Thanks to a family trip to Texas for Christmas 2009, I realized that baby equipment rental companies were a ‘thing.’ Rather than having to buy baby equipment for a 2-week vacation, I could simply rent the items that I needed. What a revelation that was! And that was when my wheels started to turn. Was there such a service in Los Cabos?
As luck would have it, there wasn’t and so I set about creating Baja Baby Gear. Fascinating Fact - I originally wanted to call it Cabo Babe-Ease - but alas that didn’t make the final cut! ;-)
By the end of January 2011, Baja Baby Gear was open for business.
To my knowledge and extensive research, there were no other baby equipment rental companies around in Los Cabos (or elsewhere in Mexico) at that time. So when trying to configure a pricing model for my various equipment items, I researched average price points of existing baby gear rental companies in high-end travel destinations that were comparable to Los Cabos like Florida and Hawaii.
In terms of marketing efforts, I became a walking-talking advertisement for Baja Baby Gear - it wasn’t uncommon to see me handing out postcards out of my diaper bag during a Mom’s and Babies day at the pool. I would talk to as any hotels and travel agents as I could, in addition to branding my own truck and my husbands.
It was challenging to introduce a completely new concept into a market like Los Cabos. Some people at the time didn’t necessarily believe that there was a high demand for such a service. It was one thing to rent things like cars in Los Cabos and entirely another to rent cribs, strollers or toy boxes. Yet, almost from the first day I opened, the phone began to ring. And it hasn’t stopped ringing since.
Our inventory offerings have increased exponentially over the years and I’m proud to say that our per day rental rates have remained more or less the same since day 1.
Baja Baby Gear's standard motto has always been to be the best place to rent baby gear in Los Cabos. That means that we must have the highest standards in equipment, service and customer care at all times. COVID-19 has served as a reminder of just how important it is that we stay true to our company values.
Over the years, Baja Baby Gear has provided full-time jobs, supported other small business and charities, donated countless articles of baby gear to those in need, provided a much-needed service to thousands of traveling families and been a reliable way for me to stay home and raise my children. Baja Baby Gear has created a new niche within the Los Cabos travel industry and it fills me with pride to see fellow service-based companies join me in our shared goal of making traveling parents lives easier when they come to Los Cabos on vacation.
I remember the early years of the business when I single-handedly delivered multiple cribs, toys, high chairs to various vacation homes all around Los Cabos, with one or two of my babies in the back seat. Or the nights when I would get a call at 8pm from a desperate Mom at a hotel who needed a crib at the last-minute. My patient husband would gladly step in and take care of our baby while I hopped in the car and sped off into the night.
When the orders I received were so big that I couldn’t fit all the baby gear AND my baby/babies in the car at one time to complete the delivery, I was so grateful for neighborly helping hands who helped keep an eye on my children so I could deliver on time.
There were times when all hands on deck were required to cover the holiday season madness. Even my own parents and in-laws have been enlisted to help prep orders and I sincerely thank them all for their help.
10 years on, things look a little different. I’m so thankful to have an incredible team who handle the day-to-day duties of the business with ease and professionalism.
There have been many highs, and of course some challenging lows. Hurricane Odile in 2014 put the business to bed for almost 4 months and most recently the COVID-19 lockdowns, when Baja Baby Gear was forced to shut down for the guts of a year.
Yet through even these most difficult of times, all my staff have remained in full employment. I’ve used these periods of austerity to recalibrate the business and encourage my employees to make the most of the down-time.
I can hardly believe that 10 years have past and Baja Baby Gear is still in full swing.
Why has Baja Baby Gear stood the test of time? I believe that it’s in part thanks to the reliability of the service provided. Ever prompt and professional, travel agents and destination management companies know that we will deliver at the time and place we promised. We deliver exactly what was ordered. We guarantee satisfaction and accept accountability when rare hiccups happen.
I recently got some anniversary messages from people who I suppose would be considered ‘early adopters’ of my business concept. Some of them were local concierge staff, others small-business owners, realtors, loving grandparents who had second homes in Los Cabos. Little did you know at the time, you gave my children constant access to their mother throughout their infancy.
You helped me to create change in other peoples lives. Your willingness to take a chance on an unknown small business made a long-lasting, positive change for many families, but especially my own. From the bottom of my heart, a sincere thank you for taking a chance on a random Irish girl back then.
Special thanks to Susie Albin-Najera, who somehow stumbled upon my little business idea in 2011 and wrote about it online. Susie, thanks to that one publication, you unknowingly lent credibility and support to my start-up and helped countless families have an enhanced travel experience in Mexico.
Thank you to Aranza and Andres, who are the backbone of Baja Baby Gear today. With amazing professionalism and exceptional customer care, I am very grateful to you both for always taking care of Baja Baby Gear clients.
Most importantly, I want to thank Nelson, my husband, for always having my back. It takes a village to raise babies, and that same token also applies to small businesses. Without the support of my family, friends, employees and clients, I’m overjoyed to celebrate Baja Baby Gear’s 10th anniversary!
It seemed fitting to give Baja Baby Gear's logo a little upgrade - expect to see the website re-imagined with this new design. Additionally, we have some exciting upgrades coming to the inventory line which I'll share with you later this month.
Sending all our Baja Baby Gear clients warm appreciation.
Jen
]]>Wow 2020 - I didn’t see you coming!
Nothing could have prepared our Los Cabos community for 2020. And for once, it wasn’t because of a nightmare of a hurricane season, which our Cancun friends, unfortunately, had to fare.
In fact, 2020 was gearing up to be a big year for tourism in general. Until March that is, when everything ground to a screeching halt.
Shops shut.
Beaches emptied.
Highways deserted.
It was all so incredibly weird.
Our kids interpreted lockdown as one big extended holiday, while parents around the world struggled to balance the demands of work (or lack thereof) and child-minding at home.
The upside of living in Los Cabos is the weather and we, as a family, most certainly took advantage of all the extra downtime from the comfort of our little back yard.
Baja Baby Gear stopped all operations. Nobody was traveling internationally with babies (and rightly so, I might add). So for the first time in almost 10 years, my staff got to take a very long, yet fully-paid staycation.
I’m grateful that everyone in our Baja Baby Gear family has remained in great health and we were all able to stay home and care for our families throughout 2020.
And while business is by no means back to normal, I’m so happy to report that the business community of Los Cabos is doing its utmost to promote and maintain a superior level of vigilance for travelers. Face masks are currently mandatory statewide whenever we are in public areas, grocery stores and restaurants.
When frequenting our favorite local eateries, there’s always a sanitizing station at each business entrance. Patrons walk through a foot sanitization area, followed by a temperature check along with mandatory anti-bacterial hand gel protocols.
Grocery stores follow the same procedures. Until last month, children were not allowed inside grocery stores at all, though more recently that’s been adjusted. Now it’s preferred that children do not enter grocery stores, but they are permitted to enter providing they wear face masks and follow the other safety protocols.
And of course, families and tourists can go to the Los Cabos beaches feeling completely normal. Mandatory social distancing in public places like beaches means that you can truly relax and let loose in the comfort of your sun lounger.
Over the past few months, the farthest we have ventured is the occasional day trip to a local resort or beach club. I've been so impressed with how seriously the resorts in Los Cabos have taken safety and hygiene.
The photo shared above was taken at the stunning Solaz Resort a little over a month ago. Clearly, there was a strict adherence to the number of in-house guests in residence. The place was spotless and we felt incredibly safe.
