Thursday, January 14, 2016

Whale Watching Season in Los Cabos

Each year in late fall or early winter, hundreds of whales from the frigid waters of the Arctic migrate to the warm, calm waters surrounding the Baja Peninsula. Ideal climate, shallow waters, salinity and abundant marine life make the bays and lagoons north of Los Cabos the perfect place for whales to raise their young. From December to March, there's no better place to go whale watching than Los Cabos!



The Sea of Cortez 


Whale watching in Cabo San Lucas is very unique because the city sits at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meets. While the Pacific Ocean is the highway the whales take to travel from their home in Alaska to their home in Mexico, the Sea of Cortez is a very real whale sanctuary. The Sea of Cortez is still one of the most biologically intact seas in the world. While the population of Humpback and Gray whales explodes from December to March, there are some species that can be seen in Cabo all throughout the year. In fact, approximately 75% of all cetacean (whale and dolphin species) can be found in the Sea of Cortez, making it fairly easy to see a whale while you're vacationing in Los Cabos.

Types of Whales

You can expect to see several different types of whales in Los Cabos during the late winter and early spring months. Let's take a look at a few of these amazing creatures:

Blue Whales - At 30 meters in length and 180 tons or more in weight, blue whales are thought to be the largest and heaviest animals ever to live on Earth. Their skin is a beautiful gray-blue color, often with a mottling of light spots.

Gray Whales - The gray whale is a medium-sized baleen whale, with a beautiful gray coloration that has white spots and patches. It reaches a length of 14.9 meters, a weight of 36 tons, and lives between 55 and 70 years.

Humpback Whales - Humpback whales are medium-sized baleen whales with a thick blubber layer, making them clumsier in appearance than some of their more streamlined relatives. The humpback has a distinctive body shape, with long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. Its majestic tail and variety of spectacular behaviors make this whale a favorite of whale watchers.

Sperm Whales - The sperm whale, or cachalot, is the largest of the toothed whales and the largest toothed predator. They can grow to about 60 feet in length. They have dark, wrinkled skin, blocky heads and stout bodies.

Fin Whales - The fin whale, also called the finback whale, razorback or common rorqual, is the second-largest animal in the world. Its sleek appearance got it the nickname "greyhound of the sea." They are the only animal known to be asymmetrically-colored, as they have a white patch on their lower jaw on their right side, but not their left.

Killer Whales - Known by their beautiful black and white coloration, killer whales have an unmistakable appearance. Also referred to as orca whales or orcas, killer whales are toothed whales who gather in family-oriented pods of 10-50 whales.

Whales aren't the only marine life you'll be able to view this time of year - you can expect to see various dolphins, including Common, Pacific White Sided and Bottlenose, as well!


Whale Watching Tours


Whale watching is Los Cabos' most popular activity!  The exciting variety and abundance of cetacean make Los Cabos one of the best places on earth to view these beautiful animals. At Lifestyle Villas, we offer a variety of whale watching tours for you to choose from:

AEROCALAFIA - Join us at Magdalena Bay to watch the gray whale, a gentle giant that measures 12-16 meters and weighs from 20-35 tons! The tour offers the opportunity to observe these amazing creatures in their natural habitat.

RISSALENA - The Rissalena is a newly commissioned, custom designed, 37-foot power catamaran. Reserve a whale watching, sightseeing adventure with your friends, associates or family of up to 24 people for a one-of-a-kind cruise experience.

ZIG ZAG PRIVATE CHARTER - Zig Zag, a 43-foot fountain pajot catamaran, is extremely stable and comfortable as she glides through the water at 5-8 miles an hour. Enjoy the tour from the roomy aft seating area or the large open bow.

OCEAN RIDERS - Ocean Riders' tours have become one of the most popular ways to see whales in Los Cabos. The performance of their boats will let you explore more territory than any other boat in town, guaranteeing whale sightings from the comfort of your seat.

CABO ADVENTURES - Conducted on new all-weather inflatable speed boats to ensure a safe and comfortable ride, Cabo Adventures whale watching tours are guided by exceptionally talented marine mammal behavior experts who are passionate about protecting wildlife and the environment.

CABO SAILS PRIVATE CHARTERS - Experience the finest private charter sailing aboard a beautiful and relaxing fleet of sailboats. As a premier sailing company in Los Cabos, Cabo Sails offers both romantic getaways and safe adventures for the entire family!

