Photo: Ashley Alvarado

Last year, I read Sarah Strohmeyer’s The Penny Pinchers Club and felt an immediate connection to the book’s economizing characters. I am a tireless bargain hunter. There’s a certain pride in knowing you’ve saved money on a meal, an activity, a treat. And with today’s still-struggling economy, there’s a need to save whenever possible.

When I started as editor of Los Cabos Magazine, I had never heard of the company’s Prepaid Voucher Discount Program. I’m so glad that I’ve since learned about it. These vouchers serve much like gift certificates or travelers checks. You simply pick a business you’re planning to visit and first order vouchers from our San Diego or Cabo San Lucas offices. Each time you do, you’re buying the vouchers at a discount of 35 to 50 percent. That’s huge. And unused vouchers can be returned for a refund.

Even better, the businesses that participate are some of Los Cabos’ very best. They include but are not limited to rental car agencies, überpopular restaurants like Baja Cantina and Nick-San, and even hotels like the awesome Bahia Hotel and Los Cabos Golf Resort.

So what are you waiting for?

The company has been operating in Los Cabos since 2008, and its tours offer a unique blend of both top-deck views of the marina, Médano Beach, and Land’s End, as well as spectacular underwater views of the extensive marine life that inhabits the Sea of Cortés. Upon boarding, passengers are handed bottles of water by the friendly and courteous crew, then invited to take their seats on the comfortable wooden benches that line both sides of the deck. Watch for pelicans and sea lions as the boat motors out of the marina and enjoy the sun on your face and the wind in your hair while the captain navigates catamarans, fishing boats, and sleek racing yachts.

Once the submarine clears the marina, the climate-controlled underwater viewing cabin is opened, with leather-padded stools situated in front of large port hole windows on either side. Each seat has a viewing guide attached, showing almost 70 species of marine life that may be seen on the tour, including leopard sharks, manta rays, moray eels, and colorful king angelfish, puffer fish, parrotfish, and gaff-topsail catfish. There is a crew member below to answer questions and assist in identifying the various types of fish.

As the boat settles deeper into the water near Neptune’s Finger, the crew begin feed the fish, ensuring that guests will see large schools pooling around the port holes. Experience a sweeping seascape of strange shapes and vivid colors, a glimpse of the immense variety of marine life in the Sea of Cortés. These wondrous underwater views makes the tour one of the best family-friendly activities in Los Cabos, and provide a fascinating and delightful experience for children of all ages.

After clearing Land’s End and heading into the Pacific Ocean, the boat turns around and guests are invited back to the top deck for up-close and personal views of the arch, Scooby-Doo Rock, the sea lion colony, the Window to the Pacific, Pelican’s Rock, Neptune’s Finger, and Lover’s Beach. This is a perfect time to take pictures of your family or friends with some of Cabo San Lucas’ signature rock formations as the background, while the on-board sound system plays classic rock and roll (expect to hear a certain famous song by the Beatles).

All tours are approximately one hour, with a maximum capacity of 49 guests. Tour times can vary, so call ahead for availability. Night tours are not currently offered, but sunset cruises are available for private charter. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Cabo Submarine, Plaza de la Danza, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-8718 or (214) 774-4844, www.cabosubmarine.com. Go to www.loscabosdiscounts.com for prepaid vouchers. —Chris Sands

Los Cabos remains one of the world’s top golf destinations. Legendary pros favor the region and have left their impression on the courses dotting the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. To fully immerse yourself in golf culture while also enjoying the perks that Cabo has to offer, we recommend you check out the Los Cabos Golf Resort and the adjacent Cabo San Lucas Country Club (prepaid vouchers for both are available at www.loscabosdiscounts.com).

Located just five minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas, the resort and country club offer golf aficionados an opportunity to practice their swings while also enjoying views of the famous arch at Land’s End. There are all the amenities you’ve come to expect at world-class resorts but at surprisingly affordable prices. The resort boasts 74 rooms, a gym, the fantastic Double Eagle Restaurant and Bar, themed nights, a fun pool area, and free Wi-Fi. Check the website for deals: Currently, they are offering the 2011 Stay and Play Package. From May until September, it is only $69 per night per person. That includes a villa and unlimited green fees during your stay. Even better: Kids 12 and younger stay free.

Of course, what’ll really get golf lovers excited is the proximity to the Cabo San Lucas Country Club. The 200-acre course features an 18-hole Dye-designed course that challenges golfers of every level and impresses with its rustic design—and mindboggling view of the arch at Land’s End. The course is also home to one of the longest holes in the country, the 610-yard, par-5 hole number 7.

For more information, go to www.loscabosguide.com.

