STROKE OF THE DAY |
"Golf… a young man’s vice and an old man’s penance." |
-Irvin S. Cobb |
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 The southernmost portion of the Baja California peninsula in Mexico is developing into one of the hottest destination spots for travelers in North America. What once was a quaint spot known for its deep sea fishing is alive with developments, resorts and golf courses popping up nearly every month. The lure now is luxury accommodations, fine dining, spectacular scenery, great golf and invigorating recreational activities, as well as the pampering and relaxation that comes with the many hotels and spas that dot the 35-mile corridor between the earthy airport town of San Jose del Cabo and the party town of Cabo San Lucas. "The landscape of Los Cabos is constantly changing," said Oscar Flores, the public relations manager for Tropical Incentives, a destination management company in San Jose del Cabo. "It's very exciting right now. There are so many things to do in Los Cabos, and it continues to grow. The top-notch golf is a major draw, but there are plenty of options for everyone to enjoy." Where to start? How about in the middle, where the Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort is perfectly situated in the center of the activity. The resort with 375 rooms and suites with panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez is halfway between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Head in either direction and let the fun begin, or stay put and enjoy the resort's casual and fine dining options, pools with swim-up bars and a beach with a private cove, hidden lounging areas and water sport activities. Visitors can also work out in the fitness center, play some tennis or get rejuvenated from head to toe at the recently remodeled Ixchel Spa. "We feel blessed to be in our location," said Gabriella Barron, the sales and marketing manager at the Hilton site. "It's a beautiful spot along the beach, and also a perfect spot for people who want to experience all Los Cabos has to offer." With nine public golf courses - and more in the works - along the corridor, the options are plentiful. Hilton guests who don't want to venture far should play Cabo Real Golf Club, a 7,037-yard course designed by Robert Trent Jones II that hosted the 1996 and 1999 Senior Slams. The clubhouse is a short shuttle ride from the Hilton, but don't worry about leaving the ocean behind. Every hole on the course has a view of the water, with the 15th hole - a cute 168-yard par 3 - getting the closest view of the beach that stretches for miles and is dotted by rock outcroppings that are occasionally hidden by crashing waves. Cabo Real is a colorful and strategic contrast of desert and ocean holes, with the front nine considered one of the toughest in Los Cabos as it winds through native vegetation, canyons and arroyos. The tee box on the sixth hole is 460 feet above sea level and offers a magnificent view of the terrain, including the back nine, which is flatter, more open and will remind players of coastal layouts in Southern California. Holes 14-16 are closest to the ocean, and players might be tempted to slip off their shoes and dip their toes in the surf. "What makes it unique is you have a combination of holes play through canyons and desert areas, in addition to holes along the ocean," said Rodrigo Uribe, the golf professional at Cabo Real and an employee of Questro Golf, a management company whose portfolio also includes the private Puerto Los Cabos and Club Campestre San Jose in Los Cabos. "The layout is incredible, and we often get remarks about the scenery and different strategies it takes to play the course." When it comes to the strategy of laying out a golf itinerary, the Hilton Los Cabos has a golf concierge who can arrange tee times and outings for a twosome, foursome or corporate event at any of the courses in Los Cabos. "The combination of desert, ocean and great design is not only beautiful, but the variety of golf here offers something for all tastes," Uribe said. "That is the reason people love to come down here and enjoy the sights and play these amazing golf courses." SG |
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