Wanderlust Travel has teamed up with Golf Resort Architecture Specialist, Agustín Pizá, to provide a guide of the best golf courses, luxury resorts and suggested activities in Baja California Sur, Mexico.
To inspire travel for golfers and their companions, over the next four weeks we are going to highlight captivating regions of Mexico: Baja California Sur, Punta Mita, Quintana Roo and Merida. Each area offers a range of luxury accommodations, unique cultural immersion experiences, and let’s not forget great golf. We also uncover opportunities for less experienced golfers or younger family members to take part in golf activities.
This week we are focusing on Baja California Sur.
Vacation is a time when you want to relax and pursue your passions. But, when travelling with family and/or friends more often than not everyone has a different idea of what their ideal vacation looks like.
Avid golfers want to experience championship courses with beautiful views, a range of dining options and luxury accommodations. Those traveling with an avid golfer know that there will be a fair amount of time set aside for the links, and they want to make sure the destination has activities to stay entertained.
Agustín Pizá, Golf Resort Architecture Specialist and owner of the award winning Pizá Golf, graciously provided his tips and local knowledge of this golf destination. For more than two decades Pizá has collaborated with legends of the game and world class golf developments. His designs are known for delivering quality, aesthetic and strategic golf courses. Involved in more than 60 projects in 3 continents, Agustín is a writer, tv commentator and director of The First Tee program in Mexico.
Agustín has been seeing a trend in golf courses that are providing amenities to include and attract family members to enjoy additional offerings at their courses. In our interview Agustín explained, “It took me 19 years to understand we should be designing for the non-golfer and create a more inclusive, family-oriented facility that welcomes and offers something for all. I hope you enjoy the list of golf courses I think offer a bit of change and originality and, hope you and your family will enjoy these facilities and fall in love with golf and the warm hospitality of Mexico.”
Wanderlust Travel Boutique has broken down our recommendations by course, hotel and local experiences. This guide provides a well-rounded luxury travel experience.
Baja California Sur Region:
Located on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, Los Cabos is composed of two cities: San Jose del Cabo, a 200-year-old town that allows visitors to discover traditional Mexico, and the modern Cabo San Lucas that bustles with activity day and night. The two districts are connected by a resort area known as The Corridor, where some of Baja’s most beautiful beaches are located. Popular excursions in the region include whale watching, deep-sea fishing and sunset cruises with breathtaking views.
Snorkeling, swimming with the dolphins, ATV or camel rides in the dessert, and visits to organic farms can also be arranged. Los Cabos also boasts an abundance of championship golf courses with stunning vistas along the Pacific Ocean. With 16 courses open and more in the works, you can enjoy great golf and ideal weather year-round.
Baja California Sur Courses:
Twin Dolphin Golf Club
Opened in 2018, Fred Couples’ first signature course in Mexico is exclusive for club members and guests of Montage Los Cabos. With views of the Sea of Cortez, each hole is intentionally designed to blend seamlessly with the land around it while incorporating sustainability practices.
The course was designed to be enjoyed by people of all levels of playing ability, from beginners to extremely advanced players, offering an unparalleled member experience for the avid golfer and their entire family. The arrival to the clubhouse is an experience in and of itself. The beautifully set clubhouse has a 180-degree view of the Sea of Cortez, featuring an event lawn equipped with a football throwing machine and soccer field. At the driving range players can enjoy a beverage from the juice and smoothie bar or a sandwich from the grill in one of the four cabanas where you can relax and take in the breathtaking views.
Augustín Pizá tells us, “It was an absolute privilege to have been involved with this development team on what could be the best overall experience in Cabo. Here you will enjoy three very unique experiences: the driving range designed as a painting, the short par 3 hole 19 waiting for you just after you play the perfectly shaped and maintained championship golf course, or grab a margarita at the fabulous evening lit 18 hole putting course at the villas whilst enjoying the surround sound of the ocean.”
Quivira Golf Club
Quivira Golf Club is a Jack Nicklaus Signature design that begins at sea level and sprawls across rolling hills until it reaches its highest point more than 350 feet above sea level. To play Quivira you must be a resident or guest at one of the Pueblo Bonito Resorts in Los Cabos. Non golfers might enjoy tagging along just for the breathtaking coastal views and opportunities for amazing photos.
