Mexico's Baja Peninsula is a dramatic study in contrasts.  A desert surrounded by water, this extremely arid land is covered with cacti and barren mountain ranges.  The sky is alive with seabirds such as cormorants, boobies, petrels and terns; black jackrabbits and fish-eating bats can be found on land, and California gray and humpback whales, harbor porpoise and southern sea otter, along with over 800 species of fish inhabit the seas.  This exotic eco-system is only two hours by air from Los Angeles.

Situated at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, where the raging Pacific Ocean meets the tranquil Sea of Cortéz, is Los Cabos, an area which enjoys 350 days of humidity-free sunshine per year.  Located 25 miles from the airport and mid-way between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, you will find the Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort.

Luxurious and Family-Friendly

Upon arrival, we checked-in at the lovely outdoor plaza lobby, beyond which lies the sparkling Sea of Cortéz.  When you enter your room or suite you will immediately be drawn to a private balcony overlooking the awesome zero-edge pool, which appears to be slipping right into the sea.  Unusual at a resort, each and every accommodation offers the same view and a spacious balcony from which to enjoy it, as well as marble-tiled bathrooms, oversized showers and tubs (many with Jacuzzis), a flat screen TV, minibar, coffee maker, and high-speed wireless Internet access.

To add to the luxurious surroundings, the property's new owner, who also owns the world-famous Beverly Hilton Hotel,  has completed a remodeling of the 375 guest rooms and suites in 2007. Featuring the artistry of  a renowned designer who has worked on similar projects at the One & Only Palmilla, also in Los Cabos, and at The Palms in Turks & Caicos, the richly-styled guestrooms feature special touches by local artisans. Elements include painted plaster walls, sculpted headboards and colorful and heavily embroidered fabrics, and the extremely comfortable Sealy Posturepedic Plush Pillow Top mattresses are made exclusively for Hilton Los Cabos, and are covered with Italian-made Mascioni 100% Egyptian cotton linens.

Families can be seen playing together everywhere.  If they are not in one of two gorgeous zero-edge pools which are heated to a constant 85º F year-round, they are steps away on the tranquil sand and pebble beach building sand castles and playing volleyball, or out in the sea - swimming, snorkeling or kayaking, in a protected cove on the only swimmable beach in the area. For the adventurous, jetskis are also available for rental.  Back at the pool, families can avail themselves of the services of the poolside concierge who offers fresh fruit kabobs, chilled aromatherapy hand towels, Evian spray bottles and frozen treats.  Guests can also rent an iPod and check out books and magazines for free.

For moms and dads who enjoy working out, the resort's fitness center features advanced upper and lower body workout equipment, free weights and the latest cardiovascular machines.  After (or in our case, instead of) exercising, it's on to pampering at the peaceful Spa Oasis, remodeled in 2008.  At this 7,500-square-foot two-story facility, you can choose from among 50 comprehensive health and beauty treatments, such as facials, body scrubs, sea mud packs and Swedish, aromatherapy, reflexology and sport/deep tissue massages in a serene environment.  And, if you want to treat your children to a little pampering, the spa is now offering a special menu for them as well.  Kid's Spa services include a 25-minute back, neck and shoulder massage,  reflexology,  manicures, pedicures (including the signature Ice Cream pedicure) and haircuts.

Casual restaurant choices include El Meson, with a lovely outdoor terrace serving Mexican and American fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Madero Bar & Grill, located poolside; and La Barca, a swim-up sushi bar with submerged stools for "in-pool" dining or snacks.  Elegant dining is offered at Fenicia which features the flavors of Italy, France, Greece, Turkey, Spain and Morocco.  Innovative preparations of prime meats, poultry, seafood and fresh, organic produce are followed by creative and delicious desserts and accompanied by an extensive selection of wines. 

Nearby, golfers will be thrilled by the challenging Cabo Real course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and  the El Dorado course designed by Jack Nicklaus where pros will coach kids and you can all enjoy magnificent views of the desert and the sea.  Sport fishing is also extremely popular here in the "Marlin Capital of the World," but the early morning, open sea boat trips rarely include kids.  Instead, ask the resort to help you and your kids (12+) plan a diving trip to see giant manta rays and sea turtles or a snorkeling excursion.

