Where attendees can escape the everyday

On any given day, the water temperature in Los Cabos is an ideal 72 degrees, while the air, even in the winter, rarely falls below 60 degrees. And although Los Cabos is commonly misconstrued as a spring-breakers-only getaway, it’s actually a great location for meetings—and for all the same reasons.

On any given day, the water temperature in Los Cabos is an ideal 72 degrees, while the air, even in the winter, rarely falls below 60 degrees. And although Los Cabos is commonly misconstrued as a spring-breakers-only getaway, it’s actually a great location for meetings—and for all the same reasons.

Located south of San Diego, Los Cabos actually refers to two different towns: the ultra-popular Cabo San Lucas (often referred to as just “Cabo”) and the lesser-known, but equally picturesque, San José del Cabo. Cabo San Lucas is what most people picture when they think of the area, as it’s where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean at Land’s End, which is the tip of the almost 1,000-mile long Baja Peninsula. Altogether, Los Cabos offers attendees 30 miles of beaches, which only adds to the city’s carefree attitude—something the city markets well.  

Keeping in tune with relaxation, the Los Cabos Convention & Visitors Bureau (loscaboscvb.com; visitloscabos.travel) attracts visitors with the slogan “leave it all behind,” which has been their motto since 2008. “It is an inspirational destination, offering pristine stretches of beaches and a dramatic desert landscape. [It creates] the perfect setting for visitors to forget the demands of everyday life,” says Renato Mendoca, vice president of marketing for the Los Cabos Convention & Visitors Bureau. “And, of course, our incredible weather year-round ensures a worry-free experience for any planner.”

In addition to sunshine and its naturally beautiful locale, Los Cabos has something other destinations do not: 0% tax for groups, which began this past year amid the economic downturn. “The 0% tax for meetings has made everything more attractive,” Mendoca says. Another plus is the numerous all-inclusive properties in Los Cabos. (For more all-inclusive options see our feature on page 40.) “All-inclusive hotels offer new options for groups that in the past have not considered us.” With all of these advantages, there really is no better time for planners to get their attendees away from it all.

 

MAJOR MEETING VENUES

Los Cabos offers groups several options, segueing from the historic town of San José del Cabo to the east all the way to Cabo San Lucas to the west. Groups can meet in either town, or anywhere in the 20-mile tourist corridor in between.


Porte Cochere at Esperanza Resort.

 

IN SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO

If there’s one thing that San José del Cabo does well, it’s all-inclusives. The following are just a taste of these all-encompassing meeting options. The 390-room Presidente InterContinental Los Cabos Resort has four meeting venues, the largest of which can accommodate up to 500 guests for a reception. On-site, groups can bond over a game of tennis or a round of golf, with horseback riding nearby. In addition, there are six restaurants on-site to ensure that everyone is satisfied. 

Also playing the all-inclusive game is the Crowne Plaza Los Cabos Grand Resort, with 333 guest rooms, an 11,700-square-foot grand ballroom and 10 meeting rooms. Recreation at the resort includes bicycle tours, tennis, racquetball, tennis and volleyball, among other outdoor activities.  

IN CABO SAN LUCAS

Steps from the sand, the Marquis Los Cabos offers meeting attendees 237 rooms, including suites that feature private balconies facing the Sea of Cortez. Meeting space doesn’t disappoint either, as groups can choose between two ballrooms (one with an ocean view), or any number of the property’s terraces. 

Another major meeting hotel is The Westin Resort & Spa Los Cabos, which was designed to reflect the very famous Arch at Land’s End. The dramatic property offers 243 guest rooms and more than 11,900 sq. ft. of meeting space as it overlooks stunning blue waters.


Guest room at The Westin Resort & Spa Los Cabos.

For attendees who want to hit the greens, try the Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort, located on a wide-open stretch of beach on the southern tip of the peninsula. The 375-room property offers its El Dorado Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 800 guests, as well as multiple world-class golf courses.

Lastly, the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort & Spa has space for up to 1,600 attendees and provides 270 guest rooms. Designed in authentic Mexican style, guests will be able to walk along its cobblestone paths and enjoy the hacienda’s peaceful Cactus Spa.

 

UNIQUE VENUES

If you’re in Mexico, visiting the beach is a must-do. And groups can do it one better by holding their event on the beach. Planners can work with the CVB to host an event on the sand, or work with one of the hotels for a seaside selection. Some resorts even have their own private beach, such as the Marquis Los Cabos, which opens up their sand to meetings of all kinds. If you’re feeling really adventurous, charter the Marquis’ schooner, Tu Enamorado, and take your event to the seas.

In Cabo San Lucas, your group can say “arghhh” in true pirate fashion aboard the Buccaneer Queen, a 96-foot-long tall ship that has been used as a movie set. The ship offers multiple tours (some that even include pirate props).  

If you’d rather keep your peg leg a secret, you can also show your group the ocean aboard a yacht. Charter de Los Cabos is one such company offering room for as many as 50 people. Also of note, part of the company’s fleet features on-board chefs—perfect for hosting a reception. 


Poolside at the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Resort & Spa.

FUN ACTIVITES

Once you’ve anchored, there is plenty to do under the sea in Los Cabos, including snorkeling and fishing. Several companies offer group tours; one nearby is Baja’s Activities, which can take 16 guests at a time to enjoy the deep blue—through the lens of those attractive goggles, of course.

On land, Wide Open Adventures specializes in ATV tours across Baja. Groups can ride for multiple-day tours (talk about team building!) or experience the beauty on one of their shorter corporate excursions.

For another kind of racing, take your team for the ultimate boost on an America’s Cup yacht race with Cabo Adventures. Chartering the yacht encompasses three hours and up to three races, along with a victory celebration. Dolphins are often spotted during these races, but if you want to be sure you interact with them, the company also offers private group dolphin encounters.