My husband and I escaped to Cabo San Lucas last week for sun and fun--and then some! The extra (and much needed) solar energy sparked our inner explorers, as we canvassed deserted coastline at dusk, searched for whales on the horizon and scoped out off-the-beaten-track restaurants like Acre (pictured above--it's fantastic!). The trip also afforded me the best new dress-bathing suit-and-caftan-wearing escapades! (I'm sporting a just-out La Double J dress, above!) Here are some highlights.

The view from our hotel balcony featured whale spouts, flying mobula rays, and electric sunsets. The lush bougainvillea was eye-popping gorgeous, too.

Another holiday activity: basking in the warm, golden sunlight in my new Tory Burch bikini. It can also be found here.

The ultimate place to read (this) and relax. Beach beds might just be the greatest thing ever invented.

One way to look less touristy: blend in with the scenery! This Rhode Resort dress pulls off the trick nicely. My basket bag is available here.

Swings instead of bar stools? Why not? I'd sidle up to this seaside bar in a margarita-ready dress like this, this, this or this.

My pinstripe and ruffle cotton dress goes from poolside to palapa, no problemo! Other muy bien options from No. 21, Mara Hoffman, Natalie Martin, Fraiche and Tory Burch.

The sunshine-happy stripes, above, are by Rye. I also packed these suits from J.Crew and Luli Fama. Next time I go south of the border, I'd bring along these from Lisa Marie Fernandez, Marysia, Zimmermann and Anjuna.