Often cruise guests have some common bonds that draw them to a particular cruise experience. Regent Seven Seas specializes in providing six-star luxury on small ships that cater to a maximum of 700 passengers on two of their ships and only 450 on the third. From sublime service to serene comfort, Regent creates an atmosphere of pleasure and privilege. An appreciation for the casually elegant ambiance and the high value of all-inclusive cruising is a connection between the guests. So who will you meet onboard?

The Regent Seven Seas Guest

Luxury cruisers are far from cookie-cutter – indeed they have a wide range of interests. For the Regent Seven Seas guest, the strongest music preference is classical, with jazz and big band not far behind. Those are followed by soft rock, country, R&B and alternative. Hobbies run the gamut, with significant interests in cultural arts, antique collecting, needlework, gardening and wine appreciation. For health and fitness, the Regent Seven Seas guest enjoys tennis and golf, followed by snow skiing, walking and bicycling.

Guests that choose a Regent Seven Seas cruise are frequently mature and educated travelers. Their average age is 58 and they tend to work in professional careers. Your fellow cruisers will often be doctors and business executives, but you might also meet a 40 year old elementary teacher or a 75 year old artist. The Regent cruiser is likely to be an affluent empty-nester, but only 35% are retired. They donate to charity, most notably arts and culture, but also to political campaigns, humanitarian efforts and environmental concerns.

Many people who cruise with Regent are quite well-traveled. You’ll enjoy conversations with new acquaintances about some of the most fascinating places in the world – comparing impressions of an exotic destination or possibly getting ideas for your next trip. A full 57% are repeat Regent cruisers, which says alot about how guests perceive the value of a Regent cruise. While Regent has hosted past guests from 134 different countries, 92% of them have been from the U.S. and Canada, so it’s unlikely that there will be a language barrier between you and your fellow cruisers.

The Regent Seven Seas guest likes to dine and dine well, although they may not consider themselves “foodies.” Regent’s celebrated chefs create gourmet cuisine with fresh local produce and the finest international ingredients. Meals are accompanied by exceptional wines and impeccable service, which are all included. Regent’s all-inclusive dining is a value that luxury travelers appreciate. Best of all, on Regent you can dine when and with whom you like in the open seating restaurants. The Maitre D’ will seat you at a romantic table for two or a larger table of like-minded cruisers as you wish.

The best cruise experiences happen when the ship’s amenities and style jive with the traveler’s expectations. Regent Seven Seas offers incomparable service in a setting of casual luxury. If you are a luxury traveler who would enjoy the exceptional value of an all-inclusive cruise experience on Regent Seven Seas, contact Covington Travel to find out about the fabulous itineraries available this year.

Segway Austin with SegCity Tours

SegCity offers a lunchtime cruise to Austin’s ubiquitous food trucks, a night tour of the city’s diverse nightlife venues, a ride to see the famous bat fly-out phenomenon and a cultural tour of the University of Texas campus. We decided on the two and a half hour Ultimate City Tour on our first full day in Austin to get a good overview of the city and its history. Travel Maestro tip: a short sightseeing tour of any city allows you to get your bearings, see the major sights and learn some of the back stories from a knowledgeable guide so you can make informed choices of where to explore in more depth on the rest of your visit. We were extremely fortunate to have Halima as a guide, but more about her later.

Riding a Segway can feel a bit daunting at first but it’s extremely intuitive almost immediately. Basically if you can stand without assistance, you can ride a Segway. When we arrived at the SegCity office, we chose helmets and did training right in the store. My friends were first-timers, but I had taken a Segway tour in Richmond, VA before, so I volunteered to go first. OK, I wanted to show off just a little! Halima worked with us individually to teach us how to simply shift your weight forward to travel and use the handlebars like a joystick to do a figure eight around two orange cones. Segways have a zero degree turning radius, so you can do a pirouette in place without using any extra real estate. In no time we each mastered the feel and we were ready to cruise!

