Lodging Platforms Boost Tourism in Los Cabos: The New Trend in the Sector

Lodging Platforms

In Los Cabos, travel trends and the way of traveling have undergone significant transformations in recent years, according to Francisco Madrid, director of the Center for Advanced Research in Sustainable Tourism at the Anahuac University (STARC). Madrid highlighted that lodging platforms have become one of the industries with the highest sales within the tourism sector.

The expert pointed out that the four most popular lodging platforms in Mexico are Airbnb, TripAdvisor, Vrbo and Booking. However, the presence and impact of each one varies depending on the destination. In the specific case of Baja California Sur, especially in Los Cabos, there is a notable number of houses and properties for rent under this format. "Los Cabos is one of the destinations that sells the most through these platforms. I don't have the exact data, but I estimate that it is around one billion dollars annually," said Madrid.

Madrid also commented on the uneven competition that exists due to innovation in the different lodging services. He argued that it is necessary for the authorities to establish a "level playing field" for these services and traditional hotels. Despite the progress made, there are still several pending aspects to be addressed, such as security against crimes in these properties and the need for insurance for guests who suffer accidents during their stay.

"We do not have a regulation that is strong enough to guarantee a fair competition. Everyone is welcome, but we consider that they can open an offer in 30 minutes, while building a hotel takes two years in permits, paperwork and licenses," concluded the director.

Recently, the Ministry of Tourism implemented the mobile application of the National Registry of Tourism (RNT), which brings together a public catalog of tourism service providers in the country. This tool seeks to provide tourists with certainty and security about the lodging services available, thus reinforcing the confidence of travelers.

With the growing influence of these platforms in the tourism market, it is essential that adequate regulations are established to guarantee fair and safe competition, benefiting both tourists and service providers.

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Los Cabos, a haven of serenity in the middle of the Baja California Sur desert

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Los Cabos is more than the typical sun and beach destination. The confluence of the desert with the sea creates an environment conducive to taking a break and reconnecting with life. This region, located at the southern end of the Baja California peninsula, stands as a refuge to connect with nature in a different way and explore spirituality.

An example of the above is Santiago, a town located in the heart of Los Cabos. Far from the fast pace of everyday life, this corner offers a variety of wellness experiences that prioritize rest and reconnection between mind, body and spirit. Here, the serenity of the desert creates the perfect setting for revitalization.

On the outskirts of the Santiago lagoon, Amet is located, a six-room Nature Retreat and Glamping tents that offers a wide variety of experiences focused on the well-being of travelers. Some of them take place within the hotel facilities and others take place in places near Santiago, recognized for their natural beauty.

Amet Nature Retreat works hand in hand with chef Casiano Reyes, a gastronomy professional who prioritizes fresh and organic foods grown in the region, to ensure a more sustainable value chain and a positive experience for the guest. Thus, you can complement your rest with a healthy menu with low environmental impact.

If you still can't find the perfect atmosphere to pause along the way and readjust your compass, stop looking. What you need is to visit Los Cabos, where you can enjoy activities such as:

  • Santa Rita Thermal Baths.This place is one of the best kept secrets in Santiago. Located a few kilometers from the town center, these natural hot spring baths are known for their healing properties. By immersing yourself in these waters you can relax and relieve stress. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the desert and mountains, the Santa Rita Baths are the ideal place to disconnect from the outside world and rejuvenate.
  • Hikes through Zorra Canyon.For those looking for a more active experience, Cañón de la Zorra, also known as Rancho Sol de Mayo, offers impressive trails that wind through the arid landscape and culminate in a spectacular waterfall. This hike is not only excellent physical exercise, it also provides a deep connection with nature. The sound of falling water and the sight of lush vegetation create an atmosphere of peace and reflection, perfect for outdoor meditation.
  • Yoga at Dawn.The practice of yoga at dawn is another experience that can be done in Amet. The natural settings of the resort are the perfect spot for you to go out and greet the sun while listening to the singing of the birds and the murmur of the wind. Here you will not only improve your physical well-being, you will also cultivate mental calm and clarity.
  • Cocoa Ceremony at sunset.You couldn't imagine how such a ceremony will bring you peace. First you should know that the activity is led by a spiritual guide who will lead you to unlock new levels of physical, emotional and consciousness well-being. The atmosphere, infused with carefully selected aromas and sounds, prepares attendees for an introspective and healing experience. Each sip of cocoa is an invitation to reflection, self-discovery and communion with the divine, reminding us of the deep relationship between humans and nature.

