SHOPPING

Yourself Treat

RETAIL THERAPY IS A MUST ON VACATION, BUT YOU CANNOT LEAVE LOS CABOS WITHOUT BROWSING FOR UNIQUE TREASURES.

By Laura Jenkins

Shopping in Los Cabos is a thrilling adventure. Gorgeous textiles, exquisite jewelry, and acres of original art span the region, bringing an unexpected opportunity to take a meaningful piece of the Baja peninsula back home. The best place to start is right where you are. The resorts of Los Cabos have exclusive gift shops with high-quality merchandise at affordable prices. Many also host vendors who set up shop on the property so you can shop without leaving your luxurious retreat.

Viceroy Los Cabos, for instance, features three popular retail shops: The Beach Store in the magnificent Art Gallery; KM33, a Latin American Boutique created by Mexican fashionista Sara Galind; and The Bazaar. Each boasts an exclusive assortment of luxury brands from around the world. You’ll find

anything you need, whether you’re looking for a cocktail dress, a beach hat, handmade gifts, or skin care essentials.

Downtown Cabo San Lucas is the best

place to see a wide variety of traditional Mexican pottery and other handcrafted goods. Weave your way in and out of openair and air-conditioned tiendas, all within a short walk, to find that unique piece of turquoise jewelry or that distinctive piece of pottery. There are several artisanal markets throughout Los Cabos. Some are more like flea markets (where you can score one-ofa-kind treasures), and others are dedicated to the work of local artisans. Some of the

most exquisite collections of silver and gem jewelry can be found at the local markets. Whatever market you choose, there is bound to be a treasure.

The Glass Factory may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of places to shop, but if you value unique and beautiful mementos, it is well worth a visit. Over the course of a day, more than 30 artisans can produce as many as 500 hand-blown objects from recycled, leadfree glass. Not only will they gladly create a custom piece for you, but watching them at work and walking through the facility is a kaleidoscopic experience.

Even the most robust shoppers need to refuel, and there’s no better place to treat your taste buds than The Chocolate Factory in San José del Cabo. Stop by to sample delicious regional chocolates. You’ll gain some much-needed energy and hear fascinating tales of how the

Olmecas, Aztecs, and Mayas brought the gift of chocolate to the rest of the world.

In Los Cabos, you can shop at one of many shopping malls carrying everything from high-end brands to international labels. The Marina Golden Zone in the

heart of Cabo San Lucas is a shopping mecca. On the marina, the aptly named Puerto Paraíso is a multilevel shopping experience that combines fine arts and crafts galleries with well-known retailers. Luxury Avenue, adjacent to Puerto Paraíso, offers several designer shopping options for clothes, jewelry, and cosmetics. While you’re there, check out Plaza Bonita, a large outdoor shopping area along the boardwalk of the marina, where you can pick up tropical prints, handmade accessories, and sophisticated sportswear.

The Shoppes at Palmilla, located on the corridor between San José del

Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, is a more secluded, upscale shopping experience. You’ll appreciate the traditional hacienda architecture, tropical gardens, chic art galleries, and trendy boutiques. It’s also home to the U.S. Consulate, should you need passport or travel assistance. San José del Cabo’s Centro Histórico is a favorite

place in Los Cabos to shop for upscale art objects, jewelry, and souvenirs. Don’t miss Sanchez & Luna Fire Opals Designs for a fiery, shimmering Mexican opal, available in custom jewelry and loose stones. On Thursday evenings from 5 to 9 p.m. during the busy tourist season (November through May), the Centro Histórico district comes alive with the annual Art Walk hosted by San José del Cabo.