Off we went through the sidewalks and streets of the city to see the sights, with Halima stopping to share stories and history along the way. The lovely city skyline is full of dramatic and quirky architecture from the soaring Frost Bank Tower to the City Hall that is shaped like an armadillo. Halima guided us along the walk of fame honoring Austin’s famous musical sons and daughters and past attractive public art of guitar sculptures and bronze statues. We cruised by O. Henry’s home, the historic Paramount Theater, the haunted Driskill Hotel and the impressive Capitol building. Halima wore many hats during the tour: Guide extraordinaire giving excellent narration throughout the tour; Crossing guard keeping us safe as we navigated the city; Inspirational coach proclaiming us “Segsational” riders!

Halima was Segway guide extraordinaire!

Halima was an excellent ambassador and sightseeing in Austin by Segway was grand fun. We kept ridiculous smiles plastered on our faces and everywhere we rode, pedestrians would wave and say, “I’ve always wanted to do that!” SegCity was awarded “Best Tour in Austin” and I can wholeheartedly recommend them. 

To plan your own trip to Austin or other girlfriend getaways, contact the experienced vacation advisors at Covington Travel.

Who can resist Gellato?

In 2008, Celebrity introduced a new class of ship – the Solstice Class – with unique dining and lifestyle venues that were very well received. Shortly after that introduction, in 2010 the Constellation began her “Solstication” by being the first Millennium Class ship to get some of the most popular venues on the Solstice Class ships, including Tuscan Grille, Bistro on Five, Café al Bacio and Gelateria, and Cellar Masters wine bar. This year, the Celebrity Constellation revitalization was completed with even more fabulous additions and on May 6, 2013 she emerged completely refreshed.

Celebrity Constellation Revitalization

Travel Maestro tip: Upgrade to a balcony. You won’t be sorry!

The list of enhancements made to the Constellation is impressive. Celebrity added 66 staterooms to the ship, bringing the total to 1,085. They also added verandas to the existing eight Celebrity suites – who doesn’t love breakfast on the veranda? To really raise the bar, Reverie Mattresses were added to all suites and staterooms. These mattresses are so popular, Celebrity even sells them! Travel Maestro tip: Until July 1, 2013 purchase one of these dreamy mattresses and get an adjustable foundation free with coupon code 2FOR1.

The AquaSpa® Persian Garden is a tranquil haven.

If you are a true lover of all things spa, the 107 AquaClass® staterooms were enhanced just for you. These spa-inspired rooms are a tranquil retreat with unlimited access to the AquaSpa® Persian Gardens and priority seating at Blu, the chic and healthy “clean cuisine” restaurant. An acupuncture room was added to the spa area and the AquaSpa® changing rooms enjoyed a fresh décor, too.

The new color scheme of Ocean Liners gives it an understated elegance.

Throughout the Constellation, new color schemes, carpeting and upholstery reflect the Solstice Class modern style and ambiance. Upgraded public spaces include the Lido, main dining room, casino, photo gallery, Ocean Liners and Michael’s Club. In addition to updated décor, the Michael’s Club menu now includes 64 international craft beers and daily homemade snacks, making it the perfect place to relax with friends.

The iLounge is a hot spot to play, learn and shop, but the entire ship is Wi-Fi enabled.

Another favorite Solstice Class venue that guest can now enjoy on the Constellation is the innovative Celebrity iLounge, complete with computer stations, instructional classes and Apple products for sale. The Constellation also now has enhanced Wi-Fi capability throughout the ship, so you can share vacation pictures with your social networks anywhere and anytime. The kids will also enjoy upgraded e-toys with Xbox 360 and Kinect in the Fun Factory youth and X-Club teen venue, so remind them what time to meet you for dinner on a day at sea!

The cinema was replaced by a new meeting room and existing meeting rooms were reconfigured to accommodate parties of up to 208 – private wedding reception, maybe? New sun loungers on the pool deck round out the Celebrity Constellation revitalization.

After her refit, Celebrity Constellation will sail12-day European itineraries through the summer, then 4- and 5-day Bahamas and Caribbean cruises for the 2013-14 winter. For itineraries and rates, please contact the Master Cruise Counselors at Covington Travel.

