By Deseree Dobson

​

I was excited to do my first Fam since starting in the travel business earlier this year. I was hesitant at first about trying a Mega Fam with shared accommodations but I lucked out and a fellow agent I have gotten to know was game to go as well so the two of us ventured out on what turned out to be 3 fabulous days in Cabo (exhausting days for sure, but it was worth it.)

I had no expectations in regards to what to expect over the three days, but I love an opportunity to learn and having never been to Cabo I thought this would be a great opportunity to do so. To my surprise upon arriving in Calgary ACV had chartered a plane full of agents, (I believe there was 280 of us in total). A quick trip to Cabo at just over 4 hours out of Calgary and we were on our assigned busses and headed to our destinations.

​

Jolane and I were in group “B” so we were staying at the Dreams Los Cabos Resort and Spa. This is a 4.5-star resort that is 15 minutes from Cabo San Lucas and 15 minutes from San Jose del Cabo. This resort had an endless list of inclusions including 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi in all areas of the resort, turn down service, a ton of land sports as well as a manager’s cocktail party, theme nights, movies on the beach and more. This is a smaller more intimate resort that would be great for families (don’t forget kids stay and eat for free) couples, spa vacations, and weddings or honeymoons. After a quick tour of the resort we were able to check into our room a “junior suite ocean view” we were both really happy with the room as it was very spacious and well appointed, my only complaint was that it is classified as ocean view. Granted you could see the ocean but only after you looked through the palm trees, past the adults only pool and over chain link fence with green slats, so I guess this is an acceptable description, but as a customer I would have been disappointed if this was my “ocean view room.” This resort is on the beach but like most resorts in Cabo this is not a swimmable beach. It is also a public beach (as most beaches in Mexico are), so there was a number of vendors set up beside one of the wedding venues as well as beside the beach bar. Although we were not approached till we walked past them towards the water I thought to myself how disappointing it would be to be a bride and have this in the background of my pictures. Overall though I loved the feel of this resort, having stayed at very large resorts in the past it was a treat to be at a much more intimate destination.

​

Day one was great; a quick flight, a tour of our hotel, a cocktail reception followed by a private dinner and drinks with the other agents…who wouldn’t enjoy that! Day two brought us to an early start 8:30am in the lobby and we were on the bus to head to check out the hotels on our itinerary.

​

First stop Hyatt Ziva…WOW, what a resort, by far my favourite of all we would see. This resort is a solid 5 star offering a luxurious all-inclusive option for all ages. It is only minutes from San Jose del Cabo, it offers 12 unique restaurants, room service, kids club and mini water park plus complementary Wi-Fi in all room categories. This resort was more of what I am used to; it was very large and had many different room options to offer. My favorite was definitely the swim outs; although they do not allow children in this category? Your clients could go to Hyatt Ziva and be busy every day or find quiet areas to just relax in, either way this is a resort that will not disappoint.

​

Next Up; Royal Solaris rated a 4 star but I feel this is a generous rating. To be fair it would be hard for any hotel to impress after the Hyatt Ziva, but if I am being honest this resort was my least favorite. I found it to be really outdated, the hallways were enclosed long dark tunnels basically and the cockroaches that greeted us in the buffet sealed the deal. However, many agents were happy with it and said not everyone is looking for a 5 star resort so I guess it is true when they say there is a resort for everyone. (This one is just not for me). Although it did have some great points like the awesome kid’s club and ocean front dining, plus the kids stay free promotion with ACV.

​

We were then off to the Holiday Inn which I was expecting to be really disappointing so I was pleasantly surprised when I found myself thinking of a number of clients who would like this resort. It is open and airy, the rooms are of a great size, it is pet friendly and at a budget level resort I think you get a lot of bang for your buck. I would definitely recommend this resort for that 3-4-star client looking for a clean updated resort.  A cool option here is that they have a turtle release during hatching season your clients can partake in.

​

The afternoon started at the Bahia Hotel and Beach club, I love love loved the feel of this resort, this is not an all-inclusive and has just one pool and an on-scene Bar; the Esquina Restaurant. But this boutique experience offers guest a chic modern retreat with access to all things Cabo.  Then hop in one of the golf carts and head to SUR Beach House where you can take in the views of the Sea of Cortez with live music, an open kitchen, and a market driven menu. You will also find a swimmable beach with private loungers on this public beach facing the El Arco rock formation.

Last two resorts were the Solmar and Villa del Palmar. The Solmar is exclusively suites with kitchen facilities, private balconies or terrace and fine linens. The bathrooms could use an update since the rooms we saw had dingy shower curtains and original tile that could use a good scrub, but being just a 10-minute walk from the heart of Cabo San Lucas and typically seeing a lower price point for this resort it is a good option. Villa del Palmar is located on Medano Beach overlooking the El Arco rock formation, and therefore had one of the best views. This resort offers 24-hour room service as well as unlimited a la carte dining and would be a great option in Cabo. I liked all of the options at this resort, you could choose European Plan or All-Inclusive for a tailored vacation. It has many room categories including family-sized accommodations; One and Two-Bedroom Suites and Presidential Three Bedroom Suite with fully equipped kitchens, luxury bathrooms with bathtubs and Presidential Suite with Jacuzzis. Junior Suites are also available so it would fit all family configurations.

​

I tried to only hit the really high and low points of each resort as I could have had a page for each resort I am sure. I am quickly learning there is a destination and a resort for everyone and just because one or the other was not for me does not mean that I will not have a client that would really enjoy it. I think it is important to go on FAMS when you can, as it opens up so many options. Prior to this FAM had anyone asked me about Cabo and the resorts I would have only been able to tell then what they themselves could have read on the internet, so really what was I adding to their experience. Granted I do not imagine I will make it to every destination never mind every resort in each destination that a client may inquire about but I can tell you I will definitely try.