Category Archive for Mexico + Central America
San Jose del Cabo: Beach Goth clubs & skull mezcal bars vacation! Depop Gothic Lolita Harajuku Jrock clothing sale.
Yes, sometimes I’m a Beach Goth! (Always slathered in SPF, of course).
I spent some days in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico — which is the chiller area (partiers and tourists tend to stick to Cabo San Lucas). Read on for the most photogenic, quiet beaches and beach clubs in SJD…
… as well as some Gothic destinations in Cabo, like this Day of the Dead skeleton lady mural in the artsy town. You can also watch a reel of my trip highlights here on @lacarmina IG.
But first a pretty big announcement: I’m selling almost ALL my worldly possessions.
Including rare Gothic Lolita Visual Kei memorabilia, Harajuku punk Goth fashion (like this Lovecraftian shirt I wore to Angkor Wat), and hundreds more kawaii cute and alternative Japan items on @LaCarmina Depop.
I need to clear out everything, so if you would like anything I have, please let me know! Happy to do reductions and can ship worldwide.
TO VIEW MY CLOSET SALE: Everything is listed here @LaCarmina Depop, but no need to use the app. You can email me gothiccarmina @ gmail dot com – let me know what you’d like, and I can mail packages worldwide. Open to all offers and will do discounts. Thank you!
If you’ve been following me on @lacarmina social media, you probably saw that I had a flight cancellation fiasco that left me stranded in Los Cabos for a few extra days. Although it was a bit of a hassle to figure out a new flight and extended accommodations, I made the most of my bonus time in the sunny west coast of Mexico.
I spent a day vegetating at El Ganzo Beach Club, which is part of Hotel El Ganzo in San Jose del Cabo. No need to stay at the boutique hotel (although it looks lovely) — anyone can purchase a day pass, and take the quick, free boat across the water to the chic club!
El Ganzo’s Cabo beach club has a a private, luxe vibe — as well as this pristine beach with gentle waters.
Tip: go early so that you can grab one of the chic cabanas of shaded lounge chairs overlooking the ocean.
Love the artsy, relaxed atmosphere of El Ganzo — it’s a world away from the raucous tourist scene in Cabos San Lucas (which I didn’t even visit).
I also much prefer the weather on the west coast of Mexico — it’s a dry heat, so you can avoid humidity and mosquitoes (my ultimate nemesis, along with microplastics).
This “Goth in hot weather” kept chill and pale under the shaded cabana. Order drinks and snacks, which are served right to your lounger bed.
And always bring water, a hat and mineral sunscreen! (Goths in hot weather are a rare sight, indeed.)
These catch of the day fish tostadas with lime and a bit of spice were perfection.
Can’t beat a smoky pineapple mezcal cocktail with this view of palm trees and light waves.
I’d love to come back to spend more time at Hotel El Ganzo’s beach club. (Anyone can purchase a day pass, which includes a credit that can be used on food).
Speaking of Mexican food… there are so many scrumptious options in San Jose del Cabo, especially if you go to small restaurants outside the tourist zones. I double-fisted ice coffee and green juice at Abrejos Cafe (close to the beach), and ate generous portions of birria (above), tacos, and other local eats for low prices.
No need to stay at a pricy resort in San Jose del Cabo. You can rent an inexpensive Airbnb, and take inexpensive Ubers to public access beaches like the long Ocampo.
Wore a Y2K shrug (vintage from the early 200s) and Michi Playa dress to cover up from the sun.
Walking along a Cabo beach and dipping my toes in the waves = happiness. (See the crashing waves and more in my SJDC video on @LaCarmina IG.)
As you can see, I had Ocampo beach mostly to myself — yet another benefit of coming to San Jose del Cabo rather than crowded Cabo San Lucas.
Tip: on the western side of Playa Ocampo, there are free palapas that are first come first serve. If you arrive before noon on a weekday, like I did, chances are you can nab one.
A PSA from the sunscreen queen: please take care during the summer heatwaves. Temperatures and heat effects are stronger now than even a few years ago (hello, The Collapse!), so burns and heatstroke can creep up on you faster than you expect.
Be vigilant with SPF and coverups, seek shade, hydrate with electrolytes, and limit time outside. (I took these photos in two minutes, then put my hat back on and sought shelter,)
Nothing beats natural beach waves. I’m often asked for my hair care tips so let’s go:
– Don’t bleach / dye your own hair if you lack training. Invest in a salon that uses pro products and gentle techniques (my stylist is @katatkore in Vancouver)
– Only have your stylist bleach the roots, and don’t change the colour too much to keep it healthier
– Never overwash your hair (once a week or longer depending on circumstances), and use pro quality shampoos and conditioners, not drugstore
– After washing, gently towel dry and finish with protective hydrating serum and @dysonhairpro blow dryer (worth the investment)
– No heat tools. I use overnight rope curls for waves
– Cut off split ends & tie hair in non-damaging not-too-tight ways (like Dutch braids and with silk scrunchies, not regular elastics that encourage breakage)
– Sleep with a silk pillowcase. I also wear a silk hair cap on flights
– Nutrition and hydration make a difference (fish oils, protein, veggies, fruit)
– Don’t forget that genetics play a role!
