Olivia and I recently returned from a week-long vacation that began with sun and sand in Cabo San Lucas Mexico. Even with a 6am Friday morning departure, the flight over wasn’t the worst, with only a quick layover at Chicago O’Hare. Upon arriving in Mexico and clearing customs, we exited the airport to be surrounded by 6 different bars, music pumping, and people everywhere. It was chaotic but also a fitting welcome to this very different country.
After sifting through the raging arrival party we found our private suburban to take us to the resort. We spent 5 days/4 nights at Dreams Resort & Spa and had an excellent experience. Although beginning a bit skeptical on our Friday afternoon arrival, my concerns for the all-inclusive resort were quickly put to bed after a great lunch by the pool. Tasty, fresh food with plenty of different options. She’ll play.
If not for the gusty wind it would have been a perfect first afternoon by the pool. Still, with plenty of sun and temperatures in the lower 70’s, you can’t really complain. A great start to the trip. After another great meal (room-service) for dinner we decided to call it an early evening.
We began early Saturday morning (7am!) with a sprint workout on the beach checking out some of the neighboring properties. After breakfast at what turned out to be our one and only spot (the buffet) we spent the afternoon hanging by the pool. We caught Tech win a big basketball game over NC State, had lunch by the hot tub, and drank plenty of adult sodas. We had a late dinner at the Italian restaruant at the resort and it turned out to be our highlight of the trip. Although the portions were tiny, the food was amazing. We came back for more Monday evening as well before leaving.
After the morning hustle for a pool chair (our main gripe with the hotel), we were by the pool again early. After a quick breakfast and a return to poolside, the clouds refused to break. After an hour or so, we eventually decided to get dressed and arrange a cab to take us to downtown Cabo San Lucas. A fantastic decision.
Our main goal was to hire a water taxi to take us to the arch, but we were quickly overwhelmed with all the drinking options as soon as we arrived. After indulging in a quick marg, we decided to explore the beach we were at (Redondo Beach). After a quick pic with multiple iguanas, we were able to hire a water taxi for $10 USD. Turned out we were the only ones and had an awesome captain. Took us super close to the arch and towards nearby sea lions playing in the rocks. Another highlight of the trip.
Upon returning to land, we explored the oceanfront a bit more, drank a bit more, and eventually ended up at The Office on the Beach for dinner. It was a beautiful evening; the food was fantastic and the setting was unreal. Eating dinner with your toes in the sand? Unbeatable. We were even serenaded by a mariachi band. Pretty damn epic.
Our last full day began with a dune buggy excursion that Olivia had arranged as a birthday gift. It started with an hour-long ride through downtown Cabo to pickup two more guests joining us on the trip. The long ride definitely turned out to be worth it though. After getting registered and geared up at a sketchy side of the road operation, we were off in our two-seater dune buggy. Although appearing pretty janky the things moved pretty damn quick. We traversed beach terrain, mountain terrain, and even broke the front axle of the first buggy they had us in! It was an awesome experience and well worth the time.
The last part of our afternoon concluded just as the trip began–poolside. We ordered our favorite quesadilla meal and had a very relaxing final afternoon. After another stop at the Italian Restaurant, we retired to the room to watch the LSU Clemson game.
Taking advantage of our entire final morning, we were up early and in the gym by 7 and poolside by 8. One last breakfast, and our time in Cabo had concluded. It was tough to leave but we were excited for the next leg to come: Disneyland!
– Walker
Texas-Ranger Travels 