When a destination has high-end resorts and a busy cruise ship port, it’s a safe bet that shopping opportunities will abound. This is definitely the case with Los Cabos.
No one would ever describe me as being a shopaholic but, during my visits to Los Cabos, I quickly got into the swing of things, tempted by the local arts and crafts and various shops selling Cuban cigars.
This is, at least, in part due to the ease and pleasure in navigating the stores surrounding the main marina and dotting the plazas of Cabo San Lucas. Here, your clients will find upscale boutiques jostling al fresco souvenir stands, all within walking distance of each other. I advise breaking up a shopping expedition with a leisurely lunch of fish tacos and a couple of icy Pacificos at one of the marina restaurants.
A large selection of Mexican arts and crafts can be found at Antigua Los Cabos, where clients can browse among hand-embroidered linens, leather goods, ceramics, wood carvings and Pre-Columbian reproductions that have been produced and certified by the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City.
As clients stroll along, they’ll also see numerous cigar shops. Two of the best sellers are J&J Habanos, which bills itself as having the biggest walk-in humidor in Mexico, and Fidel’s Cigar Shop, of which there is one in Cabo San Lucas and two in San Jose del Cabo. Both sellers have Cuban cigars for sale but make sure to advise that clients smoke them in Mexico — it’s still against the law to bring them into the U.S.
Clients will also find a mind-numbing 260 types of tequila at Los Barriles de Cuervo, where they can also enjoy free tequila tastings daily with 52 tequilas to choose from.
If clients are looking for something to wear during your trip, they should make tracks for Animale, located near the main entrance inside Cabo’s Puerto Paraiso Mall. This upscale boutique sells original designs inspired by the sea, including 100-percent crinkle-free cotton clothing, ideal for travel. Chicas Sin Limites boutique specializes in beachwear, including custom-made bathing suits available within 24 hours. For silver jewelry and aquamarine gemstones, clients should head to Artesanias Diana. The shop also has a fine selection of stained glass items, leather goods, ceramics, hand painted plates and talavera from Puebla.
The Shoppes At Palmilla is a high end shopping center outside of Cabo San Lucas on the Transpeninsular Highway at the Palmilla Resort off ramp. Internationally recognized brand-name designers with retail outlets here include Piaget, Harry Winston, Pineda Covalin, Chopard, Tommy Bahama and Emilia Castillo. Top-quality men and women’s fashions, jewelry, antiques, furniture and fine arts and crafts can also be found here.
Cabo San Lucas is so tourist-friendly that a visitor may sometimes wonder what side of the border they’re actually on. When a hit of authentic Mexico is needed, it’s time to head to nearby San Jose del Cabo, where they’ll find a more traditional Mexican ambience. San Jose del Cabo is about 18 miles east of Cabo San Lucas. The town is an especially good choice for those in search of Mexican antiques, rustic furniture and high-end arts and crafts. Many of the top shops selling hand-blown glass, ceramics, furniture, artwork and cigars are in the area around the main square. Behind the main square is the San Jose del Cabo Arts District, where numerous galleries sell work by Mexican and international artists.
Chicas Sin Limites
www.chicassinlimites.com
Fidel’s Cigar Shop
www.fidelscigarshop.com
J&J Habanos
www.jnjhabanos.com
Puerto Paraiso Mall
www.puertoparaiso.com
