Featured WHY MEXICO EXCITES BILLIONAIRE CARLOS SLIM I CNBC
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From La Paz To Los Cabos: Baja Becomes The New Billionaire Adventure Retreat
Presidential Villa at The Resort at Pedregal (photo by Jim Dobson)
The vultures appeared as my boat rounded the corner of the gentle green-colored bay of La Paz, circling above as if eager to witness my untimely demise. It was so tranquil that I could hear the waves lapping against the bow, faint bubbles rippling in the distance. My heart was pounding, my knuckles were white as I gripped the oars while my eyes were trained on the dark water. This was my first foray into the depths of the unknown. I am not a diver and my fear of deep water is legendary, but our guide had promised an adventure of a lifetime.
My trance was broken when I was told to quickly put on my snorkel and jump into the warm, still water. I followed my guides suggestion, as my out-of-shape body plopped loudly into the water, and I started swimming away from the security of the skiff. I was suddenly accompanied by the largest fish in the ocean, the gentle giant of a whale shark as she moved slowly next to me. Her enormous eye stared straight into my soul as I swam along with her. My fear oddly vanished as I was transfixed by her 40-foot length, and a torso as large as a school bus. I was calm knowing she was only there for the plankton and not my limbs. The suction noise of her enormous mouth echoed into the murky deep as I watched her swim leisurely away.
Swimming with Whale Sharks in La Paz (photo courtesy of Nina Dietzel)
From winter until late spring, whale sharks can be found feeding in the lush waters of the Sea of Cortez in this quiet bay in Baja California. I was lucky to be visiting as part of a new exclusive offering of luxury adventures, all curated by the stunning Resort at Pedregal in Los Cabos. This was a chance to experience Baja beyond the margaritas and swimming pools and explore deep into the culture and spirit that lives within this amazing region. The resort will create the perfect itinerary of adventures and will take care of every detail including custom meals, luxury transportation, expert guides and exclusive locations.
Steven Spielberg’s superyacht Seven Seas (photo by Jim Dobson)
Pedregal arranged for a private yacht to take us from the bay, passing several superyachts anchored near the Marina La Paz, one belonging to Steven Spielberg, the 282 foot Seven Seas was bustling with activity preparing for a journey. We were off to explore the Espiritu Santo island and the sea lion colony at Los Islotes, as our chef prepared our gourmet lunch. Champagne was flowing as we celebrated my early morning bravery… and the departing vultures.
Billionaire Dennis Washington superyacht Attesa IV in Cabo San Lucas (photo by Jim Dobson)La Paz is set to become one of the most famous destinations in Mexico, as many of the richest families leave St. Bart’s and the Caribbean behind for new holiday adventures. This year, billionaires such as David Geffen and others spent New Year’s Eve anchored in the Sea of Cortez. Boating from La Paz to neighboring Cabo San Lucas is a breeze and offers some amazing day charters to remote Unesco world heritage sites. Billionaire Dennis Washington currently has his superyacht Attesa IV anchored in Los Cabos long-term, and even superstars like Lady Gaga recently ventured out of the secluded and ultra-private Resort at Pedregal to experience the local villages. With a future superyacht marina planned for nearby Costa Palmas, Baja will soon become even more popular with the rich and famous.
The Espiritu Santo Island and the surrounding archipelago is so filled with variety that it is more like visiting the Galapagos. The UNESCO-protected biosphere was the perfect destination for our yacht trip as we ate fresh ceviche and guacamole, watching the manta rays and legions of sardine schools fly out of the water. This is truly an island of birds, as thousands of Frigates perched on the few trees and rocks watching our every move. We jumped into the greenest water I have ever seen, the salt allowing us to float on our backs with no effort, while the surrounding views echoed a distant planet. It was more like the planet Mars with its red rock cliffs than a remote island in Mexico. You are in a different world here, alone and away from tour boats. A luxury escape where you can snorkel with sea lions in Los Islotes or relax on the secluded white sand beaches.