As far as Baja Baby Gear is concerned, protocols are rigorous. For staff handling equipment and deliveries, full face mask usage and hand sanitization protocols are mandatory.
Our delivery vehicle is sterilized daily and we’ve increased our storage hygiene procedures to ensure that each item of equipment is double sanitized and stored in such a way that it cannot be contaminated while not in use.
While it seems that everything is still very much up in the air with regard to international traveling, I thought a 2021 update on the Los Cabos lay-of-the-land would be prudent.
Don’t forget that you can stay up-to-date with case numbers and state statistics on our BCS government website.
If you’re thinking about traveling to Los Cabos in 2021 and you have questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us at cabo@bajababygear.com. And BTW, for as long as this pandemic continues, Baja Baby Gear will honor a full-refund on any cancelation requests.
From the entire Baja Baby Gear team, we wish you a year full of health and happiness.
I hope to see you all in Los Cabos soon.
With love,
Jen
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I'm writing this article to keep our clients and future clients updated as to the Coronavirus situation here in Los Cabos.
Baja Baby Gear remains dedicated to the safety of our service and the comfort of our clients. The BCS government website is constantly updated to reflect the most recent statistics, self-diagnosis procedure and contact information for the state of Baja California Sur.
As of January 2022, as expected, Los Cabos is experiencing a spike in cases, as is everywhere else in the world. However, thanks to extensive safety precautions and local businesses maintaining rigorous protocols, Los Cabos continues to be a safe destination to visit in spite of the Coronavirus pandemic.
If you or a member of your family are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, or you would like to be tested in general, you can contact Hospital Hmas, via their website. You can fill out their forms online and made an appointment to visit the hospital for efficient testing. Hospital Hmas is centrally located on the Cabo corridor highway and offers excellent bilingual medical care.
Shown beneath is a COVID-19 guide provided by Hospital Hmas.
If you're a Baja Baby Gear client who is traveling in the near future, but has concerns about your travel plans, you can reach us on 855-369-BABY or via email at cabo@bajababygear.com.
Should you decide to cancel or postpone your trip to Los Cabos, we will do everything we can to ensure that the cancelation process is seamless and any monies will be either refunded in full, or held in full to apply to a visit made in the future. You decide which option works best for you, and we will gladly honor that.
For those who have canceled their orders, it's our hope that we'll see you return to Cabo in the not too distant future.
We send you our best wishes.
Jen & the Baja Baby Gear team
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Sometimes I forget just how amazing Los Cabos is.
Life in Los Cabos with kids is probably very similar to living anywhere else in the world.
We wake up early, hustle to get the kids out to school on time, spend the rest of the day at work or perhaps prepping for something the kids have to do for school. The afternoon begins with school pick-up, then it's home for homework, dinner, family time, bath and bed-time.
Rarely do I act like a tourist in my own hometown, but today I got to do exactly that.
Some friends and I arrived at the recently opened Hotel Mar del Cabo this morning. We were greeted by Jorge, a friendly valet who parked my car on my behalf. Upon entering the reception area, we were instantly blown away by a spectacular sense of tranquility.
I immediately knew that Mar del Cabo was a very special place.
Mar del Cabo is located at the half-way point between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. This central location, IMHO, is the ideal choice for any traveler coming to Los Cabos because you can be in either town within 15 minutes.
The lobby was spotless and peaceful with a welcoming feel. The Sea of Cortez was immediately within view and it was all we could do to drink in the magnificence of the expansive blue ocean in front of us.
The lobby doubles up as a lounging area with huge flat screen TV and pool table, along with a lovely bar that allows guests to take a pause, enjoy a drink and really ease into their vacation experience.
Additionally, there's a hotel store that's open day and night that sells, essentials, souvenirs, and clothing. Everything on this property is so accessible and inviting.
Carlos checked us into the hotel, making us feel ever so welcome. Within a few minutes, we were wandering down the spiral staircase into what was an absolute paradise.
Mar del Cabo is exceptionally private and breathtakingly beautiful. Magenta pink bougainvillea cascaded down the walls of the hotels, creating a spectacular contrast against the white walls and blue tiling. The grounds were perfectly manicured and each member of staff greeted us with a warm smile.
It felt like we were walking into The Secret Garden as we meandered towards the beach. Each doorway had a colorful hammock just begging to be laid in while indulging in a good book.
A large pool encloses the restaurant and bar area. This boutique gem of a hotel oozes character at every turn. We were instantly drawn to some white loungers that were beckoning for us to stay a while.
Everyone comes to Cabo for the beach and some sun. While the majority of folks flock to Medano Beach for their fix, we were blown away by the stretch of beach that awaited us.
With barely a soul on the beach in either direction, we couldn't believe our luck at the thought of spending a sacred day surrounded by the best that Mother Nature has to offer.
Our joy didn't stop there.
We were served delicious freshly made iced tea by Christian, who was respectfully attentive all day.
Our food choices were amazing: Acai fruit bowls, organic green salads, beetroot ceviche, heirloom tomato salad, fish tacos in jicama shells. The list goes on.
Each dish was spectacular.
Mar del Cabo is the perfect blend of authentic Mexico combined with the simplicity of a boutique hotel environment.
If you're looking for a place to get away, to completely relax and reconnect with yourself or your loved ones, this is the place to be. When I experience excellence in service, food, and environment, I know that it's quite simply an unmissable place to be.
You can visit the Mar del Cabo website here, or find them on Facebook. Alternatively, their email is reservations@mardelcabo.com or you can call them at:
USA: 1 844 314 2352
MEX: 1 800 831 2990
Thanks to the staff at Mar del Cabo for opening up your fantastic boutique hotel to us for the day. We'll be back again soon!
]]>But sometimes it’s nice to escape the never-ending sunshine and spend some time indoors instead. This is especially true when you have kids because, although being outdoors and getting Vitamin D is great, we all know that too much exposure to the sun can be harmful to children’s delicate skin.
There’s no need to worry! There are just as many fun and entertaining indoor activities in Cabo as there are outdoor ones, and I’ve put together a list of some of my favorites! So, if you’re looking to escape the UV rays for a few hours, here are some great options for you and your family:
Also known as the “Yellow Submarine”, the Cabo Submarine is one of the most exciting “indoor” activities for kids here in Cabo. That’s because you get to be out of the sunlight, but still inside of the ocean!
This activity is perfect for kids that are fascinated by marine life because, in this semi-submersible submarine, you will be face to face with the Sea of Cortez’s spectacular and diverse underwater ecosystem.
The guided tour is 75 minutes long, and it includes loads of information about the many marine species that exist in our region. Babies 0 to 2 years old go for free, and there’s a special price for children ages 3-10. For more information, visit Cabo Expedition's website.
No doubt a little-known fact that Glass blowing is super popular in the Baja. For that reason, there are many factories in both San José and Cabo San Lucas that are worth a visit. It’s fascinating to see the talented artisans at work, using recycled glass to create everything from simple and elegant vases to intricate figurines of all shapes, sizes, and colors.
Seeing their demonstrations and browsing through their vast collections of pieces is a great way to spend an hour or two indoors! If you’re staying in Cabo San Lucas, you can go to The Glass Factory. If you’re in San José del Cabo, Baja Blown Glass Factory in the Centro Histórico is great. And if you’re staying somewhere between the two cities, Blown Glass Factory Azteca in El Tule is the place to go!
