The new international terminal at Los Cabos International Airport is far from the only sleek development recently unveiled in this upscale destination.
The region, encompassing two distinct cities—high-energy Cabo San Lucas and more tranquil San Jose del Cabo—as well as the luxury resort-lined, 20-mile corridor that connects them, is bustling with construction and renovations.
A notable development is the new Los Cabos Convention Center. Located just off the highway and in the shadow of the rugged mountains that line the spine of the narrow peninsula, the 72,000-square-foot facility can accommodate 5,000 people for meetings and 3,000 banquet-style, with seven exhibit halls, three exposition areas and outdoor gardens.
The center—and its security capabilities—were put to the test in June 2012, when Los Cabos hosted international heads of state during the G20 Summit.
Nadya Dodonova, sales manager at the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar, says the new convention center will allow the region to accommodate major groups such as the G20 and events like the Baja Film Festival, rather than siphoning off meetings business from nearby properties.
The Sheraton Hacienda spans 28 acres, employing 27 gardeners to tame all the flowers and foliage on the grounds. From its versatile conference center to the secluded fine-dining restaurant, De Cortez, the Sheraton exudes warmth and comfort.
Other resorts also offer a variety of conferences spaces, including the Westin Resort & Spa, updated in 2011, where group business is on the upswing.
According to Juan Pablo Colmenero, who specializes in private events at the Westin, there was a shift away from incentive travel around 2008 and the hotel saw a higher percentage of its business coming from meetings, but incentive groups are once again on the rise. The Westin served as the Chinese delegation’s base during the G20 Summit, and glitzy event spaces include an oceanside putting green and a “ballroom under the stars.”
When meetings conclude, attendees can take advantage of world-class golf on some of Mexico’s most renowned courses, visit luxury spa facilities or enjoy the distinct personalities of the two cities.
Where Cabo San Lucas pulses with high-energy nightlife, San Jose feels authentically Mexican, inviting visitors to peer into the Mission of San Jose del Cabo church and browse art galleries. Dine-arounds can be organized in the central Plaza Mijares.
The Los Cabos Marina is also a must-see, as the jumping off point for yacht charters and glass-bottom boat trips to the area’s iconic arch rock formation.
