Star Magnet

Celebrities love Los Cabos

By Jill Fergus

It’s no secret that when celebrities want to get away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, they make a beeline to Cabo San Lucas. They’ve been coming to this south-of-the-border paradise for years; and if the last 12 months is any indication, their devotion to Los Cabos and its laid-back but luxurious vibe shows no signs of slowing down.

Celebrities come to this upscale Mexican destination for any number of reasons: a birthday, an anniversary, a girls’ getaway or a holiday with the kids. Cameron Diaz was spotted catching rays and sipping frosty drinks. Sean Penn spent a few days enjoying quiet meals of lobster, ceviche and margaritas amid Sea of Cortés vistas. Ryan Seacrest was seen sunning on his villa’s private deck, while Diane Kruger strolled along the sugar-soft sand. Singer LeAnn Rimes and new hubby, Eddie Cibrian, spent their honeymoon here, enjoying lazy days sipping tequila, engaging in PDAs on a yacht and relaxing on beachside lounges. Other recent star sightings include Scarlett Johansson, Joshua Jackson and Alex Rodriguez.

Perennial visitor Jennifer Aniston, who recently had a fun-filled birthday weekend here, came back for a quick getaway with friends. Other stars spotted include Jessica Alba, with her family; reality show star Kristin Cavallari, who frolicked with then-beau NFL quarterback Jay Cutler; Kim Kardashian, the most high-profile member of the high-profile Kardashian clan; and Mario Lopez with his girlfriend, Courtney Mazza, and their daughter, Gia.

It’s certainly not hard to see why celebrities are so enthralled with Los Cabos. It has all the elements for a perfect getaway: privacy, pampering resorts, world-class spas, gourmet cuisine (from haute Mexican to international fusion), nightlife, shopping and more. Additionally, stars know they can leave their designer duds and Louboutins at home and just be themselves. Another appealing aspect is that Cabo is only a two-hour plane ride from Los Angeles — definitely a lure for globetrotting celebrities on tight schedules.

Aside from working on their tans, you’ll often find celebrities exploring the area. A favorite place to spend an afternoon is The Shoppes at Palmilla, an upscale Spanish hacienda-style shopping and dining arcade with landscaped gardens, trickling fountains and wrought-iron lanterns. There are more than 30 boutiques selling original Mexican artwork, silver and turquoise jewelry and carved wooden furniture. George Clooney enjoyed browsing here with then-girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis; Canadian singer Sarah McLachlan and PGA player Danny Pohl have been spotted here; and Christina Aguilera and Nicole Richie were seen dining at Nick-San. 

Other popular activities include golf — Tiger Woods has played the Jack Nicklaus–designed El Dorado course. Numerous tour companies can arrange adventurous activities such as ATV tours, whale watching, kayaking and horseback riding trips, as well as surfing lessons (popular with Adam Sandler).

When stars are ready to unwind back in their hotels, they know they’ll be well taken care of, as Los Cabos boasts some of the finest beach resorts offering top-of-the-line services, including in-room spa treatments and 24-hour butler service. Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort, an elegant resort with beautifully decorated adobe-style casitas with wood-burning fireplaces and Sea of Cortés–facing patios, is a top choice. Jennifer Aniston and Jennifer Lopez have spent many blissful hours receiving soothing massages in the spa; while British bad boy Simon Cowell has lunched on grilled fish in the poolside Sea Grill restaurant; and Fergie, from the Black Eyed Peas, participated in a tequila class at the Tequila, Ceviche & Sushi Bar. Nearby is One&Only Palmilla, a sexy resort with an infinity-edge pool and swim-up bar just steps from the beach. Inside you’ll find Market restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, whose Euro-Asian menu features local Mexican influences, and a spa with indoor/outdoor suites and mind/body treatments. Among its many well-known guests are Hugh Jackman, Celine Dion and Oprah Winfrey.

There’s also Esperanza-An Auberge Resort, an exclusive beachfront resort overlooking Ballena Point. This is where honeymooners LeAnn and Eddie holed up (sipping cocktails in the Jacuzzi was a favored activity). Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin also honeymooned here, and Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith spent quality time in one of the luxe villas. The luxurious Casa Dorado on Médano Beach is another high-wattage hot spot. George Clooney rented a gorgeous three-bedroom penthouse suite with a few friends, including nightlife impresario Rande Gerber (Cindy Crawford’s husband), and has had meals in the 12 Tribes restaurant.

Another lodging option available to celebrities (Brad Pitt, Meryl Streep, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, to name a few) are private villas. Film producer Ryan Kavanaugh rented a palatial spread at Villas Del Mar, where his famous friends — including Leonardo DiCaprio and The Hangover star Bradley Cooper — threw him a bachelor party.

Who will be the next celebrity to spend a magical few days of fun in the Mexican sun?

Feel like a celebrity. Spend your next vacation in Los Cabos. Choose a gorgeous Cabo hotel from our hotel list.