE BAR - Daily at 9:30 pm, Estrógeno - Rock. PUERTA VIEJA RESTAURANT - Fridays 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Cuban Night with Rosalia de Cuba. Tel. 624.104.3334 RAMURI BREWERY - Fridays “Pura Vida” Latin music and rock; Saturdays “Lluvia Musicale” 80s music. Tel. 624-105-0163. RETRO BURGER BAR - Fridays, 10:00 pm. Los Pulpos en Su Tinta. Tel. 624.130.7042 ROCK AND BREWS - Plaza El Pescador; Rock. Tel. 624.105.2705 SOLOMON’S LANDING Cabo San Lucas marina. Occasional music. Fridays, “Calle Cuatro” Tel. 624.143.3050 THE CONTAINER - Puerto Los Cabos on the marina. Tuesdays, Pulpa En Su Tinta. 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm THE OFFICE - Daily 6:30 - 9:30 pm; Mondays Shalom & Tito Rodriguez, Tuesdays Luna Itzel, Wednesdays Pulpos en Su Tinta, Thursdays Fiesta Mexicana & Mariachis, Fridays The Daline Jones Group, Saturdays Kimbara Fusion, Sundays Pura Vida THE ROAD HOUSE - Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm; Peter Bacon on Piano; 624.143.1516 TROPICANA, Mariachis “Voces”. Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays; Fridays “The Mustangs”, rock and pop. Tel. 624.142.4146 or 624.142.2311. TWO FOR THE ROAD - LIVE JAZZ - In Wyndham Hotel/Tesoro, Blvd. Marina, Local A-15, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 pm - midnight. Friday and Saturday 8:00 pm - 1:00 am. Montana, keyboard, and vocalist Kathy Daniels. Tel. 143-7759 or (624) 132-2282. ZIPPER’S Wednesdays & Sundays, The Jimena Bautiste Group; Fridays, E.C Davis; 624.172.6162 For additions or corrections to this schedule, please email marilynmgraham@hotmail.com. Schedules change frequently; we suggest you call the venue to verify current listings.
www.DestinoMagazine.com | MAY 2014
ENTERTAINMENT
Who is the Chef?
By Bonnie Chase
L o s
C a b o s
l o v e s
Enjoy Emanuele’s favorite recipe!
Em an u e le Oliv e ro
S PAG H E T T I W I T H C L AM S Emanuele Olivero was born in Cuneo in the Piemonte region of Italy in 1975. From a young age he was struck by classical cuisine and began cooking for his family, always embracing old world traditions. Later, he made the decision to pursue a career in culinary arts and had the opportunity, through study, to further his culinary knowledge and passion for tradition.
Photos courtesy of Doc Wine Bar
Emanuele arrived in Los Cabos 14 years ago and discovered a paradise that was completely new to him. He dedicated his time to discovering local ingredients, techniques, and traditions which he used to create new and unique dishes. Emanuel formed a partnership with Pietro Gioco, another restaurateur in both Italy and Mexico. Together, the pair created Doc’s Wine Bar and Italian Restaurant in Cabo San Lucas. Here, they wow guests with an incredible authentic Italian menu and dedicated wine list created by Emanuele. Locals and tourists alike enjoy the quaint, warm, and welcoming atmosphere of Doc’s. The menu is always evolving and regularly changing, but always includes made-to-order meals prepared with fresh local ingredients and love. The menu at Doc’s ranges from salad and pasta to steak and seafood, and offers a perfectly paired wine for each. Whatever the choice for dinner, it’s advisable to save room for dessert. Options include traditional cannoli, tiramisu, and fragole erotiche. Haven’t been to Doc’s yet? What are you waiting for? Stop in and say hello to Emanuele, who loves meeting (and feeding!) his guests. Doc’s Wine Bar and Italian Restaurant is located in Cabo’s Central Plaza and is open daily. (624) 143 8500 www.docwinebarmexico.com
INGREDIENTS FOR 6 PEOPLE: • • • • • • •
600 gr. spaghetti 40/60 pc. white clams, alive 4 cloves garlic, minced 20/30 grams of chopped fresh parsley 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 300 gr. cherry tomatoes Coarse salt , fine salt and pepper
PREPARATION:
Boil a large pot of water, salt with coarse salt when it comes to a boil. At this point add the spaghetti to water and start preparing the clams. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and add garlic and chopped parsley. After it starts to fry, add the previously washed clams (discard those that came open) and cherry tomatoes, sauté all ingredients and cover with a lid. After a couple of minutes, uncover. The clams should have opened completely (if there are unopened ones it’s best to discard), season with salt and pepper, stir fry with spaghetti “al dente” and voila! ¡Disfrute la receta favorita de Emanuele!
S PAG H E T T I AL L E V O N G O L E INGREDIENTES Para 6 Personas: • • • • • • •
600 gr. de spaghetti 40/60 pz. de almeja blanca viva 4 dientes de ajo picado 20/30 gramos de perejil picado fresco 5 cucharadas de aceite de olivo extravirgen 300 gr. tomates cherry Sal gruesa, sal fina y pimienta.
PREPARACIÓN:
Poner una olla grande con agua a hervir, cuando llega a punto de hervir y salar con la sal gruesa (por una olla de 20 litros aprox. 60/80 gramos). Agregar spaghetti al agua y empezar a preparar las almejas. En una sartén bastante grande poner el aceite de olivo a calentar y en seguida agregar el ajo y el perejil picado. Después de que empieza a freír agregar las almejas previamente lavadas (desechar las que vengan abiertas) y los tomates cherry, saltear todos los ingredientes y cubrir con una tapa. Después de un par de minutos destapar, a este punto las almejas debería de haber abierto todas por completo (las que no abran solas puede que no estén buenas, es mejor desecharlas), controlar el sazón con sal y pimienta, saltear con el spaghetti “al dente” y listo!
www.DestinoMagazine.com | MAY 2014
19
5th Annual
CABO MARINE SHOW
WELCOME We’d like to thank you for being a part of the Fifth Anniversary Edition of Cabo Marine Show and we sincerely hope our event enhances your stay in the Los Cabos area. Join us again next year when we celebrate yet another year as the only Boat Show and Marine Products and Services Expo on the Pacific coast of Mexico. The fifth annual Cabo Marine Show will feature an in-water boat exhibit with local and foreign exhibitors and more than a dozen new and previously-owned boats of all types and sizes including yachts, sport fishing boats, speed boats and more. If this is your first visit to the Cabo Marine Show, you’ll soon discover why this up-and-coming boat show is a local favorite. The show features a safe and friendly environment open to the general public, many exhibitors on display on the marina boardwalk and our feature in-water boat market exhibit.
