Blog | Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Despite the rising costs of accommodations, dining, and other travel-related expense, tourism has been on the rise in Los Cabos. For at least the past three years. Even with the average nightly cost of hotel rooms surging from $417 in 2022 to $517 in 2024, the hotel occupancy rates have increased from 70% to 76% over the same period.
The primary tourists flying to Los Cabos? According to tourism analytics, travelers from the United States made up just over 85% of total arrivals at the Los Cabos International Airport in 2023. So, why the rise in Los Cabos visitors despite the high costs associated with the most expensive region in Mexico? Because Los Cabos is a destination for the wealthy, surpassing even popular tourist destinations like Cancun. Here are some of the reasons that celebrities and affluent jet-setters are visiting—and moving to—this exclusive locale.
Thanks to its location at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, Los Cabos is afforded a unique ecosystem that includes a variety of landscapes. You’ll find deserts and mountains, beaches and rich farmland, organic orchards and hidden waterfalls, as well as preserved habitats on both land and sea.
The climate, which is often described as a “tropical desert,” is marked by nearly year-round sunny days, low humidity, and limited rainfall for much of the year. Even the winter months of December, January, and February offer sunshine with temperatures around 75 degrees.
Michelin-starred chefs are taking their culinary talents to Los Cabos, capitalizing on the bountiful offerings of fresh and regional ingredients. From fresh seafood sourced from the Sea of Cortes and readily available organic produce to Mexican chiles and chocolate and locally grown Mexican herbs, the area is ripe for fusion cuisine that maximizes tastes of the area.
Likewise, the temptations provided by some of the world’s best tequilas, coffee, and agua frescas attract beverage connoisseurs seeking tastings and food-pairing tips.
Take Costa Palmas, where resort-goers can dine at Chef Costas Spiliadis-founded Estiatorio Milos, one of the finest Mediterranean seafood restaurants in the world. Also on the property, Chef Nancy Silverton’s Mozza Baja, an Italian-inspired restaurant that serves as the anchor along the courtyard of the Marina Village, and Nicoise-inspired Delphine, led by Michelin-star Chef Ludo Lefebvre.
Looking to create a new avenue for cash flow via rentals? Or simply seeking to purchase another property to expand your residential portfolio? The real estate market in Los Cabos offers a wide selection of villas, single-family homes, and resort-style private residence options.
Beyond just the custom-built designs, bespoke decor, and high-end amenities like beach-side infinity pools, potential home buyers can choose lifestyle-centric settings, opting for residences on the beach, adjacent to a golf course, or in the marina village with views of their vessel moored at their owned slip.
Los Cabos provides a diverse array of 18 spectacular golf courses. With courses boasting designs from the biggest legends in the sport, such as Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Greg Norman and Tom Fazio. Considered by most to be Latin America’s golf capital, Los Cabos appeals to even the most experienced players. With an average of 350 days of sunshine and some of the most breathtaking courses in the world.
With so many wealthy Los Cabos visitors and residents arriving by private yacht or sailboat, it made sense for the luxury resorts to build marinas with public and private slips. Marina Village in Costa Palmas, for example, now offers slip ownership for sailboats and yachts up to 250 feet long. For megayachts, Marina Cabo San Lucas now offers 33 slips that can accommodate vessels up to 375 feet.
Additionally, many of the luxury resorts offer membership to their own beach and yacht club. And some offer yacht captain’s quarters just steps from the residents’ private dock.
Los Cabos continues to develop modern amenities to keep up with the interests and demands of its well-heeled tourists and part-time residents. The luxury resorts in the area boast high-end spas to cater to the needs of its guests who are accustomed to regular treatments and self-care.
Likewise, the shopping in the region spans the gamut. You’ll find local vendors selling handmade goods, regional shops selling local art, pottery and jewelry. And high-end boutiques that carry globally recognized designer clothing, accessories, and decor.
Many Los Cabos visitors are international residents and arrive with family in tow. In response, the area has increased its multigenerational activities. Think chartered sport fishing tours, horseback rides on the trails, snorkeling or kiteboarding, and tennis lessons at the resorts’ clubs. There are catered experiences designed to appeal to all ages, abilities, and interests.
The growing demand of tourism in Los Cabos has driven the government to increase the region’s international connectivity. Flights to the area are now available from 30 cities in the United States, as well as 11 in Canada, two in Europe, and 16 in Mexico.
Unlike tourist-heavy Spring Break destinations like Cabo, the luxury resort regions of Los Cabos offer vast amounts of privacy. This is due in part to the seclusion provided by gated and guarded luxury resorts and communities, as well as the exclusivity of offerings that cater to the wealthy elite.
For those seeking a truly pampered lifestyle, the expectation-exceeding amenities are sure to impress. With most Los Cabos luxury resorts offering concierge programs, personal butlers, private chefs, and attentive staff that includes landscapers, drivers, private shoppers, and maid services.
If you’ve visited Los Cabos and fallen in love with the lifestyle, consider making the transition from guest to resident. For an elegant residence steps from the beach, fine dining, and a world class golf course, consider purchasing a Casa Blake home. Situated in the heart of the 1500-acre Costa Palmas property, Casa Blake offers turnkey, sophisticated residences that are perfect for any family.