Postcard from Los Cabos (plus: what it's like to travel internationally again)
I doubt words can adequately describe the feeling of immersing ourselves in an international destination after one and a half years spent mostly at home. The colors are more vibrant, flavors more exotic, waves more sparkling, sunsets more brilliant, and connecting with locals and fellow travelers from around the world is extra special.
The pool at the Viceroy Los Cabos
I doubt words can adequately describe the feeling of immersing ourselves in an international destination after one and a half years spent mostly at home. The colors are more vibrant, flavors more exotic, waves more sparkling, sunsets more brilliant, and connecting with locals and fellow travelers from around the world is extra special. At dinner one evening at our resort, we ran into a darling friend/colleague of Scott’s, also a follower of this blog (such a nice surprise!). That’s the ‘small world’ of travel and seeing someone you already know along the way is always fun.
Los Cabos is especially lovely in May. The days are not too hot and the evenings slightly cool with a sea breeze. We stayed at the Viceroy Los Cabos, Secrets Puerto Los Cabos, and visited several other hotels. I’ll look forward to sharing more about our travels in subsequent posts.
A few of our favorite moments:
Notes on International Travel June 2021
PS- We’ve now arrived safely back home so I’ll comment on the experience of international travel in this nearly post-pandemic era. We planned our first fight for after we were fully vaccinated and that made traveling much more secure. The airport was, thankfully, not crowded but just as we were ready to depart there was a mechanical issue and we were disembarked for two hours in Sacramento while we waited for a new plane. Better safe than sorry I always think in those situations. Customs in Los Cabos, Mexico, was very slow, with long lines and no social distancing. That was the only time on our nearly 2-week trip that I felt uncomfortable about the proximity to others. It was easy to stay socially distanced at the pools, beaches, restaurants, and even when touring in town. At the hotels, the staff was fully masked. At the end of our trip, our resort offered complimentary covid tests, a welcome service, and we passed with flying colors. Can you tell? It feels amazing to be traveling again. #vaccinatedvacation.
Things are getting busy again here at Curated Travel and many of my clients are requesting trips for this season and for others, we are booking out to 2022. We’ve heard it’s called ‘revenge travel’ for all the time at home in 2020 and we are here for it.
Are you ready to travel again? Contact us to get started on your next dream getaway.
Remember to check your passport expiration dates, pack your patience and enjoy every moment of traveling again!
Curated Hotel: An Idyllic Stay at Montage Los Cabos
An idyllic stay at Montage Los Cabos. I was pleased to see that the itinerary included a stay at the luxurious Montage Los Cabos, and for 24 hours or so, everything slowed down to a relaxing vibe Montage style.
My recent trip to Los Cabos was filled to the brim with visits to luxury resorts, a gourmet dinner on the beach, foodie experiences and spa treatments thanks to Journese, Los Cabos Tourism and my travel agency, CADENCE. I was also pleased to see that the itinerary included a stay at the luxurious Montage Los Cabos, and for 24 hours or so, everything slowed down to a relaxing vibe Montage style.
From the moment we arrived at Montage Los Cabos we were treated with an elevated level of service. From scented cool towelettes to a signature cocktail, to personalized lounge style check-ins, our every need seemed to be anticipated by the welcoming staff. As you can see, there is an air of relaxed luxury to this desert oasis on Santa Maria Bay. The stunning architecture sets the backdrop for a truly memorable stay.
Within a few minutes of our arrival I was introduced to my lovely guide, Karina, and was whisked away to my suite.
Pinch me, I’m dreaming!!
My second floor suite was a brilliant combination of natural wood elements, luxurious fabrics, authentic Mexican decor with a beachy vibe and all the comforts of home. The spacious balcony with serene views of the desert and sea beyond was a true sanctuary. The oversized spa bathroom had me at ‘hello outdoor shower’. I always appreciate a luxurious bath and this one is my favorite. The outdoor shower is just plain sexy!
Enjoy this video tour of my suite!
“Perched upon the premier beachfront in all of Cabo and set within the renowned master planned community of Twin Dolphin, Montage Los Cabos features 122 expansive guestrooms, suites and casas along with 52 Montage Residences. Montage Los Cabos’ location, including 39 acres on the pristine and gentle waters of Santa Maria Bay, has spectacular views and unique in the Los Cabos region, features remarkable walk-in access to the finest swimming, snorkeling and diving in the region. ”
The spa area at Montage is sublime. I enjoyed a 50 minute baja massage in one of the zen garden suites. I felt like a new woman after the treatment, I promise you. Afterwards, we were welcomed with prosecco and delicious bites at the relaxing spa pool area.
There are a variety of pool options at Montage including the cabana pool with private butler service which is exceptional. The beach is one of the few swimable beaches in Los Cabos which allows for a variety of water sports, from snorkeling, diving, fishing, paddleboarding and more for the active traveler.
Following our spa treatments and poolside cabana time we were given a private tour of the entire resort and the extraordinary private villas. Later we dined at Mezcal and enjoyed a true foodie experience.
I found these decadent little succulents - made of chocolate and creamy ganache - in my suite just before bedtime.