There are many Instagrammable moments from an old lighthouse in the cliffs to views of the beach where scenes from the movie Troy were filmed to the chance of seeing whales passing by below. The course’s spectacular layout offers more oceanfront exposure than any other course in Los Cabos. During your round, players can refresh at four comfort stations interspersed throughout the all-inclusive facility. The Oasis, a halfway house near the 8th green, serves ceviche, drinks from the deluxe tequila bar, barbecued shrimp and inventive takes on classic Baja cuisine.
“I have had the honor to collaborate on four Jack Nicklaus projects in Mexico and I consider him one of my mentors,” said Augustín. “Even though I wasn’t involved in this one, Quivira takes the “wow-factor” award by far. Make sure you spend time at the cliff on holes 5 and 6 and don’t worry who’s behind you. Take it all in because you may never see anything like this in your golf lifetime, especially in whale season. On the back 9 please enjoy hole 12 and play more than one shot on 17.”
Hotel Match: Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort
The Costa Palmas Golf Club
Robert Trent Jones, Jr. described his new course as an emerald symphony composed of three movements and three transitions accentuated by shades of blue. The Costa Palmas Golf Club 18-hole championship golf course open exclusively to members and Four Seasons hotel guests is a
masterpiece that sets the golf experience in Baja a world apart and is both inspired by and enhances the East Cape’s natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for a competitive game with friends or an instructional session with family, the walkable links-style course, which is a change of pace from many courses in the Cabo region, has firm and fast terrain designed so players of all ages and skill levels can enjoy it. If you want to spend just a little time on the fairway, try the specially designed (and shorter) 6-hole loop. You can also hone your skills at the 30,000-square-foot putting course, or arrange a lesson with the onsite pros.
“Costa Palmas is a great golf resort designed by my dear friend Bobby who I consider one of the best golf architects in the world, a dedicated student of the game and a poet,” adds Augustín. “A true artist as you can notice from his description of the course. The best thing to happen to Cabo since 1990 (when golf started) is the expansion of resorts towards the East Cape. Now you can enjoy world class golf at one of the most beautiful pieces of ocean property.”
Hotel Match: Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas
El Cortes Gary Player Signature Golf Club
A few hours north of Cabo on the inside of the Sea of Cortez you’ll find the only Gary Player Signature course in Mexico. The par 72 course has 18 holes, with 17 of them having panoramic views of the sea. Sustainability is at top of mind, so players get to immerse in the dramatic
landscape that contrasts the green of the grass with the desert, vegetation, and sea. The efficient irrigation and fertilization systems use recycled water and have an impact minimum on the environment. Grass is regenerated in situ, and endemic plants are integrated into landscaping. While the course is challenging there are some great perks for family enjoyment at the redesigned multi-purpose driving range and 10-hole pitch and put designed by Pizá Golf for the entire family.
“I can’t say enough about Gary Player and what he brought to the table at El Cortes,” Augustín said. “Working with him on this hidden gem and witnessing how he carved 18 holes on a mountain with an elevation difference of 400 ft between some holes, was a real experience. Most of the holes are breathtaking but, I recommend two things: my favorite secret spot lies just before green number 5, the highest point on the golf course, lets you enjoy a 360-degree view, and take a break on 14 tee’s new comfort station and enjoy some champagne and think about the carry of your next drive onto the coolest par 5 in La Paz.”
Hotel Match: Costa Baja Resort & Spa
Baja California Sur Hotels:
Montage Los Cabos
In a legendary setting, facing Santa Maria Bay, one of the only year-round-swimmable beaches in the area, Montage Los Cabos offers many one-of-a-kind amenities in the area. The resort has 122 expansive guestrooms and suites, 52 resort-style Montage Residences, three pools, an immersive children’s program, tennis, signature spa
treatments, fitness programs and multiple dining options with a focus on local ingredients, spirits and seafood. The 39-acre property on the white sand beach offers spectacular views of the azure waters of Santa Maria Bay, and immediate, walk-in access to the finest swimming, diving and snorkeling in the region.
