Marriage is all about compromise, so we found the best sampling of Mexican super savers and bank busters. Mix and match the experiences for the best of both worlds — and budgets.
By: Donna HeiderstadtHe wants the glitziest, glammiest and poshest possible trip of a lifetime south of the border. You, however, have chosen the popular honeymoon destination for its wallet-friendly factor. (Hey, there’s a house to buy and a wedding to pay off.) But that doesn’t mean you are destined for separate vacations. Here, see our top picks for any budget.
Los Cabos
If desert landscape and infinity pools beat jungle humidity and snorkeling in your playbook, the resort towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo at the tip of the Baja Peninsula are ideal. Golfing, whale watching and adventure sports round out the fun, while spas and romantic dining turn up the passion.
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Stay: The new 72-room Hotel El Ganzo is an intimate hide-away with a cool artsy vibe in San Jose's Puerto Los Cabos Marina. The property features airy modern rooms and suites individually accented by an artist's touch and live musical entertainment most nights. There's also a rooftop infinity pool and sushi bar, plus a private beach club and two additional restaurants, as well as an artist-in-residence program (room rates start at $213 a night; elganzo.com).
Photo courtesy of Hotel El Ganzo
Do: Join the Thursday night Art Walk in historic San Jose del Cabo's Art District. You can peruse paintings and sculpture, while enjoying free entertainment.
Where to Eat: For a zesty Mexican feast at not-so-outrageous prices, head to Habanero's Gastro Grill and Tequila Bar, where you can easily make a meal of several shared appetizers. Tip: On Tuesdays, all tacos are discounted.
Splurge
Stay: A best-of-both-worlds location and inspired design make Capella Pedregal worthy of its rates. Set on a secluded beach yet located minutes from lively Cabo San Lucas, the resort pampers with a serene infinity pool, plus private plunge pools and fireplaces in all 96 rooms and suites. The three restaurants, including wildly romantic El Farallon perched on the cliff, and 12,000-square-foot spa also have the requisite wow factor (room rates start at $825 a night; capellahotels.com).
Photo courtesy of Capella Pedregal
Do: Sunset is the perfect time to literally drink in Los Cabos's scenery as you sip cocktails, nibble fresh shrimp and snap romantic selfies onboard Cabo Adventures' luxury sailboat as it skirts the photogenic El Arco landmark.
Where to Eat: With two superb eateries at Capella (El Farallon for seafood and Don Manuel's for haute Mexican), you'll be in foodie heaven, but it's also easy to venture to the marina for sushi at Hollywood favorite, the lively and casual Nick-San. For a one-of-a-kind splurge, reserve at Flora's Field Kitchen, a farm-to-table, alfresco gourmet dining experience.