Photo credit: Celebrity Cruises

How to Apply for a Passport

1. Complete Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport. Use this form if you have never had a passport before, your last passport was lost or stolen, or if it was issued more than 15 years ago. Children under age 16 also use Form DS-11. You can complete it online or by hand. Travel Maestro tip: Complete everything except the signature. You must sign the form in the presence of a passport official. If you are renewing your passport, you may be apple to renew by mail by using Form DS-82: Passport by Mail. Travel Maestro tip: Use a traceable mailing like USPS Priority Mail that can deliver to a P.O. Box. Do sign and date a renew by mail application.
2. Submit Form DS-11 in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility. These are usually post offices, clerks of court or libraries, but they vary in each community and do change periodically, so check the list. Travel Maestro tip: Parents can’t apply for their children. Minors are required to appear in person.
3. Submit Evidence of U.S. Citizenship. A state or Consular-issued birth certificate, naturalization certificate or an expired passport are acceptable. Your original documents will be submitted with the passport application and returned to you with the new passport. Travel Maestro tip: A hospital-issued birth certificate is not acceptable. It must have the registrar’s raised or embossed seal and as of April 1, 2011, must include the full names of the applicant’s parents.
4. Present Identification at the time of application. A valid driver’s license, current military or government ID, naturalization certificate or previous passport are acceptable. Travel Maestro tip: If you present out-of-state ID, i.e., apply in Maryland with a Virginia driver’s license, you must show additional ID.
5. Submit a photocopy of identification documents in step 4. Travel Maestro tip: Photocopies must be on white 8 ½”x11” paper – not larger or smaller. ID images can be enlarged, but not reduced.
6. Pay the application fee. Passport fees are currently $110 for adults and $80 for minors under 16. If you are applying in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility there is an additional $25 execution fee per application paid separately. If you are renewing by mail, the execution fee does not apply. Expedited service costs an additional $60 per passport. Fee for other special services such as file search, name changes or additional pages vary. Travel Maestro tip: We strongly recommend paying an additional $12.85 per application for overnight return delivery service of the new passport. Prepaid return mailing envelopes are not accepted.
7. Provide one passport photo. The photo requirements are very specific. It must be a full-face view color photo with a white background. The photo size must be 2”x2” with the head measuring 1”-1 ¾” from top of head to bottom of chin. No hats, headphones, sunglass or uniforms are allowed. If you normally wear glasses, they should be in the photo, but can’t reflect a glare. Travel Maestro tip: Avoid wearing white, especially infants, for a better image on the white background.

Processing time depends on the number of applicants at any given time. At press time it is taking 4-6 weeks for routine processing and 2-3 weeks for expedited service. If you need a passport faster, Covington Travel partners with an excellent document processing service that can expedite passport applications in as little as 24 hours. Fees for third party expeditions vary widely, depending on services required.

For more information on how to apply for a passport or expedition services, please contact Covington Travel.

Virtually all organizations make use of meetings or events of some form, so this is a significant area in which companies can introduce or further develop sustainability standards in their corporate practices. Now a set of nine formal, yet voluntary “sector” standards have been developed to define measurable sustainability specifications for planning and managing events. These sustainability standards can be applied when planning or supplying goods and services to nearly any meeting or event from a small social event to a city-wide convention.

Sustainability Standards Categories

The nine sectors of event planning include:

• Destination selection
• Accommodations
• Food and beverage
• Audio visual
• Onsite offices
• Communication and marketing material
• Transportation
• Exhibits
• Venues

Each sector is broken down into eight impact areas:

• Staff management and environmental policy
• Communications
• Waste management
• Energy
• Air quality
• Water
• Procurement
• Community partners

Four progressive levels of achievement are defined in each category, which offers organizations a path for continued engagement and improvement. The sustainability standards are modular in nature, so planners use the ones that apply to a specific meeting.

Over 300 professionals from the collective conventions, meetings and events industry in partnership with the American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM) contributed to the creation of these sustainability standards.

Let Covington Meetings & Events help you measure and improve the level of sustainability of your next meeting or event.