Talk about sweet dreams!
I highly recommend a stay at Montage Los Cabos for a romantic retreat (you may never leave that luscious spa suite with an outdoor shower!), a girlfriends’ spa getaway, a couples’ trip or a destination wedding, celebration, or family reunion in one of the spacious villas on property. This destination works equally well for a variety of travel experiences and it’s one of my favorite destinations in Los Cabos.
Contact me to book this memorable getaway and to upgrade you VIP style here.
Learn more about farm-to-table dining in Los Cabos.
Many thanks to my team at CADENCE Travel, Montage Los Cabos, and Los Cabo On-Time Transfers for the luxury stay in Los Cabos.
Archive
- December 2025
- September 2025
- April 2025
- March 2025
- January 2025
- December 2024
- April 2024
- January 2024
- September 2023
- June 2023
- May 2023
- March 2023
- July 2022
- May 2022
- March 2022
- January 2022
- October 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2020
- May 2020
- April 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- July 2019
- June 2019
- May 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- December 2016
- October 2016
- September 2016
- August 2016
- July 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016
- April 2016
- March 2016
- February 2016
- December 2015
- November 2015
- October 2015
- September 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- April 2015
- February 2015
- December 2014
- November 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- May 2014
- October 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- August 2012
- May 2012
- January 2012
Throwback Travel: Our Honeymoon in Zihuatanejo
Just yesterday I came across an album of old photographs and was mesmerized by the grainy images, long forgotten, captured between the slightly dusty covers. It was an album of our honeymoon, back at the ‘turn of the century’, in 2000. This was before digital cameras, Facebook check-ins, camera phones, and selfie sticks. It was pure, unadulterated relaxation and romance, just like any honeymoon should be. Due to hurricane season being in full swing in September, we opted for a honeymoon resort on the western coast of Mexico, now known as The Thompson Zihuatanejo.
Honeymoon in Zihuatanejo
Just yesterday I came across an album of old photographs and was mesmerized by the grainy images, long forgotten, captured between the slightly dusty covers. It was an album of our honeymoon, back at the 'turn of the century', in 2000. This was before digital cameras, Facebook check-ins, camera phones, and selfie sticks. It was pure, unadulterated relaxation and romance, just like any honeymoon should be. Due to hurricane season being in full swing in September, we opted for a honeymoon resort on the western coast of Mexico, now known as the Thompson Zihuatanejo.
Bliss, all-inclusive luxury right on the beach.
Playing in the waves
Remembering HIS smile that captured my fancy the first time we met at that conference in San Francisco.
Practicing my mermaid skills in the infinity edged pool.
A reminder that no matter how imperfect we may feel on any given day,
we will look back and remember how easy it was to look this way.
Big beach hair- as usual.
An afternoon at the spa for two - erasing the exhaustion of a move to a new city, an engagement, designing a new build home,
landing a new job, and planning a garden wedding within three months.
One night we caught a taxi to a local restaurant, just up the hill, we had heard about around the pool, Kau-Kan. I will never forget that moment we stepped onto the upper terrace, panoramic views with ethereal music playing in the background. It was pure magic!
La Califfa
It was one of those moments of sensual perfection -- the sights, the sound, the flavors, the scents - that you never want to forget. A honeymoon should be designed to capture those kinds of moments that you reflect on over and over as the years go by.
Memories of a lifetime....
To book: The Thompson Zihuatanejo
or
Contact us at Curated Travel to book your next getaway.
A Visit to Punta Sur: Colors of the Caribbean
On our recent trip to Isla Mujeres the concierge on the yacht, Alexander, told us we must visit Punta Sur, “It’s magical”. We rented a golf cart on day two and made it a point to put this picturesque spot on our itinerary.
Punta Sur
On our recent trip to Isla Mujeres the concierge on the yacht, Alexander, told us we must visit Punta Sur, "It's magical". We rented a golf cart on day two and made it a point to put this picturesque spot on our itinerary.
From high atop the rocky cliffs, on the southern point of the island, the sea views are spectacular.
One of our favorite elements of travel is discovering new, unexpected places that we revel in. Here is Scott, enjoying the natural beauty and the tropical breezes of Punta Sur.
Pathways wind through an outdoor art installation with metal sculptures.
The chameleon colors of the sea change each moment with layers of clouds and sun.
Possibly the best seat on the island. This café is perfectly placed for enjoying the views of Punta Sur.
Captured on Instagram.
The colors of the Mexican Caribbean.
More on our trip to beautiful Isla Mujeres.
If you are fortunate enough to travel to Isla Mujeres you will definitely want to make the short trip to Punta Sur. Islanders rave about the sunrise views, though we couldn't drag ourselves out of bed that early on vacation. Midday is just fine as you can see! If you rent a golf cart consider renting for 24 hours so that you have the option of touring the island early morning or at night.
Curated Hotel: Island Paradise at Zoetry Villa Rolandi on Isla Mujeres
Following two flights and one taxi ride to the water’s edge, Scott and I were whisked away on a private yacht to Zoetry Villa Rolandi.