The community of Santiago is in itself a source of well-being. The inhabitants are known for their hospitality and warmth, which creates a welcoming and familiar atmosphere for visitors, making this community a must-see stop in Los Cabos, especially for those seeking authentic wellness experiences. You certainly won't be the same person when you leave here.

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Bash Road Tour: Dazzling Caravan of High-End Cars in La Paz and Los Cabos

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This Friday, July 12, Baja California Sur will be the scene of the Bash Road Tour, a spectacular caravan of 52 high-end sports cars that will tour La Paz and Los Cabos. This event is part of the DesertikaNorthern Pacific Tour 2024, the second time that the famous caravan visits the state, standing out as one of the most important automotive events in Latin America since its beginning in 2014.

The Bash Road Tour brings together an impressive collection of vehicles, including Porsche, McLaren, Lamborghini, Audi R8, Mustang and Shelby models. Gonzalo Dávila, organizer of the Bash Road Tour, highlighted the participation of renowned professional NASCAR drivers such as Julio, Rodrigo and Gerardo Rejón, as well as automotive influencers such as Franky Mostro, Vlad Klimovich, Ana Gaby Cars and Jane Cuevas.

The objective of the event is to tour Mexico in a safe, fun and organized way, promoting tourism and offering shows to children, in addition to providing a unique experience to participants.

Time and Place: The tour will begin at 7:30 in the morning at the port of Pichilingue, La Paz. At 10 in the morning, the caravan will parade along the La Paz boardwalk, passing by the boardwalk kiosk and then will head in a caravan to Pino Payas Boulevard.

Fuel and Display: At 12 noon, the vehicles will refuel at the VP Racing Fuels station, where they will also be on display for the public. Later, they will move to the Magic Town of Todos Santos, making a stop at the La Oystera restaurant.

Final Destination: At 1 p.m., the caravan will take the road to Los Cabos, with a regrouping stop at the Chevron Balmaceda fuel station before entering Cabo San Lucas. The drivers will stay at the Fiesta Americana Hotel and will enjoy a closing dinner at 7 p.m.

The Bash Road Tour not only stands out for its impressive display of luxury cars, but also for its focus on tourism promotion of Mexico. By touring various states and cities, the event seeks to highlight the wonders of each destination, from capitals and magical towns to notable tourist spots.

Héctor Ramírez, logistics coordinator for Combustibles Baja Sur, sponsor of the event, explained that the tour promotes both tourism and the life experience for participants. Chapter South.The Bash Road Tour is a perfect combination of automotive luxury and tourism promotion, which not only delights car enthusiasts but also residents and visitors of the places it tours. This annual event not only provides an exciting and visually impressive experience, but also strengthens Mexico's tourism image nationally and internationally.

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Los Cabos, the destination where haute cuisine shines with its own light and ‘nourishes’ the local economy

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  • The MICHELIN distinction has boosted the gastronomic industry of Los Cabos, which has been growing for 3 years, to ‘nourish’ the local economy even more, a key part of the success of the destination.
  • Cocina de Autor, Flora’s Field Kitchen, Acre, Nao, Lumbre and Oystera are a sample of the restaurants in Los Cabos that were recently recognized by the first MICHELIN Guide Mexico 2024.