Los Cabos Activities 

Los Cabos is considered one of the world’s top sport fishing destinations. The Pacific Ocean to the west and the Sea of Cortez to the east boast over 800 species of fish. Marlin, sailfish, dorado, wahoo, tuna and yellowtail are some of the favorites of anglers. Charter boats are plentiful and most are moored at the Cabo San Lucas Marina. They range from two- to three-person uncovered pangas to full board cruisers for six or more fishermen. Catch-and-release is popular – and mandatory for the endangered marlin – but if you want to eat your catch for dinner, several restaurants will cook it up for you.

Sunrise at the Cabo San Lucas Marina

Another major aquatic draw to Los Cabos is whale watching. Gray whales arrive each winter from their Arctic feeding grounds to breed and winter in warmer waters. From mid-December to March –with a peak in February – Los Cabos has some of the best whale watching in the world. Many boat tour options are available or you can even see whales spouting from high land perches.

Activities in Los Cabos are nearly endless. You can see the gorgeous sunsets over the iconic El Archo rock at Land’s End from a romantic dinner cruise or a boisterous party cruise. Swim with dolphins, zip line over canyons or take a camel safari in the desert. Go off-road by ATV or mountain bike, get an aerial view while hang gliding or parasailing, and tee it up at breath-taking golf courses. Of course, swimming, surfing and kayaking are perennial favorites. With activities to please everyone, Los Cabos is a popular destination for business meetings and group incentive trips, as well as individual vacations. 

Where to stay in Los Cabos

Where to stay in Los Cabos really depends on your interests. Cabo San Lucas is party central with many restaurants, lively bars and nightclubs that stay open until the last patrons leave. Shoppers can find everything from fine leather and silver to cheap souvenir trinkets. At the Marina, touts sell tours and restauranteurs hawk their menu to every passerby, giving it a carnival-like atmosphere. It’s even more frenetic when cruise lines call on Cabo San Lucas, shuttling masses of people to the marina via tenders.

The Art District of San Jose del Cabo is full of interesting galleries and boutique shops.

At the other end of the Corridor, San Jose del Cabo is a quieter town with a more historic Mexican feel. A mission church dating to the early 1700s faces a pleasant central plaza which anchors a four-block Arts District. On Thursday nights, dozens of galleries bring their art outside for the weekly Art Walk where it’s fashionable to enjoy a glass of wine, stroll, view and shop. Several fine dining restaurants are also in the heart of the old town.

Los Cabos Beaches

A couple fine beaches are near Cabo San Lucas. Playa Mendano is a long wide beach within walking distance of the marina with a perfect view of Land’s End. It’s the party beach with restaurants serving tables right on the sand, every kind of water toy for rent and calm water for family-friendly swimming. Or you can take an inexpensive water taxi to Lover’s Beach for a quieter, more romantic beach carved out between the cliffs of Land’s End. There are no services there at all, so plan to take what you’ll need.

Romantic Lover’s Beach

Large resorts have sprung up along the long stretches of white sand and secluded coves of blue water along the Tourist Corridor.  Santa Maria and Chileno beaches are good for snorkeling, diving and kayaking, but transportation is required to get there. At many beaches, especially on the Pacific side, dangerous undertow makes it unsafe for swimming, so always check before jumping in.

Favorite day trips from Los Cabos include the charming artist colony of Todos Santos (about an hour away) and the beaches of La Paz (about two hours drive). A drive along the dirt roads of the East Cape gives visitors a taste of what Baja California Sur was like before the boom of development.

From active adventure to romantic sunsets, party city to magical villages, Los Cabos truly has something for everyone. To find out more about planning a vacation or incentive trip to Los Cabos, contact Covington Travel.

On the advice of Fredy, an adorable local surfer we met, we decided to make our way to the beaches of La Paz, about two hours north of Cabo San Lucas on the Sea of Cortez, aka Gulf of California. Travel Maestro tip: Car rental is very inexpensive, although insurance is mandatory in Mexico. The view was incredibly dramatic as we drove north along the Pacific coast. The early fog hung low in a massive cloud bank over the water. As the day warmed, the fog dissipated to reveal simply stunning vistas to the left of azure water meeting cerulean sky. To the right were endless expanses of wild desert and the looming Sierra de la Laguna and I kept thinking about how challenging this trip would have been on horseback. The drive was very easy on a new paved highway, but we were warned repeatedly by people we met to be careful of cows. We thought this was rather funny, but soon found out cows are a valid road hazard. Apparently cows wander wherever they wish.