Cabo Marine Show Sails into its Fifth Year! by James Longton
C
elebrating its five year anniversary, the Cabo Marine Show is scheduled for May 15, 16 and 17 at the IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas. The highly anticipated boat and marine product expo has shown great progress and growth in its first four years and has quickly become an important fixture of Mexico’s robust nautical tourism, boating and yachting market. This year’s edition will feature local and domestic yacht brokers, marine products and services, a used boat market, and several arts and crafts exhibits, all set along the boardwalk exhibit area surrounded by the numerous restaurants, bars, and tourist shops of the neighborhood. “Support from both our local and federal tourism authorities and the surrounding boating community has helped to make this Mexico’s longest running boat show,” says Sergio Igartua, event founder and owner of the show. “This year is sure to be our biggest and best yet.” For salty seafarers and land lubbers alike, this is a fun event set in one of the world’s most beautiful and bustling marine communities. For more information visit www.facebook.com/CaboMarineShow.
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Be sure to mention the Cabo Marine Show and DESTINO Magazine when you visit our advertisers and exhibitors. They appreciate your business and we appreciate your referral – both here in Cabo and back home when you tell friends about the great time you had!
5th Annual Cabo Marine Show
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OFFICIAL PROGR AM CABO MARINE SHOW 2014
HOST MARINA: IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Cabo San Lucas Marina, Docks L-M-N, in front of Baja Cantina Marina
DATES AND HOURS OF OPERATION BOAT SHOW: Thursday May 15, 2014 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM Friday May 16, 2014 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM Saturday May 17, 2014 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM
5th Annual Cabo Marine Show
PROGRAM: Thursday, May 15, 2014 1:00 PM – Show Opens to General Public 5:00 PM – Ribbon Cutting – L-M-N Dock Gate 6:00 PM – Live Music at L-Dock 6:00 PM – VIP Reception – L-Dock, Sponsored by Bahía Hotel & Bar Esquina 9:00 PM – Event Closure Friday, May 16, 2014 11:00 AM – Cruise to The Arch / El Arco – VIP Press 1:00 PM – Show Opens to General Public 6:00 PM – Live Music at L-Dock 8:00 PM – VIP Press Dinner – Sponsored by María Corona Restaurant 9:00 PM – Event Closure Saturday, May 17, 2014 1:00 PM – Show Opens to General Public 6:00 PM – Live Music at L-Dock 6:00 PM – VIP Reception – L-Dock, Sponsored by Baja Cantina Marina 9:00 PM – Event Closure
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FISHING IN LOS CABOS
By Tracy Ehrenberg, General Manager of Pisces Sportfishing
Fishing is what made Los Cabos famous, long before the glamorous hotels, world class golf courses and luxury spas were even thought of Cabo was a well kept secret for the fishing savvy.
5th Annual Cabo Marine Show
Legends such as John Wayne, Bing Crosby and John Steinbeck frequented the Los Cabos area to sample the virgin waters that produced almost unbelieveable catches. In fact so impressed was Steinbeck with the beauty of the coast that he wrote a book “ The Log From The Sea of Cortez” a non fiction, work which details his six week journey and describes the species encountered. There is something about the stark landscape and azure seas that captivate visitors, leaving an echo within them that beckons them back time after time. In the fishing world Cabo ranks in the top five destinations on the planet, whilst being firmly entrenched as the number one location in the world to catch striped marlin. Media attention is attracted every year by the top fishing tournament in the world, The Bisbee Black and Blue , which last year had a record payout for first place of over four million dollars. This is not the only competition, the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament and Tuna Tournament are all held within three weeks of the main event, plus the IGFA World Offshore Championship, which is set in May. These events attract anglers from a far afield as Finland, Papua New Guinea, Angola, Italy and Australia to name but a few as well as dozens of teams from the United States and Mexico. Many visitors to Los Cabos still plan their trip around fishing making it an annual event, however now with Cabo prominently featured as one of the world’s top vacation destinations more and more first time fisherman are frequenting the area. In fact many visitors do not even think about fishing until they actually arrive in Cabo and then intrigued by the scores of boats that they see passing their hotels in the early morning, decide to look into what this is all about. 23
BAJA CANTINA
5th Annual Cabo Marine Show
About The Chef…
Manuel Arredondo’s celebrated culinary career began in the early 80s when he moved to Southern California from Guanajuato, Mexico. Just eighteen, he started as a trainee at a Hilton Hotel and immediately realized his professional calling. In the ensuing years, Manuel’s talent shone as he rose to become a leader in the corporate culinary field – presiding as Executive Chef in several prestigious hotels/restaurants and Corporate Chef for one of the largest corporations in the United States. During this time, Manuel was responsible for executing banquets at landmark events, including President George H.W. Bush’s 75th and 80th birthday galas, Super Bowl XXXVIII, the 2000 Republican National Convention, Major League Baseball All-Stars in 2004, the 2000 World Series at Shea Stadium and the Olympic Games in Barcelona and Atlanta just to name a few. After twenty-five years in the corporate world, Manuel yearned to experience life abroad. He moved to Colorno, Italy to study at the acclaimed La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana (ALMA). Not only did Manuel graduate as a Certified Master Chef in Italian Cuisine; but, he was closely mentored by Chef Gualtiero Marchesi, rector of the college and the first Italian chef in history to receive three Michelin Stars. He was also fortunate to work under renowned Chef Walter Eynard at Flipot, a two Michelin Star restaurant in Piedmont, Italy. Following Italy, Manuel returned to Mexico to create a place uniquely his own. The first Manuel’s Creative Cuisine opened in the historic town of Ajijic in Chapala, Jalisco in 2007. An immediate success, the restaurant was a favorite of the community, lauded by dining guides, and rated “Best Restaurant” by the state newspaper, El Mural. Ready for a new challenge, Manuel decided to bring his concept to Los Cabos area. Manuel’s Creative Cuisine opened at The Shoppes at Palmilla in March 2009, Dedicated to bringing clients a truly unique and delicious dining experience. Manuel’s private chef services and special catering events for high profile clients is one of his biggest passions, during his career, he has cooked for many celebrities and personalities at the comfort of their homes. A dining experience like no other, Chef Manuel strives to make every aspect of dining original, focusing on local organic ingredients, clean presentations, and an unrelenting imagination. Manuel is currently serving as a corporate chef-consultant for the Baja Cantina Group and oversees the Baja Cantina Playa in Medano Beach, Baja Cantina Marina, Maria Corona and Tiki Bar.
