For decades, the stars have shined bright in Los Cabos. The legendary destination has always attracted equally legendary figures who can’t help but fall incurably in love with the spectacular setting.

Beach enthusiasts, sportsmen, shopaholics and even connoisseurs of fine food flock to Baja for our near-perfect weather and to enjoy some of the finest activities, dining, resorts and spas in the world. From the delectable food to personalized service at luxury hotels and villas, Los Cabos can make anyone feel like a star. In fact, having perfected the art half a century ago, hosting celebrities is just another thing that the region does unbelievably well today. And with Los Cabos constantly upping the ante for excellence in vacation amenities, there is no celebrity recession in sight any time soon for Baja Sur.

Now a quickly expanding resort area, with visitors arriving by car, boat, and plane on a daily basis, Los Cabos has become the spot to holiday. This, however, wasn’t always the case. In fact, until the 1940’s, it was a well-kept secret that this area boasted the richest supply of marlin and other billfish around.

And once word did get out about this haven, only the well-to-do had access to it. With roads down from California non-existent and international flights not yet established, the only way to get here in those days was via boat or privately chartered planes, giving Baja Sur a reputation for extravagance from the start. And once the celebrity elite started coming, the Baja fever was hard to shake.

Perhaps no story illustrates this better than that of Ray Cannon and Carla Laemmle. A 1930’s movie director, Ray’s passion for the area was to alter the course of his life. He traded the glamour of Hollywood for the raw beauty of Baja along with Carla, his secretary and a former silent film actress.As he created a new life as a sport fisherman and writer, he became a central figure of Baja’s “golden age.” Cannon’s masterpiece, The Sea of Cortez, was published in 1966 and remains a classic to this day.

During the same period, big names like Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Bing Crosby, John Wayne and Ava Gardner were among those who also fell in love with the region. Many, entranced by the unique natural beauty, built second homes here. Arnaz and Crosby constructed their homes near La Paz at Las Cruces, “where it all began.” The intimate resort of Rancho Las Cruces was developed by Rod Rodriguez and his wife, actress Lucille Bremer. Situated on miles of stunning coastline, Las Cruces paved the way for the luxurious accommodations that now characterize the southern end of Baja. Today, Hacienda Santa Cruz in Las Cruces is one of ESSV’s fine villa offerings and still radiates the charm of that era.

Mary Crosby reminisces about her famous father and her family’s affection for the area: “Baja was very dear to my father’s heart. As children, we spent every April and May in Las Cruces. Whenever he had a moment and wanted to get away, Baja was where he went. It wasn’t simply a place to go for our family—it was our home. It still is for this second generation. The beauties and wonders of Baja continue to enrich our lives enormously. It is truly a home of the heart—not just for my dad but for all of us Crosbys.”

Today the southern Baja peninsula is certainly more accessible than it was sixty years ago, allowing the rest of us to enjoy it, too. Today the southern Baja peninsula is certainly more accessible than it was sixty years ago, allowing the rest of us to enjoy it, too. However, there is no denying the level of luxe still found here, thus it continues to draw stars of music, television and film.

Today, Los Cabos draws visitors seeking a taste of glamor

In addition to ex-Van Halen singer/club owner Sammy Hagar himself, Cabo Wabo boasts an unprecedented list of star sightings. Nicolas Cage, Justin Timberlake, Bono and even Christina Aguilera, donning a bachelorette veil, have been seen here late at night. Some celebrities even get on stage, such as country crooners Toby Keith and Kenny Chesney. Quite possibly the ultimate in surprise performances came when Stevie Wonder stunned the crowd with an impromptu medley of hits.

Not all of the famous folk come here to relax: Brad Pitt, Ben Stiller and Adam Sandler traveled to Los Cabos in recent years to film Troy, The Heartbreak Kid and You Don’t Mess With the Zohan, respectively. Even Titanic director, James Cameron, was here doing research for his film, The Dive. Reality royalty like the Kardashian sisters and rocker Bret Michaels have also graced our shores while filming.

Oprah Winfrey, John Travolta and Jessica Simpson, with sister Ashlee in tow, have all celebrated birthdays in Los Cabos. For Courteney Cox-Arquette, husband David, Jennifer Aniston, Sheryl Crow, Michael Bolton and Nicollette Sheridan, sitting all together at Mi Casa Restaurant, ringing in 2008 was cause to head down to Los Cabos.

Be it the exclusivity and privacy offered at a villa on the beach or the nightlife that won’t quit, celebrities will find whatever they’re looking for in Baja—and so will you. So on your next vacation, don’t be surprised if you spot a very familiar face when you’re out on the town!