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The Cape of California

The Baja peninsula is capped on its southern tip by the state of Baja California Sur, a 28,369-square-mile territory with a population of slightly over a half-million people. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez and blessed with delightfully tropical weather, Baja California Sur—also known as the Cape Region—remains refreshingly down-to-earth in character even as it undergoes ever-increasing development. Blending mountain, desert, and ocean with funky towns and urban centers, Baja Sur offers diversity in an atmosphere of ease.

WorldMark Coral Baja: Self-contained contentment

Your WorldMark® resort in Los Cabos is situated approximately two miles south of the city of San José del Cabo and about 18 miles northeast of Cabo San Lucas. Three, five-story buildings (two facing the beach, one compensating for the lack of a water view with private spas on each balcony) offer a total of 136 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units, including deluxe two- and three-bedroom penthouses. Without a doubt the most commanding feature of the resort is the gigantic, cross-shaped pool that boasts a swim-up bar and a shallow tanning pool. Two enticingly bubbly outdoor spas fill out the complement of water features. For drier activities a tennis court, shuffleboard court, putting green and exercise facility with treadmills, stationary bicycles, free weights and a universal machine are also available on the resort grounds. Mama Mia is the on-premises restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; and the onsite convenience shop and liquor store caters to last-minute needs and late-night cravings. Your WorldMark activities coordinator can help shape your day at the resort with a full schedule of daily programs, as well as advise you on day trips and excursions beyond the grounds.

 

And here’s where the dilemma begins: WorldMark Coral Baja is such a delightfully complete and compact little Baja Eden, leaving can seem silly. Feeling a bit famished? Point those flip-flops toward Mama Mia for fresh grilled fish and seafood, chicken, steaks and traditional Mexican fare. Need a little retail therapy? Stroll to the beach—off-limits for swimming due to a strong undertow—where vendors show up daily on the other side of the rope boundary to sell bags, belts, shawls, serapes, t-shirts, turquoise and silver jewelry and even horseback rides. Time for a cocktail? Walk—or swim—to one of your friendly poolside bartenders.

You could easily spend an entire week without leaving the WorldMark Coral Baja grounds and still find things to do. But for a more complete Mexican vacation experience, put on your traveling shoes and venture out to the following quartet of towns. Each is unique in its own way, and at least one is likely to suit your personality perfectly.

San José del Cabo: Tradition and history

For a real taste of old Mexico you need only head two miles northwest to San José del Cabo (The route—Highway 1 to Paseo San José to Boulevard Mijares—is a pleasant hike for recreational walkers). The charming city has remained postcard-pretty and will satisfy any shutterbug longing to bring back vacation photos that are reassuringly folkloric. The centrally located Plaza Mijares is decorated with fountains, arches, and gazebos and is set among adobe buildings tinted in Easter-egg hues and crowned in terracotta. Wonderfully ornate tile work in brilliant cobalt and burnt orange adorns facades and walls, and elaborate hand-carved woodwork pops up throughout the town’s distinctive boutiques, enticing galleries and handy bodegas.

This is the place to grab a bite and a beverage at an open air restaurant and simply absorb the atmosphere. Ponder the history that has roamed the halls of the Palacio Municipal, the circa-1830s city hall topped with wrought iron balconies and a clock tower, and embellished with interior murals depicting the city’s past. Examine the efforts of the Spanish Jesuits of the 1730s as represented by the Misión San José del Cabo, a somber replica of the original mission church that sports a dramatic mosaic above the front threshold depicting the indigenous uprising against Padre Nicolás Tamaral. Or just close your eyes and surrender your senses to the luscious aromas wafting from the taquerias, the melodies filtering through open shop doors and apartment windows, and the skin-caressing sunshine.

Cabo San Lucas: The wet and the wild

A decidedly opposite vibe dwells 20 miles east along the Highway 1 corridor in thrilling Cabo San Lucas. This is where growth has truly had its day in Baja Sur, and Cabo San Lucas is as contemporary as San José del Cabo is rustic. The city has a richly deserved reputation as a party town, and you couldn’t find a better place for giving in to a certain amount of vacation self-indulgence.

For cocktails with atmosphere, try one of the dozens of bars and clubs: Cabo Wabo Cantina is a rock n’ roll shrine owned by and devoted to ex-Van Halen front man Sammy Haggar; and Passion Club & Lounge is Cabo’s hottest upscale nightclub.

