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LOS CABOS, Mexico - The elevator door opened, causing my jaw to drop.
Tony Finau and his oldest son exited. We exchanged pleasantries, but my mind was racing: Should I start a conversation? Ask for an autograph? How about a selfie?
Instead of going all fanboy, I let him slip away to enjoy his family vacation. Finau plays almost all the prominent tournaments on the PGA TOUR, so I was surprised he was in Cabo the same time I was during the WM Phoenix Open, his hometown event. Not every Tour pro enjoys the chaos of the 'Stadium' or the massive weekend crowds. He wanted some zen bliss instead.
Our moment together that came and went in a flash was symbolic of my weekend staying at the Nobu Hotel Los Cabos. This is a haven of A-listers and 1-percenters. But if you're not one of them, honeymooners, couples, families, girls' weekends and golfers are welcome, too.
Many of Finau's Tour friends will be back in Cabo this week. The second annual World Wide Technology Championship is being held on Tiger's El Cardonal Course at Diamante next door, headlined by guys like Ludvig Ahberg, Lucas Glover, Harry Higgs and others. Golf fans could stay at the Nobu for easy access to attend the tournament or visit anytime to experience Mexico's top public/resort course - Solmar Golf Links - just minutes from the hotel.
If it's world-class food and golf with a splash of luxury you seek, there are few better combinations anywhere in the world.
Staying at Nobu Hotel Los Cabos
As one-word brands go, Nobu - in my estimation - lives right up there with the Nikes, Apples and Googles of the world. I've eaten at its trendy Japanese-themed restaurants before, but this was my first time staying at its growing hotel portfolio. There are 18 others around the world, although its 200-room Cabo property that debuted in 2019 is probably the best for golf.
Every morning, my wife and I walked the beach looking for whales. They're very active migrating along Cabo's shores from December through March. It's likely you'll see at least one breaching in the distance. Tired from our sandy strolls, we regularly parked ourselves at one of the four nice pools by mid-morning. If you've never been, Cabo virtually guarantees sunny and 80-degree days all winter long.
While I was playing golf one day, my wife relaxed at the spa, an impressive facility of indoor hydrotherapy areas and an outdoor hydrotherapy garden with co-ed lounges inside and outside, a water circuit, an experience shower, a cabana jacuzzi, outdoor shower, steam and sauna areas and hydrotherapy pool.
Calling all foodies: It's the dining options that really set Nobu hotels apart. Any of the six different options at the Nobu Hotel Los Cabos would feel like a signature spot at other resorts - Nobu Restaurant, The Restaurant, Nobu Cafe, Pacific Restaurant, Ardea Steakhouse and Muna.
Obviously, the Nobu Restaurant is most in demand, so make sure to get reservations as soon as possible. With the mild Cabo nights, it's an incredible indoor-outdoor venue to watch the sunset and enjoy Nobu's signature treats.
A sampling of rock shrimp tempura ($40), Nobu short rib tacos ($14 for two), sushi rolls ($20+) and wagyu self-cooked on a hot stone at the table ($58) hit the high notes of the menu. If you don't leave dreaming of eating Nobu's cuisine at home every day, you haven't ordered properly.
Speaking of the Nobu lifestyle, you can actually live it long-term in Mexico. There are 60 Nobu residences available in a separate wing of the hotel.
Playing Solmar Links
I first played Solmar Golf Links at its 2020 grand opening under its original name, Rancho San Lucas. I even got to play six holes with Greg Norman, whose design team did a fantastic job routing the course. There's a wonderful mix of holes meandering through cacti forests and dunes. The dune holes look otherworldly, like they're from the movie 'Dune'. Check them out in the photo gallery below.
It's my favorite of Cabo's resort courses. It's almost as scenic as Quivira without the quirky holes. Like most high-end Cabo golf experiences, Solmar offers golfers a pair of comfort stations to load up on all-you-can-handle food and drinks. Just make sure to save room for dinner back at Nobu.
Perhaps the only bummer about staying at Nobu is Diamante no longer offers access to its courses to resort guests. I could see the World Top 100 Diamante Dunes from my room, but I couldn't play it.
No matter - I've played it before and actually prefer Solmar Golf Links anyway.
What's your favorite course in Cabo? Let us know in the comments below.
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