The Real Cabo
August 18th, 2010

Before Cancun developed into the popular all-inclusive vacation spot it is today, Cabo San Lucas was the place to go. Sadly, as the east coast developed into a tourist destination, the west coast was somewhat forgotten about. Cabo became thought of as “the other spring break destination”. What’s unfortunate is that Cabo has so much more to offer than a quick splurge for college students. The region has worked hard to develop luxury resorts, villas, family friendly hotels and to promote it’s colonial towns, golf courses, fishing opportunities and romantic side.

I recently had the pleasure of working with two fantastic women at CaboVillas.com, Julie Byrd and Melisa Alvarez. These women impressed me so much that I had to feature them on my blog to bring attention to their customer service, CaboVillas.com and Cabo as a destination (which I learned much more about through working with these women). I decided the best way to do justice to them and their destination was to let them pass along their experiences first had via an interview. Here’s what they had to say:

Maya: In a two to three sentences can you describe what CaboVillas.com does?

Julie: CaboVillas.com (Earth, Sea & Sky Vacations) has specialized in Los Cabos travel for over twenty years. We represent 135 villa rentals and 50 resorts in the region and have long-established relationships with the very best vendors in the area. In addition to accommodations, we arrange weddings, catering/chef services, ground transportation, activities, fishing and yacht charters, golf reservations and in-villa spa services. Because we focus on Cabo, our entire team is intimately familiar with the destination.

Melisa: We have helped hundreds of happy couples and groups plan perfect events in Los Cabos, from casual beach weddings to lavish galas in private villa rentals. Whether it’s a memorable anniversary party or a completely customized destination wedding, our team of caterers, wedding planners, entertainers and vendors is the best in Cabo and we love working with each guest to customize their perfect day.

Maya: How long have you been with CaboVillas.com, and what is your main role/title?

Julie: I’ve been with the company for 9 years and my role is Director of Sales. I oversee our awesome team of sales agents and serve as the primary liaison with our villa owners in addition to handling in-travel client needs in conjunction with our Cabo concierge/service team.

Melisa: This is actually my second time working at CaboVillas.com. I left for a while to pursue my education but am thrilled to be back on the team as the Weddings/Events Specialist.

Maya: What are you top 3 favorite things about Cabo, particularly that make it stand out from others as a destination?

Julie: I love Cabo’s easy accessibility; it’s just a short flight from many US gateways and, because English is widely spoken in the resort areas, it’s a friendly, easy introduction to international travel. I also love Cabo’s gourmet dining options, there really are a wealth of outstanding restaurants.

Melisa: The natural beauty of the destination can’t be beat. There are pristine beaches, the unforgettable Sea of Cortez and that dramatic desert landscape. I also really love the unbeatable variety of accommodations available, from over-the-top luxury resorts like Las Ventanas al Paraiso and Capella Pedregal to beautiful villa rentals and even the fun all-inclusive hotels. There’s something for every taste.

Maya: Can you name 2 or 3 “surprises” about Cabo – things that people might not realize when considering it as a destination (ie everyone knows it for it’s beaches and resorts, but maybe other features/highlights)?

Julie: Many people think of Cabo as just a Spring Break destination, which definitely does not do Los Cabos justice. Cabo San Lucas is definitely a party town but there are also the tranquil beaches of the Corridor area and the historical charm of colonial San José del Cabo. I like to think that there’s a special Cabo for any visitor, whether it’s a group of buddies coming for a fishing/golf trip, families looking for variety, eco-tourists or couples looking for a romantic wedding and honeymoon destination.

Melisa: Within just a short drive from the bustle of Cabo San Lucas, visitors can explore the beautiful “Pueblo Magico” of Todos Santos, a historic surf town chock full of quaint art galleries located about an hour from Cabo on the Pacific Ocean. In the other direction toward the East Cape, visitors can snorkel and dive at Cabo Pulmo, one of only three living coral reef systems in North America.

Maya: What are some important things people should consider/know before coming to Cabo – i.e. any unique customs, requirements, cautions, etc?

Julie: Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Cortez and miles of desert, Los Cabos feels like an island, isolated as it is and thousands of miles away from mainland Mexico and the US-Mexico border.

Melisa: One of the beauties of Los Cabos is how easy it is as a destination. As Julie mentioned before, English is spoken throughout the resort areas and dollars are widely accepted. That said, visitors should understand that they are not visiting an American city. In general, Mexico is known as a country with legendarily warm hospitality, and Cabo is no exception.

Maya: If you had to give your 2-line “elevator pitch”, why should people come to Cabo as a destination?

Julie: Cabo combines the best of luxury accommodations, unbelievable natural beauty and great activities.

Melisa: Our experienced team of wedding and event professionals can help you plan the perfect destination wedding or special family getaway in Los Cabos.

Thank you ladies! Please check out their website at www.cabovillas.com. You can also follow them on twitter @cabojulie and @caboweddings.

*Photos courtesy of CaboVillas.com

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