| Playa Grande Resort in Cabo San Lucas brings the | | | | and La Roca located at Solmar Suites right next |
| ultimate in luxury to the tip of Land's End and | | | | door. If you enjoy a well-made Mexican coffee, a |
| everything here is done on a grand scale. Huge | | | | trip to Galeon is definitely in order. The process is |
| arches with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, | | | | more an event than just a simple after dinner |
| a large domed lobby complimented by granite and | | | | drink. Masterfully created before your eyes, the |
| onyx floors, sculptured columns and gorgeous | | | | staff even dims the lights to enhance the flaming |
| artwork wherever you gaze... all part of the | | | | and mixing processes that make up a true |
| package at Playa Grande. | | | | Mexican coffee. The Sea Queen located on the |
| Cabo San Lucas has more than it's share of | | | | marina is the newest restaurant to join the group |
| luxury resorts. Palmilla, Esperanza en Auberge, | | | | and features seafood and sushi prepared by their |
| Ventanas al Paraiso and the like offer luxurious | | | | chef who is a graduate of the San Francisco |
| accommodations at a price many travelers simply | | | | Culinary Institute. |
| cannot afford. Playa Grande provides up-scale | | | | Blended into the sweeping architecture of Playa |
| luxury with room rates within reach of most | | | | Grande are several pools complete with |
| Cabo bound vacationers. From the moment you | | | | waterfalls, volleyball courts and kids play areas. |
| arrive and the bellmen cart off your baggage, you | | | | For the adults, swim-up bars and a large outdoor |
| cannot help but be awed at the scale of this | | | | Jacuzzi round-out the aquatic features of Playa |
| elegant and seductive hotel. The lobby features a | | | | Grande. Towel service, comfortable padded chaise |
| high, domed ceiling with glass everywhere. Natural | | | | lounges, cocktail and food servers and colorful |
| light floods in through every arch and window. | | | | landscaping make this a great place to work on |
| The front desk is adorned with wood and polished | | | | your tan or laze under an umbrella with a good |
| stone. It is obvious that no expense was spared | | | | book. |
| in the creation of this masterpiece by the sea. | | | | For those after more activities, The world-famous |
| Playa Grande is the culmination of decades of | | | | Solmar Fleet is at your disposal. Solmar Fleet's |
| experience developing resort property in Cabo | | | | sport fishing and diving boats range from 28 foot |
| San Lucas. The project is the brainchild of Luis | | | | cruisers to the 112 foot Solmar V, one of the |
| Bulnes, who started the hotel industry in Cabo | | | | most luxurious live-aboard dive vessels in the |
| with Solmar Suites, a property adjacent to Playa | | | | world. SOLMAR V is the only luxury live-aboard |
| Grande. Originally from Spain, Don Luis (as he is | | | | vessel departing from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico - |
| most commonly known) first came to Los Cabos | | | | well within range of the most exciting diving in the |
| to manage the then operational fish cannery. | | | | Sea of Cortez. Whether you choose to spend |
| Although now just a crumbling ruin, Don Luis | | | | your time on the water battling world-class billfish |
| managed to grow the cannery's output, eventually | | | | or under the water swimming with sea turtles, |
| making it the largest cannery operation in Latin | | | | Manta rays and Whale Sharks, the Solmar fleet is |
| America. At one point the facility supplied about | | | | well equipped to handle your every need. |
| 75% of the regions seafood. While his impact on | | | | Other nearby activities include; golfing on one of |
| the commercial fishing industry was great, it was | | | | five world-class golf courses featuring designs by |
| his subsequent impact in transforming Cabo - | | | | Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye and Robert Trent Jones, |
| from sleepy fishing village to major tourist | | | | Jr., sunset cruises, snorkeling, ATV adventures, |
| destination - that has made him a true mover and | | | | horseback riding, parasailing and myriad eco- tours. |
| shaker in Baja Sur. | | | | All off-site activities can be arranged through the |
| Playa Grande is nestled on a wide beach facing | | | | resort's concierge. |
| the Pacific. Unlike hotels along the Sea of Cortez | | | | Another wonderful feature of the resort is the |
| side of the peninsula, street (or beach) vendors | | | | Thalasso Spa. Fashioned with the French "Art de |
| are nowhere to be seen. The peace and quiet is | | | | Vivre" sensibility, the Thalasso Spa utilizes thalasso |
| thanks to an arrangement made by Bulnes many | | | | therapy that originated in France in 1865 by Dr. La |
| years ago. In exchange for cheap rents for | | | | Bonardiere. Thalasso therapy features the use of |
| storefront or "flea-market" styled space in town, | | | | seawater baths and seaweed based treatments |
| vendors agreed to stay off the Bulnes property. | | | | for both preventative and curative purposes. |
| This allows guests the opportunity to enjoy the | | | | French doctors estimate that the benefits realized |
| peace and seclusion of the less traveled and | | | | from six days of thalasso therapy will bring |
| developed Pacific coast of Land's End. | | | | curative results lasting six to eight months. For |
| Styled with traditional Mexican hacienda-style | | | | those who appreciate the personal rejuvenation |
| architecture, Playa Grande's bold use of color | | | | and revitalization of exercise and weight training, a |
| plays a big role in creating a "south of the border" | | | | full gym is also available for use by hotel guests. |
| atmosphere. Shades of gold, orange, pinks and | | | | While Playa Grande is first and foremost a |