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5th Annual Cabo Marine Show
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DESTINO DIARIES ou see the line disappearing off your reel at an alarming rate and feel the incredible strength of the fish pulling it. You are excited and a little apprehensive, wondering what you have got yourself into, knowing there’s always the chance of a “grander,” a fish of 1,000 pounds or more, showing up in the waters here. They say a body in motion tends to stay in motion, and when a marlin, is on its first run it can burn most of the line off your reel, and for the next 20 or 40 or 90 minutes you struggle to turn his head and reclaim your line, which is so taut and under so much pressure that droplets of water spray off it and vaporize in the air, and, in spite of the advantage of the expensive heavy gear, the outcome is never certain. For those who love the pursuit of the game fish in Southern Baja the excitement may be result of going into an unpredictable environment and being hooked to a wild animal, an apex predator with great heart and fighting spirit, being connected to something much stronger than you are, feeling the speed and power and seeing the way the fish light up when they are excited, a colour that you could never capture in the finest photograph, and something you would never see if you weren’t able to finally tame them and bring them to the boat where, most likely, the extraordinary animal is admired and then released.
Photo by Gary Graham
When people ask me why I fish I simply tell them that it’s something that can’t be explained, offering only that I have been drawn to it since I was a young boy. It’s too complicated for a short answer and it’s too early here at the Baja Cantina at the Marina to try and explain. I might just as well try to explain why people enjoy watching baseball. But if they really wanted to know I would mention the sights that you can experience as you start out in the morning, and the muted pinks and orange of the sun coming up on the horizon and the birds, sea lions and whales that you sometimes see, but most of all the game fish in their full iridescent glory, the Dorado that flash a brilliant bluish-green and gold in the sun and the large rays that shoot into the air in a somersault, coming out of the water and then splashing down with a loud slap. And if you let your eyes go out of focus you can think back in time and realize that you are out on the same waters that Spanish galleons may have sailed on, before there was anything here, save for a few hardy souls who survived by harvesting the waters surrounding the cape.
In Cabo a single fish can change your life. Ask the people over at Picante Sport fishing. In 1994 a group of friends calling themselves the Picante team entered the Bisbee Black & Blue Marlin Tournament, their first competitive fishing contest, and a 950-pound marlin spotted their lure and took it. That fish resulted in a tournament purse in the hundreds of thousands of dollars and a Cabo sport fishing boat valued at about $250,000. That financial payoff led to the founding of Picante Sport fishing at the Marina, now one of Cabo’s most recognizable fishing charters and a Cabo Yachts dealer. All because a fish got hungry one morning during tournament season. The tournament family themselves, the Bisbees, has been responsible for creating a lot of Cabo’s reputation as “The Marlin Capital of the World” with their Bisbee Black & Blue Marlin Tournament held every October. Back in 2006 the Black & Blue had its biggest overall cash payout of $4,165,960. That was, and remains, the largest payout in sport fishing history. “The guys who are fishing down here like to have fun but they are also real competitive,” says Wayne Bisbee, whose father Bob founded the tournament in 1981. “In the early days they used to fish hard and play hard, and they would often go through every bar in town. Now the clientele has become more serious. They know the tournament is a sport, but if they hook up with a quality fish, it could also be a milliondollar day.”
DESTINO DIARIES “It just got bigger and bigger, and Cabo grew along with it,” tournament founder Bob Bisbee says. “People who won the tournament started buying houses and businesses here rather than take it back to the US, and that turned out to be a big shot in the arm for old Cabo San Lucas.”
Southern Baja is a place that
attracts serious anglers, including early adventurers like Bing Crosby and John Wayne. If you are lucky you can be part of that heritage. John Pentz is a local developer and a serious angler. He’s created some of the iconic places on the landscape here, like The Shoppes at Palmilla, and is now working on Thompson Los Cabos, a new 115-room luxury boutique hotel to open in February of next year overlooking Monuments Beach. John had the kind of upbringing that leads to becoming a serious angler, as a young boy hiking and horseback riding with his father deep into California’s High Sierras in search of wild trout. Those kinds of boyhood memories can create a fascination with water, and when John came down to Cabo in 1980 it was a life changing event, staying at the Hotel Cabo San Lucas where he hooked his first marlin. That fish led to repeat visits and now John lives in the area, overlooking what he considers the finest fishing grounds in the world. “There is a lot to love about this place,” John says. “I love the climate and the people, and I have to say that, after fishing other places in the world, there is no better place to fish for marlin than the waters off Los Cabos.”
August of 1985. Captivated by the area, he drove back down later in October of that year and went out with two friends and caught 7 wahoo, 10 Dorado and 3 tuna in a panga rented through Victor’s Sport fishing for about $90, splitting it 3 ways. That was when you could get a hotel room on the beach in San José for $18 a night. Michael became such an enthusiast that he was out fishing with a honeymooning couple and made a comment that the fishing was so good in Baja that the fish almost jump into the boat. Not long after that, as if on cue, a 25-pound Dorado actually jumped into their boat. If you have any knowledge about fishing in Baja, then you’re probably familiar with the name Gary Graham. As a writer and photographer, Gary is an icon of all things piscatorial from southern California to the tip of Baja California Sur. He was one of the early explorers who took the road less travelled and discovered the wealth of resources in the area. He has documented his Baja experiences for decades, and is especially fond of beaches. “When I first ventured into Baja in 1969, I saw the miles and miles of beaches as an opportunity for fishing, and fishing from the beach was my thing,” Gary says. “Back then, most of the hotels along the Sea of Cortez treated the beaches as a pathway for guests to their fleet of boats. Beach fishing has drawn me back to Baja year after year. You can fish alone or share the fun with a companion, which by the way, was often my friend Coci, my ATV-riding, fish-loving dog who spent many hours on the beach by my side, spotting fish for me … or racing to the rod at the sound of the clicker. With trophy-sized fish lurking as close as your next cast, it is easily accessible, do-it-yourself, and inexpensive. Always there, day or night, with no commitment, you can fish for one hour or all day. Not only avid anglers, but kids, seasick family members and even your pet can enjoy this unique gateway to Baja fishing.” It’s been said a good fisherman will never really starve, but if you truly feel the excitement that comes from pursuing marlin and their companions off the coast in southern Baja, then you are likely to contribute a good part of your hard earned wages to the fishing industry here. But the experience is never really about that, as the profits of sport fishing can’t be measured in currency. You are on your way back to the Marina and a friend, who has also had a good day and who is one of the finest anglers you have ever known, lights up a cigar, reaches into the cooler, pulls out a chilled cerveza and hands it to you. There is spray coming off the sides of the boat, refracting the sunlight into a rainbow, and as you hold the can, feeling the coldness and weight, it somehow feels like real money. *
Photo by Larry Dunmire
Local angler/chef Drew Deckman was looking for a place to combine his highlyevolved culinary skills with his passion for big game fishing when he came to Cabo. "Eight years ago I began looking for a place where I could cook at the level I was accustomed to, as well as have a shot at a bill fish 365 days a year. The fishing in Cabo, when it’s on, is as good as it gets. We get all the species I want to catch most times of the year.” And when he catches them, the most desirable eating fish, he knows exactly what to do with them, creating plates so inventive, so precisely composed, that you look at the ingredients in a whole new light. “My life has been hookto-fork for a long time and my kitchens only serve seafood from the Baja peninsula,” Drew says. ‘I’m not sure there is another place like this on the planet that is so varied and complete in terms of the resource.” What would an article about fishing be without a fish story? Michael Aviani, owner/ broker of Los Cabos Vacation Rentals first fished the waters off San José del Cabo in www.DestinoMagazine.com | MAY 2014
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therapy is good for me?