If you’d like more information about these factories, you can visit their websites:
The Glass Factory - Cabo San Lucas
Blown Glass Factory Azteca - San Jose del Cabo (El Tule)
If you have errands to run or an event to go to that your kids may not enjoy, instead of leaving them with a babysitter, try out Koral Kids! Located at Koral Center in Cerro Colorado, Koral Kids offers indoor entertainment, through a wide variety of activities, for children ages 2-12 in Los Cabos.
You can leave your kids in the hands of Koral Kid’s highly qualified staff, knowing that they’ll have a great time meeting and playing with other kids, and participating in the games and activities that are organized especially for their enjoyment- all in a clean and safe environment!
To get into contact with Koral Kids, you can visit their website or call them at 624-122-3840.
This museum in Cabo San Lucas is the perfect indoor activity for older children who are curious and enjoy learning about history. The Museum of Natural History has all kinds of interesting exhibitions about astronomy, geology, and paleontology.
You and your kids can discover the history of Los Cabos and the ethnic groups that once inhabited the area, and also learn about the migration of dolphins and whales, the preservation of sea turtles, and many more interesting subjects.
Read here for more information.
Funtastico is an indoor arcade/ entertainment center for children of all ages, located inside of Plaza Sendero in Cabo San Lucas. Your kids will absolutely love this place because there’s an activity for everyone: laser tag, rock climbing, arcade games, a bouncy house, and even an area reserved for kids younger than 6 years old!
You can visit Funtastico simply to escape the sun, or you can also work with them to organize a special birthday or group event for your children.
Visit their website to learn more!
Going to the movies is the ultimate tried-and-true indoor entertainment option, and lucky for us movie-lovers, Cabo has several great quality movie theaters. My favorite movie theater in Cabo is Cinemex Puerto Paraíso.
This theater is well-kept, the seats are comfy, and it shows movies in both English and Spanish. Some films are also shown in Cinemex’s “Platino” auditoriums, which have reclining chairs and a full menu of food options that you can order from your seat!
You can check the listing and buy tickets on the Cinemex website here.
There you have it: my go-to indoor activities for kids in Cabo. I hope you and your family have fun exploring all that Los Cabos has to offer, past its beautiful beaches and sunny outdoor pastimes!
It's hard to believe that 8 years ago when my son was an infant, I launched Baja Baby Gear. I was determined to find a way to spend my time at home with him while earning an income at the same time.
Who would have thought that this little idea could have turned into a business that has served the community of Los Cabos and enabled one Mom to stay home and raise her kids?
When I take a moment to reflect over the past 8 years, I'm so grateful to all our clients who gave me a chance to offer a great service to them. I'm so blessed to have met so many wonderful local businesses and professionals who have, since day 1, continued to utilize our baby gear rental service.
Ultimately, I'm incredibly lucky to be providing a service to Moms and Dads who are coming to Cabo. Who are in need of a real vacation and who feel that our service brings them a little light relief as they travel to a foreign country.
This post is just a very small way of thanking each person who believed in me 8 years ago and has encouraged me every step of the way. I'm so grateful to the members of our team: Aranza and Andres who work tirelessly every day to ensure that safe and sterile baby equipment is delivered to all corners of Los Cabos (on time!).
Thank you to the clients who were so understanding when I would deliver multiple cribs and toys etc. while bringing my baby with me on the job!
Thanks to our clients who have come back and used our services repeatedly.
Thanks to the parents who have forgiven us when we have goofed up (but made it right!).
Thank you to my extended family and my sweet husband who have all, at one time or another helped me to sterilize a piece of equipment at stupid o'clock at night. Or helped me to deliver a crib to a family in need at an ungodly hour of the night. Or have helped me to prep 20+ toy boxes over the crazy Christmas season in one night.
Even though it's been 8 years, our commitment remains the same: To be the best place to rent baby equipment in Cabo. To provide and deliver safe and sterile baby equipment throughout Los Cabos.
There aren't many Moms who can stay home with their babies and earn an income - more often than not, it comes down to choosing between the two.
I'm so very glad I got to do both.
Jen
Do you need to rent baby gear for your Cabo San Lucas vacation? Visit our baby gear rental store online today!
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Not only do you get to take in the natural beauty of this sunny region: the pristine beaches, striking mountains, and unbeatable weather- but also benefit from the vast amount of baby-friendly activities and services that it has to offer, which make traveling here with youngsters so much more enjoyable.
Los Cabos comprises two cities that are each charming in their own way. Some families love vacationing in Cabo San Lucas- the place to go if you’re looking for the typical “Cabo” experience and activities: a breathtaking view of El Arco (“Land’s End”), busy and fun-filled beaches such as Playa El Médano, and of course the acclaimed restaurants and nightlife.
Others prefer the slightly calmer city of San José del Cabo. This city gives off a more “local” feel with its many farm-to-table restaurants, serene beaches, kind locals, and family-friendly activities year-round. Between the two, you’ll never run out of things to do with your young ones on vacation.
Here are a few of my favorite baby-friendly activities in Los Cabos:
Nothing beats a day at the beach! Playa El Médano (in Cabo San Lucas) is great for lounging at a beach club, such as Sur Beach House, or for enjoying a meal by the sea at one of the beach’s many delicious restaurants. The Office, for example, has amazing Mexican food, buckets and spades are handed out for your kids to play in the sand while you drink in a gorgeous view of the crystal-blue waters.
In San José del Cabo is one of my other favorite beaches: Playa Palmilla. This beach is usually a lot less crowded than the latter and is a splendid place to spend the day with your baby. Because of its protected cove, Palmilla has extremely calm waters which are ideal for young swimmers.
Finding shade is also a big concern of mine when taking my babies to the beach, and the palapas at Palmilla are perfect for protecting their sensitive skin from the strong sunlight.
I’ve mentioned Flora Farms in past blogs, but I can’t stress enough how amazing this farm and restaurant in San José del Cabo is for both babies and adults. It’s a super baby-friendly environment, with organic and homemade food, lush gardens, and tons of family activities throughout the year.
During the summer, for example, Floras hosts outdoor movie nights every Wednesday featuring children films like The Jungle Book, Matilda, and The Wizard of Oz. Even for little babies, the atmosphere at the farm is like no other with live music, cute animals around the farm, and overall serene natural surroundings.
You can visit the Flora Farms website for more information, call them at +521 (624) 142 1000 or send an email to reservations@flora-farms.com to make a dining reservation.
The organic market in San José del Cabo is another one of my favorite baby-friendly places here in Cabo. Every Saturday from November to May, the grass park of the organic market fills with prepared food, produce, and craft stands; art exhibitions; and people with calm and positive vibes.
There’s always something baby-friendly to do at the market, whether it’s spending the morning strolling around, sitting on the grass while listening to peaceful live music, or tasting yummy and organic food (like homemade popsicles, local fruits and vegetables, freshly made juices, etc.) You might even find a face painting stand or another baby wanting to play!
All in all, Los Cabos is a great place to be a baby! The locals here have very strong family values which makes them extremely accommodating to the special needs of babies and children on the beach, at restaurants, and pretty much anywhere else you decide to go.
From my family to yours, we wish you an awesome vacation here in Cabo!
Need to rent something for your baby during your Cabo San Lucas vacation? Please browse our extensive inventory and rent anything you may need to ensure you have a great worry-free vacation!
]]>Don’t worry, though- Cabo is full of healthy and organic restaurant choices and I’ve put together a list of a few of my favorites.
