Los Cabos, Mexico

Cabo instantly became my favorite of all the cities I've visited in Mexico (that list currently consists of Cozymel, Costa Maya, Riviera Maya, and Puerto Vallarta, and will hopefully include Mexico City and San Miguel de Allenda in the near future).

I know it's easy to call it my favorite when I stay somewhere like Grand Velas Los Cabos, but there's just something about the vibe of Cabo that puts me in a complete state of relaxation and peace from the moment I step off the plane.

Los Cabos is the newest property in the all-inclusive Grand Velas collection in Mexico (also includes Grand Velas Riviera Maya and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit + Casa Velas and Velas Vallarta). The ocean views are incredible in every direction and I love that you get the mountain scenery added in, too.

Before I was introduced to Velas Resorts, I definitely wouldn't have put gourmet food and all-inclusive resort in the same sentence. With innovative dishes and world renowned chefs that are breaking barriers in the food space, this collection of resorts has definitely changed my perspective. And also makes it hard to consider vacationing at other properties in Mexico once you've experienced the quality of the food and the consistency amongst each of the properties in this luxurious collection. Every restaurant continues to exceed my expectations.

Each morning, we devoured a feast on the patio at Velas 10. (Note: Azul is the standard breakfast spot, but was closed for repairs due to slight hurricane damage the month before our trip.) Stunning views in every direction reign supreme over the heavy, humid air. The help yourself buffet meant we tried everything - a live omlet station, made to order smoothies and juices, fresh fruit, bacon, pancakes, eggs, cereals, and yogurts, just to name a few.

Breakfast at Velas 10 made for great base before our days filled with chardonnay and margaritas at the swim up bar in the adults-only pool. Note: you can't go wrong with a freshly made pineapple margarita from my favorite bartender, Jaime.

We enjoyed an amazing 10-course dinner at French restaurant, Cocina de Autor and an Italian feast at Lucca. Cocina de Autor was recently named among the best new restaurants for 2017 by CNN and lived up to the hype, plus the head chef is two star Michelin rated. At Lucca, the group favorites were Risotto Alla Crema di Parmigiano e Tartufo Nero (Cream of Parmigiano Reggiano Risotto with black truffle), Pappardelle al Ragu' D' Agnello (Fresh Pappardelle Pasta with Lamb Ragout), and the Regina Margherita Pizza. For dessert, try everything. It's all-inclusive, afterall.

During our four day trip, we had only one day of rain and gloom so took that as an opportunity to venture out of the hotel. On the outskirts of San José, a farm-to-table food scene has recently emerged, thanks to the fabulous Flora Farms. The hotel arranged a taxi for us to get there and our driver agreed to come back for us when we were ready to head to the resort.

Flora Farms open in 1996 and is a tranquil, bountiful, fully functioning, hand-tended organic farm in the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, meaning everything is incredibly fresh and delicious. In that all-inclusive mind set, we ordered one of just about everything on the menu. It's hard to narrow down my favorite dishes, but these are at the top of my list:

-The Farmarita (A carrot margarita hasn't ever sounded that appealing to me, until I tried this one. It was so yummy! And thanks to the Culinary Cottage's at Flora Farms, I linked the recipe.)

-The Beet Pasta (Absolutely delicious and it's gluten free, which is a always a plus for me when traveling!)

-Wood Fired Margarita Pizza

-Wood Fired Arugula Pizza

Our visit to Flora Farms was easily one of my favorite parts of the trip. After our amazing meal, we asked for a farm tour, which you can also schedule in advance on their website. Highly recommend taking a spin around the property to see where they grow everything and to learn more about the history behind the farm. Also be sure to plan enough time to also hit up the local stores and nearby coffee shop (both are within walking distance of the restaurant). I went home with the best tassel earrings for only $10-20 and some other fun, eclectic souvenirs.

Unfortunately, the rest of our trip was cut short when Hurricane Norma started heading our way, so we all got out on an earlier flight home the next day. Hands down, Grand Velas Los Cabos is the most beautiful property I've ever experienced. It's incredibly luxurious and the decor is beyond dreamy. The attention to detail does not go unnoticed; there is literally not a single corner of the property that has been neglected in the design process. Check out this Interior Design article that features the dramatic dining decor at restaurants Frida and Lucca.

On top of the design and beautiful art that fills the property is the best quality of service. The three-to-one guest to staff ratio means that someone is always around to tend to your every need. They even unpack and repack your luggage for you. My toiletries have never been so organized in a hotel bathroom (thanks, Cristina!).

Get ready to be so completely spoiled that you'll never want to vacation anywhere else again.