Island Paradise at Zoetry Villa Rolandi on the Island of Isla Mujeres:
Isla Mujeres is a jewel of an island just a leisurely yacht ride from Cancun in the Mexican Caribbean. The waters of the Bahia de Mujeres (Bay of Women) shimmer in the sunlight with aqua to turquoise shades and appear luminescent at sunset with rose gold and blue tones.
Isla Mujeres is simply sublime.
Following two flights and one taxi ride to the water's edge, Scott and I were whisked away on a private yacht to Zoetry Villa Rolandi.
Charming Alexander, an Isla Mujeres 4th generation native and concierge of the yacht, served champagne.
We arrived at Zoetry Villa Rolandi just 30 minutes after leaving Cancun...
and following our private concierge check-in, we were in the pool 15 minutes later.
#islandparadise
Zoetry Villa Rolandi is an intimate island-style resort, composed of only 35 oceanfront suites. Our suite looked over the pool with the white sand beach just a few steps below.
The view from our balcony.
There are 2 infinity-edged pools, a world-class Thalasso spa, two gourmet restaurants, a free concierge yacht service, and a lovely stretch of beach at Zoetry Villa Rolandi.
Isla Mujeres boasts some gorgeous sunsets, like this one over the infinity-edged pool to the sea.
It also has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
The sand was like sugar.
If you dare leave the lounge chair or hammock,
golf carts are available for rent and are great for a day-trip around the island.
We discovered a casual beachy spot for lunch with live music. Definitely feeling like a local here.
After a few hours of exploring the island, you will likely be longing to get back to that pool and lounge chair.
In your suite, a fruit plate and a daily bottle of champagne await you. The chocolate covered strawberries were a gift for us as members of Unlimited Vacation Club.
Evenings at Zoetry Villa Rolandi are filled with twinkling lights, decadent gourmet dining, and sublime sips. The service, even poolside at the intimate Le Metissage French-Mexican fusion cuisine, was impeccable.
This spot, Casa Rolandi, was perfect for breakfast, although we often ordered breakfast delivered en suite. Zoetry resorts are luxury all-inclusive vacations, and they always have 24 hour room service, as well as a free laundry service, a nice perk after a day of travel.
Just look at that view!
Cheers to a sunny escape to Isla Mujeres!
Contact us at Curated Travel to book your luxury all-inclusive getaway.
Cooking Class: Ceviche from Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita and a Surprise Meet Up!
Are you in the mood for something fresh, healthy and easy to make? Scott and I learned to make one of our favorite go-to summer dishes on our recent trip to Riviera Maya. We took a cooking class with chef Nicholas at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. At the last second, I flipped on the video camera on my phone to capture the experience. I'll also share the recipe at the bottom of the post.
Are you in the mood for something fresh, healthy and easy to make? Scott and I learned to make one of our favorite go-to summer dishes on our recent trip to Riviera Maya. We took a cooking class with chef Nicholas at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. At the last second, I flipped on the video camera on my phone to capture the experience. I'll also share the recipe at the bottom of the post.
All the ingredients were carefully chopped and prepared by Chef Nicolas. The friendly staff, including Fermin, started the class by serving chilled white wine. Pour yourself a glass of chilled sauvignon blanc, sit back and join me for a few moments at the cooking class as we make ceviche for the first time.
Here's Scott diving in!
It's fun to serve just about anything in a martini glass!
friends-cooking-class-zoetry
These are more of the fun folks we met at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. Rosemary and Rolando, in straw hats, were great. We also ended up in a sweat lodge with them at the spa -- but that's a whole different story. With Facebook these days it is so easy to stay friends with people we meet while traveling. That is a huge plus for social media in my book.
In the background of this shot, I'm introducing myself to the famed Mexican architect Carlos Gosselin, who designed Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. He lives part time at Zoetry, and a number of guests, including my husband, had seen him during our stay. I woke up on this morning and announced to Scott, "I'm going to meet the architect today". I wanted to tell him how impressed I am with this magnificent resort. As I shot the video of the cooking class, I turned my video around to get a glimpse of the resort (about 6 minutes in) and he was the shadowy figure walking just a couple of feet behind me. It was a fun moment and such a surprise! As soon as the class was over I raced over to meet him and he was just as elegant and charming as I expected.
Zoetry grouper ceviche
Ingredients
1 kg diced fresh grouper or mild white fish
8 lemons (the juice)
1 red onion in julianne
1 chopped mango
½ chopped papaya
1 chopped cucumber
Basil
Coriander
Mint
Salt
Dried oregano
Olive oil
Tortilla chips
Procedure
Place grouper, lemon juice, oregano, salt and olive oil in a bowl and let it rest for at least 15·20 min
Add the rest of ingredients
Serve with tortilla chips
Scott recreated this dish at home with fresh ingredients from the farmer's market in Chico. We devoured it so quickly that I didn't get any shots of his finished product. Ceviche is also delicious served with guacamole.
For more on our trip to Riviera Maya:
A Sunny Escape to Tulum and Akumal
Have you ever made ceviche?