Flora’s Field Kitchen is the ultimate organic restaurant of Flora Farms, located about 15 minutes away from the center of San José del Cabo. This magical restaurant is definitely off the beaten path, but once you turn off the windy dirt road into the entrance of the farm, it’s as if you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. The unique scenery, lush vegetation, and a fantastic farm to table menu make Flora’s a perfect spot to spend the day with your family.
Everything on the menu is made only with ingredients grown and raised by the Farm, meaning that you’re getting a fresh and natural meal without added ingredients or hormones.
Your kids will also have lots to look forward to; spell-binding gardens, a lake where they can feed turtles, kids play area, and an ice cream cart (made of course with milk and eggs straight from their ranch) for a sweet and refreshing dessert at the end of your visit! Flora’s is the place to go if you’re looking for a handmade and healthy organic meal for either a special occasion or just a casual family outing.
Visit the Flora Farms website for more information, call them at +521 (624) 142 1000 or email reservations@flora-farms.com them to make a dining reservation.
In the mood for a fresh lunch or dinner after a day of fun at the beach or hotel? Cynthia’s is perfect if you’re looking for something healthy and casual in the hotel zone of San José del Cabo. Their menu is extremely varied, with something for everyone: from salads to sandwiches and fish to burgers- you name it! Additionally, there are many vegan and vegetarian options. I love this place because of its high quality but affordable food, breezy outdoor seating, and killer carrot cake!
At Cynthia’s, you know that your kids are going to get a healthy meal that they’ll actually want to eat! It's also worth mentioning that this organic restaurant has been consistent in its offerings - in the 9 years that we have lived in Cabo, every visit to Cynthia's has been excellent.
Visit Cynthia's Facebook page to ask them any questions about their menu or call them on +521 (624) 155 5874.
It can be hard to think of somewhere handy to go when you’re looking for something quick and healthy to eat. Whether it’s before heading to the beach or in between daily activities, and the only places that come to mind are McDonald’s or Domino’s Pizza. Don’t get me wrong, the food at these places sure tastes great, but it’s not really the best for you or your children’s health.
That’s why I was so happy when I found VFraiche, an organic restaurant in the center of Cabo San Lucas where you can grab a simple meal or snack that’s both affordable and nutritious- and tastes great too!
VFraiche is open for breakfast and lunch, and serves juices, smoothies, salads, sandwiches, desserts, and coffee. The restaurant also offers delivery service if you’d rather enjoy a delicious and healthy meal at home! VFraiche has a friendly, casual and hip vibe. The staff are inviting and friendly, making it a super spot to grab a quick a nutritious bite to eat.
Check out VFraiche's Facebook page for more restaurant information or call them at +52 (624) 143 3534.
For an eclectic evening with an incredible atmosphere, bring the family to Los Tamarindos, another organic delight of a restaurant in San Jose del Cabo. Offering farm tours and delicious local produce, a family meal here can be the ultimate way to sample some of the best organic ingredients that Cabo has to offer.
Los Tamarindos also offers a 3-4 hour wonderful cooking class, where you can spend time learning the best ways to cultivate mouth-watering dishes from the best local produce.
To contact Los Tamarindos for information regarding classes or to make a reservation, visit their website, call them on +52 (624) 105-6031 or email them: reservations@lostamarindos.mx.
Acre is another one-of-a-kind farm to table restaurant on the outskirts of San José del Cabo. This all-natural organic restaurant is well-known for its chic ambiance and amazing food. One of my favorite meals there is brunch, available every Saturday and Sunday from 12-3pm.
Here they serve wonderful kid-friendly dishes like banana beignets or a powered up breakfast Sammy with fried eggs, bacon, Chihuahua cheese, and avocado. Their dishes are all made with locally-grown produce, so you can indulge in one of their signature cocktails knowing that your kids are having a healthy and delicious meal.
Acre recently added some incredible treehouses to their property, so you can spend a night eating unforgettable food and gazing at the stars.
To contact Acre, visit their website, call them at +52 (624) 171 8226 or email them at reservations@acrebaja.com.
If you’re coming to Cabo with your kids, make sure to try at least some of these organic restaurants - I promise they won’t disappoint! You’ll enjoy fresh and local food- and rest easy knowing that your children have done the same!
I am borderline allergic to the all-too-frequent discussions that I read on social media posing the 'Is Cabo Safe?' question. Angry, defensive people pile on top of each other to defend why Mexico is a safe place to travel to.
Nervous travelers question whether or not they should be coming to Cabo. It's disappointing to read the back and forths that go on between people, and it's a shame that it happens.
BUT
More than ever, people are venturing outside their home countries. The wonderful world that we live in today provides us with an unlimited amount of traveling possibilities.
With that, comes the 'fingertip ready' access to the internet that we are exposed to. So I guess it stands to reason that concerns we may have had in the past mentioned only to our significant other during pillow talk, now get posted on Facebook instead.
People want to travel to foreign countries and they are likely to want to prepare ahead of time for their vacations. Therefore, a certain amount of Googling and public discussion is to be expected!
I hopped on a quick Google search before writing this 'Is Cabo Safe?' article. I googled 'Most dangerous places in the world' and 'Most dangerous situations people can find themselves in.' If I'm going to write a defensive blog about this topic, I better make sure Cabo isn't actually on one of these lists, right?
Luckily, I'm happy to report that Cabo didn't make it on any of the lists.
While I grant that 15 minutes of googling in no way makes me an authoritative figure on the topic of 'Is Cabo Safe?', I do feel that I can paint a reliable picture of Cabo's current safety levels.
Throughout 2017, there was an increased amount of cartel-related violence in Los Cabos. As a local, I've been deeply saddened by the increased number of incidents.
Reality: Unless you are a cartel member and you are coming to Cabo to participate in a gang or cartel-related activities, you will be unaffected by any gang-related violence.
We have had 3 consecutive years of storms during the month of September in Los Cabos. These storms have been soul-destroying for many local home-owners and business-owners as we struggle to pick up the pieces and get on with our lives again.
Reality: If you choose to come to Cabo in September, you are opening yourself up to the possibility of being exposed to a hurricane. Sure you'll get an awesome deal to come at that time of the year, but you may find yourself riding out a storm in a hotel room.
For those of you who haven't experienced a hurricane, they typically last a few hours. If you're in a hotel, there's a high probability that the hotel will have a generator so other than being confined to your room or a secure area of the hotel, you won't lose electricity. What are the chances of you getting caught in a hurricane? 1 in 365, if the last 3 years are anything to go by.
September 14th, 2014: Hurricane Odile
September 4th, 2015: Hurricane Newton
September 1st, 2017: Tropical Storm Lidia
See a pattern emerging? Avoid the first two weeks of September for your Cabo vacation, friends.
Here I have grouped together some of the other things that could happen.
Yes, you could drown in the Pacific Ocean while vacationing in Cabo, but you could also drown in the Mediterranean Ocean or the Atlantic Ocean.
Yes, you could ingest too much alcohol and die as a result of doing that while in Cabo, but you could just as easily do that at a friends party next weekend. Don't take my word for it friends; the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism says that an approximate 88,000 people die annually in the US from alcohol-related issues.
Yes, you can die during a medical emergency. But then again you can die anywhere in the world from a medical emergency - not just when you're in Cabo. If you decide to come on vacation without medical insurance, and without having investigated what would happen in the event of a medical emergency in a foreign country, then shame on you.
You can also get run over by a car in Cabo, get into a fight and die in Cabo or God forbid get struck down with an illness in Cabo. But then again, the odds of these things happening to you while on vacation in Cabo are considerably smaller than them happening to you at home.