We left the Pacific coast and continued north across the peninsula to La Paz, the capital of the state of Baja California Sur (south). There, along the shore of the Sea of Cortez, is a lovely malecon (seaside walkway) studded with public art and lined with plenty of restaurants. It was perfect for a long stroll or a quick bite, but we were in quest of the quiet beaches further north, so we didn’t linger.

the Malecon in La Paz is a signature landmark of the fishing village turned capital city. Photo credit ventanasalapaz.com

Fredy had told us “Just when you think you’ve missed the beaches, go a little further.” We drove about 15 minutes past the city before the string of picturesque beaches began, but on Fredy’s recommendation, we headed to the last two – Playa Balandra and El Ticolote. Travel Maestro tip:  Wherever your travels take you, strike up a conversation with a resident to find off the beaten path favorites for beaches, restaurants and local culture.

The palapas along Playa Balandra were perfect.

Balandra is a huge horseshoe bay, ringed in volcanic rocks and cliffs. There is a long crescent of sugary beach with a dozen or so permanent palapas (umbrellas) overlooking sparkling, electric blue water. The most amazing thing was that you could wade hundreds of yards out and not get more than thigh-deep. During low tide you can literally walk across the entire bay. The water was ridiculously clear. I was completely entranced by the beautiful rippled patterns drawn in the soft sand floor by the gentle water currents and the way the sun bounced little stars off the water’s surface like a tiny celestial firmament. 

The sun sparkled on the crystal clear water.

A beautiful arch and a unique mushroom rock formation have been erroded by wind and water. Rock overhangs provide shady spots next to the water’s edge. There are no facilities or services here, so you’ll want to take your own food, drink and snorkel gear, but there is usually a taco truck and kayaks for rent. With shallow water and no waves, Balandra is perfect for families and popular with locals but if you visit on a weekday you may have very few beach companions. Travel Maestro tip: Remember to do the “stingray shuffle” in the water to avoid a nasty sting and leave by sunset when killer mosquitoes come out, but if you are near La Paz, do not miss this incredible beach!

You could walk all the way to the arch at the mouth of the bay.

Just a mile away by road is Playa El Tecolote, another family-oriented beach. This one has a couple restaurants and bars right on the beach with roped off swimming areas. Motorized water sports like jet skis and banana boats are available for rent. We settled in comfortably on the beach chaises at Palapa Azul for a late afternoon cervesa with a gorgeous view of uninhabited Isla Espiritu Santo and the Sea of Cortez.

Palapa Azul beach bar at El Tecolote

Jacques Cousteau called the Sea of Cortez “the aquarium of the world” because of its incredible array of marine life. Espiritu Santo is a protected biosphere under UNESCO and offers amazing eco-adventure. The island is fringed with unspoiled, white-sand beaches and costal grottos that make Espiritu Santo a top kayak destination. Beach camping is allowed for a miniscule fee (bring your own everything) or boat tours offer full day adventures from Tecolote. Visitors can see dolphins and whales, snorkel colorful reefs and even swim with sea lions or whale sharks.  Sadly, we didn’t have time for this eco-adventure of a lifetime, but I’m telling you about it so you don’t make the same mistake. We will be sure to make the trip to Espiritu Santo when we return to Baja – and we will return!

Isla Espiritu Santo is home to a wealth of species. Image courtesy of Loreto blog.

If you want to experience the wildlife and beach life of Baja California Sur and the Sea of Cortez, please contact the vacation advisors at Covington Travel for help planning your trip.

The colors of Baja California were the first thing that drew me in. Dusty browns of the desert are dramatically juxtaposed against liquid blues of the sea. The water changes from aquamarine to azure to sapphire as the depth increases. On land, as far as the eye can see giant green saguaro cactus, bluish agave and tangles of grey brambles spring from the dry desert floor. The dark barren rocks of the rugged Sierra de la Laguna jut upward to meet the cerulean sky punctuated only by the occasional fluffy white cloud. Within this wilderness landscape that is Baja California, nature explodes and amazes me at every turn.

