Unequivocally Quivira

By Alice and Danny Scott

Hole #6, par 3. Photo: Alice Scott

Two crazy things happened at the airport when returning from Cabo San Lucas. First, there was not another soul in the security line, just us! Then they confiscated our golf balls! Yep, two dozen souvenir balls in our carry on were deemed “dangerous, given their density and could be used as weapons.” They stole our balls but they didn’t steal our hearts. Quivira Golf Club did that. We absolutely love the Jack Nicklaus design, exclusively for Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts and Spa guests and “The Good Life” community residents. 

As the sun rises, golfers warm up with burritos on the range, watching the Cabo armada of fishing boats speed out to sea in hopes of catching the largest marlin or tastiest tuna. The first three holes are directed inland with #4 returning toward the ocean. A long curvy mountain climb of 275 feet seems almost endless to the top of the granite cliffs where the first of several interspersed “Comfort Stations” provides a break and a view, preparing you for two of the most talked about holes in Cabo and perhaps the world. The par 4, 5th is not for the faint of heart. From the elevated tips, the only visible point of the layout is a postage stamp green way below, jutting over the water. Going for it requires a 290+ drive that must precisely land on the emerald gem or side bunker. Anything left is fodder for seals. Even the forward tees, which are always generously positioned, are extremely challenging here. Layups do not minimize risk due to the narrow side sloping fairway and tall grasses where Cascabels (rattlesnakes) lurk. El Diablo must have influenced Nicklaus on this hole. While not a favorite of golf purists, they still want to tackle it over and over. 

As seen in the movie “Troy,” the old lighthouse with a Sandoval love story dominates the southern most tip of Cabo as a new lighthouse beacons high above. Beyond is the Oasis, another “Comfort Station” which makes English travelers giggle, since their connotation is a house of ill repute. Here it is most reputable doling out regional dishes. 

Every hole has a Pacific Ocean view but some are simply extraordinary, like greenside of number 12 after the roller coaster romp to get there and the very short 13, par 3 over a chasm. Waves crash against the rocks below as the wind roars against your face creating sheer terror and exhilaration at the same time while colorful butterflies flit like they found their mecca at Quivira. Culminating with panoramic closing holes, Jack Nicklaus out did himself. He says that Quivira is one of his finest designs ever created. We concur!

Quivira shares a 3+-mile stretch of private golden beach with two of the four all-inclusive Pueblo Bonito hotels featuring exquisite cuisine in all venues. We miss our daily dose of ceviche and sea bass. The Pacifica Hotel is for adults only where poolside you can have a dirty monkey (chocolaty rum drink) but you can’t have a dirty screen. The friendly concierge cleans all devices, providing attentive service. An optional torch lit dinner on the beach followed by private time in a king size canopy draped swinging bed to the tune of harmonic wave crashing is a favorite of new and longtime lovers.    

When you hear thunder don’t worry, it is really the Pacific pounding against the thick sand, too forcefully for safe swimming. Sea turtles however have no problem surfing up on shore to lay their 100 eggs. Only 1 in 1000 babies normally survive but relocating the eggs to “nurseries” along the coast improves chances. 

The Sea of Cortez near downtown Cabo is for ocean swimmers staying at Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos and Rose’ Hotels. Shuttles transport between all properties. Cabo Adventures provide luxury excursions for fishing, dolphin watching, snorkeling, diving and more. Our sailing voyage aboard their 50’ yacht was most relaxing as we passed by the famous arch and lover’s beach. On shore, shops sell the normal tchotchkes and unique artisan gifts like hand blown glassware. Colorful glass hearts sparkle in trees throughout the Pueblo Bonita Resorts so we picked up a few to hang in our tree, a loving reminder of Quivira. 

As Arizonans we know the serenity of the desert but miss the ocean. Many acres of premium view lots await construction in the Copala and Coronado developments at http://quiviraloscabos.com

If you want to rekindle romance, book a two-hour direct flight and check in at www.pueblobonito.com.