Querencia in Los Cabos Set to Expand

While much of golf development in the U.S. is in the doldrums, the industry is alive and well on the tip of Mexico's Baja Peninsula. Originated in 2000 with a private Tom Fazio design, Querencia will soon be adding to its golfing slate a new Gil Hanse-designed layout.

The 1,800-acre development is located between Baja's rugged desert mountains and the Sea of Cortez. Current amenities include a 58,000-square-foot clubhouse that offers multiple dining venues; a wine cellar; infinity pool and Jacuzzi; lap pool and waterfall; a fitness center with a yoga pavilion; a Kids' Club and concierge.

Besides the second 18, future enhancements include a Beach Club inside a secluded cove along the Los Cabos corridor that will offer a casual outdoor bar and dining area, pool, spa, fire pit and private beach cabanas; and new ocean-view residential offerings, including water-view lots, club villas and condominiums. Lot prices will range from $550,000 to $14 million. The condos, starting at $1.25 million, will contain three bedrooms, three baths and private verandas.

The current Fazio layout occupies 320 acres. The site, involving 350 feet of elevation change, winds uphill off the main highway between Los Cabos and San Jose del Cabo. The year after it opened the private club hosted Shell's Wonderful World of Golf, a match pitting Sergio Garcia against Phil Mickelson (Mickelson's 67 bested Sergio's even-par 72). From the tips, the 7,070-yard track sports a rating of 74.5 and a slope of 147, the Cabo area's highest.

Querencia (pronounced "Kah-ren-see-ah" and in Spanish, meaning a place to feel safe, strong and at home; a place to return) currently has 120 property owners and 275 golf club members. Golf memberships are $150,000; a social membership for $25,000 is available to property owners.

For more information, visit www.loscabosquerencia.com.