If you prefer to get your ya-ya’s out on the open water, Marina Cabo San Lucas is your destination. The 380-slip marina is ringed by a malecón (waterfront promenade) which meanders from fishing docks on the south end to swimming beaches further north. All things aquatic can be arranged here: big-game sport fishing (Cabo has been dubbed the “Marlin Capital of the World”) in day-long charter boat expeditions; whale watching during the January-to-March peak season; sea-kayaking to the famed Arches rock formation and Lovers Beach, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean; and scuba diving day-trips to Cabo Pulmo and Gordo Banks. Or just stroll over to the outstanding beach of Playa del Médano for a day of swimming in clear and calm waters, basking on golden sand, and staying fed and watered courtesy of conveniently placed beach bars.

Todos Santos: Arts, crafts and legendary lodging

If you long for the artistic experience, head north for 47 miles from Cabo San Lucas along Highway 19 to Todos Santos. This small coastal town positioned at the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains was the sugarcane capital of the peninsula in the 19th century; it morphed into an artists’ colony when creatives from Cabo San Lucas tired of that town’s growth and headed north in the 1980s.

Appropriately, this little village has a thriving and captivating art scene, and the galleries, artisan shops, and craft boutiques make it worthy of a daytrip. The “downtown” area is situated on an easily navigable grid and you can comfortably walk to the gallery, restaurant, or shop of your choice. Todos Santos’ (arguably) most famous landmark is actually an artifact of the rock music world: the Hotel California. This modest but lovely two-story building sitting in the shadows of the town’s cathedral has long been rumored to have been the inspiration for the Eagles’ 1977 hit song of the same name. Though the claim has been deemed unfounded, just walk through the hotel’s darkly evocative lobby and lushly verdant courtyard and you’ll swear you can feel the “cool wind in your hair” and sense the “warm smell of colitas” (a desert flower).

La Paz: The culture club

Continue north out of Todos Santos along Highway 19 until it reconnects with the looping Highway 1 (about 96 miles total) and you’ll land in La Paz, the capital city of Baja California Sur. A free port and important regional commercial center, La Paz enjoys a progressive atmosphere thanks to the presence of its university and cultural center, but also maintains a vacation vibe due to a colossal waterfront area with multiple marinas offering all manner of water activities.

With a lively street life and plentiful restaurants, cafes, and shops, La Paz provides a delightful base camp for a day—or week—of investigation. Feed your intellectual appetite by touring the Museo Regional de Antropología e Historia, with its stunning exhibits covering pre-Columbian rock art, the native peoples and mission era of Baja and the Mexican-American War; the Teatro de La Ciudad, its entrance displaying an impressive sculptural tribute to the invasion of La Paz; and the Museo Comunitario de la Ballena, a whale and whale artifact museum.

A major source of leisure income in La Paz is generated from eco-tourism; 244 of the area’s islands and coves have been deemed UNESCO World Heritage Bio-Reserves, and the diving, snorkeling, and kayaking in these pristine sites is considered exemplary. Established Baja water fun such as sport fishing, whale watching, and simple beach bumming are also wildly popular and readily available along the recently reconstructed 3.5-mile malecón.

It’s this well-roundedness that leads many to consider La Paz the best city in Baja. Maybe so. But have fun deciding for yourself on your own laid-back voyage of Mexican discovery.

Author: Beáta Jachulski Baker

Nov. 6 - 13, 2010

Cabin starting at $483 per person*

Breathtaking waterfalls, enchanting beaches, lush rainforests and exciting nightlife are just a few of the attractions you may want to experience on this Caribbean cruise. Relax on the powder-soft sand of a quiet beach, swim with stingrays, visit local wildlife habitats or explore an ancient Mayan city on horseback. Whatever type of adventure beckons, you are sure to find it in the Western Caribbean.

The Carnival Liberty^® sails round trip from Miami, Fla., to Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; and Ocho Rios, Jamaica. During this 7-night cruise you’ll also enjoy two exciting days at sea to explore the ship and its amenities.

Reserve your cabin today — call WorldMark by Wyndham Travel at 1-800-953-5511

• Carnival reserves the right to re-instate the fuel supplement for all guests at up to $9 per person per day if the NYMEX oil price exceeds $70 per barrel.

*All rates are per person and based on double occupancy. Not included: Airfare, ground transportation, gratuities, excursion activities, incidental expenses and beverages not part of the regular menu. Most regular shipboard meals and entertainment are included. Passengers are responsible for all required travel documents, including but not limited to passports and/or travel visas. Minimum age requirements may apply to purchase. Subject to change and availability. Ships’ registry: Panama. Arranged by WorldMark by Wyndham Travel, 9805 Willows Rd NE, Redmond, WA 98052. WA UBI 601190827. CSR 2067820-50. Nevada Seller of Travel 2003-0307.

December 18-25, 2010
Cabins starting at $749 per person*

Sail away for the holidays! Enjoy some ‘me time’ this year while sailing to the sunny shores of Mexico, where the sand and surf will wash away the stress and warm up the season. A complimentary bottle of wine and a $50 onboard credit per cabin should help too!

