The Butler, The Telescope and The Whales aka My 15th Anniversary Trip

This past weekend was our 15th wedding anniversary so we decided to treat ourselves to a weekend away in paradise at Las Ventanas in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  This Rosewood resort enjoys an amazing reputation as one of the best in the world.  We went in with expectations high and I’m pleased to say that our trip was OVER THE TOP AMAZING!  Check it out- lasventanas.com

In the game Clue, inevitably the butler did it.  And, at Las Ventanas, your vacation butler does EVERYTHING for you.  The hotel has no check in desk.  Your butler meets you, hands you a tasty margarita, takes you to your suite and has a short sit down meeting with you where they check you in and acquaint you with the hotel.  These butlers make or bring your coffee, coordinate your meals and transportation and check on you all day long to make sure there is nothing you need.  Basically, the vacation butler does everything I do at home!  Mercurio and Omar, my dear butlers, I miss you greatly!

When we left home Thursday morning, the weather was a brisk 28 degrees with a chance of sleet.  A mere 2.5 hours later, we landed to blue skies and 80 degrees.  There was not a cloud in the sky for our entire trip. 

The hotel sent a car and driver to meet us with cold water, custom hand sanitizer and cool towels. Each of the rooms at Las Ventanas is a suite.  Ours overlooked the ocean and was equipped with a telescope to watch the whales jumping and the stars at night.  From the fresh fruit bowl to the tequila sampler and Bulgari soaps, this was by far the best hotel room we have ever had.

The Patio of our Suite- Really!

Our first night there, we had a casual dinner at the Sushi Tequila Bar at the hotel.   The fresh fish was tremendous as was the quiet beautiful setting.  After a great 9 hours of sleep (can’t remember the last time I did that), we awoke to another beautiful day in Paradise. 

Friday morning, our anniversary, we were greeted by every member of the hotel staff with anniversary wishes.  MariaJoseph, the concierge and resort Mom, is truly amazing.  She knows where every guest is at a given time, knows if it is a special day for them and makes sure that the entire staff is briefed.  She is simply lovely and makes every guest feel as though they are her personal friend.  There were roses in our room, Dom Perignon and chocolates, courtesy of Las Ventanas.  Wow!

We went to the charming San Jose del Cabo, a mere 15 minutes away, to meander through art galleries and pick up vacation trinkets.  By lunchtime, we were back “home” at the adult pool, overlooking the beautiful Sea of  Cortez.   I highly recommend the lobster tacos and their homemade guacamole.

After a luxurious afternoon nap (can’t remember the last time I did that either), we went to El Farallon for dinner at Capella Pedregal, another hotel in Cabo San Lucas.   El Farallon is a literally set in a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  The setting is gorgeous and oh, the food!  You go to their fresh fish market and choose your dinner.  They take your choice and grill it to perfection.  Above the market is a blackboard with quotes.  My favorite here was by Hemingway, “Fish, I love you and respect you very much but I will kill you dead before the day ends.”  Your meal comes with soup and three appetizers.  It was literally a feast!

On Saturday, we went down to Cabo San Lucas’ marina and strolled through shops.  It was a bit more touristy- I much prefer the quaintness of San Jose del Cabo.  Before lunch, we headed right back to our favorite deck chairs and watched whales dancing in the ocean. 

That night, we dined at Edith’s.  This restaurant was recommended by three friends independently, so it had to be good.   We had a mind blowing meal of lobster bisque, grilled prawns and veggies and a molten chocolate dessert.  The restaurant offers the authentic Mexican feel with strolling mariachis and mexican sarapes as table decor.  http://www.edithscabo.com/about

On Sunday, we reluctantly had to pack up to fly home.  We caught our last hour of sun and said goodbye to our vacation friends on nearby deck chairs.  Again, our butler came and orchestrated our check out in our room.  When we arrived in the lobby to leave, we were presented with our parting gift.  Many of the trees at Las Ventanas have glass hearts hanging from them.  I had noticed all of them as I collect hearts.  Fittingly, our parting gift was a beautiful red heart from the resort.  Hector, the Manager, personally came out to wish us adieu.

And just when I thought my days of having a butler were over… Las Ventanas keeps a butler at the airport to walk you through checking your luggage, getting boarding passes and then escorts you to security.  I thought about putting him in my carry on!

To summarize:

1. It’s really good to have a butler!

2. Parents  need to go on vacation without their kids.  It is good for the soul, the parents and the kids.

3. Watching whales is a very relaxing pastime.

4. Las Ventanas is the ultimate in a resort.  I hope to be there next year for my 16th anniversary or sooner.  Girls trip anyone?

5. Of course, I read great vacation books but will post about those later this week. 

Where are you going and what are you reading?