While water sports such as boating, fishing, sunning and surfing are all popular in the tourist corridor of Los Cabos at the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula, I was enthralled by the desert. One of our first excursions out of the city was to take a guided desert tour and camel ride. Camels aren’t indigenous to Baja and I didn’t even know camels lived there, so I was a bit concerned about 1) this being a hokey tourist excursion and 2) the well-being/exploitation of the camels. It turned out to be a marvelous day trip where all my fears were laid to rest and I learned so much about Baja nature.

Todd and I took a bus about 30 minutes from Cabo San Lucas to Rancho San Cristobal where we piled into a desert jeep with eight others. Our guide, Chicas, was a proud and knowledgeable representative of his home and country, sharing stories and desert information on the bouncy ride until we reached a huge expanse of deserted beach. There was a covered area for the camels, but several also roamed free nearby in the desert scrub. Apparently they are well fed and cared for so they come back on their own when they feel like it. We suited up (helmets are disguised by flowing head wraps) and saddled up two-by-two with a camel handler leading each dromedary through the desert and along the beach. The wide beach on the private ranch land has been a sea turtle preserve since 1990. The ride was quite comfortable and the view was spectacular from about 10 feet up!

After the ride, we took a walk into the desert with Chicas pointing out desert flora and fauna. We saw a jack rabbit, several different birds and even a rattle snake! More creatures than I thought live in what appears to be an arid wasteland. Many of the cactus were just beginning to flower and we posed by an ancient saguaro. I found a new appreciation for the ecosystem and beauty of the desert.

After the desert hike, we piled back into the jeep and went to an outdoor kitchen where a lovely Mexican lady prepared the most mouthwatering lunch of chocolate mole chicken and beef chili. I learned how to make corn tortillas from scratch. If I can do as well at home, I’ll never buy another tortilla from the grocery! Chicas conducted a tequila tasting where we learned the differences between blanco, gold which is aged in oak, and Mezcal. I preferred the white tequila, while Todd liked the Mezcal and found out that with good pure tequila, no lime and salt are needed. 

One more ride through the desert (the tequila came with us!) took us to the gates of the ranch. The day really didn’t have a touristy feel, especially with such a small group, and Chicas taught us a lot about the land, history, customs and culture of this part of Mexico. I can highly recommend a Baja camel and desert safari for a day excursion away from the touristic crowds and shopping of Cabo. It was a bit romantic for couples, exciting for kids and educational for all! 

To find out more about a Baja California as a vacation, meeting or incentive destination, please contact Covington Travel.

Champagne Caviar Splash is an exclusive treat.

SeaDream operates two identical luxury mega-yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II. The ambiance is casual perfection, cloaked in style and quality. Each yacht carries a maximum of 112 guests and a staff of 95 to attend to their every desire. With almost one staff for every guest, the attention to detail is phenomenal. With spacious decks to stroll and intimate spaces to lounge, it feels like your own private yacht.

Executive chef Sudesh Kishore prepares only the freshest ingredients.

Of course, on your own private yacht, expertly planned menus with creative cuisine made from the freshest local ingredients would be prepared by an executive chef extraordinaire – and that’s exactly what you get on SeaDream. From Sunriser’s breakfast to poolside sandwiches to evening cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to le Menu de Degustation, the 5-star cuisine aboard SeaDream is fit for the most sophisticated tastes. But even with meals at the highest levels of quality and service, the atmosphere is all casual luxury and no ties are expected.

The retractable marina hold all kinds of fun water sports.

The yachting lifestyle also requires the proper water toys and SeaDream has them all, accessible from the onboard retractable marina! Water ski, ride the banana boat or go tubing for a splash; snorkel, swim or try the SUP (stand up paddleboard) and not make a ripple. Marina staff will assist you in taking out a glass bottom boat, Laser sailboats or jet skis (where legal to operate) right from the onboard water sports marina. SeaDream’s water toys and marina are yet another way yachting differs from larger ship cruising.

Take a bike ashore to explore.