It’s worth going a little further south and west to Playa Palmilla — one of the most gorgeous Los Cabos beaches. The rocky landscape and clear waters are “chef’s kiss.”
Palmilla Beach is also the site of One&Only Palmilla, one the most exquisite five-star resorts in Cabo (with beachfront access).
You can also kayak, paddle board, swim, snorkel and take part in other water activities. (Or just hang out and enjoy, as I did.)
Then, luxuriate at Aqua Restaurant in One & Only Palmilla resort. (I cooled off in the air conditioned area with a mezcal cocktail and these views.)
The oceanfront One&Only Palmilla is one of the most stunning places to stay in Cabo.
The One and Only’s infinity edge pool is picture-perfect, and the service here is top notch.
As you can see, I was perfectly happy to be stranded in Mexico for a few extra days!
I also explored the artsy town of San Jose del Cabo. The streets are filled with art and antique galleries, and framed by colorful banners.
I recommend eating slightly outside of SJDC, as prices here are higher. (I got cachete or cheek tacos about 8 blocks away, for $2). However, you can find Goth goods like this skull chocolate in town.
San Jose del Cabo also has an Art Walk every Thursday evening that lets you learn more about local artists and meet them at galleries. However, you can shop their wares — like these sugar skull scarves — at any time.
Look out of street art as well, such as a skeleton lady mural and Boo sticker near El Encanto Inn.
Love the joyful vibe of San Jose del Cabo, especially around sunset.
If you’re a mezcal fan like I am, a visit to Cabo Santo Mezcal (craft cocktail bar) is a must-do.
The San Jose del Cabo mezcal bar is decorated with dark skulls — this Goth felt right at home.
Try a tamarind mezcal cocktail at Cabo Santo Mezcal, and tell the friendly bartender Sergio that I sent you.
I’m trying to blend in with the plants so that I don’t have to fly home from Cabo! I hope these travel tips help you plan a chill Goth-on-the-beach vacation.
If you have any questions about Mexico travel, let me know — I’ve been to many parts of the country now! You can see my previous Mexico blogs here, and watch a video of my Cabo getaway.
And don’t forget to check out my closet clear-out @LACARMINA DEPOP – let me know if I can mail you anything!
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Balcón del Zócalo restaurant: Mexico City’s most innovative fine dining. Chef Pepe Salinas, Zocalo Central Hoteles.
Some career news: I’m now a food writer for Observer! I recently went to Mexico City to report on the meaningful menus by chef Pepe Salinas at Balcón del Zócalo. His artistic tastings are themed around social issues like climate collapse and women’s rights… I think you can see why I was drawn to his story!
Thanks for supporting my writing — read my Mexico City chef/restaurant feature here on Observer.
These vibrant photos are by Albert Ting of The Click Ting and @pootie_ting Instagram — so happy he accompanied me on the trip!
And watch the reel about my Balcón del Zócalo dining experience here on @LaCarmina Insta.
How gorgeous is this greenery-filled open air restaurant, located on the 6th floor of Zócalo Central Hotel?
I’m wearing a 100% mulberry silk cheongsam or qipao (traditional Chinese dress) by Beth and Brian Qipao. I’m transitioning to a nearly microplastics-free wardrobe, so this luxe floral design with a leg slit was perfect for a dinner to remember.
In my debut for Observer, I wrote about how Mexico City chef Pepe Salinas conveys a Mad Max future through fine dining. Imagine a five-star, nine-course dinner based on water scarcity… which references a Dune-like future of drinking our own urine to survive!
Every three months, chef Salinas and his R&D team create a new menu based on pressing (and sometimes divisive) topics of the day. This summer, Balcón del Zócalo’s tasting is based on Day Zero, the imminent doomsday when Mexico City’s reservoirs will run out of water.
Each course weaves in a story of The Collapse — which is happening now — through Salinas’ well-rounded flavors and textures. Trained as an artist, his dishes are works of art. This one is inspired by Lake Pátzcuaro, which is drying up due to human activity. The melon aguachile, corn toast and freeze-dried strawberries (as well as the custom plate) allude to the drought affecting the lake.
I love sardines, so this was a personal favorite… Salinas invites you to scrounge together a post-apocalyptic meal out of sardines in a glass can and dehydrated meat “crackers!” Talk about a delicious dystopian simulation.
Here, he addresses my current obsession: death by microplastics! Pepe Salinas designs and 3D prints tableware to perfectly fit his themes. The bread plate is made from discarded water bottle parts (photographer Albert Ting and I are still salivating over the incredible sourdough served at Balcon!)
