Getting There
The international airport SJD is located in San Jose del Cabo. Before you can soak in the sunny warmth of Cabo, you will most likely need to stand in an interminable immigration line that endlessly snakes around and around with no end in sight. Raphael compared it to one of Dante’s circles of hell. Be sure to keep your visa form as you will need to produce it when you depart. Be well aware that you will be bombarded with timeshare vultures ready to pounce when you leave the baggage area–not necessarily a bad thing. Our daughter and her husband snagged a whale watching and snorkeling trip, taxi rides and a variety of alcohol, and they didn’t succumb to the pitch. Shuttles can be prearranged or taxis or just outside the door.
Safety
Many tourists are wary of traveling in Mexico with good reason. The statistics are not reassuring. However, the majority of Mexican cities are more than safe, and that is particularly true of San Jose del Cabo. Even getting into our hotel required several inspections and questions. My husband joked it was a little like getting into the CIA. Once inside, every employee speaks English to a fault. I like to speak Spanish when I’m in Mexico, but when without fail all employees answered me in English. So if you like a little spice with your culture, be aware that San Jose caters to the gringos.
Rehearsal Dinner
Destination weddings often include the rehearsal dinner as part of the weekend’s festivities. Luckily, ours did too. Our pre-arranged shuttle dropped us off at Don Sanchez restaurant located in the small town center. We were ushered into the Hacienda Courtyard festively decorated and inviting. Most importantly, the traditional Mexican dishes were gourmet and delicious. A female guitarist entertained and the speakers charmed with polished stories designed to elicit laughter and fill in the missing puzzle pieces of Stephanie and Tommy’s lives. Traditional Mexican dishes were taken up a notch with tacos of lamb barbacoa with pickled onions, pork de pastor and grilled pineapple, and both chicken and carne asada, crowned with sweet elotes (roasted corn kernels) and of course all the drinks one could imbibe. Goody bags filled with Coronas and the “itos” like Fritos and Doritos. Hats and vizors were passed out with the emblem KeeleysinCabo.
Anna Gomes Photography
Cabo Surf Hotel
More intimate than Cabo Azul, Cabo Surf Hotel housed the bridal party and the wedding. The majority of the rooms face the Acapulito Beach. While one doesn’t automatically think of surfing on the east coast of Baja California, Mike Doyle’s Surf School gives lessons in front of the hotel. Being from California, we remarked several times that the slow waves were perfect for beginners.
Anna Gomes Photography
Cabo Azul Hotel: Hidden Costs
We had a special wedding rate of around $250 a night, but when we checked out our bill was over $300 a night. Be aware that the hotel taxes are high–almost $50 a night. That said, I think the taxes are warranted being in that the money helps support the infrastructure. Be aware that there is also a resort fee of $34 a night which in the end I see as worth it to indulge in the luxury of the chaise lounge chairs with shade, towels, and service. This hotel was a splurge for us but that’s why the word “splurge” was invented for celebrations like these.
