Esperanza - Even Better Than Sandals

"What the world needs now, is love, sweet love," my husband taunted me, imitating the Sandals commercial. Vacations don't get cheesier than the all-inclusive resort designed for couples to sip tropical concoctions while standing on a balcony overlooking the ocean in matching terrycloth robes. But admittedly, there is something about the idea of it that I like.

Feeling the chill of another Brooklyn winter, we decided against all-inclusive and instead hopped a plane bound for Cabo San Lucas. Our first stop was the picturesque Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach. A large resort overlooking the ocean, noisy golf carts driven by the staff shuttled guests around the property. Being New Yorkers and partial to walking, we quickly realized that not riding in the carts en route to the restaurant or lobby meant dodging them as they careened around corners at breakneck speed. Further excitement was added when, during some husband and wife time, a maid opened the door, eager to deliver a missing remote for the TV.

Immediately, I started shouting every word in Spanish that I had learned from the back of Fodor's Mexico. "No! No! Firma la puerta! Uno bocadillo!" I yelled. "You just told her to sign the door and bring you a sandwich!" my husband explained to me. Finally, she got the idea and closed the door. The moment was lost, but not for long...

Next on our adventure was the Esperanza Resort. This is the place where Gwyneth Paltrow and her husband from that pretentious band honeymooned. The resort oozed exclusivity, from the hammock on our balcony overlooking the Sea of Cortex to the plush terrycloth robes (yes!) waiting in the bathroom, which was the size of a typical studio apartment in Manhattan. Before we could go check out the pool, delicious margaritas were brought to the room with chips and a variety of exotic salsas, which we consumed on the balcony. Each time we returned to our room, there was another surprise waiting for us - from a platter of sushi to chocolates, and smooth jazz playing on the entertainment center.

Gwyneth may not know what she's talking about when it comes to good food, but the woman does know how to pick a great vacation spot.