When you stay in one of our luxurious beachfront villas in Los Cabos, you have possibility of seeing these beautiful creatures right from the deck! However, if you want to get up close and personal with this amazing species, be sure to add a whale watching tour to your activities itinerary. Our Lifestyle concierges are local experts and are here to assist you in creating the perfect itinerary. Give us a call at 1-888-655-9589 to book your Los Cabos accommodations and start planning the perfect beach vacation!

LIFESYLE Villas Los Cabos: BEST Luxury Villa Rentals in Mexico


LIFESTYLE Villas Los Cabos
Phone: 1-888-655-9589
Mexico: 624-144-4954

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Friday, January 8, 2016

Los Cabos Activities By Land

The stunning desert that surrounds Los Cabos offers a great place to truly become one with nature. Speed through its sand dunes on an ATV or slow down and explore its incredible flora and fauna. When you choose to stay with Lifestyle Villas, we'll help you plan the perfect itinerary for your vacation in Los Cabos. Let's take a look at some of the land activities you can participate in while you're here!

ATV Tours


Explore the diverse desert landscapes of the Los Cabos area during an ATV-Ecotour! You will discover a wide variety of fauna and flora, like foxes, eagles, hares, iguanas and squirrels, and plentiful vegetation consisting of cacti, choya, torotes, cardon and ciruelos. Admire spectacular views of the Sea of Cortez from the top of a hill and breathe the pure mountain air, where the desert becomes paradise.

Beaches


Los Cabos and Baja California Sur offer a multitude of stunning beaches and ocean vistas perfect for both relaxation and recreation! The beaches range from dramatic surf and waves to calm and pristine water. Unlike many other beach destinations, most beaches around Cabo are not crowded. Be sure to check out Medano, Santa Maria, Chileno and/or Palmilla beaches during your stay!

Camel Rides


Camels are some of the friendliest and most loving animals you will ever meet, These gentle giants will take you on a fun and unique caravan across the white sands of the beach. When you're with them, you'll lose track of time and get entranced by their gentle, peaceful and fun personalities. Do something original and enjoy the view from a different perspective.

Extreme Sports 


Are you the type of person who would rather be out pushing the envelope than napping on the beach? Do you thrive off the adrenaline rush of extreme sports? Then we've got the perfect activities for you! Fasten your seat belts and get ready for some real off-road fun! Explore Cabo San Lucas as you travel through mountains, river beds and canyons in a fully automatic buggy or open-wheel tour car!

Golf 


Los Cabos is home to 6 world-class championship golf courses. Golf designers include: Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf, Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Jones II, Tom Fazzio and one by Pete Dye. Through Lifestyle Villas, you'll have access to preferential tee times and discounted green fees in Palmilla, Cabo Real, Puerto Los Cabos & Club Campestre San Jose.

Hiking Tours


Hiking takes you on a voyage of discovery as you journey away from the tourist areas and delve deeper into the stunning outback and secluded wonders of the Baja Peninsula. Imagine walking along a river and through the mountains, admiring wonderful vegetation, water slides and waterfalls! Just one hour's drive will take you to an oasis in the middle of the desert. Explore magnificent rock formations and fresh water pools during this scenic and informative walk.

Horseback Riding 


Enjoy the striking views and varied geography as you go horseback riding through the beautiful hills and canyons of Cabo. From the back of a well trained horse, you can really experience the natural beauty of Los Cabos. Horseback riding in Cuadra San Francisco is one of the greatest activities in Los Cabos.

Jeep Tours 


Admire the beautiful scenery of the desert while driving your own 4 x 4 Jeep. Cross the limits of adventure and excitement on this once-in-a-lifetime Cabo tour. This spectacular drive runs parallel with the coast and leads you to one of the oldest missions in the area.

Outdoor Adventures 


Outdoor adventure tours offer you the unique opportunity to try your hand at an exhilarating blend of activities in stunning surroundings. Experience Cabo's leading extreme eco adventure with zip lines, rappeling, rock climbing and more. Different takes on a traditional zip line tour are the most exciting way to explore the great Baja outdoors!

Turtle Release 


Turtle release is an unforgettable experience allowing both tourists and locals to take part in the touching activity of releasing baby turtles into the wild. Accompany a newborn creature into the water and watch as it starts its new life in the ocean. While enjoying the incredible Sea of Cortez sunset on the beach, you will help the conservation of sea turtles and will be mesmerized by this wonder of nature.