The service is very good here, and the staff is outgoing and attentive, making this a comfortable place to watch sports or vintage music videos on the seven high definition televisions inside. Cool refreshing breezes blow through the plaza walkway outside, and the outdoor tables are an oasis for those seeking a breath of fresh air when the bar gets crowded. The bar does its best business on the weekend and late at night, with a number of special promotions earlier in the week. Monday and Wednesday feature fruit-flavored martinis, including the pear-flavored Pub de la Chapu signature cocktail, for 50 percent off. On Tuesday, select international beers are available with a 25 percent discount, and Thursday is Ladies Night. —Chris Sands

Gali Plaza, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-1309, www.pubdelachapu,com. Daily 10 a.m.–3 a.m.  All major credit cards are accepted.

All clients that have purchased Los Cabos Magazine’s Prepaid Vouchers for Casa Rafael’s Hotel and Restaurant should return them immediately for refund or exchange.

Please visit our web page for Los Cabos Prepaid Vouchers for information on how to return or exchanges these Vouchers. http://www.loscabosguide.com/discount.htm

Joseph A. Tyson, Publisher
Los Cabos Magazine

Villas boast spacious living rooms and master suites.

Now you can retreat to gorgeous Los Cabos while also enjoying all the comforts of home, thanks to the spectacular Ventanas Hotel & Residences. The sprawling residential development, which overlooks downtown Cabo San Lucas and the arch at Land’s End, has expertly designed Mexican-style haciendas and condos available for purchase and as vacation or long-term rentals.

When it comes to travel—especially with a family or large party—comfort is key. And while Los Cabos boasts several world-class resorts, sometimes people simply prefer the privacy and luxury of a villa. This is where Ventanas comes in, giving you the privacy and comfort you deserve as well as the perks generally associated with top resorts.

For prices comparable to anything you would find at a resort—and oftentimes better—you and your traveling companions can relax in the privacy of a two-, three-, or four-bedroom home. Located just minutes from bustling downtown Cabo San Lucas, each of the attractive villas comes with ocean views, fully equipped kitchens featuring state-of-the-art appliances, spacious living and dining rooms, private terraces, a private pool, a plasma TV, a one- or two-car garage, and air-conditioning. Many of the master baths also feature whirlpool tubs in addition to a shower. Most floor plans call for two stories plus a rooftop pool, but there are single-story homes for those with limited mobility.

When you rent your villa, you are also granted access to the full spectrum of Ventanas’ resort amenities, including a heated pool overlooking the Sea of Cortés and Land’s End, hot tubs, a deli restaurant (with room service), a workout center with state-of-the-art equipment, boxing and yoga classes, a charming chapel, a multimedia room, and a concierge, who will happily schedule you for spa treatments, tee times, and exhilarating Los Cabos activities.

Ventanas is currently in the second phase of its three-step development process. There are plans for an expanded clubhouse and spa in its second phase and third phase as well as many more homes. For information on Ventanas real estate, go to www.ventanasresidences.com/realestate/index.html.

Fraccionamiento Ventanas del Cortez S/N (exit near Costco off Tourist Corridor), CP. 23454, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 104-3775, www.ventanasresidences.com. You can e-mail reservaciones@ventanasresidences.com for additional information.

To book your stay at Ventanas Residences, go to www.expedia.com. You can also purchase prepaid vouchers through www.loscabosdiscounts.com to save 35 to 50 percent off the regular rate.

Check-in is at 3 p.m.; checkout at noon.

Sign up the whole family for a tour aboard the 60-foot submarine, which provides views of Land’s End from above and below sea level. It is a real favorite of tiny tots, who’ve been known to jump for joy at the sight of colorful fishes. Fortunately for all, you can try out the submarine for yourself with discounted vouchers from Los Cabos Guide’s Prepaid Voucher program. Vouchers are available in both the San Diego and Cabo San Lucas offices.

Here are five of our favorites:

Mar Adentro Spa & Wellness Clinic
Co-owners Monica Diaz Rivers and Lupita Cervantes have created an environment dedicated to nourishing your inner and outer wellbeing. The Romance Package is the perfect primer for a night of, well, romance. The treatment (also a great deal for friends) begins with an aromatherapy massage for one while your date receives a nourishing facial. Then you switch before both are treated to a pedicure, which includes reflexology. If you’ve scheduled your appointment for a Wednesday or Saturday, make sure to set aside some time for a visit to the spa’s organic farmers’ market, a favorite of local expats. Mar Adentro Spa & Wellness Clinic, Camino del Colegio S/N, Pedregal de Cabo San Lucas, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 172-0129, www.maradentrospa.com.