The restaurant’s wine pairings bring out the umami of each dish. The Day Zero tasting isn’t all doom and gloom — it’s playful and showcases creative solutions, such as using hydroponics to grow crisp greens.
The chef is also an artist, and combines his passions by hand-drawing each menu (every guest gets to take home a copy). The tasting also involves going into the wine room for the starter (a meteorite candy with champagne and a tribute to the Aztec rain god), and later the kitchen to say hi to the team and have a palate cleanser.
I also got to visit Pepe Salinas’ experimental lab… Of course, I was drawn to this row of homemade skull liquors, and tried the one with a scorpion in it!
As I wrote in the Observer article: “Universal Flood encourages guests to simulate an eco-disaster by vigorously shaking the broth around a slab of buttery totoaba fish, causing beet gummy bears to bleed out red. Salinas focused on plant and marine ingredients—like a coconut soup with scallops, squid and spirulina that evokes life-giving amniotic fluid—to show that fine dining can be delectable and beautiful when resources are scarce.”
I smiled when the desserts came out with 3D printed axolotls (colorful, smiling endangered Mexican amphibians)!
Come watch the video footage of my dinner at Balcón del Zócalo here — you get to see the interactive elements of the tasting.
The video also gives you a tour of the magnificent restaurant, which is on the 6th floor of Zocalo Central Hoteles in Centro Historico, Mexico City.
Balcón del Zócalo’s name refers to its vast balcony overlooking the ancient square, which was originally an Aztec ceremonial space, and is now the site of the 16th-century National Palace and Metropolitan Cathedral.
Love the plants everywhere, and black and white tile floor. (My heels are Dream Pair Shoes.)
You can eat a marvelous breakfast by the balcony as well — we loved our stay in this classy hotel.
Stay at Hotel Centrales Zocalo for a boutique experience rich with character and history.
This hotel was made for me… the lobby was filled with skully elements! Photos by Albert Ting of The Click Ting / @pootie_ting on Instagram.
I adore Day of the Dead in Mexico, and the sugar skulls / spooky folklore surrounding the occasion. (See my 2019 blog about coming to CDMX around Halloween).
Cheers to Zocalo Central Hoteles for the fabulous hospitality.
The hotel and restaurant are located near Mexico City’s top museums, including the nearby Museo de Arte Popular. These towering calavera figures greeted us. Despite being dead, they’re still enjoying life to the max through song, dance, and fashion. (Sounds like some Goth friends of mine.)
Mexico City’s Museum of Popular Arts has several floors of folk art. My favorite exhibition featured Mexican devils of all sizes and shapes!
Such captivating detail in each of the horned masks.
These are humanized, comical versions of the Devil, who was introduced to the indigenous people of Mexico through Christian missionaries. Some of the works show Lucifer and his infernal court, while others show demons crying over losing their tails.
And of course, there were tons of skeletons hanging out at the museum.
Speaking of spookiness… we loved the vibe of Xaman Bar, which is inspired by ancient shaman culture! Find the hidden entrance and enter into a cavernous space filled with mysterious indigenous masks.
The menu is a Gothic dream — it references voodoo, tarot, and the occult. Of course, I went for the mezcal cocktail on the top right, called “Goodbye to Evils,” which sends the Devil packing.
Xaman Bar incorporates traditional liquors and ingredients, and elements of shamanic ritual — like a fire and smoke performance.
Spend an evening at Xaman Bar for a taste of mixology with alchemy and ritual.
One of my favorite things to do in CDMX — check out contemporary art. We wandered into a Jan Hendrix “Atlas” exhibition at the downtown Palacio de Cultura Citibanamex, and were mesmerized both by the art and setting.
The Dutch artist’s large-scale works are inspired by biology and botany.
You must see Jan Hendrix’s art in person to get the full effect of the shimmering forms and colors, such as this interactive mirrored sculpture.
On my previous trip to Mexico’s capital, I also went to the Museum of Anthropology, Museo Soumaya, Templo Mayor and more — coverage here.
Also close to Central Hotels Zocalo — a David LaChapelle photography gallery. I’m sure you recognize the iconic images of Britney Spears and Marilyn Manson by the American photographer and music video director.
If there are only two things I can do in Mexico, it would be… eat inexpensive / street food (especially tacos), and buy over the counter tretinoin (anti-aging skin product)!
I was in my happy place eating $2 cachete (cheek) tacos at Los Cocuyos Taqueria (a fav of Anthony Bourdain) and Taqueria Arandas. I also adored the quesadillas and huaraches at street stall El Huarache Loco. And I went to Farmacia Similares to get ten tubes of tretinoin 0.05 cream for $2-3 each.
Thanks to everyone who made it possible for me to visit Mexico City and report on food, art, and travel.
I hope you enjoy my debut article published by Observer about the conversation-sparking restaurant Balcón del Zócalo .
For more from Mexico City and this dining adventure, watch my reel here — and add me on @LaCarmina IG for my latest travel and food adventures!
LA CARMINA
