The Beauty of Presence: A Family Vacation to Nobu Los Cabos
As the last grains of sand are shaken from our suitcases and the laundry hums in the background, I find myself savoring a cup of coffee and reflecting on our six-day stay at Nobu Los Cabos. To call it anything less than amazing would be an understatement.
Getting There: Flying into SJD with United Airlines
This trip was more than just a vacation; it was our first true family getaway. My husband and I, restless for a break from the Midwest winter, packed up our three boys (9, 6, and 2) and embraced the adventure that is traveling with young kids. As many reminded me, “You are busy!” And while I already knew that, traveling as a family of five really reinforced just how full and beautiful life is in this season.
Our older boys had flown before, but this was our first time traveling with our firecracker of a 2-year-old, Knox, and our first vacation as a family of five. We planned ahead: packing an activity set for Knox (this Busy Board Montessori Toys worked great), individual Snug Play+ Kids Headphones, devices, coloring books, journals, plenty of snacks, wet wipes, sanitizing wipes and their water bottles. United Airlines made the journey smooth with kind staff, great in-flight amenities and truly seamless flights. A mid-morning departure out of Fargo, North Dakota and a 1.5-hour layover in Denver, Colorado made for a practical itinerary. Of course, Knox had his share of tantrums, but we expected that.
Arrival at SJD & Transfer to Nobu
We landed at San José del Cabo International Airport (SJD) at 2:25 PM local time, stepping into a warm, welcoming airport with an easygoing feel. The process was smooth, security was quick and our luggage was ready upon arrival. Before we even landed, Nobu Los Cabos had already impressed us with its attention to detail. This makes sense as Nobu Hospitality is known for its commitment to service excellence. We had arranged a personal airport transfer, and when I asked about car seats, they not only accommodated but provided a clean, safe setup, ready to go. Nobu sent our travel itinerary in advance, complete with a map of the airport, driver information and important tips (such as a reminder to not engage with timeshare sales or additional activities at the airport!). Something we had learned traveling to Cancun years earlier.
Nobu Los Cabos sits 50 minutes from SJD, nestled at the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula. We took in Mexico’s beauty as we drove and upon arrival to Nobu we were greeted with matcha-infused lemonade and cool towels, a refreshing welcome after a day of travel. Staff helped us with our luggage and after checking in, we met our concierge, Michelle, who showed us our room and relayed she’d be available throughout our stay.
Our Stay: A Deluxe Swim-Up Room & Thoughtful Touches
We intentionally booked a Deluxe Swim-Up Room, with two queen beds and direct pool access, allowing for more flexibility where Matt or I could swim with the older boys while the other slipped back inside with Knox for naps, never feeling like we were missing out or on the other side of the resort. Right outside our room, we were able to set up at a cabana near a warm hot tub, perfect for the boys, which soon became our home base.
Nobu’s attention to detail was beyond thoughtful. When we requested a crib, they didn’t just provide a crib (which would have been just fine!) they brought a beautiful, simple wooden crib with bedding along with a changing table, a Diaper Genie, a baby tub, a child’s robe and mini slippers. It was a significant touch that made traveling with a toddler easier. The hotel room was designed beautifully, functionally and intuitively; and, of course, the Nespresso machine in the room was a lifesaver for those inevitable 5:00 AM wakeups from our boys.
Mornings of Whale Watching & Slow Moments
Our days found a rhythm - a balance of relaxation, adventure and the nonstop energy of three young boys. Each morning, we walked up to the lobby and ordered coffee with steamed cream from Nobu Café (the slight sweetness was perfect), while the boys enjoyed hot chocolates and pastries like almond croissants and donuts. Then, we’d head to the beach, our favorite ritual of the trip.
Whale watching became a daily tradition. Sitting on the shore watching gray whales surface along the crashing waves was humbling. It was one of those rare moments when time slows down, and you truly feel the magnitude of where you are. We’d throw a football, collect seashells and Knox would curl up in our laps - all with the Pacific ocean stretching endlessly before us. We’d stay for a couple of hours before the boys would get restless and we’d head back in.
Our older boys loved Kids Club, where Michel, Eli and Dani created a warm, engaging space. I first stopped by with Knox a couple of days into our trip, and Michel’s kindness put me at ease. Later, when I brought our older boys, they couldn’t wait to return. They visited multiple times and days during the trip providing our boys memories they’ll carry with them long after our trip.