The aforementioned ways to die have one thing in common. They have nothing to do with being in Cabo specifically. Your number is up if you behave like a ninny anywhere, if you decide to do something reckless or if you are unprepared for any eventuality.
As British Honorary Consul in Los Cabos for the past 7 years, I can count on one hand the number of cases of British National fatalities. While dealing with a death in a foreign country is a horrible thing to have to deal with, it does happen but it's normally a health-related issue.
If you've made it this far into the blog post, then I think you should be able to figure out that I believe that Cabo is safe.
Come to Cabo, bring your nearest and dearest.
Be a responsible adult while you're here.
Get travel & medical insurance.
Make sure you have done your due diligence and you understand what to expect in the event of a medical or natural emergency.
Jenni Reichert is the owner of Baja Baby Gear and the British Honorary Consul In Baja California. You can reach Jenni at info@bajababygear.com.
]]>There are endless premium locations within Mexico to choose from. Let’s face it, there’s no shortage of incredible beaches, beautiful cities and glorious experiences to be had in and around the shores of Mexico. Cancun, Mazatlan or Ixtapa are just a few of the spectacular destinations to be experienced here. Perhaps it’s selfish to point you in the direction of my home-town as your final destination of choice, but a Cabo vacation truly has everything you could possibly want in a 5-star vacation experience.
The buzz about a Cabo vacation is already running amok in your house and some of your extended family and friends have expressed an interest in joining you on this magical Cabo vacation of yours. Think wisely about who you want to be with you as you indulge in some amazing cocktails and dine while watching a dreamy Cabo sunset.
Make sure that Auntie Sue isn’t going to talk your ear off while you try to get some shut-eye at the pool. Pick your Cabo vacation accomplices wisely, friends, or it could get to feel like a LONG week away from home.
While we are on the subject of choosing our travel companions wisely, it’s also worth mentioning that special consideration should also go towards a Cabo vacation rentals! I don’t know about you, but the more I travel, the more I love having my home comforts around me.
Take Owner Direct as an example; their user-friendly website has a veritable encyclopedia of vacation rental experiences available to you. Just entering Cabo, your preferred travel dates and number of people traveling (did Auntie Sue make the shortlist? ;-)) into their home page will get you an array of options for all budgets to choose from.
Here’s an example of a stunning condo vacation rental where you can really de-stress during your Cabo vacation. And here’s a little bit of Owner’s Direct Company Culture so you can see why they are so unique.
There is no, I repeat, NO shortage of amazing places to eat & drink in Los Cabos. From the moment your pale white feet step onto Mexico soil as you begin your Cabo vacation, you can take your pick from as much fresh seafood as you can get your hands on, to a juicy steak or even breakfast on the beach.
In addition to the choice of restaurants, there’s also a wide range of ambiance to be had. Sunset MonaLisa will give you that unforgettable romantic night you’ve been meaning to do (Sorry Auntie Sue – you can’t come to this one!), Sur Beach House is one of the best beach spots for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or there’s Flora Farms that a one-of-a-kind meal off the beaten track. There truly is something for everyone here in Cabo.
If you haven’t had a Cabo vacation before, then perhaps you won’t be familiar with the term ‘No Bad Days'. This 3-word logo is frequently posted around Los Cabos on cars, businesses or storefronts, and it encapsulates the local attitude here. The community of Los Cabos welcomes travelers with open arms and they work tirelessly to ensure that each day of your Cabo vacation is spent doing the most enjoyable things possible.
Perhaps that’s having a massage on the beach or a day of golf? Maybe it’s just bringing that book you’ve been meaning to read all year to a pool by the ocean and getting it read while working on your tan? Whatever floats your particular boat, a Cabo vacation has got you covered.
Owner Direct Vacation Rentals: everything from condo rentals, to golf vacations, pet-friendly homes to luxury breaks – it truly couldn’t be easier to find a perfect match within their database. Has reading this article made you want to book a Cabo vacation already? If so, contact Owner Direct Vacation Rentals today and make that reservation!
]]>An Interview With Ian Gengos
Jen: First of all, could you tell me a little bit about the international investing market. What's the trend right now?
Ian: Well, globally speaking, economies are gaining momentum. The International Monetary Fund expects that the overall world economy will grow 3.5% in 2017, up from 3.1% in 2016. Canada, advanced economies, even emerging and developing economies are gaining momentum over the last couple of years, and real estate holdings are a part of that. People have an increasing capacity to work and live abroad and real estate investment remains one of the best ways for people to distribute their wealth. We see certain markets do very, very well as people are much more global citizens these days.
Despite the different political and economic environments around the world, international real estate offers a very viable option for today's global citizen to retire in Mexico, invest abroad, and diversify their profile in the process
Jen: So in actual fact, it's almost like not retiring. Investing in a retirement property doesn’t mean that you can’t yield an income from that purchase. People could retire in Mexico and enjoy a healthy return on their investment over time. Is that fair to say?
Ian: I think that's fair to say. It's more about protecting your wealth and your assets. Whether you own multiple homes somewhere like London and you're dealing with Brexit, or you own multiple homes in California and you're uncertain of future US foreign and fiscal policy.
Perhaps it makes more sense to pull holdings out of one particular area and look to a market like Toronto or Vancouver or Cabo San Lucas. People are becoming more and more investment savvy. Above and beyond just wanting to live somewhere warm, they have a primary residence and international vacation homes and investment properties.
Jen: I'm not just saying this because I live in Mexico and I love it, but isn't it true that people looking for their dream retirement location can retire in Mexico as it's one of the top places to go? Why is that?
Ian: Well, it's top for North Americans certainly. Forbes Magazine just published an article in the International Living Subscription publication that ranks countries according to a variety of different metrics: healthcare, culture, political stability, infrastructure and such and it's always sort of a neck and neck race between countries like Panama and Costa Rica and Mexico.
But this year, 2017, Mexico just surpassed them and hit the number one mark as the most popular place for North Americans to retire to. Close proximity to Mexico is a plus, but add some of the most amazing Mexican culturally rich cities, beaches, and ecosystems on the planet and it's a no-brainer. Anyone considering switching countries would be wise to retire in Mexico for these reasons.
As the population ages, healthcare is a primary concern for a lot of people. Do they have adequate health care in a place they're going to spend a substantial amount of time away from home? Retire in Mexico and the answer to that question is yes. Political stability, the value of their currency against local currency are also key factors.
Look at somewhere like Hawaii which has always been hugely popular with Americans and Canadians, but the idea of traveling a day each way and then spending dollars in a dollars market or worse, Canadian dollars in a US market is becoming less appealing than spending dollars against pesos in a market that's just a two to three-hour direct flight from home.
Jen: Mexico seems to be the path of least resistance as we get so much value for our money, would you agree?
Ian: You get tremendous value for your money, you get a culture that is warm and inviting and the weather that is pretty consistent year-round. Retire here and enjoy that feeling you've gone somewhere a little bit different than your own backyard.
Jen: What's going on in Cabo's marketplace right now in terms of real estate investing?
Ian: Cabo has been a very popular resort destination for the wealthy subset of the population for many years. But its proximity to the US, its separation from mainland Mexico, and the amenities and services it offers have made for a very healthy place to retire in the real estate community. Currently with the currency disparity and other political factors; call it the 'Trump Effect' if you will; I think we're experiencing the strongest buyers' market I've seen in my 14 years here.
Jen: Why is the market favorable toward the buyer as opposed to seller?