Exclusive Golf Access: Twin Dolphin Golf Club
Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort
Nestled on a secluded beach within the exclusive residential development of Quivira Los Cabos, Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort is widely considered to be the world’s most romantic resort. This luxury, all-inclusive property caters exclusively to adults seeking a tranquil oceanfront hideaway just steps from the sand and minutes
from downtown Cabo San Lucas. Modern yet elegant, its design and architecture create a romantic setting for a memorable vacation. A self-contained resort destination, this 201-room boutique retreat features superb dining, the wellness-inspired Armonia Spa, and private beach privileges.
Exclusive Golf Access: Quivira Golf Club
Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas
Forty-five minutes east of Los Cabos International Airport and away from the development of the tourist hub you will see how Cabo used to be within the 1,000-acre resort community that has untouched, white-sand beaches where the desert slopes into the sea. The all-new ultra-luxury resort has 118 guest rooms and 23 suites.
When golfers aren’t on the greens, they can enjoy the resort’s expansive pools, sports and activity center, Kids for All Seasons program, spa treatments, and five restaurants with dazzling dishes.
Exclusive Golf Access: The Costa Palmas Golf Club
Costa Baja Resort & Spa
126 miles north of Cabo San Lucas, La Paz is an authentic, charming and easygoing city on the tranquil Sea of Cortez. Jacques Cousteau has called this sea “the last natural living aquarium in the world”. Ten minutes from the city, Costa Baja Resort & Spa, La Paz’s first and only luxury resort,
offers access to some of the best marine life in the world. Boat trips which are easily accessible from the resort’s adjoining 250-slip marina are a must in this region to get up close with the whales, dolphins, sea lions, mobula rays and other marine life. Hotel guests have access to the beach club, five restaurants, three pools and spa.
Exclusive Golf Access: El Cortes Gary Player Signature Golf Club
Baja California Sur Local Experiences:
San Jose del Cabo Art Walk
Each season from late October through June this popular weekly event is held Thursday evenings from 5-9 p.m. The Art Walk allows tourists and locals alike to explore the color-filled streets of San José del Cabo. During this time, the main street of Obregon is a pedestrian-only zone, so visitors can enjoy an evening stroll through the area and visit various art galleries, sip on wine and dine at local restaurants. Special gallery offerings such as “artist in attendance” or openings of new exhibitions will often be held during the Art Walk.
Los Tamarindos Organic Farm & Restaurant
If you are a foodie or love to cook Los Tamarindos organic farm is a great experience while in Cabo. We can arrange cooking classes, lunch or dinner reservations and/or private events. The 17-acre organic farm is led by owner and executive chef, Enrique Silva, who develops for the delight of his guests the most unique culinary experiences. The restaurant resides on top of a hill with a beautiful brick farmhouse built in 1888, which offers a delightful view of the crops from where the team harvests the freshest ingredients for an authentic farm-to-table experience.
Todos Santos
Either a great day trip or stop on the way to La Paz, an hour from Cabo San Lucas is the village of Todos Santos. Considered a “pueblo magico’’ (a magic town), the village has wonderful colonial buildings, Mexican art and crafts, and delicious typical regional food. Its uncrowded beaches are a perfect place to relax, spend the day and surf. Whether you believe that the local Hotel California is the inspiration for the Eagles song or not, it’s a fun spot to see during your visit. A memorable dining experience will be had at the farm-to-table restaurant, Jazamango, by celebrated Mexican chef Javier Plascencia.
Isla del Espiritu Santo
When visiting La Paz, take a boat trip 18 miles north to the uninhabited Isla Espiritu Santo, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. With no roads, bridges, or permanent residents, you can get away from it all.
This is a great area to snorkel, paddle board, kayak, bird watch and hike through the cactuses and red volcanic boulders above the bay.
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Golf was invented in Scotland and perfected in North America. Baja California Sur, Mexico is flourishing with courses for travelers to enjoy the game. With luxury accommodations and unique local experiences Wanderlust Travel can arrange a memorable vacation for golfers and their fellow travelers.
Stay tuned next week for our post highlighting the Punta Mita region of Mexico…
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Contact Us:
Jamie Jackson: (336) 263-1977 or [email protected]
Luxury Travel Advisor and Virtuoso Wellness Travel community member at Wanderlust Travel Boutique
At Wanderlust Travel Boutique, we will create a truly personalized, hassle-free vacation with a comprehensive itinerary, so you can enjoy an unforgettable experience.
If not now, when?
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/jamiejackson
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