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