We anchored for a late lunch in the beautiful Balandra Bay before heading back to La Paz while the sun set. A full moon lit our way for the easy drive back to the Resort at Pedregal where our butler, the incomparable Marco Garcia was waiting for us with margaritas in hand. The evening ended under the stars at my favorite restaurant in Baja, El Farallon, perched into a rocky cliff at Pedregal, as we feasted on sumptuous fresh fish and champagne.
El Farallon Restaurant at the Resort at Pedregal (photo courtesy of The Resort at Pedregal)
We awoke early for another day of the Resort at Pedregal’s exclusive excursions, and were welcomed by our guide Alex, handsome, charming and with a deep knowledge of the area, he quickly became our best friend for the week. Alex accompanied us on SUP paddle boards to Cabo’s famed Arch before the tourists awoke. The dramatic rock formations located at Lands’ End welcomed us along with a dozen complaining sea lions. The Resort had arranged for a gourmet brunch picnic to be set up as the sun rose on the private Lovers Beach hidden between the rocks.
Our jeeps were waiting to take us for a day journey deep into the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, Baja’s best secret. Located outside the small town of Santiago is a magical place filled with tropical water-filled oasis, hidden waterfalls, swimming holes and hot springs. The jeeps zipped us through the giant granite boulders and dirt roads to this private location without any tourists. Once we arrived to the hot springs, we took the gentle walk winding down to the swimming holes where we were met by Kim, a well-known local healer. She led us on a special meditation of sound and breathing for the most tranquil period of healing and energy work, as the hot sulfur water worked our aches and pains away.
Hot Springs in the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains (photo courtesy Nina Dietzel)
Tropical oasis on the drive to Sierra de la Laguna Mountains (photo courtesy of Nina Dietzel)
Feeling refreshed, and with a renewed spirit, we journeyed on to the rustic secluded Rancho El Rufugio where local legend Doña Luz demonstrated her famed tortilla making as she spread out a massive table filled with quesadillas. We were welcomed into her home with grace and charm, and we were blessed to have her as our host for the afternoon. Pedregal had set up a luxurious lunch with waiters along the rambling, rock river where we indulged in more champagne under the warm sun. What an amazing opportunity to experience Baja hospitality at its best.
Making tortillas with local legend Doña Luz (photo courtesy of Nina Dietzel)
Gourmet lunch on the private river bank at Rancho El Refugio (photo by Jim Dobson)
We were exhausted by the time we returned to the resort, and after a nap we were treated to a private candlelit and very romantic dinner on a secluded rooftop, overlooking the entire resort and the Pacific Ocean. As our private violinist performed, the resort’s executive Chef Gustavo Pinet had created a custom menu for us including; unbelievable Foie Gras Niguiri, (sushi rice topped with Foie Gras), potato soup with black truffles, crispy serrano ham and slow cooked egg, Roasted Totoabo fish with tatsoi ,and my favorite meal ever the Ribeye encrusted with fried grasshoppers. It was so good we had to close our eyes to savor every bite. Strawberry and fresh goat cheese cake and sorbets were only interrupted by a spectacular private firework show just for us that lasted so long every guest at the resort applauded afterwards. What an amazing way to end our luxury exploration weekend in Baja at one of the most beautiful resorts in the world.
Private rooftop dinner with fireworks at the Resort at Pedregal (photo of John Mason and Dariela Roa… [+]
The Resort at Pedregal offers this remarkable Timeless Romance package that I experienced, and introduces their new experiential offerings that duplicate my itinerary. Filled with luxury elements like swimming with whale sharks and a visit to the Espiritu Santo island, all aboard a private yacht complete with chef. Package includes daily breakfast, dinner at Don Manuel’s, dinner at El Farallon, and romantic treatments at the Luna y Mar Spa.
Smiling staff at the Resort at Pedregal including; Rogelio Guzman, Paulina Paredes, Isaac Novoa,…
