Lewis Hamilton
by Karin Leperi | photos by Mariano Lemus
British Formula One racing driver Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton, recently spent some quality time in Baja. With an upcoming birthday on January 7, he flew to Cabo for the weekend and spent time at the super luxurious One&Only Palmilla Resort for some workouts, recreation, rest, and a general celebration of his birthday.
Located on the Baja Peninsula and bordering the Sea of Cortez, the resort has earned a reputation for offering “intense privacy and exquisite luxury” with beachfront access to one of the few beaches in the entire region that is safely swimmable. Hamilton luxuriated in his own private hacienda – the 4-bedroom Villa de Cortez – considered the ultimate in privilege and privacy. With his own private infinity-edge pool, open air whirlpool, and personal beach front veranda with fire pits, shower, day beds and lounge, Hamilton thought he was in heaven. The 10,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space also included an office, private spa and fully equipped gymnasium. For personal evening entertainment, he had a state-of-the-art screening room with cinema seating for 12 guests, not to mention a chocolate and candies basket for munching.
His personal staff included a dedicated culinary and household staff of 12 as well as a dedicated butler and 24-hour Estate Butler Service. And even though Hamilton also had his own private gym at Villa de Cortez with Technogym and Kinesis equipment and a dedicated fitness trainer, he nevertheless enjoyed going to the resort’s fitness center where he trained hard with explosive power training, including some box jumps in the gym. (Hamilton is known for his super-fit body and six-pack abs, strongly believing that hard physical training is necessary for the intense demands of racing.)
Afterwards, he enjoyed his Villa’s amenities, including some down time lounging in the sun. “I don’t think there’s anything better than this, following a hard morning workout! Recovery and training has to be in balance,” he explained.
But it wasn’t all workouts and poolside relaxation for Hamilton as he saved time for fun such as kayaking on the property and then surfing at Cerritos with the resort’s TropicSurf Pro. In particular, Hamilton loved the surfing and said, “Surfing was so much fun, but definitely one of the most challenging sports I’ve ever tried!! If you know anything about me you know I love a challenge!!”
Hamilton has definitely risen to challenges over the years, and in the process, has set many records. He is the 2008, 2014, and 2015 Formula One World Champion, and is currently racing for the Mercedes AMG Petronas team. A little known fact about him is that he is also a fan of art, with Andy Warhol as one of his favorites. He showed his admiration by wearing a gold-framed version of Warhol’s Cars painting on a chain around his neck.
Lewis Hamilton is in love with Baja and can hardly wait till he gets back to Mexico. In fact, he’s hoping to do a repeat visit next year in January to once again, celebrate his birthday. “Last weekend was by far the best birthday weekend I have ever had. I have fallen in love with Mexico. This for me is not only one of the most beautiful places in the world but the people were so gentle, loving and kind. Thank you Mexico. Thank you One&Only Palmilla hotel for the most amazing stay. See you next year!”