 

A tourist destination cannot boast of being such if its offer does not include unforgettable gastronomic experiences. Yes, the sun, the beach, the sea, outdoor activities, museums, tours and local culture are important, but also - and more so in a country like Mexico, where we love to eat well - it is important that the gastronomic offer is of quality and unique. With the arrival of the first MICHELIN Guide Mexico, Los Cabos is consolidating itself as a culinary paradise in Mexico that offers a full range of gastronomic experiences, from Japanese, French, Italian, Peruvian, and obviously the excellent Mexican cuisine. In this destination, gastronomy has a special place.

The MICHELIN Guide inspectors traveled throughout the country in search of the best restaurants and found that in Los Cabos, gastronomy shines with its own light. Proof of this is that Cocina de Autor, located in the Grand Velas hotel, obtained its first MICHELIN star.

This is how the MICHELIN Guide describes this space: “This luxurious beachfront restaurant is sophisticated, amplified by the resort's formal dress code. The terrace is a good place for appetizers and cocktails, and select tables overlook a koi pond. The multi-course tasting menu is Mexican in essence, with global elements and inspirations woven throughout.” Highlights include ingredients such as Comondú's Gigas oysters and produce harvested from its farm in the typical town of Miraflores. This restaurant evokes emotions and memories through its innovative cuisine.

Flora's Field Kitchen received a MICHELIN Green Star for its commitment to more sustainable gastronomy. “This family-run property features 25 acres of organic herbs, vegetables and fruit trees such as mango, papaya and citrus,” the Guide describes. Its menu is seasonal, with some timeless classics, and reflects a commitment to freshness and sustainability.

Acre is also part of the MICHELIN Green Star distinctions. “This establishment develops a sustainable planting and harvesting program, which allows the use of as many ingredients produced by the restaurant as possible on its menu. The other ingredients come from nearby farms, to ensure their traceability and promote responsible agricultural practices. The teams also look for products that value national traditions and support local farming and fishing communities,” it notes. Among the featured dishes, it is difficult to decide between the Wagyu suadero taco, the soft shell crab taco and the Cerdo al Pipián. In addition, its innovative cocktail program, made up of award-winning creations, is enriched with products grown on its own lands, creating a vibrant and refined gastronomic experience in the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna.

In addition to the star-rated restaurants, the Guide also recognized original concepts of the destination.

NAO, mentioned in the MICHELIN Guide, is a gastronomic proposal in Los Cabos, inspired by the sea, the cliffs and the local products of the region. Its innovative menu fuses flavors of the Mediterranean and the Middle East, with fresh ingredients and traditional culinary techniques. Highlights include dishes such as Persian cucumber salad, hazelnut gnocchi and chocolate and hazelnut dessert with Malawaj. The restaurant's white and blue décor creates a fresh and welcoming atmosphere, reflecting its cosmopolitan spirit and dedication to quality and authenticity.

Located in the heart of San José del Cabo, Lumbre, also mentioned in the MICHELIN Guide, fuses local and international flavors through charcoal-grilled cooking techniques. The open kitchen offers guests the experience of closely observing the culinary magic that takes place in the old wood-burning oven, the imposing grill and the iron and brick oven, creating memorable experiences. They work exclusively with local fishermen, ranchers and farmers to find the best products available in Baja California Sur. Featured dishes include the Braised Clam, with garlic sauce, crispy chorizo, jalapeño and cilantro, and the Share The Fire for two.

Located in the Magical Town of Todos Santos, Oystera specializes in fresh seafood, especially oysters. The restaurant is known for its commitment to sustainability, using responsibly sourced ingredients that support local fishing communities. Dishes are designed to highlight the natural flavors of fresh seafood.

Nourishing the local economy

The tourism industry is a major economic driver of Mexico. It contributes 8.5% of the country's Gross Domestic Product and 37.6% of Baja California Sur's GDP. Tourism generates 2 out of 3 jobs in the state, and many of them are related to the restaurant and hotel industry.