While moms, dads and teens work-out, get pampered or golf near the resort, fish, dive or watch the surfers at some fabulous surfing beaches, younger children can spend time at Hilton's Vacation Station.  This free, drop-in program is held in a light and bright, large, air-conditioned room, and is staffed by enthusiastic, loving, bilingual caregivers who are trained in childcare and first-aid.   A full schedule of activities for ages 4-12, from 9am to 5pm daily, includes handicrafts, games, Lego-building, piñata-making, movies and lunch time.  The program is held completely indoors, a drawback for older children, but it gives kids a chance to cool off, get out of the sun and make some new friends.  Individual babysitting is also available for $15/H.

Exploring the Area

Other options are exploring the region on all-terrain vehicle tours, on horseback, or by strolling the quaint streets of San Jose del Cabo (a 20 minute ride) or the lively streets of Cabo San Lucas (a 25 minute ride).  While Cabo San Lucas is quite crowded and is famous for touristy shops, nightlife and overdevelopment, it's worth a few hours of exploration.  It was fun to visit The Glass Factory and watch the artisans create beautiful glassware and ornaments from re-cycled bottles.  The shop was fun, too, and a great source for margarita glasses!

An unforgettable experience with a Pacific Bottlenose dolphin awaits your family at Cabo Dolphins  (52 (624) 173-9500, 866/393-5255).  The standard dolphin encounter (for ages 8 and up) is a 30-minute small-group experience accompanied by a trainer who provides you with an introduction to these majestic creatures, and a chance to get into the tank to touch and pet them.  After learning some training techniques, you will have the opportunity to interact further, by dancing with them and be carried on their back or tummy across the pool.  "Dolphin Kids" is a special 30-minute experience for children ages 4 to 9-years-old that takes place in a shallow area and involves similar activities, toned down to be age-appropriate.  Kids delight at hugging and kissing the dolphins, and parents thrill at watching them.  For more serious dolphin lovers, a 6-hour "Trainer for a Day" program is offered, however only 4 trainers per day are permitted, so if this interests you, make a reservation in advance.  Participants learn training techniques and assist the regular trainers in everything they do throughout the day.

A family activity not to be missed is a short cruise from the harbor in Cabo San Lucas to El Arco, or "Land's End," the Arch Rock formation where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortéz meet, presenting a stunning site.  You can also see a colony of sea lions lounging in their home among rocks.  Some boats make a stop at nearby Playa del Amor, or Lover's Beach, where your can swim and snorkel next to El Arco on the Sea of Cortés side in a protected national park.  Playa del Divorcio  (Beach of Divorce) is opposite, on the Pacific side.  While the beach is peaceful, swimming is extremely unsafe due to strong currents and fierce undertow, perhaps metaphors for the state of marriage!  If you don't plan to stop for a swim, you can take the cruise at sunset, for even more astounding views. Contact TropicatCabo  (143-3797) to book a Jazz and Wine sunset cruise and enjoy wine, hors d'ouvres and contemporary jazz while taking in the incredible sights.

Picture charming streets lined with colonial architecture, small, less expensive hotels and uncrowded beaches, and you see San Jose del Cabo.  Due to the strong undertow, San Jose's beaches are best for sand-castle building, watching surfers, fishing, snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours.  Art lovers will enjoy browsing through the Centro del Arte (Art District) with galleries presenting paintings, sculpture, pottery as well as beadwork and embroidery created by artists of the Huichol Indian tribe, and nature lovers should visit Estero de San Jose, home to 200 bird species.  

Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort Los Cabos, Mexico www.hiltonloscabos.com; 800/HILTONS, 887/354-1399 $$ - $$$$     A    A-    B+    A- Extra Credit:  Exquisite views from everywhere, fabulous pools and an extremely gracious staff. Comments:  Complimentary "Vacation Station" gives kids and parents a nice break.