Corrective: In this category is predominately the standard medical system, and the model to follow is correction and rehabilitation. It’s focus is to treat an area of trouble and to return it to its proper function. Examples of these are physiotherapy, myofascial release techniques, trigger point therapy, The Alexander Technique, and chiropractic approaches.
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When one is searching to feel good and wants to learn to deal in a healthy way with daily activities, such as having a demanding boss that stresses you and causes constant headaches, or with more complex circumstances like imbalances in your hormonal cycle, having knee pain or neck pain for “unknown reasons,” bad posture, or having difficulties breathing or sleeping, finding the right kind of therapy can be challenging. You might be part of a large group who is seeking now to improve their health and quality of life, and is considering making a 180 degree change. There are a lot of options available: read, get informed, and analyse your needs and the outcome you are expecting. Seek alternative options to pain killers, anti-anxiety/depression pills, orthotics, and unnecessary expensive surgeries, which treat symptoms in a superficial way, but are less likely to alleviate the cause from its root. Well-trained, certified, alternative therapy practitioners can help you with discomfort and illness, and often provide more gentle and cost-effective modalities compared to traditional Western models. From my experience in the art of healing, therapy can be divided in 3 categories depending on its focus: relaxing, corrective, and integrative. Relaxing: Its focus is diminishing tension, providing immediate relaxation, and reducing stress. An atmosphere where the stimulation of the senses (essential oils, visuals, music,) is usually part of it. Muscles relax, toxins release, and circulation is increased. In this category you find the kind of treatments offered at spas, Swedish massage and all signature spa treatments, sauna, hydrotherapy, and hotcold compresses. Great after a long hectic week! Results are immediate, the effects tend to be temporary, and
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Integrative: In this category, the healing model seeks to harmonize the whole spectrum of the person. The therapist’s mind set maintains a broad vision and is not localized, but integrative and holistic. Here the practitioner asks “how can this person function in a more efficient way?” The internal factors the client presents are taken into account. For example, when treating an injury or illness, the questions is “what are the symptoms saying?” Where is the misalignment coming from? What organs are involved? What’s the level of stress on that person? The approach doesn’t rely on instant relaxation, or correction of the symptoms, as the first order, but in building improvement as the person achieves a more balanced state, moving toward wholeness. Homeopathy, Structural Integration of the Rolfing Method (and sisters schools i.e. Soma, Hellerwork), different styles of osteopathy, Gestalt therapy, oriental medicine, acupuncture, craneo-sacral therapy, some movement therapies such as Continuum Movement, Rolfing Movement, Aston patterning, Feldenkrais, and yoga. Each modality in this category works on different aspects and levels of the person. In my field of Structural Integration, there are some key elements I use to determine a specific plan for each client. They inform me about the state of the whole system of the person, and help me to re-establish flexibility in the tissues, unwind areas of chronic tension, and aligning the body on the vertical axis. Body reading of the posture, observation of the client’s movement patterns, and their ability to breath will tell me how their nervous system is working, and the way they have been using their bodies. This reveals psychological and emotional content, and signs of trauma held in their tissues, that might be blocking the flow of energy, and the innate ability to move with fluidity and grace. A therapist first question is, “how can I assist this person in improving their ability to relax in their own body, feel connected to their surroundings and in the gravitational field of the earth, so they can fully express themselves in all aspects of their life?” *
Yoga - “Observation
without evaluation is the highest form of intelligence.” - Einstein
Lets begin. In yoga practice, to begin means to start by bringing your awareness to your breath. Observe. Am I breathing fast, am I breathing deep? Is my breath shallow? Am I breathing? Mind and breath go together, when one changes the other follows. When mind is peaceful, the breath is peaceful, when by breath is agitated, mind gets agitated. Then, what better way to know the Self than to observe the breath, moment by moment. To observe bodily sensations allows us to be present, in yoga practice sensations are the measure to how far I can reach and how long should I stay in a pose; I must observe my sensations otherwise there is no awareness, and yoga is all about awareness. I must find a comfortable place within the pose where I can remain still and let the pose do its work; while I observe the breath I see sensations arising and passing away. In asana practice, as well as in life, any sign of pain is a clear sign that I must release, relax, and do something different. Think about it, Why would I do something that hurts? In yoga, poses are not to be practiced in an specific way because the teacher says so, or because a textbook instructs to do it this way or that way, yoga is to be practiced in a way that makes sense to you, wisdom comes by experience. Experience is always changing and it is unique to the Self. Yoga practice gives us the opportunity to find ourselves in the same places over and over again, just to experience the ultimate universal natural law: change. Lets start, I begin by bringing my awareness back to the breath. I observe my sensations arise and pass away. I relax, release, and let the pose do its work. Be still, be aware, be equanimous. Do not hurt by losing the balance of the mind craving more, do not suffer and loose the balance of the mind averting how I feel. I see reality as it is, not as I would like it to be, I observe without evaluation, and leave the rest to Nature. The insight? Life is transient, impermanent, and I AM always changing. How about how I feel? Well, that will also change. Be happy.
