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26 / the tasting panel / march 2010 pool deck, a spacious kitchen and a dining room. In addition, there was a lovely outdoor dining area where we had breakfast and lunch every day. Another covered seating area with a fireplace adjoined the pool. From our terrace we had a sweeping view of the sea and a front-row seat for whale sightings, of which there were many each day. Included in the cost of the rental was three hours of daily maid service, including laundry and bed-making. We quickly settled into a routine. Breakfast at nine. Huevos ranche- ros—fried eggs with spicy tomato sauce, guacamole and tortillas; refried beans; omelets; fresh-cut tropical fruit; fresh squeezed juices; coffee and chilaquiles—tortillas, cheese and avocado with eggs. This was followed by a few hours of read- ing, sunning and swimming. Then came lunch. Chiles rellenos—poblano chiles stuffed with cheese; fish tacos made with fresh sable; enchiladas; stuffed lobster tails; wine, beer and colorful exotic salads. This was fol- lowed by a few hours of reading, sunning and swimming. In the afternoon some of us (not me) played golf or tennis and went to the beach. Villas del Mar has the nic- est and most swimmable beach in the area. Beaches that face the Pacific Ocean are not recommended for swimming because of the danger of powerful rip tides. The VDM beach faces on the Sea of Cortez. Once the sun went down, we had many options. The nearby town, San Jose del Cabo, is quite pleasant and authentic. There are a num- ber of good restaurants in- cluding Tequila, Morgan's, El Chilar and, our favorite, Don Emiliano, which serves remarkably skillful and high-end Mexican food prepared by chef Margarita de Salinas. Club Ninety Six is the lavish establishment for the exclusive use of Villas del Mar residents and guests. It includes a large clubhouse; an outdoor bar that offers excellent Margaritas, plus burgers and other casual food; two handsome, free-form pools, a children's pool and access to the best swimming beach in Cabo; a fitness center containing every exercise machine anyone could want; a temperature-controlled members' wine cellar, as well as fine dining, in- side or outside, and an excellent wine list. There is also a private catamaran for the use of the club. Most evenings we dined outside at a table near the fire pit and overlook- ing the beach. Club Ninety Six was easily reachable from our villa via our golf cart. The food is contemporary Mexican mixed with traditional grill items. All is adeptly prepared and quite delicious. Service is friendly and highly professional. Unfortunately, our week of luxury ended all too soon. The re-entry to reality was jarring to say the least. As we said tearful goodbyes to Rolando and Geraldo and the rest of the staff, we all agreed that it was the perfect vacation—the best we had ever experienced. For more information about rent- ing a villa at Villas del Mar, visit www.villasdelmar.com or call 1-877- 845-5277. The butler, Rolando, at the ready with ice-cold champagne. Our accomplished chef, Geraldo, never failed to provide amazing food. PHOTO: ERIC WATERMAN PHOTO: ERIC WATERMAN Villas del Mar offers the comforts of a luxury vacation home along with the services and ame- nities of a five-star resort. PHOTO COURTESY OF VILLAS DEL MAR Travel