| reds bring a youthful and vibrant glow to the | | | | destination for the vacationer, the resort also |
| property. Extensive use of archways and columns | | | | boasts full-service conference facilities including a |
| create frames for the magnificent views the | | | | theater complete with stadium seating, podium |
| location affords. Guests walk through a huge arch | | | | and screening equipment for audio/video |
| and descend a wide set of stairs dropping several | | | | presentations. Several meeting rooms are |
| levels to the resort's pools and restaurants. Paths | | | | immediately adjacent to the theater making the |
| meander through gardens, by ponds and | | | | planning of corporate events and retreats easy. |
| fountains, over bridges and streams allowing the | | | | Playa Grande hosts many corporate functions and |
| visitor to take in the beauty and attention to | | | | has been selected as the preferred resort and |
| detail that Bulnes and the architects brought to | | | | events center for one of Los Cabos most |
| the project. | | | | exciting events - the Los Cabos Billfish |
| Accommodations range from Deluxe Junior Suites, | | | | Tournament. |
| Luxury Suites and upwards to the Penthouse | | | | The Los Cabos Billfish tournament is fast |
| Suites, each with spectacular views. Rooms are | | | | becoming one of the world's premier off- shore |
| well appointed and decorated featuring an | | | | fishing tournaments. The organizers have once |
| extensive use of polished stone and rich, dark | | | | again chosen Playa Grande as the host resort of |
| woods. Comfortable living rooms have plenty of | | | | the tournament and it's participants. Anglers from |
| space to stretch out in. They include futon-style | | | | around the globe will converge on this spectacular |
| couches that fold out to beds as well as a | | | | resort commencing the second week of October. |
| cleverly concealed fold-away bed hidden in it's | | | | The official tournament start takes place on |
| own wood cabinet. Dining areas and full kitchens | | | | October 11th. The awards presentation is on |
| are part of the package in Luxury Suites and | | | | the15th. Participants from last year's event raved |
| include table settings, microwave, range and | | | | about the resort and the treatment given by the |
| refrigerator. Blenders and bar glasses make it | | | | staff. Both Playa Grande and their sister resort, |
| easy to concoct your own versions of Margaritas | | | | Solmar are offering tournament participants |
| for sipping on the private terraces and balconies. | | | | special discounts on lodging. If you're looking for |
| Master bedrooms feature over-sized king beds | | | | something truly exciting to do in October, this |
| with very comfortable mattresses and soft, cool | | | | could be it! |
| bedding. Venture into the master bath and you | | | | If you find that the rates at Playa Grande are a |
| are completely surrounded by marble. A full sized | | | | little beyond your budget, there's good news. |
| jetted tub with shower, large vanity with lighted | | | | Solmar Suites is located right next door to Playa |
| make-up mirror and hair dryers make it easy to | | | | Grande, offers the same gorgeous beach and |
| prepare for a night on the town. Each unit has the | | | | tranquility, but at lower rates. I've had the |
| convenience of an iron and ironing board. | | | | pleasure of staying at Solmar in the past, although |
| On site restaurants include Calima and the | | | | it has been years now, and really enjoyed my |
| Brigantine. Calima offers casual dining on one of | | | | stay. While not as luxurious, Solmar's suites are |
| many patios or under a large and well-designed | | | | clean and well maintained and the staff is just as |
| pergola. Dishes range from regional seafood to | | | | terrific as the staff at Playa Grande. Smaller and |
| steaks, chicken and even Sushi - all well prepared | | | | more intimate, Solmar can and does provide |
| and stylishly presented by an attentive staff. A | | | | exceptional value and magnificent views. One of |
| visit to Calima's bar is a must as they create | | | | the best features is the proximity of the rooms |
| some very enjoyable and potent libations, including | | | | to the beach. Every room features a furnished |
| the Calima Special; Captain Morgan's Rum, Bailey's, | | | | terrace and those on the first floor have direct |
| Kahlua, banana, coconut milk, evaporated milk and | | | | beach access, two steps and your toes are in the |
| pineapple juice blended with ice and served in a tall | | | | sand! |
| hurricane glass. A few of those and just about | | | | To learn more about Solmar Suites, visit them |
| any worry you have simply melts away leaving | | | | online at: or call them toll free at 800-344-3349. |
| only a smile. | | | | PLAYA GRANDE RESERVATIONS: |
| The Brigantine restaurant is a good choice for | | | | Toll Free - 800.344.3349 |
| dinner. The menu is diverse and features local | | | | Email - RATES |
| seafood, lobster, pasta and Mexican specialties | | | | PEAK SEASON |
| including a delicious Stuffed Poblano chile. The | | | | Junior Suites $260.00 |
| décor is elegant with leaded glass windows, | | | | Luxury Suites $310.00 |
| marble floors and linen tablecloths. Dining options | | | | Presidential Suite $395.00 |
| are indoors, with air conditioning, or outdoors | | | | Penthouse Suite $495.00 |
| under covered patios with wonderful views and | | | | MID SEASON |
| ambience. | | | | Junior Suites $235.00 |
| For other dining options, the group that owns | | | | Luxury Suites $280.00 |
| Playa Grande also owns other restaurants within | | | | Presidential Suite $355.00 |
| walking distance; The Galeon (Italian and | | | | Penthouse Suite $445. |
| continental cuisine), Romeo and Juliet (also Italian), | | | | |