The Norwegian Star^® sails round trip from Los Angeles, Calif., for Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. During this 7-night cruise, you’ll also enjoy three wonderful days at sea to explore the ship and its amenities.

Call WorldMark by Wyndham Travel at 1-800-953-5511 to reserve your cabin today.

• Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL) reserves the right to re-instate the fuel supplement for all guests should the price of light sweet crude oil according to the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index) increase above $65 per barrel. NCL may collect any fuel supplement charge in effect at the time of sailing, even if the cruise fare has been paid in full.

*All rates are per person and based on double occupancy. Not included: Transaction fee, airfare, ground transportation, gratuities, excursion activities, incidental expenses and beverages not part of the regular menu. Most regular shipboard meals and entertainment are included. Passengers are responsible for all required travel documents, including but not limited to passports and/or travel visas. Minimum age requirements may apply to purchase. Subject to change and availability. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas. Arranged by WorldMark by Wyndham Travel, 9805 Willows Rd NE, Redmond, WA 98052. WA UBI 601190827. CSR 2067820-50. Nevada Seller of Travel 2003-0307.

Oct. 20-27, 2010

7,000 credits per person, + $985.50 per person*

Spend a full week reveling in the Caribbean sun amid the splendors of one of Sandals’^® most sumptuous resorts—Sandals Grande Ocho Rios in Jamaica! Lush tropical gardens surround you, powdery white sand beaches beckon, and luxurious days stretch into even longer nights. Impeccable service, combined with top-notch amenities ensures that this all-inclusive stay will be a dream vacation.

Package Includes:
• 7 nights’ accommodations in deluxe, double-bedded rooms
• All meals, snacks and drinks (including premium liquor)
• Non-motorized water sports, including scuba
• Golf at the Sandals Golf & Country Club
• Daily activities and nightly entertainment
• Airport transfers
• All taxes and gratuities

Don’t wait – book your dream vacation today! Call WorldMark by Wyndham Travel at 1-800-953-5511.

*Per person based on double occupancy; 2 packages must be booked. Rooms are not available with 2 beds. Not included: Transaction fee, airfare, meals outside of the resort, excursion activities and incidental expenses. Travelers are responsible for all required travel documents, including but not limited to passports or travel visas. Minimum age requirements may apply. Subject to change and availability. Arranged by WorldMark by Wyndham Travel, 9805 Willows Rd NE, Redmond, WA 98052. WA UBI 601190827. CSR 2067820-50. Nevada Seller of Travel 2003-0307.

Capturing the Olympic Spirit
Mike and Jake Goudzwaard, WorldMark Owners, captured the Olympic spirit between Whistler and Vancouver during their nine days at the Olympics. “My son was going crazy, yelling and screaming. He ended up with a full shot of himself on the JumboTron…” Read the full story here

A Celebrity Encounter
Dan Uhm, WorldMark Owner, stayed at WorldMark, The Canadian and attended the Winter Olympic Games with four-time Olympian, Eric Flaim. As Eric’s guest, Dan was treated to Team USA Olympic Credentials allowing him inside access to Olympic celebrities and tickets to coveted and sold-out Olympic events! Read the full story here

Team WorldMark Earns a Gold
While teams from around the world competed in the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games, our very own WorldMark team pulled together to create a seamless Owner experience. With three resorts holding front row seats to the games, it’s no surprise that multiple WorldMark by Wyndham departments pulled together in preparation for this monumental occasion. Read the full story here

Olympics in Whistler – The Resort Manager’s Experience
Raquel Steeves, Resort Manager for both WorldMark Cascade Lodge and WorldMark Sundance, recounts her personal experience with the Olympics. From the planning phase to the actual events, life in the village and at the WorldMark resorts came alive with activity.
Read the full story here

Anticipation and Planning – A Staff Member’s Experience
Alyssa Moore, Assistant Editor of Destinations, started planning for this momentous occasion back in March of 2009. February 2010 finally arrived, providing her with an unforgettable Games experience. The journey from Seattle to Vancouver via Amtrak, joining wild hockey fans, discovering the joys of curling and visiting WorldMark, The Canadian, all became elements of her Olympic experience. Read the full story here

My Olympic Journey – Volunteering at the Games!
Jeremy Edwards, WorldMark Guest Service Agent in Whistler, became a Canadian for 17 days and truly lived the Olympic experience. Having the unique opportunity to volunteer for the Whistler Sliding Centre during the Games, Jeremy became a pro at shoveling snow and running up and down the track. Read his full story here

Living and Working in Whistler during the Olympic Games
The Village was packed, the WorldMark Whistler resorts were packed and Jonathan Van Drunen, WorldMark Guest Service Agent, had the unique experience of living and working in Whistler during the Games. Read his full story here