By Gary Walther
Maybe it’s because migratory birds fly north for the summer and south for the winter that we think that’s what we should do, too. And don’t get me wrong, I’m with the birds when it comes to winter. But for a summer escape, I like to go south as well, to someplace on the ocean. Because unless you go really far north, say to the Canadian Arctic where a summer high on a good day is 55 degrees, it’s still pretty hot in most of North America. Whereas on the coast of Mexico or a Caribbean island, you get two things essential to maintaining your summer cool: sea breezes and a dress code that allows you to walk around in almost nothing for most of the day.
Right now the destination to consider is San Jose del Cabo because there are great Business Class fares on offer from a slew of American cities. Those of you who want to escape the swelter of Las Vegas can get there in Business Class for $640 (plus taxes)—that’s a sure bet if I’ve ever heard one. San Franciscans who want to escape the cold of summer get the second best fare, $736.
And you can do it on a moment’s notice from all the cities in the chart below except Detroit, Philadelphia, and San Francisco, which require a 14-day advance purchase.
Sample of Special Business Class Fares Discovered to San Jose del Cabo
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Flight Logistics
Except from Los Angeles, all flights require a connection: Aeromexico in Mexico City, American in Dallas or Los Angeles, Delta in Atlanta or Salt Lake City, and United in Houston or Los Angeles.
Besides hanging at the pool or beach, Cabo offers good golf-ing (10 courses near the major resorts) and superb sport fish-ing. This is the place to let out your inner Captain Ahab. July and August are the best months for Blue Marlin (the record catch here is 1,402 lbs.), Mahi Mahi (87 lbs.), Rooster Fish (114 lbs.), and Snapper (50 lbs.). Stay at one of the luxury resorts listed below and the chef will probably make it for your dinner.
Weather Notwithstanding: Okay, so summer is the time when Cabo gets the most rain, starting in June and climaxing in September. As always in the tropics, it doesn’t rain all day, but rather explodes late in the afternoon, taking away some of the heat. Go to Weather-and-Climate if you want to get the rainfall bar graph.
The Big Three Resorts
One&Only Palmilla: A veteran fisherman’s hotel turned into a luxury resort by One&Only in 2004. Butler service in suites, fabulous bathrooms, and a full-service spa. The rooms are a great example of rugged Mexican décor, with much of the furnishings from Guadalajara, a great center of Mexican artisanship. Top-floor Terrace Suites have great views over the ocean.
Esperanza: Wonderful location above the Sea of Cortez. The restaurant is the place for a holding-hands dinner.
Las Ventanas: Great beach—but the waves here are formi-dable. 420 staff for 71 suites. Celebrities go for the one-bedroom luxury suites. The 200- and 300-series rooms face the ocean and catch those breezes. Décor is the same in all rooms; price depends on proximity to the ocean.