According to the National Chamber of the Restaurant Industry (CANIRAC), in Los Cabos there are 1,303 establishments between medium and large restaurants, small and micro restaurants, and establishments without table service. In total, all of them generate 20,195 direct jobs.

In 2023, CANIRAC highlighted that “in the last three years, there has been significant growth in the restaurant industry in Los Cabos. Restaurants that offer dinner service have experienced a 19% growth, while those that provide breakfast service have seen an even greater increase, with a growth of 42%.”

“The restaurant and gastronomic industry occupies a primordial place in the tourism value chain of Los Cabos. This sector not only offers unique culinary experiences, which were recently recognized by the first MICHELIN Guide Mexico, it also positions Mexican cuisine in the world through the international travelers who visit us and, more importantly, generates employment and nourishes the economy of the local community, which is a key part of the success of the tourism industry in the state,” said Rodrigo Esponda, General Director of the Los Cabos Tourism Trust.

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The Reopening of Los Deseos, a Resurgence of Contemporary Mexican Cuisine in Los Cabos

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In the vibrant heart of the Los Cabos Marina, the iconic Mexican restaurant "Los Deseos" has been reborn after an extensive remodel, cementing its position as a bastion of local gastronomy. Gabriel Chavelas, manager of Grupo México Grand Hotels, enthusiastically shared the details of this metamorphosis in a recent interview with "Los Cabos a La Carta."

After a temporary closure of a month and a half in May, "Los Deseos" has reopened its doors with a renewed concept that fuses the richness of traditional Mexican cuisine with contemporary innovations. The remodeling has not only updated the restaurant's aesthetics, but has redefined its culinary proposal, adapting to the modern palates of both tourists and locals.

Chavelas explained: "The concept is still Mexican food, but we have gone from traditional to contemporary. We wanted to keep that Mexican touch, but also introduce fresh elements that our customers enjoy."

On reopening night, guests enjoyed a selection of 11 new dishes from the dinner menu, which stood out for their creativity and flavor. Among the delicacies offered were shrimp, octopus and salmon, all with a modern twist. The desserts also won plaudits, especially the avocado mousse and traditional fritters, which received praise for their unique presentation and flavor.

The "Los Deseos" menu has been completely renovated for lunch and dinner, while the breakfasts, which are a favorite among locals, have maintained their essence with slight improvements. Among the outstanding options for breakfast are deviled eggs, drowned eggs and muffins, along with Benedictines with a morita chile hollandaise sauce that promises to delight the senses.

The restaurant's redesign has been meticulous, retaining iconic elements such as the famous "Wishing Wings" and "Wishing Bead," and adding new visual attractions such as a "Wishing Goddess" mural, spray-painted by an urban artist. This mural symbolizes the good wishes that the restaurant wants to convey to its customers. Additionally, a 'Wishing Tree' has been introduced, where visitors can hang their own wishes, adding a layer of personal interaction to the space.

Strategically located in the Golden Zone, near the Marina Fiesta Hotel and at the exit of Plaza Puerto Paraíso, "Los Deseos" is part of a group of outstanding restaurants that includes Jack's, Legends, Presto and Baja Lobster. Despite the renovations, the restaurant has maintained affordable prices, and also offers the "Golden Lovers Passport," which provides discounts of up to 30% for frequent customers.

Chavelas and his team, including brothers Marcos and Alejandro Ibarra, have worked tirelessly to ensure that "Los Deseos" not only maintains its essence but also evolves with the times. Its commitment to quality and innovation is reflected in every detail of the restaurant, promising an unforgettable culinary experience for all its visitors.

For those who wish to experience the new side of "Los Deseos", the restaurant is open every day from 7 in the morning until 10 at night, serving breakfast until 11:30, lunch from 12 to 5 and dinner from 5 to 10.

Visit "Los Deseos" and discover why this legendary restaurant remains a treasure in Los Cabos' vibrant dining scene.

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