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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Friday, November 27, 2015

Lifestyle Villa Services FAQs

When staying in one of our luxury villas in Los Cabos, you don't have to worry about a thing! From grocery shopping to babysitting, we offer a variety of services to fit your every need. Here are a few of our most frequently asked questions about our services for you to review before your arrival.

1. What are your reservation and cancellation policies?


A: Reservation and cancellation policies are as follows:
  • A 50% deposit is required to confirm reservations. Full payment must be received 45 days prior to arrival and 90 days prior for all major holiday reservations. 
  • A Damage deposit of $1,000 USD is required for all reservations and is refundable 2-3 weeks after departure. 
  • Any changes or cancellations made more than 45 days prior to a non holiday arrival are subject to a 10% service charge. 
  • Any changes or cancellations made less than 45 days prior to a non holiday arrival are refundable only if the villa is re-rented and is subject to a 10% service charge. 
  • Any early departure from the property will result in the full stay charge. 
  • HOLIDAYS: Any changes or cancellations made on a holiday reservation are refundable only if the villa is re-rented and is subject to a 10% service charge. If the changes are made more than 90 days prior to the holiday arrival and we are unable to re-rent the villa you will receive a credit valid within the next 12months. Any changes or cancellations made less than 90 days prior to arrival that we are unable to re-rent will charged full price. 

2. Does the housekeeping help wash our clothes? 


A: Personal laundry is not among the tasks of our housekeepers. Should you require help, you may ask your housekeeper directly and pay for the service separately. This charge cannot be added to your final bill. The company does not take any responsibility on this agreement between the client and the housekeeper.

3. Can we have a butler? 


A: Yes, in addition to your Personal Concierge, we offer butler services upon request at additional charge. Our personal butlers are attentive and will anticipate your unexpressed desires and needs. Whether staying in our villa or another residence in Cabo we are here to serve you. A minimum of 3 hours service is required.

4. Can you purchase my groceries? 


A: Yes, for all of our Los Cabos rentals we include the purchasing and pre-stocking of items service for your arrival. No request is too small or too large. Lifestyle Villas guests enjoy pre-arrival grocery shopping for only $35 USD (groceries not included). Purchases over $350USD will result in an additional 10% surcharge.
 

5. Do you offer babysitting services? 


A: Yes, we all need a bit of quiet time to enjoy ourselves. Our sitters are fully trained by the Red Cross, so you can rest assured your little ones are in good hands. A minimum of 3 hours service is required.

6.  What services are available in case of an emergency? 


A: We work with Amerimed Hospital to offer the most professional and bilingual local emergency service. In case medical air evacuation becomes necessary, we work with ATI Med Assure who offers annual memberships starting at $199 USD per person.

If you have any other questions in regards to our available services, please don't hesitate to give us a call at 1-888-655-9589. You can also read more about our services on our website at: www.lifestylevillas.net/in-villa-services/. Keep in mind that your personal concierge is just a phone call or email away at all times for any other questions that may arise. Happy Travels!

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, November 9, 2015

Los Cabos Activities By Water - Part 2

Last week, we brought you a variety of water activities in Los Cabos that you can enjoy when you visit our sunny paradise! This week we have even more options for you, from sport fishing to windsurfing and whale watching. Our Los Cabos property management company is here to help you plan the perfect itinerary for your vacation, from a place to stay to where to eat to the best activities in the area!

Sport Fishing


Sport fishing in the Los Cabos area is unparalleled in the world with an abundance of marlin of the blue, black and striped variety, Sailfish, Dorado (also known as mahi mahi or dolphin fish), Tuna, Wahoo, Roosterfish and endless varieties of bottom fish and surf fish. Los Cabos is undoubtedly one of the world’s best all-round locations for sport fishing. So even if you are not an avid fisherman, you should try your hand at catching a big one while visiting.

Stand Up Paddle Surfing


Stand-Up Paddling is the fastest growing ocean sport. A non-impact sport that will positively affect you mentally, physically and emotionally. No experience necessary. Stand-Up Paddle Surfing is easier than surfing! Learn how to surf the way the kings did it-you’ll be surprised how great of a workout it is.


Sunset Tours


View the spectacular setting and the famous Arch at Land´s End while enjoying a gorgeous Los Cabos sunset. Sunset cruises are approximately 2 hours long and include open bar and snacks on the boat. Cruises vary and can include everything from sightseeing, entertainment, food and more. Reserve an adventure with a group of your friends or make new friends while enjoying the beauty of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean.

Surfing


Summer and fall are the best times to catch waves in Cabo, although there can be waves all throughout the year. Not just for grownups, kids love surfing too and it gives them a smile every time. With close guidance by professional instructors you will be up and riding your first wave in no time! We invite you to spend some time in the water with an experienced surfer and get to know the feeling of the wave.

Whale Watching


Whale watching is Los Cabos’ most popular activity! Each year, Cabo San Lucas is visited by the blue, gray, humpback, and sperm whales. You will also have a chance to view various dolphins including common, Pacific white sided and bottlenose. This exciting variety and abundance makes Los Cabos one of the best places on earth to view these beautiful animals.

Wind Surfing


Beyond the calm waters of Los Barriles, about an hour from Cabo on the Pacific Ocean side, the wind and waves pick up each afternoon with amazing predictability. Free windsurfing clinics are offered every morning and instructors are available daily for group and private instruction. Equipment rental is usually available.

Yacht Charters


If you are looking for space, comfort, style & a hassle-free day on the water and you prefer a motored yacht, LIFESTYLE has you covered. We work with a variety of vessels to offer just what you need. Charters are available from 3 hours up to 5 days. Just grab your family and friends for a good time on the water!

We always recommend booking activities at least 72 hours in advance to ensure availability. When booking with Lifestyle Villas, you can rest assured that the activity you choose is safe and fun. Contact us today at 1-888-655-9589 to start working on your itinerary. Lifestyle Villas has offered the most fun, creative and safe activities in Los Cabos for many years, and we will be happy to not only hook you up with the best accommodations in Los Cabos, but also an exciting schedule of activities!

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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