An appropriate welcome to peak golf season, my travels led me to the launch event of Norman Estates At Rancho San Lucas. And to answer your next question, yes. It's that Norman.
Hall-of-Fame golfer, internationally renowned entrepreneur and just all-around cool guy, Greg Norman has partnered up with the Solmar Group to develop a residential enclave at Rancho San Lucas, a master-planned private resort community in Los Cabos.
The exclusively-branded Norman Estates at Rancho San Lucas, a collection of 32 luxurious estate homes and 36 condos, all sporting jaw-dropping ocean views, is Norman’s first real estate venture in Mexico. Phase one of Norman’s dream has become a reality and the homes are being snapped up like hot tortillas, proving, “If he builds it, they will come.”
Three-bedroom condos start at 4,400 square feet, while the four- to five-bedroom estate homes start at 6,200 square feet. The casual, Greg Norman-inspired lifestyle can be seen throughout the hacienda-style homes, including stucco walls, tiled roofs, natural Mexican stone and wood accents, interior courtyards with bubbling fountains as well as outdoor terraces with al fresco kitchens, swimming pools, fire pits and fireplaces.
Residents also have access to a swanky private beach club, equipped with a game room, lounge, restaurant, swimming pool, hot tub and workout facility. Later additions will include the Rancho San Lucas’ Mexican Village, complete with shops, restaurants, a lake and tennis center. But the real crown jewel is the signature, 18-hole Greg Norman golf course. Set against a desert backdrop, it offers exquisite ocean views from 13 of the holes with 7 oceanfront holes. The designer course is the first of its kind in Cabo.
Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas Resort
I opted for the immersive experience, with a stay at the newly-opened Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas Resort. Though it is a work in progress, the property is truly stunning. Perched between the dramatic desert landscape filled with towering Cardon (dramatic, towering, 300-year-old cacti) and the sparkling turquoise sea, the property is a vision.
I romped around my spacious, artfully-styled suite, stopped for a leisurely soak in the Jacuzzi, then took in the sunset from my ocean terrace while sipping a glass of Mexican wine. After contemplating a visit to the infinity pool swim-up bar, I chose instead to take a walk along the mile-long, white sand beach.
The resort offers a variety of special activities, such as a bike ride thru the sand dunes and water aerobics. My personal favorite was the lively Salsa & Salsa class, where guests learn to perfect new dance steps while honing their salsa making skills.
While the resort delivers all of the necessary vacation essentials, a sunset cruise with Cabo Adventures makes for an ideal off-property journey. Once you board the fully-equipped, French-made sailboat, your only responsibilities are deciding on the perfect drink and snapping picturesque shots of the setting sun, Sea Lion colony and mind-blowing whales.
Throughout my stay, I was considerably impressed with the warm hospitality I received from every staff member. My foodie day began with a steaming cup of robust Oaxaca coffee at the Deli Café. Later, I moseyed over to Aqua Grill & Bar for a pristine sushi display. The most memorable dining experience on-property was at Anica, which features a well-curated wine list paired with Chef Hector Lucas's Cabo/Continental-inspired cuisine. The man has a golden touch when it comes to seafood.
As tasty as the resort’s restaurants are, I’m always surveying the greater area in search of my next great meal. I was thrilled to learn that when you stay at RSL, you truly are a member of the family. This means that RSL upholds an open door policy at Solmar’s other luxury properties, as well as a handful of local restaurants. Fortunately, the Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort hosted an al fresco, international chef's cookout the following evening.
My favorite was the eccentric and uber-talented Chef Alberto Collarte from Chile. He presided over a hand-made, metal contraption that produced succulent BBQ meats.
For a fun-filled twofer, head downtown to the intimate Romeo & Julieta, where you can dine on authentic stone over-pizza, amazing pasta dishes or choose from a myriad of other Italian specialties. Pop over next door to the experience the new Wine Bar for light bites or a nightcap.
The Man Himself
I had the unique pleasure of joining a small group of journalists for a Q&A with Greg Norman, 'The Great White Shark.' He had flown in for the unveiling of his spectacular model home at the Norman Estates and to oversee the progress on his golf course. From the get-go, it was clear that even though Norman has designed over 100 golf courses, this latest addition to his portfolio holds a special place in his heart. Norman readily admits that it was "love at first sight" during his first visit to Cabo well over 30 years ago, so designing The Rancho San Lucas Golf Club was a "dream come true."
"This is the most spectacular piece of ocean-front property I've seen in a long time,” Norman explains. “My goal was to keep it as natural as possible, using my 'least disturbance' approach while showcasing the property’s three unique ecosystems: the ocean, the sand dunes and the arroyo. This golf course, which has seven oceanfront holes and an island green, will be one of the best golf courses we’ve ever built.”
We peppered Norman with many questions but my favorite was when I asked him, 'Who would you pick for the ultimate dream-team golf foursome?' He responded quickly with, "I'd choose the Secretaries of Defense for President Obama, Bush, Clinton and Trump and ask them, 'What the hell is going on in the world?'" He then winked at me and said, "I bet you didn't expect that answer, but seriously, I never wanted to be the President, but I would love to be head of the CIA for a while so I could find out for myself exactly what is going on."
Time for a quick change and then we got to hob-nob with the beautiful people at the grand unveiling of Norman Estates first model home, which was exquisitely decorated by Norman’s equally exquisite wife, renowned interior designer, Kirsten (Kiki) Norman. You can tell that Kiki is also a wonderful hostess since the open, flowing layout is perfect for entertaining.
“This has been a passion project for myself and my husband since day one, with the goal of designing a space that we would ultimately live in, and we have undoubtedly achieved that,” said Kirsten Norman. “Rancho San Lucas was the perfect canvas for me and inspired the seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces and Baja-chic interiors. It will certainly raise the benchmark for beachfront living in Los Cabos.”
More About Rancho San Lucas
Rancho San Lucas is an exclusive, 834-acre resort community located just 30 minutes from the Los Cabos International Airport. This landmark community offers visitors and owners a private respite; inclusive of two luxury resorts, an unparalleled collection of residential options, and an array of luxury amenities such as a Design Studio that provides a one-of-a-kind design experience. The master plan is anchored by the Rancho San Lucas Golf Club featuring an 18-hole Greg Norman Signature golf course. The exclusive Real Estate offerings at Rancho San Lucas include The Villas at Rancho San Lucas, Santa Barbara-style single-family homes, as well as Norman Estates, with luxurious oceanfront estate homes and high-rise residences. Debuting spring 2019, Rancho San Lucas will house a garden-to-table restaurant concept by Italian Chef Christian Ricci. When completed, the development will include a Mexican Village offering shopping and entertainment, a variety of world-class dining venues, hiking and biking trails, and more. For more information about Rancho San Lucas, visit www.ranchosanlucas.com.
