Check out this Cabo San Lucas resort practically designed for Social Distancing

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed how we select our vacations and hotels. Buzzy restaurants, a hopping nightlife, and meeting scores of new people used to be a draw for many vacationers. At least for now, though, even the most extroverted travelers prefer empty beaches and spacious pools, perhaps with a wave to fellow guests in the distance. Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas is an ideal choice for this new reality.

A sprawling pool with an island and peninsulas. In the foreground, a separate long pool and jacuzzi and in the background, a wide beach and ocean.
The lagoon pool at Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas. JOHANNA READ, TRAVELEATER.NET

Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas opened in December 2017. When it was being designed—by the architect and design firm HKS—and built, no one had any idea that 2020 would bring a worldwide pandemic. Luckily, HKS already had spaciousness and privacy in mind and the resort is ideally suited for 2020’s new vacation priorities of keeping your distance from people not in your household bubble.  

Outdoor Spaciousness at Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas

Gray couches next to a large pool, with a beach and ocean in the background
Couches near the oceanside pool at Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas JOHANNA READ, TRAVELEATER.NET

Only a 15-minute drive from Cabo San Lucas, Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas sits all by itself on an immense white sand beach north of Cabo. The whole property is 834 acres and includes a Greg Norman Signature 18-hole golf course, residences at the Norman Estates, a shopping village, tennis center, biking and hiking trails, plus a few buildings and several pools that make up the hotel part of the property. It’s a 35-minute drive from the airport and 30 minutes to charming Todos Santos, one of Mexico’s pueblos mágico (magic towns). Recommended For You

Built on a slope coming up from the beach, the desert resort has a constant breeze up from the ocean. Sand dunes and desert plants are central to the tranquil landscaping in and around the resort. Hotel suites are accessed through open-to-the-air hallways and stairwells (there’s elevators for your bags or anyone not comfortable with stairs). All suites have a view of the pounding Pacific Ocean.

Expansion of the resort will continue over the next five to ten years. Eventually, there will be 600 units, as well as additional restaurants, pools, a lazy river, and other facilities. You can take a shuttle to downtown Cabo San Lucas and to Grand Solmar’s sister hotels, but Rancho San Lucas is designed to help you bliss out there and feel at home.

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At sunset, a groomed sandy beach next to the lagoon pool, with lanterns lighting a path to a table set for dinner. In the background are buildings for Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas's main restaurant and guest suites.
A sandy beach entrance to the lagoon pool at Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas, ready for a beachside … [+] JOHANNA READ, TRAVELEATER.NET

The pools

The resort has an immense saltwater lagoon pool with several sandy beach entries. It’s so large that you can paddleboard and kayak within it. One corner has two waterslides and a swing rope plus a kids pool (but adults are welcome to join in the fun). Two adults-only infinity pools in other areas offer serenity. Or you can dip into one of the many warm whirlpools.

Lounge chairs are spaced well apart around the twists and turns of the lagoon and there’s even an island in the middle. If you want even more pool privacy, book one of the poolside cabanas that appears to hover over the lagoon. The cabanas can also be booked for dinner, or you can arrange for a dinner on the lagoon beach to be set up for you—perfect for watching the sun set over the Pacific.

Two chairs next to a fire pit, in front of a pool; in the background is the spa and the beach.
Fire pit at one of Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas’s pools, with the spa and beach in the … [+] JOHANNA READ, TRAVELEATER.NET

The ocean here is too rough for swimming, but the sound of the crashing waves will help evaporate all your stress. Rancho San Lucas’s immense beach is ideal for those who like to walk and whales can often be spotted swimming by.

Three beachfront cabanas for spa treatments, to the left is a lounge area with curtained lounge beds, also in the photo are a small pool and a fountain
Beachfront cabanas and the waiting area at the spa, Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas JOHANNA READ, TRAVELEATER.NET

The Spa at the Sea 

Rancho San Lucas’s Spa at the Sea is well-suited for treatments during the pandemic too. There’s 100 yards of empty beach between your private individual spa cabana and the waves crashing onto the white sand. The ocean breeze flows through the natural walls and palapa roofs of the cabanas, providing an extra measure of Covid protection. The spa’s elegant waiting area has curtained lounge beds or there’s plenty of space around the pool and fountain.  

Rancho San Lucas’s signature spa treatments pay respect to the Cochimi Indigenous people from the Baja Peninsula. Try the Gomma Kahal (moon water) oxygen aromatherapy and four-hand massage or the Agenari Aene (dance of heaven) facial and massage treatment.

Multiple dining choices 

A plate with artfully-arranged beef and salad, on a white tablecloth with wine glasses and flowers.
Delicousness from Grand Solmar Rancho San Lucas’s Anica restaurant, dining in a lagoonside cabana JOHANNA READ, TRAVELEATER.NET

Rancho San Lucas has several restaurants, all with plenty of outdoor seating. There’s also a Deli Café in the lobby building with coffee, sandwiches, and desserts. Due to the pandemic, floor plans have all been redesigned to allow for physical distancing. 

The signature restaurant is called Anica. It serves international and Mexican cuisine by Chef Hector Lucas, with wines (and tequilas) paired by sommelier José Martinez Càceres. Mixologist David Reyes will make one of his inventive cocktails for you too.

Anica has separate breakfast, lunch, and dinner vegan menus offering a wide range of choices (roasted watermelon with cauliflower risotto, anyone?). Local seafood and steaks are prominent on the regular dinner menu. Indoor seating is in the elegant dining room or outdoors next to one of the infinity pools and the beach.  

A wooden board with Anica's name burned into it, on top of which sits pieces of sushi, a ramekin of soya sauce, and a ceviche-topped square cracker
Treats at Anica restaurant, Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas JOHANNA READ, TRAVELEATER.NET

Other eateries include Bacari, which features nightly theme dinners like country grill night, taco Tuesdays, and Mexican night with expertly-prepared dishes like shrimps in mole, Korobuta (the Kobe of pork) with traditional pipian, and chicken enchiladas.

At the lagoon, choose between the Lagoon Bar and the two-story Aqua Bar. Enjoy mojitos and margaritas, plus foods like sushi, ceviche, fish tacos, pizzas, and burgers. The swim-up Tide Bar is at the infinity pool by the beach, and you can dine sitting in the pool if you wish.

At Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas, guests can choose an all-inclusive or European plan. If you want, you can cook your meals in your fully-equipped kitchen. In-villa dining is available 24-7.

Three choices for suites 

A king-sized bed with white cover and earth-toned throw pillows, with a bedside table, curtained doors go out to a balcony, and the ceiling has wooden beams and a fan
Bedroom, Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas. JOHANNA READ, TRAVELEATER.NET

The outside spaciousness is echoed inside in Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas’s suites. They all have fully-equipped kitchens with stainless steel appliances and private balconies with ocean views, as well as jacuzzi tubs, separate sitting areas, marble floors and counters, and lots of luxe amenities. 

Choose from three room categories: Grand studios are 828 square feet and the one-bedroom master sites are 1,245 square feet featuring two bathrooms, a living room, and dining room. The multi-bedroomed presidential suites are 2,038 square feet and also have a marble wet bar and three bathrooms.

Through the iron railings of the balcony, the twisting blue of the lagoon pool with its palm tress and poolside restaurants, with empty sand dunes and the ocean in the background
Suite view of the lagoon, sand dunes, and ocean at Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas. JOHANNA READ, TRAVELEATER.NET

Source: Forbes Mexico

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