Livin’ La Vida Cabo

By Heather Shoning

It’s not just a spring-break destination anymore; Cabo is a luxury second-home haven

DRIVING SOUTHWEST FROM Los Cabos International Airport, you’ll encounter vast expanses of desolate desert where vultures fly over the land dotted with the bony fingers of giant cardon cacti standing erect from the sandy earth. The barren rolling sand hills give way to a patchwork of locals’ shanties, where dogs and chickens roam free—their only care the luxury SUVs speeding down the highway.

After weaving through the bustling outskirts of the city, where streets are only wide enough for the permanently parked cars and one more to pass, you finally crest the ridge to discover palatial porticos where the dry creek beds of the desert meet the pristine blue waters of the Sea of Cortez. Now, this is Cabo. And just beyond the city proper to the southwest are some of the most prestigious, first-class residential communities in all of Mexico.

HISTORY
Cabo was, of course, initially settled by Native Americans but caught the attention of European explorers in the mid-16th century. The name came in 1603 when, under the direction of the Viceroy Count of Monterrey, General Sebastian Vizcaino launched three ships to travel up the California coastline naming and establishing the places they encountered. However, the fishing village of Cabo San Lucas was established in 1917 when an American company built a tuna-catching business. Starting in the 1970s, Cabo San Lucas became a huge tourist draw, probably topping out in the late ’80s, thanks to Sammy Hagar’s “Cabo Wabo” song written during the height of the city’s party-town period.

An area once dominated by timeshares and vacation rental is today populated with luxury, single-family homes and condominium developments. Not that Cabo doesn’t reflect remnants of the party era. Of course, some remnants of the party era remain, but the location has firmly rooted itself as a haven for affluent communities designed for people interested in an active lifestyle, whether during retirement, early retirement or before. American expats account for about 70 percent of the current population.

ACTIVITIES AND CULTURE
Cabo San Lucas offers a variety of historical, cultural and outdoor activities, so there’s something for everyone. The beaches, surfing, sailing, snorkeling, diving and sport fishing are just some water-based activities to enjoy in Cabo. Spotting sea lions at the local landmark, Arco de Cabo San Lucas, is a favorite, and whale-watching during the winter. The more than 27 miles of coastline from Cabo San Lucas north to San José del Cabo (the two cities forming Los Cabos) is dotted with picturesque golf courses.

The cultural vibe and the rich history of Los Cabos have welcomed literary greats such as Steinbeck and Hemingway as well as modern film and television stars. The Natural History Museum offers a glimpse into the influence of indigenous cultures, including the years the location was rampant with pirates and British and Dutch conquistadors. Other ways to experience the art and culture of this vibrant city include the local art walks and galleries. The gallery district bustles on Thursday evenings from November through June. Just wandering the streets can be an unofficial lesson in historical and contemporary architecture sideby- side. Of course, food and a bustling nightlife play a considerable part in the attraction to this south-of-the-border residential destination.

LIFESTYLE
Of course, all of this is charming and intriguing and probably makes you want to hop on a flight for a nice, long vacation. But what if this were your everyday life—either year-round or part of the year? There are a variety of residential communities to choose from in this area. However, situated as far south as you can travel on the very tip of the peninsula—where you get sunrises and sunsets—is Quivira Los Cabos, a luxury resort community designed to offer its homeowners an unparalleled lifestyle experience. Here, you’re not just a resident; you’re part of a community, a family. There are six residential areas within Quivira offering different amenities and opportunities. And because the property here experiences an elevation change of more than 600 feet, the homes are strategically positioned, so each captures views of the sea.

Alvar, the most recent master-planned resort community in Quivira, offers contemporary architectural design of seven buildings with ocean views divided into two low-rise towers with one, two or three levels, offering apartments with 3 or 4 bedrooms and 1 or 2 penthouses per building. These large homes start at 3,165 sq. ft., with large terraces and common spaces. Owners here will enjoy a private clubhouse with pools, a roofed terrace and a gym.

Old Lighthouse Club is a private, gated neighborhood flanked by miles of pristine beaches, accented by a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, and wrapped in the great expanse of the sea. It is a golf-lovers oasis with the Old Lighthouse Club resting along high bluffs, gentle dunes and lush native desert. Here, you can build the custom or semi-custom home of your dreams right alongside the course.

With so many communities within the community, there’s bound to be the perfect home for your family. And the benefits of homeownership include access to the many resorts in the Pueblo Bonito family of resorts with world-class spas, restaurants, pools, hot tubs and beach locations. As if this isn’t enough luxury lifestyle Quivira Los Cabos caters to its owners and works hard to build a community for the growing number of full-time residents. The Q Life program offers group classes and experiences to foster relationships and help owners build lasting friendships. Take a cooking class or enjoy yoga on the beach with your neighbors. Tend the onsite garden or go bike riding. Relax with girlfriends at the spa while enjoying mimosas. All this and more is designed to offer you the luxury lifestyle of your dreams right outside your front door.

QUIVIRA LOS CABOS
quiviraloscabos.com

VISIT LOS CABOS
visitloscabos.travel