Sunset da Mona Lisa
A languidly paced dinner on the cliff terraces of Sunset da Mona Lisa—a landmark venue with haute Italian cuisine and breathtaking views of the Technicolor sunset over Land’s End—is as romantic as it gets. (Some 150 couples get engaged here every year, and another 100 say, “I do.”) Call ahead to reserve a private terrace for two as well as personalized service, including a seven-course meal, private server, and a bottle of (excellent) bubbly. Savor chef Salvatore Messina’s Tortelli di Granchio con Tartufo, handmade pasta filled with crabmeat in a white truffle oil cream, and a glass of vino while admiring the vista and each other. The house-made limoncello, a potent after-dinner digestivo, offers just the right dose of liquid courage for those seeking to pop the question. They have an especially romantic evening planned for Valentine’s Day, including a live music performance. But call right away. They fill up quickly. Sunset da Mona Lisa, Misiones del Cabo, km 6 on Tourist Corridor, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 145-8160, www.sunsetmonalisa.com.

La Sanluqueña
Nothing says romance like a horseback ride along the beach. There are many small horseback-riding operations, but for reliable service turn to La Sanluqueña (624-143-8144), which is especially good for single riders or smaller, private groups. You can take in lively fiestas mexicanas at the conveniently located bullring, but we’re especially partial to their beautiful horses and the beach and desert horseback riding tours.

Cabo Sails
This dependable, family-run company has a fleet of four impressive sailboats and offers the full complement of services—including snorkeling tours and incredibly enjoyable sailing lessons—but it’s the private charters that’ll rightfully attract the attention of true romantics. Gently drift through the Sea of Cortés’s azure waters and into the Pacific, lazily chasing the setting sun. The experienced and intuitive crew is as present or invisible as the occasion requires. Nibble on strawberries, sip champagne, and drink in the views as a stereo plays your preselected iTunes playlist. The Cabo Sails team, headed by the affable José Manuel Ochoa, puts quality above quantity, treating its customers like family. When you call or stop by, they will work with you to design the perfect Valentine’s evening. Cabo Sails, Cabo San Lucas Marina, Cabo San Lucas, (624) 355-6386, www.cabosails.com.

SOMMA WineSpa
The City of Light has built a reputation on romance, and the Napa Valley attracts oenophiles like moths to a flame. With its Barefoot Elegance Experience, the Fiesta Americana combines the best elements of both regions. The resort’s SOMMA WineSpa and excellent kitchen have teamed to create a magical, romance-filled evening on the beach. The night begins with a welcome coconut-mint martini as you are lead to your shoe check-in. Then you are invited to take pare in a centuries-old ritual: stomping on grapes from Northern Baja’s robust Valle de Guadalupe. The process creates antioxidant-rich extract that also serves as an exfoliant, which preps you for the next experience: a reflexology massage under a blanket of stars and surrounded by flaming torches and candlelight. Next comes a wine tasting with three award-winning Valle de Guadalupe vinos that have been expertly selected by the spa’s sommelier and paired with tasty canapés. A private chef then prepares your three-course dinner tableside, the surrounding torches and candles illuminating the process. Each course is accompanied by a yet another great wine selection. Retreat to a lounge chair for some après-dinner bubbly and stargazing—a fitting end to an out-of-this-world experience. Space is limited, so you will want to call as soon as possible—or maybe talk your honey into celebrating another night. It’s worth it. SOMMA WineSpa, Fiesta Americana Grand, (624) 145-6200, www.fiestamericana.com.

All of these amazing companies participate in the Los Cabos Magazine Prepaid Voucher program, and that is good news. Why? Because not only are you getting to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime, out-of-this-world Valentine’s with your special someone, but you’re also getting to save 35 to 50 percent. And it really can’t get any better than that.

Questro Golf Prepaid Voucher

These vouchers are good for golf at Cabo Real Golf Course, Puerto Los Cabos Golf and Club Campestre San Jose Golf Course.

Puerto Los Cabos Golf – For players at every level, Puerto Los Cabos has two 18-holes spectacular signature golf courses, designed by Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus.
http://www.loscabosguide.com/puertoloscabos/golf.htm

The Club Campestre San Jose Golf Course will offer any one who plays a fantastic golf experience. The perfect course to play. Club Campestre San Jose will be home to a fully serviced club house surrounded by 18, picture perfect, championship styled holes of golf.
http://www.loscabosguide.com/golf/clubcampestresanjose.htm

Cabo Real Golf Course – Home to two PGA Senior Slams, and a host of other prestigious golf tournaments, the 7,037 yard Cabo Real Golf Course designed by Robert Trent Jones II has what is considered the toughest front nine of golf in Los Cabos. http://www.loscabosguide.com/golf/caborealgolf.htm

Find more about this and our other great Golf Courses at: www.questrogolf.com