Uttanasana ~ Forward bend This asana, forward bend, gives the spine a deliberate and intense stretch cures stomach pains and tones the liver, the spleen and the kidneys. It also relieves stomach pain during menstrual periods. The heart beats are slowed down and the sinal nerves rejuvenated. Any depression felt in the mind is removed if one holds the pose for two minutes or more. The posture is a boon to people who get excited quickly, as it soothes the brain cells. After finishing the asana, one feels calm and cool, the eyes start to glow and the mind feels at peace. Technique: Start in standing pose. Feet together, knees straight, aligned spine, stomach firm, relaxed shoulders. Inhale, raise your hands to the sky and reach, exhale, bend forward. Keep your knees as straight as they can comfortably be and your fingers as close to the floors as comfortably possible. Inhale, try to hold the head up and stretch the spine, legs are perpendicular to the floor. Take two deep breaths here. Exhale move the trunk closer to the legs and rest the head as close to your knees as naturally possible. Hold this position for a minute with deep and even breathing. Inhale and raise the head but keeping the arms down towards the floor. After two breaths take a deep inhalation, lift the hands from the floor and come back to standing pose. Breath. Namaste*
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www.DestinoMagazine.com | MAY 2014
Beauty - “PHOSPHORESCENCE. Now there’s a word to lift your hat to... to find that phosphorescence, that light within, that’s the genius behind poetry.” - Emily Dickinson
What we say to each other matters, in fact, it makes a difference. One of the key functions of the human auditory system is of course to allow us to exchange ideas through speech. Human speech seems to be unique in its sophistication, but many animals use vocal communication . When people speak of sound, they are usually referring to pressure waves generated by vibrating air molecules. Sound waves are much like the ripples that radiate outward when a rock is thrown in a pool of water. In some languages, such as in Mandarin Chinese, changing pitch contours can change the meaning of a word. Neuroscience, which means any or all of the sciences, such as neurochemistry and experimental psychology, which deal with the structure or function of the nervous system and brain, includes studies about how sound frequency creates our experience. Sound becomes a memory stored in our body and can influence our cellular information, which then manifest as sensations. Sensations are responsible for our reactions and usually influence our points of view. Beauty is one perfect example. It is more likely that you believe you are beautiful, if you hear from others that you are beautiful, isn’t this right? Those who grow up hearing ugly words, learn to believe they are ugly. You can transform your world when you transform your vocabulary. Whether we realize it or not, the words we say have a vibration. Our words often dictate our behaviours and the behaviours of others. It’s not just what we say but also what we hear that affects our lives in powerful ways. Positive words can inspire us to greatness; negative words have the potential to hurt us. Many walk around with verbal curses shadowing their pathways. Perhaps someone close has said, “You’re stupid,” “You don’t have what it takes,” “Don’t get your hopes up,” or “You are not beautiful.” Words are powerful, but it is your belief in those words that will determine your response. Our children are absorbing everything we do and say. Don’t just think about what you are feeding their bodies; consider what you are feeding their minds. Let your words be words that lift up instead of tear down. Eliminate the toxic words and look for opportunities to say words and phrases that enrich and empower. You have the power to shape your world, so choose your words wisely. It’s essential to remember that we are energy/ matter in the universe. We now know that energy regularly changes form into matter and matter into energy. Einstein confirmed with his relativity equation E=mc² that Energy and matter are interchangeable, he opened the door for numerous technological advances, from nuclear power and nuclear medicine to the inner workings of the sun. He showed us that matter and energy are one. Simply put, he discovered that one must multiply matter by the speed of light to produce energy. May your words be light. You are beautiful. *
HEALTHY LIVING
R ight livelihood
“A person should not be employed in five manners of business. Which five? Weapons, human beings, meat, intoxicants, and poison. These are the five business practices a person should not be involved.” - The Buddha
Should I eat fish? A boat docked in a tiny island. What follows next is a classic fishermen story that changes depending on who is telling it, but its message is always the same. Why waste a life? Story story, a tourist compliments the local fishermen on the quality of their fish and asks how long it took to catch them. “Not very long.” Why didn’t you stay out longer and catch more? The fishermen explain that their small catches are sufficient to meet their needs and those of their families. What do you do with the rest of your time? “We sleep late, fish a little, play with our children, and take siestas with our wives. In the afternoons we have a snack at the beach or go into the village to see our friends. In the evenings we gather and play, and sing a few songs. We have a full life.” The tourist interrupts, I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you! You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat. “And after that?” With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers. Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to the city. From there you can direct your huge new enterprise. “How long would that take?” Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years. Replied the tourist. “And after that?” Afterwards? Well my friend, that’s when it gets really interesting, answered the tourist,
laughing. When your business gets really big, you can start buying and selling stocks and make millions! “Millions? Really? And after that?” Asked the fishermen. After that you’ll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta with your wife and spend your evenings playing and enjoying your friends. “With all due respect, that’s exactly what we are doing now. So what’s the point wasting twenty-five years?” Right livelihood means different things to different people because awareness goes hand in hand with experiential truth; our definition of the concept of right livelihood seems to depend on who is telling the story. Then, how can I be sure that my worldly choices honour Universal good values? How can I know if my daily habits support the right causes? How can I be certain that my actions will bring me peace of mind and prepare my spirit so when the time to move on from this life arrives, when I see myself before the realization of death, I feel no regret? Universal good values advise that to live and die peacefully and enjoy real happiness, one must respect life, respect others’ rights and belongings, exercise right speech, keep a clear mind without intoxication, and to have no sexual misconduct. Vast, we might say, these are vast, and it can get confusing, usually spiritual advice simplifies it as: Do not kill, do not steal, do not lie, exaggerate or gossip, do not intoxicate your mind with alcohol or drugs, and avoid lust. Do not do to others what you don’t want to be done to you. Better said, treat others like you want to be treated. Follow the middle path, the golden mean. Ask yourself, am I hurting others or myself with this action? Do my actions support someone that hurts other sentient beings? If the answer is yes, then avoid the action if to you is important to live a good life, a happy life, a peaceful life. True is that to do no harm is right livelihood. Should I eat fish? *