Ian: Well, I think it's a combination of factors. First and foremost, it's the inventory that's available and the disparity in the US dollar against the peso. A few years back, there was a pretty substantial Hurricane that did quite a bit of damage. After the fact, a lot of developers came in and maybe some received some subsidies & incentives from the government to build or they were able to pick up parcels of land for a good deal. Post-Hurricane Odile, more new inventory was added to the market that was newer, which typically puts pressure on the existing sellers in a market to up their game and be more competitive in their pricing and their strategy.
Then there are other subsets of the market; let's say the $400,000 USD to $600,000 range which have also become more available to people. It used to be very much an ultra-luxury, cash-only market here, but that isn't the case anymore. You don't need millions of dollars to retire in Mexico now.
I think that's appealing to a lot of people. Another component to consider is the currency conversion. Depending on when a person bought their property in the past, and whether they paid US dollars for it or not, it's registered with the Mexican government as a pesos purchase.
If you sell a property in a de-valued peso market, the seller is going to be subject to some pretty healthy capital gains taxes. This makes them more open to negotiating price rather than pay excessive tax on the sale. If the seller nets the same amount of money either way then, combined with ample inventory, the buyer has a strong position.
Jen: That's great. Is there a particular type of buyer that's interested in Cabo as a destination?
Ian: Cabo used to be exclusively for the wealthy, investment groups and corporations that had their vacation properties here. But now, it's a much wider range. We find that we're helping people find great little condos on the beach, two-bedroom condos on the beach in the $400-600,000 USD range. Some of them require a bit of work. Some of them don't. It's just a matter of aligning with the right adviser to help you find what you're looking for and being comfortable to take action when you find that dream home.
I think that's probably the key takeaway: it is a very healthy market. It is active and signs are that it's not slowing down anytime soon. We see all demographics here now; retirees, vacation homeowners, investors, all ages, all nationalities.
I know there's uncertainty everywhere in the world, even close to home; call it the Trump Effect on Mexico (read about it here). But in fact, it's been a very good thing. The Los Cabos real estate market is certainly dynamic and very active, even going into the summer.
Jen: Here’s a question for a person that's been coming down to Mexico for most of their vacationing life and they're really ready to take the jump and retire in Mexico.
What are the costs involved when it comes to acquiring your first real estate retirement purchase?
What are the most common questions that you get asked by people who want to retire in Mexico and make their dream a reality in the Cabo market?
Ian: One of the biggest questions is the myth that foreigners can't own land outright in Mexico, and that's just not true. Just like Canada or the US, you can own land through fee simple title providing it's not in a restricted zone. The restricted zone is about 50 kilometers from the ocean or 100 kilometers from the border and was established to protect Mexican sovereignty.
In the restricted zone, a foreigner may purchase real estate by means of a trust called a Fideicomiso. It's a 50-year, renewable bank trust that grants the foreign buyer the right to use, improve, rent, sell, and otherwise enjoy the property. The trust is not an asset of the bank, and the foreign buyer is called the Beneficiary. As the beneficiary, the buyer retains all ownership rights to the property and can sell, lease, mortgage, or will the property to heirs.
Now, secondly, what sort of costs are involved? In Mexico, the burden of title transfer is on the buyer. Fees for permits, appraisals, and notaries make up some of the cost, but the largest portion is what is called a foreign acquisition tax. Any time you find a property in Mexico that you want to invest in or retire to you are subject to that tax. All in, the total additional costs at closing represent between 3-6% of the purchase price.
Jen: What's the best strategy for people? Let's say I'm living in New York. I'm interested in purchasing a vacation or a retirement home in Cabo. I spend weeks and months on the internet trying to find the dream place and I'm scared to reach out to a real estate adviser because I don't want to feel like I'm committing to the sale. Tell me what the best approach is for a buyer wanting to retire in Mexico and purchase a property here.
Ian: In my opinion, the best approach is to get past your fear and just reach out. You'll know soon enough whether or not you want to work with that individual. In my case, when dealing with foreign buyers, my exclusive responsibility is to represent the best interests of the buyer in this market.
Obviously, I have a responsibility to my company, Engel & Völkers as well, and also to my local clients in getting their homes in front of buyers around the world. But for the foreign buyer, it's about what's the best property for them, not whether or not it's our company's offering.
So the best option would be to find the right person to represent you. Let them find the property for you. If they understand your needs and what it is that you're looking for, that alliance gives the buyer the most security and the biggest level of comfort in making the decision to retire in Mexico.
You can go and look at different MLS listings and find a property, but you're ultimately going to have to get somebody involved to help facilitate the transfer of that property, take care of all the paperwork and such. You absolutely do need someone to be your advocate in this market.
The bottom line is to build a good relationship with an advisor that understands you; one that you're confident will truly take care of you and your family.
If you are interested in buying a property to retire in Mexico, please contact Ian directly on his Facebook page, or send him an email to i.gengos@snellrealestate.com.
I live in Cabo San Lucas with two small children: our son is six years old and our daughter is three years old. It's true there's no shortage of Cabo beaches that we can visit to spend a family day together. However, a lot of the beaches in Cabo San Lucas are not equipped for babies. As we all know, babies can only stand a minimal amount of sun exposure and many doctors out there recommend that babies don't have any exposure to direct sunlight for any length of time.
With all the traveling families that come to Mexico annually, the first thing everybody wants to do is hit the beach. Life changes drastically when a new baby is on board and I'm writing this blog today because I want to tell you all about an amazing beach club that recently opened in Cabo San Lucas that caters for a family day at the beach.
Up until now, we have gone to Chileno Bay for a beach day with the family. That involves us packing the children in the car and heading to the beach. We have to schlep half of our house with us: we need shades, so we bring the umbrella, we need a table, we need chairs, we need something to put the baby in like a pea pod, we need toys, we need everything. It's not easy to carry all that and two children down from the carpark in Chileno Bay to the beachfront. Yes, there’s a public toilet at Chileno – but it’s not equipped to cater to a diaper change! And of course once there, we typically only last for 45 to 90 minutes at a max.
I can't tell you the number of times friends and family have asked us, "We want to go hang out on the beach. Where can we go?" There are plenty of beach club options - but the majority of them are tied to a resort, so they aren't public. Then you have Nikki Beach Club - which is designed for day-time party goers - it's just not that family friendly.
And of course, there is Mango Deck. But honestly, Mango Deck is not appropriate for half of the people coming to Cabo. It's great if you're here for spring break, if you're 21 and if you like to drink booze all day long until it's coming out of your ears. But there's nowhere else to go on Medano Beach (unless it's part of a hotel) that has loungers, food and beverage service and a comfortable ocean setting to enjoy the sunset or sunrise.
Now, we have been blessed with SUR Beach House, which opened late 2016 by the Bahia Hotel. This wonderful establishment is an extension of the Bahia Hotel & Bar Equina, developed by Meredith & Lee Vosburgh. The beach club is located right in the middle of Medano Beach, Cabo's favorite beach. SUR Beach House is a godsend for not just families but for anybody traveling to Cabo. Since we have frequented SUR, we have seen business meetings, friendly reunions, romantic dinners, family outings and girl get-togethers go down! And no-one is out of place - everyone is welcome.
The first time we went to SUR Beach House, my family and I were greeted by valet service. The valets were extremely professional, kindly assisted us with our kids and bags, gave us a valet ticket and went off to park our car. Then we were greeted by the staff who were waiting at the entrance to welcome us into, honestly, the most breathtaking view in Cabo San Lucas.