When you book your Los Cabos activities through Lifestyle Villas, you can rest assured that the activity you choose is both fun and safe. We always recommend booking activities at least 72 hours in advance to ensure availability. Give us a call at 1-888-655-9589 to book your luxury villa in Los Cabos and start creating your itinerary today!

LIFESYLE Villas Los Cabos: BEST Luxury Villa Rentals in Mexico


LIFESTYLE Villas Los Cabos
Phone: 1-888-655-9589
Mexico: 624-144-4954

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Wednesday, December 30, 2015

5 Tips for Packing Your Carry-On Bag

You may think traveling is stressful, but it doesn't have to be! There are things you can do to make both packing and getting through the airport easier. If you're going to be gone for a week or less, you can save both time and money by only packing a carry-on. The Travel Channel has a few great carry-on packing tips in this video - and Lifestyle Villas has added a few more of our own!


How to Pack a Carry-On Bag 


Tip #1 - Pick the Right Bag 

While you might think that giant rolling sparkly bag would go great with your favorite travel outfit, the airlines might not agree. Before you go out and buy the first bag you like, check with your airline to make sure your bag fits the dimension requirements. You don't want to end up having to pay for a checked bag at the airport because your carry-on is too large.

Tip #2 - Make a Packing List 

Just like when going to the grocery store, it's important to have a list for two main reasons: 1. So you don't pack to much and 2. So you don't forget anything. Make a list of the things you absolutely need to take with you. Pay special attention to the word "need" in that last sentence. Don't take that cute new pair of heels you just bought just because. Make sure you take practical things that you know you will use - your carry-on space is limited.

Tip #3 - Wear Your Heaviest & Largest Items

To free up some room in your bag, you should wear your heaviest and largest items. If you are taking boots, tennis shoes and flipflop with you, then you'll want to wear your boots as they would take up the most room in a bag. Same goes for a hoodie or coat - even it's warm where you are and cold in your destination, go ahead and put it on to save room. You can always take it off once you get on the plane if you get too warm.

Tip #4 - Roll Your Clothes

Rather than folding your clothes, try rolling them. Tightly rolled clothes take up less space than folded ones do. Plus, they're less likely to get winkles and fold creases this way. Another great way to save space in your bag is to stuff socks and other small items inside your shoes. Make the most of the space that you have by filling in any and all open spaces, no matter how small.

Tip #5 - Downsize Everything

Less is more when it comes to packing. We mentioned earlier when you were making your list to only bring the essentials. Now let's see if we can reduce the amount of essentials you need. You can easily wear a pair of pants more than once, unless you plan on going mudding of course. Stick to one color scheme if you can so you don't have to worry about bringing something to match with crazy colored clothing. In addition to downsizing your clothes, downsize your liquids, make-up etc. Most airlines have restrictions on the amount of liquid you can bring on board, limiting each item to 3 oz.

For more carry-on packing tips and ideas, check out our Pinterest Board!

It's easy to pack light when you're headed on a Los Cabos vacation. All you need is your bathing suit, sunglasses and flip-flops! Okay, so you may need a few more items than that, but with these tips, packing your carry-on should be a breeze. See you soon in one of our beachfront villas in Los Cabos, Mexico!

LIFESYLE Villas Los Cabos: BEST Luxury Villa Rentals in Mexico


LIFESTYLE Villas Los Cabos
Phone: 1-888-655-9589
Mexico: 624-144-4954

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Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Feliz Navidad from Los Cabos!

While Christmas is celebrated all over the world, each country has their own customs and traditions. In the United States, Christmas is celebrated on December 25, with a Christmas Eve celebration on December 24. In Mexico though, the holiday is spread out over a longer period of time and even goes into the New Year. Let's take a look at how the Christmas holiday is celebrated in Mexico!


Christmas in Mexico


In Mexico, Christmas is celebrated the last two weeks of December and on into the New Year. Most people take off work those last two weeks in December to spend more time with the family and visit with old friends. Here are a few of the traditions that are carried out during this time:

Las Posadas


Los Posadas are a series of nine nightly celebrations that start on December 16 and end on December 24 (Noche Buena). Each night, people walk down the street holding candles and figures of Jesus, Mary and/or popular saints. As they walk, they sing Christmas songs and sometimes stop for a prayer or religious reading. The procession ends at a designated church, where inside they will hold mass followed by a celebration of food and traditional fruit punch, consisting of sugar cane, prunes, guava, cinnamon sticks, and a little round fruit called "tejocote." This tradition represents the biblical account of Mary and Joseph looking for a place to stay. For Los Posadas, the outside of houses are decorated with evergreens, moss and paper lanterns.

