We’ve been to Cabo before and already knew that it had world class hotels and restaurants. It’s why we chose it for the Executive Educational Summit that we hosted last week. But this visit exceeded all of our already high expectations.
We stayed at the Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos Golf & Spa Resort on the southeastern coast of the Baja Peninsula. Management had arranged for a hotel tour which set a very high standard for all hotel tours going forward. We viewed standard rooms and suites and an amazing Imperial Presidential Suite, which was a free standing villa with a private pool – all beautiful. The surprise came when we visited the ballroom where the banquet manager had set up six stations each demonstrating a different themed party including sample h’orderves, entrees, and beverages. They also showed how they integrate an individual company’s brand and culture into the event through promotional items and logo identity. The tour ended with a proud introduction to Mexican wine as the group gathered around the fire pit overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Over and over again, the hotel management demonstrated their commitment to service. The General Manager not only provided an introduction at the Summit conference event but stayed throughout the meetings to share his own experiences in employee engagement. And later when a member of our group ordered a cocktail that wasn’t “on the menu,” the staff took it upon themselves to search out the ingredients and the recipe and deliver the requested beverage to the guest. It was clear that this wasn’t “special” treatment but something they do for anyone who visits their hotel.
Off-site, summit attendees were treated to some free time in Old San Jose along with sampling of restaurants available in that town. They experienced amazing snorkeling at the famous Cabo San Lucas arch, enjoyed walking on the beach and seeing the seals who gather along the shore. Of course, a highlight of any trip to Cabo is a fishing excursion in waters that among the best in the world. And today was no exception as they enjoyed the trill of catching a blue marlin.
Fiesta Americana put an exclamation point on the Summit with an extraordinary event on the last evening. Aptly titled, “Barefoot Elegance,” our guests were treated to a unique treat. After checking our shoes at the door and crushing some grapes with our own feet (think Lucy Ricardo!) we settled into easy lounge chairs and succumbed to foot and leg massages by spa therapists. The combination of the crushed grapes, special grape oil from France and aromatherapy collars relieved any stress that may have crept in during the day. We enjoyed some wonderful Mexican wine pared with gourmet h’orderves served on individual spoons (very elegant!) After a delicious 4-course dinner on the beach we finished the evening with after dinner cocktails, dessert and entertainment at the fire pit.
Cabo San Lucas provided the perfect setting for an exchange of ideas, the sharing of experiences and the creation of lasting memories for the Summit attendees.