The restaurant is furnished beautifully. Modern wood tables and chairs everywhere, with a white, clean background. The bar area is stunning. A lounge area is on your immediate right as you enter with a big flat screen television in case there's a sporting event on. Sur Beach House is designed to be outdoors but this area has total coverage.
They have different levels to the beach club. The first part is the bar and lounge with huge ceiling fans. It feels like there's air conditioning going on in there. You can eat and drink there. Or you can go down to the deck, which is a dining area to have breakfast, lunch, and now dinner as well. There's also attentive waiter service and beautiful, big, family-sized tables. Finally, and most importantly, they have an incredible beachfront lounging area.
We went there last week and as the photos show here on this blog, we had an absolute whale of a time. There are beach attendants who will clean your sunglasses. There were foot massages going on. Food & drinks were being brought out to us on the beach. Sur Beach House is cordoned off so it felt very private, away from the beach vendors. We were maybe 20 steps away from the water. There were umbrellas to shade us and the children. Towels were provided. They even have buckets and spades for the children to play with. It was awesome!
We literally were able to rock up at 1 o'clock in the afternoon and we stayed there until sunset, at which time the beach club cleans away the loungers and the staff set up a bonfire for the night time. This place is incredible.
The menu is varied and has the best of what Cabo has to offer in terms of fresh seafood, sushi, oysters, salads, tacos. Their breakfasts are perfect for the kids - and when I tell you that the staff will go out of their way to ensure you are satisfied - I mean it! My beautiful, but picky kids have always cleaned their plates on each visit - which really speaks to the food!
You Must Go To SUR Beach House!
I can't tell you how much of an enjoyable time we have every time we go to SUR Beach House. We've now been multiple times. It is our go-to place with all of our friends and family when they come to town and we cannot recommend it highly enough. If you are coming to Cabo on vacation, you simply must go to SUR Beach House. It is the ultimate experience for a beach day in Cabo San Lucas, where all your needs are met.
It's completely reasonably priced. At a daily cover price of just $900 pesos a head (which gets applied to your food and drinks bill), it’s worth every penny to spend a day in luxury and comfort - It will truly make your vacation. It will be the best day that you spend with your family in Cabo.
]]>A little while ago, Jen Reichert got a chance to sit down and talk to Amber Lorenz, owner of Mint Jungle & Amber’s Market, which is the best option in town for a healthy, gluten free Cabo meal. Here’s how their conversation went:
Jen: Amber, can you tell me a bit about your background and why you became a business owner?
Amber: I was born and raised in Cabo to foreign parents and they're both entrepreneurs. They came down here and they made one of the first developments here in Cabo, so I guess being a business owner is in my genes. Why did I get into this business? For selfish reasons, I guess. I started getting sick and over a 10-year period, I have consulted with over 25 doctors. Eventually found out that I have Celiac disease. I found out that the food we eat can make us thrive or make us sick. In my case, it was making me sick. So that's when we got into gluten free, natural, healthy lifestyle.
Jen: Before you opened Mint Jungle & Ambers Market, were there other gluten free Cabo restaurants or stores that you knew of that stock gluten free produce locally?
Amber: There used to be Cabo Gluten free bakery in San Jose del Cabo, but that ended up closing after Odile. It's kind of a hard market to get into because gluten free baking is a science and you can't mix the different flours in the same kitchen. There are other places that sell it, you know, different markets. They sell bread and other produce. But most of it tastes like cardboard so that's why we got into it. Our first bread took us about a month to perfect. After many attempts, the bread rose beautifully and it tasted good. We practiced the recipe and got the consistency perfect.
Jen: When did you decide to open the restaurant?
Amber: We decided to come up with the business model while I was being diagnosed with Celiac Disease.
Jen: When you opened the business was it just to be a gluten free Cabo restaurant or were you planning on doing a bakery?
Amber: Originally it was just going to be a gluten free bakery. Then I thought "Okay, I really like green juices. I really like smoothies and I like salads and oh what if I want to have a sandwich someday. And then there are pizzas." So all that ... it's a good thing we did do that because there are people that go in just for the smoothies. Or clients that are addicted to our gluten free pizzas, so it's a good balance. We then we added the Mint Jungle Bar so that people could get their drinks and natural cocktails.
Jen: What are the business hours?
Amber: It opens at 8 am and we close at 10 pm.
Jen: What would you say is the busiest time of the day and the most popular time of the day?
Amber: Probably late breakfast early lunch.
Jen: What's the most requested thing on the menu?
Amber: Our detox green juice, the amber super green smoothie, and the rooster
sandwich. And out of the salads, the Cobb is the most requested. The Farm Fresh Pizza is a big hit. And right now, we have brand new cake, which is gluten free and dairy free.
Jen: How are people finding out about Amber's Market?
Amber: We haven't needed to advertise. We get people walking by, they see the words "gluten free" and they literally will eat there every day because the son or the mother or somebody in their family has Celiac. The whole family can all eat at Amber's Market and its good food. It's healthy but it tastes good.
Jen: Do you see yourself opening more locations?
Amber: We have had requests to open in San Jose del Cabo. And some people say "Why don't you open a food truck?" Some people say "Why don't you do a franchise?" And we are open to all of these ideas in time.
Jen: Is Mint Jungle & Amber's Market open seven days a week?
Amber: Yes - Seven days a week.
Jen: If somebody had questions about your menu, what's the best way to reach you guys?
Amber: Definitely Facebook because has all our contact information. Our phone number is on there so you can call us to make requests if you have a certain order like donuts. Everything is made fresh. A lot of people order our gluten free Cabo, dairy-free vanilla or chocolate cakes. Our food is fast-casual dining - It's easy, it's fast, it's yummy but it's not super fancy.
We can handle last-minute requests, some people like to just pop by, see what we have on that particular day and take what's there. We're currently looking at offering a delivery service also.
Jen: If I called Mint Jungle & Amber's Market tomorrow and I want to place a delivery order, could you do it?
Amber: Not yet! When we do start up deliveries, we would probably start from Pedregal to Cabo del Sol and then from there see how much more demand there would be in other areas. If we end up doing another location we would still probably do all the baking in Cabo. We could also deliver gluten-free Cabo baked items to the San Jose location.
Right now a lot of our regulars go two or three times a week. But a lot of them sometimes don't want to go into town so those regulars could end up ordering a delivery. I should mention that we are currently looking for companies that can do deliveries for us. If anyone out there is reading this - please email me at the address listed beneath!
It seems like since the moment Amber opened Mint Jungle & Amber's Market, the business has evolved quickly. And its evolution has been due to people making requests from the business. As someone who isn’t allergic to gluten or dairy, I haven’t been a fan of choosing a gluten-free meal. Namely, because it doesn’t taste as good as a regular meal does. But I have to tell you after eating at Amber’s Market, I had a sandwich and salad – and it tasted BETTER than so much else in town! The portions are huge and the ambiance is awesome.
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Jeremy and the Lux Life team have managed to have pulled off the impossible. They have created luxury destination travel management, with wholesale pricing AND a complimentary concierge service. Jeremy and I have the same mindset when it comes to our businesses.
We have the winning combination: quality, service, and value. This is the winning lottery ticket for anyone wanting the best Cabo travel experience they can find. And you can simply use their very easy booking method to select your dates, the number of nights that you'll be there, the number of adults, kids, or juniors, which would be infants. Hit the "book today," and then you can see what inventory that they have available.