Organic - Acelgas: a Baja Garden bliss Like all greens, chard (acelga) is rich in Vitamins. Besides vitamin A, B2 and C, it provides us with minerals such as iron, potassium, phosphorous, calcium, and sodium. It is super food and easy to digest. You can cook chard like you cook spinach, but the plant is delicious raw. Chard is healthy because its fibre, folic acid, salty minerals, and its large quantities of water. It is in the exterior leaves where you can find the most carotenes. Chard’s medicinal properties can help with stomach issues, ulcers, hemorrhoids, liver, bladder inflammations, skin problems, rheumatism, constipation, and can improve your memory.*
Farmer’s Markets
*Organic produce, food, local arts&crafts and music*
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
www.DestinoMagazine.com | MAY 2014
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ART & CULTURE Manuel Adria
EL RETRATO, THE PORTRAIT by Marilyn Graham
Manuel Adria was born in the late 1950s in Barcelona, Spain and raised in his father’s impressive art gallery, which featured the likes of Picasso, Miró and Dalí. Imagine the influence growing up surrounded by these Master’s paintings! When Manuel was 14, he had the amazing luck to begin his art career as a sculptor, collaborating with surrealist artist Salvador Dalí on the famous Mae West’s face. After a few years, Adria switched to painting and studied with the influential Spanish abstract painter, Salvador Aulestia. However, Manuel Adria never received a formal art education, which probably explains why his style is so natural, coming across as pure emotional expression. Reviews describe Manuel Adria as “a wonderfully diverse artist who has experimented with different techniques and pictorial style”, fusing “Cubist and Expressionist influence with his own unique vision, making his work unparalleled in the artistic community...pushing artistic boundaries to reach a new interpretation of form and colour through careful analysis of himself and his environment.” Adria’s lifelong influence are Miró, Picasso, and Mexico’s Tamayo. Manuel Adria married a Mexican woman, moved to Mexico and became part of Puerto Vallarta’s artistic community. He reflects the Mexican environment with his beautiful vibrant palette of colours, “right out of the tube”. The featured themes in his paintings vary from animals to the portraits featured in the recent Ida Victoria Gallery show, all mixed together with his sun symbols and other details. Under painting, a brilliant selection of colour, a smudge here, a stroke there, whimsical and spontaneous, for me Manuel Adria is simply charming in his primitive expressions of pure emotion through people and animals. Adria’s works have been featured in solo and group shows in Spain, France, Italy, Mexico, and The United States and his art can be found in private collections throughout Europe and the Americas. The more you look at his paintings, the more you smile while enjoying all the intricate details on the canvas. At his art show “MANUEL ADRIA, EL RETRATO, THE PORTRAIT” I related to nearly all of the paintings, but especially “Saludo al Sol,” this is a happy portrait with the sun shining down on a girl as she salutes the sun, a dog at her side also accompanied by birds, a little giraffe and an air plane, and a myriad of tiny little enchanting details. Above one eye of this beautiful girl is painted a little house and above the other eye, a lovely little rainstorm….a tear perhaps to go along with her sweet smile? Whimsical and stylized at the same time, fun, primitive with the use of strong bright primary colors, I find the painting extremely expressive and emotional. I simply want to purchase this painting so I can enjoy the sweetness and longing in the portrait’s face, painted in a sunny, bright atmosphere accompanied by the artist’s birds and favorite pets.*
SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO
Every Thursday evening between the months of November and June, the galleries welcome guests to enjoy an evening strolling the neighbourhood, viewing art, sipping wine and dining at San José del Cabo downtown’s exquisite restaurants. The Art Walk happens from 5:00 to 9:00, but the Art itself never stops! The Art District is open all day, every day!
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ART & CULTURE
My Experience with
TRADITIONAL MEXICO By Photographer Bruce Herman
HAPPY MAN, CHIAPAS
I had the pleasure to meet this happy man: a guitar maker, player, and seller at EL Mercado Central, the central market of San Cristobal De las Casas in the state of Chiapas, Southern Mexico. He played one guitar under his arm and carried two more tied to his back while he moved around the plaza at the entrance of the market. He spread his cheerful music and salesman’s good charm. Sometimes, when people he recognized arrived, he would follow up behind them playing his music louder and louder and getting closer and closer. Finally, the person would turn and he would smile and greet in familiar conversation, all the while he, played displaying his crude but beautiful homemade guitar, ever the salesman. I noticed as well that he greeted cheerfully the many children he passed and they, in turn, seemed excited to see him and kept watchful eyes as he moved around the plaza trying to find a buyer. Late in the morning he made a sale and, as the transaction finished, the children approached and followed him to a candy stall on the edge of the market. Here he filled and paid for a large bag of assorted colourful sweets. He put a few in his pocket, a few in his mouth and then generously distributed the rest of the children who had been waiting for this, obviously often repeated ritual. As the bag emptied and the happy kids moved on, he got another guitar off his back, spent a moment to get it in tune, and then started out again across the plaza, spreading amongst the people his quiet music, his enviable charm, and his energetic good will. *
AMBER GALLERY SAN JOSÉ ART DISTRICT - Alvaro Obregón 18 b across from restaurant Mi Casa Gallery 624-105-2332 www.brucehermangallery.com | 624-143-4793 | brucehermanphoto@hotmail.com
GIVING BACK
love the elderly
THE GOOD NEWS
For the sailor in love with our East Cape and the Sea of Cortez, J & V Yachts is the first yacht company to open doors in San José del Cabo. They are located in the lighthouse fishermen village of La Playita, by Marina Puerto Los Cabos. Enjoy the sport of navigating, and let these professionals take care of your nautical legal advice, mechanical services, import/export, polishing and washing, marine laundry, and all details of yacht management. Or, simply rent a yacht and navigate the beautiful seas of Baja California Sur with their certified crew, who dedicate themselves to help you plan your marine vacation and make your sport a pleasure. * For more info: www.jvyachts.com
DIF means Desarrollo Integral de
la Familia (Comprehensive Development of the Family). Those who support DIF activities help create awareness and organize activities promoting family wellness. Volunteers gather in support of the diverse national public programs created to protect and help children, women, and the elderly. Next time you find yourself wondering how to help, ask DIF about their activities at Casa de Día. People in need are helped with food, construction materials, clothes, wheelchairs, medicine, health services; but it is the DIF cultural workshops and events which provide our community with the opportunity to enjoy the company of others in a safe environment, creating art, dancing, singing, learning a new craft, or simply making new friends. Casa de Día offers free transportation service, meals and activities to our elders, who gather inspired by their love for life. You might be surprised when you discover that it is you who needed them.*
www.loscabos.gob.mx/dif www.DestinoMagazine.com | MAY 2014
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COUPONS Solution for puzzle on page 18
***REAL ESTATE SECTION REALTORS: advertise your RE listings with us. Best exposure to potential clients assured. ***COUPONS Contact our advertising department to learn about the benefits of our coupons. For information and rates contact: advertising@destinomagazine.com (624) 105-9700 / (624) 142-4949 You can find our media kit on: www.destinomagazine.com FOLLOW US!