While the boys were meeting other kiddos, Matt and I took turns at the fitness center. I also joined a grounding yoga class on the terrace led by Noemi, beneath the shade of a beautiful tree. There, I set an intention: to be present. It was a chance to pause, to simply be. As I moved through poses, I noticed how my body felt: tight, sore, not as flexible as I wanted it to be, but also strong. Instead of pushing through or trying to meet an expectation, I simply let myself be and rested in who I am feeling completely accepted and supported.
It made me think, so often we hold back from experiences out of fear that our expectations won’t match reality. We think we’ll book the trip someday - when the kids are older, when we have more money, when life slows down. But this trip reminded me: life doesn’t wait for the perfect moment.
Knox had tantrums. Crew was full of energy. Saul had moody moments. Matt and I spent plenty of time wrangling, reminding the boys to have fun but be respectful, to use their manners, be confident when ordering their meal and to look people in the eye.
This is our messy, beautiful life. And what a privilege it is to experience moments like these together.
Dining at Nobu Los Cabos: Exceptional at Every Turn
Breakfast at Nami quickly became a favorite with an ocean-view table enjoying fluffy pancakes, toasted coconut brioche French toast, asparagus and bacon omelets, and egg and chorizo tacos, all paired with some of the best coffee I’ve ever had.
Nobu Café became a morning ritual, where Alejandra’s warm smile greeted us each day. She not only crafted delicious coffee and pastries but remembered our orders, adding a personal touch that made us feel at home.
Playabar was our go-to for evening meals where we enjoyed fresh guacamole, poke bowls, braised short rib burritos and tuna poke tostadas, alongside the support of incredible staff members that included the sweetest Bersabeth who has three boys of her own, Gustavo, and a former photographer with kind green eyes (whose name unfortunately escapes me) who welcomed our lively crew with patience and generosity.
Pacific Restaurant were lunch and dinner favorites. Homemade pizzas, fruit trays, fish and chicken tacos, and french fries being enjoyed within our cabana; and dinner being savored with outdoor seating that overlooks the immaculate firepits, with meals that included fresh baked bread, delicious margaritas and macarons.
And on our final night, we were surprised with in-room dining of a stunning charcuterie board, a thoughtful gift from Karla Costich, Director of Rooms.
The People Who Made It Special
The standout feature of Nobu Los Cabos? Its people.
At the Pacific Pool, pool hosts Sebastian and Paulo, servers like Luis, and bartenders like Andrea were kind, attentive and generous with extra towels, delicious drinks, and warm hospitality.
The lifeguards’ calm presence not only made us feel safe but engaged with our boys and made us feel at ease.
The housekeeping team - truly unsung heroes - created a space that was inviting, peaceful and luxurious - a gift always but especially when traveling with kids.
We originally debated leaving the resort but ultimately stayed put, knowing that exploring with a 2-year-old can be unpredictable. And it was a good decision. Nobu Los Cabos provided spaces to unwind, enjoy and connect.
Each night, we strolled along the beach, watched weddings unfold and guests soaking in the beauty of Nobu’s incredible architecture and design. And when the kids cozied up in their beds, we sat on our patio with a drink and soaked in the music and evening lights.
The Dichotomy of Vacationing with Kids
As I sit back home, sipping my coffee, I can’t help but reflect on the dichotomy of this trip – the tension between rest and chaos, adventure and exhaustion, gratitude and frustration.
Traveling with young kids isn’t a couple’s vacation in the traditional sense. It’s not lounging uninterrupted by the pool, carefree staying out late or peacefully reading a book under the sun. It’s early wakeups, managing meltdowns, chasing a toddler who refuses to wear shoes or sit during dinner. It’s children being busy, mischievous – travieso.
But it’s also watching your kids experience the power of the ocean for the first time, hearing their laughter as they jump into the pool again and again with a “Hey Mom, watch this!” and catching their awe as whales breach in the distance or dive into the sand catching a football.
It’s a paradox: one that leaves you simultaneously needing a nap and yet feeling so profoundly full.
On our flight back from SJD into Denver, we were about an hour in, and my youngest Knox had a tantrum right before falling asleep in my arms. As I sat with him curled up in my sweatshirt (we left his blanket in the beautiful crib), I looked over at my 9-year-old, giving me his half smile content watching Harry Potter, then across the aisle at my husband with our 6-year-old creating profiles on the Nintendo Switch, and was just so full of love and gratitude. Tears filled my eyes looking at these beautiful boys and this incredible life we are privileged to experience. Some of the best moments in life exist in this in-between space.
And that, I think, is the essence of life - the messy, wonderful, tiring, unforgettable magic of it all.