There are three pillars of success that really sets Lux Life apart:
1. A Price Guarantee
They don't charge a booking fee, so there's an automatic saving for you, the customer. Lux Life has personal relationships with a selective number of local resorts, so they've been able to secure preferred rates for their guests. So if you go out and you can find a rate that's better than what they're offering during the time that you're looking to travel, then hit them up and they will match it.
2. Their Team Is Based In Cabo
Unlike many US-based travel agents that specialize in Cabo San Lucas vacations, Lux Life has a whole team of people that live and work full time in Cabo. They are married and committed to your travel experience. So when you make a reservation with them, it really feels like you're being guided through your trip as if you were hanging out with a local, except it's just you and your kids, or whoever is with you that get to enjoy the experience.
Jeremy personifies this experience that he creates for his clients. He knows the best that Cabo has to offer. His team has done their due diligence in seeking out the most amazing travel experiences possible for you and your family.
3. Personal Vacation Curation
The third component that makes Lux Life a home run, is that you have a personal vacation curator. To get this level of service out of a Cabo vacation, normally you have to be willing the spend some serious coin to get it.
The team at Lux Life excels at personalizing your vacations. They want to ensure that you're getting exactly what you've paid for, that you're going to love your experience and keep on coming back time and time again. Their free concierge system puts together all your excursions, dinner reservations, and sight-seeing. They will take care of all the details, and put it all together into one package.
How cool is it to know that you can come to Cabo and know that you actually have somebody here who is accountable, and who can take care of your every need if you so wish?
It's been a pleasure to join forces with Lux Life and create a dedicated Baja Baby Lux Life Cabo booking page, especially for our clients. So if you haven't yet booked your travel, you're still in planning phase, and you're wondering if you can get some comparisons on prices just hit our personalized link down beneath and we will be thrilled to see you get the deal of your dreams.
]]>Koral Desk boasts 33 ready-to-rent offices, which are extremely private, white-walled, and air conditioned. A communal area is available to have business meetings, or to work quietly amongst like-minded individuals. You can even rent your own private boardroom for as little as $50 USD a day! The boardroom comes with televisions, plug-in stations, coffee, privacy and most importantly - ergonomic chairs!
This Cabo Business Center comes complete with two receptionists. A phone is installed in your office so they can notify you when you have someone come visit. There's a very highly skilled professional team that manage and take care of all of its renters.
We have 24/7 access along with the ability to have an unlimited supply of coffee, hot beverages, and a fridge. We have a Google-esque common room where you can rent a shared space, or go to socialize with fellow business owners for a few minutes.
In addition to the business center, Koral Kids is almost ready; a fantastic development for local people who are looking for some high-quality after-school activities for their children.
Koral Kids will be monitored by a team of Montessori trained teachers in a one-story facility and all day, every day, they will have activities that everyone (locals and travelers alike) can attend with their children or by dropping them off. This is a highly secure environment with amazing facilities, easily located with very, very close proximity parking. I'm told Koral Kids opens the mid year 2017.
In addition to the Koral Business Center and Koral Kids, the Koral Center has a Gastronomy area called El Merkado, which recently opened. You can find everything from Greek gyros to Italian pizzas, barbecue, an oyster bar and designer tacos in El Merkado. It is an amazing dining experience with a beautiful eclectic style and organic produce. They're soon to be opening a florist.
They also have gelato ice cream store, wine store, cheese store. Truly everything is in this little district that you would ever need. They have some beautiful high-end boutiques outside El Merkado. Really, this is the place to come if you're looking to get out of the sun for a few hours and you want your kids to have something to do.
The cherry on the top is a brand new state of the art gymnasium by local fitness celebrity trainer, Modu. The gym runs classes all day long; functional training, boot-camps, fully equipped facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and the staff could not be friendlier or more happy to help you if you need some advice on your workout. They have some rehabilitation physiologists there, also.
This is the place to get fit!
I could literally bring a sleeping bag with me and never leave the Koral Center. My children's school is 10 steps away from the building. I have found my paradise. I recommend that anyone coming to Los Cabos checks it out for themselves and for their children. It's an amazing, amazing development. Bravo Koral Center.
If you would like to find out more information about our first Cabo business center, just visit their Koral Center website right here or the Koral Center Facebook page. I will probably re-visit each part of this blog to go into greater detail about the services, the stores and the businesses that you can find at our new Cabo business center. So stay tuned...
Would you like to browse our extensive rental inventory? From full-size cribs to custom toy boxes, Baja Baby Gear has everything your baby needs! Click here to start shopping!
]]>For the past 7 years – Baja Babysitting and Baja Baby Gear have formed a stellar alliance. We have served many of the same clients, and enjoyed long business relationships with some amazing families who keep on coming back for some more Cabo!
It’s been quite a while since I talked about Baja Babysitting – and so I want to remind our clients of the fabulous service that they provide. The owner of Baja Babysitting is Diana Oropeza; if you have been lucky enough to meet her, then you will understand when I say that she lights up a room when she enters it! Diana is reliable, trustworthy, highly competent and (the best part) absolutely adores children. She is 100% committed to the safety and security of your children when they are in her or a member of her team’s care.
“For us in Baja Babysitting being part of family’s vacations is something really meaningful. We care about seeing the smiles in the kids and parents, we care about the safety and the fun. We want the kids to learn something during their vacations and leave a positive impact in every single kid, parent, and family we meet.
I believe Baja Babysitting is like no other company, we do everything with our heart and soul. Every single person in our team is unique and special. Thanks to them, Baja Babysitting is the number one childcare company in Los Cabos.” Diana Oropeza
All sitters who work for Baja Babysitting undergo a screening process, with the prerequisite that they are first aid & CPR certified. When you make a reservation with Baja Babysitting, there is a 4-hour minimum required – and on the first visit – your sitter will show up a little early so you can get to know her and tell her any specifics she needs to be aware of!
For as little as $22 USD an hour and up for 1-2 children, this service is truly a must-do for any hard-working parent that is coming to Los Cabos. Baja Babysitting also provides parents with a local cell phone that they can take with them when they go out, so they can check in with the little ones while they are gone.
Their rates adjust according to the number of children in their care and the number of hours they are needed.
To contact Baja Babysitting with inquiries or to make a reservation, you can visit their website: www.bajababysitting.com or use the following methods of communication:
Email: bajababysitting@gmail.com
Local Phone: (624) 157-7016
Toll-Free: 01-800-443-1744
Would you like to browse our extensive rental inventory? From full-size cribs to custom toy boxes, Baja Baby Gear has everything your baby needs! Click here to start shopping!
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Baja Baby Gear Rentals is committed to our clients to ensure you have the best vacation of your life when you bring your little ones on vacation. We are your one stop shop to vacation heaven! Please contact us today if you have any further questions about our crib rentals or the additional items that are included for free with each rental. We have taken the liberty of attaching two Amazon links to this blog post beneath, so you can click through and purchase your set of Breathable Baby bumper pads today
(Please note, Baja Baby Gear receives a small commission should you purchase the bumper pads through our links)
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I recently had a chat with Wendy Castellanos - a local Mom who has a beautiful website called Local Baja - which is essentially about all things Baja, and mostly about Cabo San Lucas. I asked her to describe to me where her inspiration came to open the site, and what it was all about:
7. Can you share your URL and contact information?
Website: www.localbaja.com
Email: Wendy@localbaja.com
Instagram: LocalBaja
Twitter: LocalBaja
A Big Thanks to Wendy for putting together Local Baja - I personally LOVE reading it - it's been an invaluable resource thus far!