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REAL ESTATE
design challenges
an expert’s help with building in Los Cabos
LIGHTING YOUR LANDSCAPE by Wendy Rains / Architectural Designer at www.buildinginbaja.com (*Note: Don’t overload your landscape with up lighting to avoid overwhelming the space).
Real Estate questions asked by you, answered by local real estate expert Blake Harrington, of REmexico Real Estate Group Q: What are the true costs of owning a vacation home in Los Cabos and maintaining the property? A: This is a very common and good question for those of our clients considering purchasing a vacation home in Cabo. The monthly and annual costs can vary on HOA/Maintenance fees, or CFE Zone (Local Electric) and services at your property specifically. However, what we like to suggest to our buyers is to get into a rental program so that your new vacation home actually provides a source of income. The rental market is strong in Southern Baja and has been for some time. Joining a rental program and management service can help in a variety of ways. You can rent on a daily/weekly/monthly basis to qualified renters and turn your home into an investment property, not just a vacation property. This also assures that the property will always be looked after, kept in good condition, and managed properly, which will save you money on deferred maintenance in the long run. Another great part about owning a vacation home in Mexico is that property taxes are considerably lower than in the States. Of course, this is always subject to changing laws and can depend on the property, area of Los Cabos, and development, but on average, property taxes are less than in the States. With affordable annual costs and the option of renting your home, I think its a great time to invest in Los Cabos, for now and the future. We are seeing great opportunities for buyers to continue to capitalize on great deals and new inventory to the market. And most important to remember, when you purchase real estate in Cabo, you are buying a quality of life we are incredibly lucky to live. Send us your Los Cabos real estate questions to: blake@realestatebaja.com contact@destinomagazine.com
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Do-It-Yourself Tips
Do-it-yourself or hire a professional? First know that yes, you might save some money by doing it all yourself, but the time and aggravation involved usually isn’t worth it. You will probably need to hire a professional to engineer the system’s integration with the transformer. If you are not working with a designer to assist you in your layout, here are some other tips to follow for making sure everything is done safely and effectively: Photo by Francisco Estrada
Beauty, usefulness, safety, and security are some of the positive attributes of a proper lighting design, allowing you to highlight focal points and hide eyesores. The first thing to consider is how you want to use the various areas of your outdoor space. Do you entertain a lot? Do you need pathways, decks, and patios lit? The second thing would be to ask yourself what you would like to see at night. Start with the house and then the landscape, highlighting focal trees and shrubs throughout the garden. Think about how you want to view your outdoor areas from within your home at night. It’s nice to be able to see lit up areas through every window. Keep in mind the shadows that outdoor lights create, especially when lighting a focal point. Is there a dark area on your grounds or where you park your car? Lighting adds an element of security as well. It’s not easy for most people during the day to envision a scene as it might appear lit at night. That’s where a professional lighting designer or landscape designer with lighting experience comes in. They understand strategic placement of the right fixtures and their effectiveness. For instance, you might just go for the commonly used low voltage fixtures along a path or driveway, but a designer may suggest casting a more organically dramatic light across the driveway, from a fixture mounted high up on a tree, through its branches. Three of the most important ways to approach outdoor lighting: 1) Down lighting, usually from a tree, 2) Up lighting, usually aimed at an architectural feature or beautiful plant to create dramatic shadows, and 3) Cross lighting, to dramatically illuminate a focal point from two directions, eliminating shadows. Light intensity and “beam spray” are also important. Equal brightness and balance are pertinent in a good design. Homeowners tend to load up these fixtures with the brightest bulbs possible, and the result is a glaring landscape. All decisions on architectural features such as stone, brick, stucco, and roof lines deserve attention. Winding walkways, circular driveways, and plants all anchor the landscape and need illumination. That’s what landscape lighting is all about. You must also decide if you want the lights to function automatically. Automation ranges from a simple set clock, smart timer or scene, to phasing changes and security settings like “gone to bed”, “away on vacation”, or “be back shortly” scene variables. There’s a lot of discussion these days regarding using LED outdoor lighting to retrofit bulbs, with many energy saving benefits. The majority of recent outdoor lighting installations are now LED. What if you have an older existing landscape lighting system? Can you convert to LEDs? The answer is yes, under most circumstances. Most fixtures can now accept both LED and Halogen bulbs. Converting an old fixture to LED costs only 20% less than buying a brand new fixture, so it’s often best just to use new fixtures. Do not to touch Halogen bulbs with your fingers which could shorten their life span. There is a lot to know about all the lighting options open to you. Spot and Flood lights are perfect for wall washing, flood lighting, and general up lighting of trees and houses.