Breaking the Piñata


During each evening of Los Posadas, there is the traditional breaking of the piñata. Paper mache sculptures called piñatas are filled with candy and coins, and hung from the ceiling. Children take turns hitting the piñata until it breaks and the candy all falls out. When this happens, the children race to gather as much of the candy and goodies as they can.

Noche Buena


In Mexico, Christmas Eve is known as "Noche Buena" and is a day spent with family. This is the last night of the Posadas and includes the main Christmas meal. At midnight, many people go to "Misa de Gallo" or Mass of the Rooster. The service is followed by fireworks to celebrate Christmas Day.

Santa Claus


Influence from the United States brought the concept of Santa Claus, as well as Christmas trees and gifts, to Mexico. Many Christmas celebrations now coincide with those north of the Mexican border on December 25. However, the traditional day for children to receive presents is still Three Kings Day (Epiphany or Dia de los Reyes) on January 6. Many children now expect gifts on both days.

Dia de los Reyes


Dia de los Reyes, or Three Kings Day, is celebrated on January 6 and is the day that presents are left by the Three Kings (or Magi). It's tradition to eat a special cake called "Rosca de Reyes" or Three Kings Cake on this holiday. A tiny plastic baby to represent Jesus is baked into the cake and whoever finds the baby has to throw a party on February 2nd, Dia de Candelaria, for everyone else. The party typically involves eating tamales and dancing. This celebration marks the end of the Mexican Christmas celebrations.

If you're looking to get out of the cold and onto a beach this winter, give Lifestyle Villas a call at 1-888-655-9589. We have the best luxury villas in Los Cabos available for rent. Plus, we offer concierge services to meet all of your needs. You can just sit back and relax while we take care of all your vacation details for you! What better Christmas present can you get (or give) than a vacation to look forward to? Feliz Navidad from Lifestyle Villas!

LIFESYLE Villas Los Cabos: BEST Luxury Villa Rentals in Mexico


LIFESTYLE Villas Los Cabos
Phone: 1-888-655-9589
Mexico: 624-144-4954

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Monday, December 14, 2015

Ocean & Golf View Rental Home Perfect for Families or Groups

Agave Azul - 4 Bedrooms + Nanny Quarters


Villa Agave Azul is a marvelous ocean view villa, featuring 4,400 square feet of impeccably designed Mexican architecture. It is situated on the 1st fairway of the Jack Nicklaus signature golf course in the exclusive gated community of Cabo del Sol.


Plenty of Space for Everyone 


This 4 bedroom + Nanny’s quarters, 5 1/2 bath home offers golf fairway views from the two master bedrooms, living and dining areas, as well as from the rooftop deck.



This Los Cabos luxury villa is perfect for families or larger groups as the bed make-up and location of rooms give each guest their own sense of privacy.

Excellent Poolside View


Alongside the elegant swimming pool with waterfall Jacuzzi spa, is a large terrace that has breathtaking views of the first fairway of the ocean view course. With the Sea of Cortez as your backdrop, you have an outdoor living area perfect for entertaining.

Let the team at Lifestyle Villas take care of all your needs not only before you arrive, but also once you've arrived at one of our beautiful villas in Los Cabos and once in residence. Vacationing in Mexico has never been so easy! Villa Agave Azul and neighboring Casa Stamm can be combined for that perfect family reunion. Combining both homes will give you 9 bedrooms total!

Villa Agave Azul and your Lifestyle team await you! Give us a call at - 1-888-655-9589 to book your reservations today. In addition to our Los Cabos accommodations, we can also help you plan everything for your trip to Mexico, including transportation, meals and all the activities you could dream of! Our Lifestyle concierges are here to make your Cabo experience an unforgettable one!

LIFESYLE Villas Los Cabos: BEST Luxury Villa Rentals in Mexico


LIFESTYLE Villas Los Cabos
Phone: 1-888-655-9589
Mexico: 624-144-4954

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Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe

The Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe (Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe), a popular Catholic holiday in celebration of the Virgin Mary, became a national holiday in 1859. Each year on December 12th, people from all across Mexico make their way to the Basilica of the Virgen of Guadalupe, located in Villa de Guadalupe Hidalgo, a northern neighborhood of Mexico City. The celebration includes a mass ceremony and a traditional fair in honor of Nuestra Senora de Gaudalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe).