To top off the exclusive atmosphere of SeaDream, you don’t have to pay a tab for every meal, drink or activity. Yachting with SeaDream includes all gourmet meals, 24-hour room service, wine with lunch and dinner, open bar and very importantly, gratuities. You are invited to tag along with the crew on shore-side casual activities like shopping with the chef, mountain biking, hiking or kayaking with no excursion fees. Laptop computers and binoculars are available to use on board and the library has an extensive collection of books, music CDs and DVD movies. Movies are shown in the Main Salon or under the stars and a small but well-equipped fitness center is at your disposal.

Welcome aboard your yacht, Sir!

So next time the Joneses brag about their latest cruise, you can oh-so-casually mention that you’ll be yachting the Costa del Sol this summer – or maybe the Greek Isles. It will depend on whether you’re in the mood for paella or moussaka. Or maybe you’ll just knock around the Virgin Islands for a while in the winter and watch the other yachts come and go while you soak up the sun. Whatever your choice, you know you’ll be splendidly spoiled and the Joneses will be jealous. After all, this is yachting, not cruising. 

To find out more about SeaDream Yacht Club itineraries, contact the cruise advisors at Covington Travel.

Los Cabos, which means “the capes,” is the southern tip of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur (BCS). It’s a peninsula surrounded by the Sea of Cortéz, aka the Gulf of California to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Most of the interior of Los Cabos remains an untamed and seemingly inhospitable desert, but 18th-century Jesuits developed a string of missions that became centers of community along the Baja Peninsula. The Nuestra Senora de Pilar de la Paz mission was founded in 1723 in what became charming Todos Santos.

The Nuestra Senora de Pilar de la Paz mission in Todos Santos

The old mission town has become somewhat of a magnet to surfers, artists and New Age thinking – although it remains only 5,000 residents. The unique vibe of Todos Santos is a mixture of old world charm and eclectic artistry. Over a dozen art galleries in this sleepy little town offer art for sale and many public buildings have fun and creative art on display just to enjoy.

Fun art is all around town!

The restaurant quality almost seems disproportionate to the size of this little town, but that’s another of its unique features. One of the best – Travel + Leisure even said so –  is Café Santa Fé which serves up authentic Italian flavors in a 150+ year old building.  Caffé Todos Santos is a breakfast favorite and the place to be if you hope to run into local artists. They bake fabulous breads onsite and serve with omelets, fruit and traditional Mexican breakfast favorites. You can also dine in a gallery among the art at the Galeria de Todos Santos.

No language barrier in the courtyard of Hotel California!

Another funky landmark in Todos Santos is the Hotel California (of Eagles fame). There is some debate as to whether the small hotel is the hotel, but it is definitely worth a visit. Its 11 rooms are individually and imaginatively decorated and it has a very nice shop – really more of a bazaar – filled with interesting trinkets. There is an intimate bar and a shady courtyard for al fresco dining. The kitchen turns out dynamite renditions of Mexican staples like fish tacos and quesadillas, along with creative and exotic dishes that focus on organic, locally raised ingredients.

The alter inside the mission

The main plaza of Todos Santos is the centrum of the historic district, flanked by the mission church (c. 1747) and the restored Teatro Márquez de Leon theater where many cultural events are held. Throughout the town, independent boutique shops sell local arts and crafts, tequila, leather goods, ceramic pottery and woven blankets.

There are about a half dozen beaches in the Todos Santos vicinity. Some are popular with surfers for their strong surf breaks; others are favorites for sunning, strolling or surf fishing. None of the beaches have life guards or services and the waves can be hazardous, so be careful. The beaches are isolated and beautiful. You might see sea lion rookeries, dolphins or whales (winter), and no other footprints but your own.

In Baja they say, “Nothing bad ever happens in Todos Santos.” This really refers to the village’s uncanny hurricane luck, but it seems to be true in other respects. It’s an easy 45-minute drive from the tourist center of Cabo San Lucas on a new four lane highway, but a world away in pace and vibe. Go there for a day, a weekend or even longer, but don’t miss this gem of Los Cabos.

For questions or help planning a trip to Los Cabos, please contact the experienced vacation advisors at Covington Travel.