Meetings Today headed down to the tip of the Baja California Peninsula to meet with dozens of planners and suppliers for our spectacular three-day Meetings Today Live! Golf event, Oct. 29 to Nov. 1. We were in for a couple of fantastic surprises, the first being an unexpected fireworks extravaganza that lit up the sky and the ocean below as we toasted to the kickoff of a fabulous event hosted by the Hilton Los Cabos Beach and Golf Resort.
Our opening reception at the Hilton Los Cabos treated attendees to handcrafted gourmet creations, wonderful cello and violin music from CaboStrings and complimentary gifts such as handmade artisan crafts by Mexico Giveaways—from ceramics to hats to pillowcases, as well as stylish Maui Jim sunglasses. Champagne was in order by the time the fireworks soared.
A bright and early start had us at Cabo Real Golf Club the next morning for a day on the glorious green of this Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed course. Broad fairways rolling down to the Sea of Cortes and holes perched adjacent to the beach were among the high points of the day, which was followed by a delicious, Mexican-themed lunch at the clubhouse.
Back at the Hilton, the Business Exchange format proved a successful way for planners and suppliers to network and submit RFPs while indulging in some truly innovative dessert creations.
The planners in our group headed to Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos for one of the most creative spa-meets-wine sessions around, The Barefoot Experience, in which they were dramatically greeted by a line of spa employees standing oceanfront with their right hand on their heart. Planners then indulged in grape stomps in individual bins set in a circular pattern facing the ocean, and laid down on lounge chairs to enjoy a foot massage. The property’s sommelier then led the group in a pairing of gourmet bites and Mexican wines.
Relaxed, rejuvenated and enlightened about the wine of the region, they joined their fellow suppliers at beautifully set tables for an alfresco food-and-wine-pairing dinner led by the sommelier and the chef.
Day three was just as magical, starting with a healthy and nutritious breakfast on the lawn at the Hilton, a Business Exchange session and a trip to the JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort and Spa, one of the most upscale properties in a newly developing area around San Jose del Cabo. Set on a secluded perch, the property’s architecture is stark, bold and stunning, with surprising views around every turn and a palette that blends with the surrounding landscape. The property has 13 secluded pools in all and plenty of unique areas for groups to convene. We were treated to one of the coolest, most colorful, locally sourced lunch spreads we had seen in year of Meetings Today Live! programs. First greeted with a custom craft cocktail, we perused stations that represented JW Marriott’s catering department and the fantastic fare it creates, and went on to those representing every restaurant located on-property, including the famed Cafe des Artistes by Thierry Blouet, the second installment after Puerto Vallarta. There were edible works of art everywhere—quite a reflection of how far the Los Cabos culinary scene has come.
That delicious diversion would have been enough to end the day on a high note, but there was more in store. Half of the group opted for another round of golf on the lovely Campestre, while the other half was waterborne with Cabo Adventures. Roughly 20 of us set sail on a catamaran, champagne toast in hand, as we were led out to the famous El Arco rock formation and Lovers’ Beach at the tip of the peninsula. Old-school hits, a warm breeze, good food, great drinks, fun company and plenty of sunshine—the perfect way to take in Los Cabos.
Our last night happened to coincide with Halloween, and Paradisus, our neighboring host property for dinner that day, pulled out all the stops, complete with a Dia de Los Muertos theme. The table decor alone, with handpainted skulls, candles and table runners with Day of the Dead symbols, had us mesmerized, but the performers—juggling skeletons on stilts and fire-dancing skeletons, to name a few—took the prize. After a visit to some of the property’s stunning poolside suites, we were escorted to an after-party with more juggling skeletons and Halloween music, leaving everyone in the spooky spirit.
Hilton Los Cabos created a healthy gourmet breakfast for the group on our closing morning, and spoke about the property’s many unique wellness initiatives through its spa as well as its CSR programs that even include a turtle release initiative that guests can participate in. After watching the video of how Hilton Los Cabos overcame adversity after Hurricane Odile in 2014, with the help of very supportive guests and a truly compassionate staff, it was easy to see why the property has one of the highest repeat clientele around. Meetings Today Live! certainly hopes to return!