The Celebration 


Today, tens of thousands of people travel to Mexico City to visit the place where the Virgin appeared to the Mexican people. The national fiesta includes traditional music and fun attractions. Children dress in traditional costumes and come to the church to be blessed. Many others come to pray at the Basilica. After the mass ceremony, the plaza is filled with delicious good, vendors selling crafts and clothes, and many performers of music and dance. Similar festivities are celebrated all across the country. Each region has their own unique way of celebrating the day. Some places build altars in her honor, while other parts prepare traditional food and host activities such as parades, rodeos and bullfights.

History of the Celebration


The story behind this big celebration demonstrates how the Catholic faith gained importance across Mexico. It is a story of miracles and faith which mark a change in the history of Mexico. On December 12, 1531, a man named Juan Diego encountered the Virgin Mary. According to the story, Mary told Juan to ask the bishop to build a church on they Hill of Tepeyac. The bishop didn't believe him and said he needed a miracle as proof of Juan's encounter. Juan returned to the hill to see roses in a spot where there were previously cacti. When Juan Diego returned, he showed the roses to the archbishop and also revealed an image on his cloak of the Lady of Guadalupe. The bishop was convinced of the miracle and built a church in honor of what happened. As a result of the event, many Mexican people were converted to Catholicism.

If you're in Cabo during this national holiday, you can visit Santuario de Guadalupe in Cabo San Lucas. The feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe is celebrated there, with masses, fairs, parades, fireworks and more! When you stay in one of our luxury beachfront villas in Los Cabos, you're just minutes from the church and celebration. Plus with our Cabo transportation services, our personal drivers can take you anywhere you wish to go! Give us a call at 1-888-655-9589 to book your reservations today!

LIFESYLE Villas Los Cabos: BEST Luxury Villa Rentals in Mexico


LIFESTYLE Villas Los Cabos
Phone: 1-888-655-9589
Mexico: 624-144-4954

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Friday, December 4, 2015

Destination Weddings in Los Cabos

Get Married on the Beach! 


When it comes to choosing a location for your destination wedding, few places compare with the beauty of Los Cabos. From the always sunny weather to the gorgeous ocean views, Los Cabos is perfect for that beach wedding you've been dreaming of. Here are a few things to consider when choosing  Lifestyle Villas for your destination wedding:

1. Out of the Ordinary Wedding Location 


While resorts, beach clubs and restaurants seem to be an obvious choice of location, Lifestyle Villas can offer a more intimate and exclusive venue: one of our private luxury beachfront villas in Los Cabos. The advantages of renting a private villa for your event are many. In addition to privacy, you´ll have the flexibility to customize your menus and decor.

2. Booking the Venue


While it is recommended to book your wedding venue 5-8 months ahead of time, some of our highly popular luxury villas book up a year in advance.  If you’re considering peak seasons such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year or Spring Break for your event in Los Cabos, we recommend booking 9-12 months in advance.

3. Determining the Guest List 


While one of our villas does offer exclusivity, our properties can't hold the same amount of people as some of the resorts and restaurants could. If you're planning a huge event with 150 to 200 people, our villas won't be the best option for you. However, if your idea is an intimate celebration for 2-50 people, you’ve found what you were looking for!

4. Organizing the Details


When organizing your special event in a private villa, you or your event coordinator will work with a team of reputable service providers such as catering companies, musical groups, florists, etc. As opposed to resorts and restaurants, where you’d be offered set menus and decor, in a villa you’ll have all the flexibility to suit your needs and budget.

Why Choose Lifestyle? 


With Lifestyle Villas, you get access not only to a collection of luxury properties, but also to destination management, concierge services and our list of select local service providers. What further sets us apart is the possibility for all guest accommodations to be arranged for you in our exclusive private villas located in the same community or area. All our villas offer the same quality standards to ensure that you and your guests are equally pampered throughout your stay. At Lifestyle, we’ll also arrange your activities, restaurant outings and provide chauffeured vehicles for luxury private transportation. Organizing your Cabo event just got easier!

Whether it is a honeymoon, special birthday, family reunion, corporate retreat or wedding that brings you to Cabo, one thing is for certain - you will remember it forever! Call 1-888-655-9589 to book your villa and start planning your Los Cabos wedding or other special event. Let us help you make your Cabo event fabulous!

LIFESYLE Villas Los Cabos: BEST Luxury Villa Rentals in Mexico


LIFESTYLE Villas Los Cabos
Phone: 1-888-655-9589
Mexico: 624-144-4954

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