1. Make a little sketch of the area you want to light. 2. It’s best to create “zones” in order to group fixtures in a specific area to share a cable run, starting with the closest to the transformer first. Each area will have its own cable run to its own landscape lighting transformer. You can expect to have three cable runs of 80-100 watts for each 300 watt transformer circuit. To make sure there are no voltage drops or damage, there are hub systems you can purchase to reduce the number of runs and manage the voltage drops. 3. Add up the total wattage of all the bulbs you will be using, in order to determine the correct transformer size you need. 4. If you are not working with a professional installer, you will need to calculate the cable gauge and length needed to reach the transformer. A good rule of thumb is to figure on 100 feet of 12 gauge cable for every 100 watts. It’s a good idea to figure in 30% more cable than your calculations. For a more specific calculation, multiply the amount of wattage per zone by the cable length in feet. 5. Purchasing Supplies: A) The first items to buy are the landscape lighting fixtures. You need to choose the correct flood and well lights, path and area lights, and bulbs for the lighting effect that you want. B) When buying the transformers, figure for every 240 watts of bulbs, you need 300 watts of transformer. It is better to buy two smaller transformers instead of a single large one. C) Splices and connectors should be purchased next. You will need two connectors per fixture, plus extras for splicing the main cable and hubs. Any accessories, such as replacement bulbs, hub systems, and wire ties should be purchased last. 6. Installation: A) Assemble all the fixtures. B) Lay everything out where they are to be installed. C) Mount the transformer boxes. D) Lay out the wire. Whether copper wire or a marine-grade tin-coated wire, which are both good choices, make sure they are “sleeved” in any locations where you or your gardener might dig, such as in flower beds. E) Determine how many lights are run off each wire (see above guidelines for wattages), leaving enough room for the potential of adding some in the future. F) Before burying the wiring, do a voltage read on each fixture to make sure all the connections are good. G) Check the direction of each light’s aim at night. You don’t want lights shining in people’s faces. H) Last thing is to bury the wire, 2-6 inches being sufficient. 7. Solar Lights: Most landscape designers avoid using solar lighting for the following reasons: A) They might
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REAL ESTATE be cost effective for some small DIY projects, but they just do not do the job. B) They do not provide the bright light that LED and Halogen provide, casting a cold blue light. C) Long lasting, beautifully made fixtures are not really available yet. For now, most professionals choose wired low-voltage LED lighting, because it’s energy-efficient, provides long-lasting fixtures and bulbs, and is easier to install and maintain than halogen lighting. 8. Pool Lighting: In the old days pools usually had only one glaring light at the deep end that beamed through most of the length of a pool for nighttime swimming. Not now! Pools have become “water features” and an integral focal point of a home’s landscaping, hence pool lighting has come a long way. Now it’s all about LED systems that can transform your pool into an “aquatic experience”. There are system options with colors that can be customized and programmed to give off soft glows that change throughout the night. There’s also fibre-optic lighting to create a starry night-like effect. These systems can be installed under the coping or in pipes embedded in the walls. Pool fountains and cascades can be dramatically shown off at night. The idea is to create an enchanting ambience to suit your mood and senses. 9. Motion and light sensors only detect rapid motion changes, and many are combined with burglar alarm systems. You would not rely on a sensor light for anything other than security or safety purposes. When exposed to all the elements, they also require constant inspection to avoid corrosion of the batteries and acid deterioration that would cause them to be completely inoperable. Lighting your landscape is so often overlooked or not installed to be aesthetically appealing. Whether the look you are going for is sleekly modern, classically traditional, rustic, or Asian, there is no end to how many ways you can play with light and shadow to create all sorts of special effects in your landscape! *
IMAGINE
you live here
by Michelle Geisler Anderson/Dream Homes of Cabo
A Little Fishing Village Paves the Way for Foreign Real Estate Development Los Cabos continues to be one of Mexico’s top destinations for foreign travel and real estate investment; but before the modern attractions of today, Los Cabos was first recognized in recent history as a small fishing village. It was the abundant source of tuna which first developed Cabo San Lucas’ commercial fishing in the 1920s. Fishing villages spotted the coasts from the Pacific to the eastern coasts of the Sea of Cortez. By 1927 the historic Cannery in Cabo San Lucas provided a living to native families for over 25 years. By the late 1950s, the Mexican Government ended commercial fishing with the intention to develop Cabo San Lucas as a major tourist destination with a focus on sport fishing. The very first fishing resort, Rancho Las Cruces, was built on the beach near La Paz in 1950. Shortly after, in 1952, the fishing resort of Rancho Buena Vista developed in the East Cape. Further along the coast the development beginning the master planned community of Palmilla awakened San Jose del Cabo in 1956. By 1961 construction continued along the corridor and not until the early to mid 1970s did the Transpeninsular Highway and the Cabo San Lucas Marina completed construction to connect tourism both by land and sea. The expansion of the San Jose del Cabo airport in 1977 helped to bring hundreds and then thousands of visitors to Los Cabos to enjoy more than 60 miles of coastline and fishing waters from Cabo San Lucas to the East Cape. In 1981, Bob Bisbee started the Black & Blue Marlin Tournament that has now attracted up to 150 teams of sport fisherman today with one of the largest payouts in sport fishing history. After 20 years the Bisbee Family expanded with two additional tournaments; the East Cape Offshore Tournament in Buenavista and the Los Cabos Offshore Tournament. Through the 80s and 90s as sport fishing was developing great acknowledgements in Los Cabos as the world’s top destination for sport fishing. Simultaneously, FONATUR - a Mexican government agency in charge of development and tourism, began researching and supporting golf course development which further opened Los Cabos to sportsmen from around the world. Naturally, the hundreds and thousands of tourists visiting this area to fish, golf, or enjoy the pristine beaches further inspired the varieties of resort, condominium and planned residential communities into our landscape. A true fisherman takes his/her sport seriously and when it comes to selecting a vacation home in Los Cabos it is important to make sure the property has all of the characteristics to make the home the perfect place to be when you are not on the water! No matter where one chooses to place one’s head at night, the true adventure will still be found reeling in the prize catch of the day. *
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REAL ESTATE
VILLA EXTRAVAGANZZA
Cabo Corridor • $445,000 • 4 BR • MLS# 14-323 3 Master bedrooms all with own en-suite. 4th bedroom and 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
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.
FROM USA & CANADA 858.200.4979 FROM MEXICO 624.191.3462 www.CaboRealEstate.com 36
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REAL ESTATE
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
Mx: 624 143-8121 U.S.:619-683-7883 Toll Free: 1-877-499-1901 own@villalaestancia.com www.DestinoMagazine.com | MAY 2014
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REAL ESTATE
OCEAN VIEW & FAIRWAY HOME SITE
San José · Club Campestre · Los Valles Lot #52 · $185,000 · MLS# 14-505
Located on Jack Nicklaus’ 18th Hole. Large ocean views and no homes across from it. A desirable back-loaded lot with 5,151 ft² and nearly 65 linear feet of fairway frontage. Includes Beach Club Membership. Club Campestre offers a full service clubhouse, golf course, tennis courts, and restaurants.
Michelle Geisler Anderson LOCAL CELL: (624) 157-1775 US/CAN: (908) 864-0530
Michelle@DreamHomesOfCabo.com www.RealEstateCaboSanLucas.com
PALMILLA OASIS Lot 33
San José del Cabo · Palmilla · $450,000 · MLS# 14-629
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.
Dane Posey
Local cell: (624) 161-2618 From USA: (310) 753-8898 Dane@caborealestate.com www.CaboRealEstate.com
CASA BESOS Hermitage • $775,000
3 BR • 3 BA One of Cabo’s most exciting new gated communities, Hermitage boasts sweeping ocean views of the Sea of Cortez and Lands End. This unique offering is move-in ready, already built, and fully furnished. Don’t wait for your new home to be built, come home to Hermitage and Casa Besos. Upgraded features throughout include granite counters, custom cabinetry, and a top row location with the best views in the community. USA & CANADA 858.200.4979 MEXICO 624.191.3462 www.CaboRealEstate.com
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ART DISTRICT HISTORIC BUILDING #3 San José del Cabo Art District • $425,000 MLS# 14-68
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.
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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REAL ESTATE
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