BEN BORLAND heads to the tip of Baja California to explore an A-list hangout blessed with dazzling scenery

GEORGE CLOONEY has a villa up there on the hill, says my tour guide.

"Sly Stallone and Leo DiCaprio too. Madonna sold hers last year." We are in the Mexican resort of Cabo San Lucas outside a run-down flea market selling brightly-coloured sombreros, novelty cigarette lighters and maracas for $1.50 a pair.

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It is not yet lunchtime but funk and reggae music is pumping out from Señor Frog's, a lively bar on the marina with a huge, green-skinned model of its amphibious inspiration on the roof. As a native of Blackpool, there is something very familiar about the scene to me, the 32C temperature aside.

It is hard to imagine any Hollywood A-listers coming here on holiday, never mind investing in a second (or umpteenth) home. My guide is spot-on though: Cabo San Lucas is currently the place for stressed-out stars unwinding between film roles.

Americans make up the majority of tourists to this secluded corner of Mexico, a two-and-a-half hour flight from Los Angeles or Dallas. It has become a home from home, with air-conditioned shopping malls, clean, US-style restaurants, friendly service and plenty of bars offering happy-hour margaritas and baseball on TV.

Fortunately they can't mess with the scenery, I muse, as I relax on a 30ft cruiser during a boat trip along the coast, far from Señor Frog's speakers.

Cabo is located at the southern tip of Baja California, a mountainous peninsula that is longer than Britain but no more than 50 miles wide. At its pinnacle, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, I watch the surf pounding against El Arco, a stunning natural sea arch. Sea lions bask at the foot of the cliffs, where from December to March you can often see migrating humpback whales.

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It is too rough to land at Lover's Beach, a beautiful sandy cove behind El Arco accessible only by boat, so Carlos and Hector, our friendly host and skipper, motor further along the coast.

Here we encounter white-sanded Chileno Beach, a favourite snorkelling and safe swimming spot.

The treacherous currents around the cape (Cabo is the Spanish word for cape) mean many spots are dangerous.

The Buccaneer Queen, a 96ft replica pirate ship which appeared in the 1995 Geena Davis action-adventure film Cutthroat Island, arrives shortly afterwards, disgorging a crew of day-trippers into the azure water.

On the return journey Carlos casts out two fishing lines. Cabo has some of the world's best fishing and on earlier trips he claims to have caught marlin, wahoo and tuna for passengers.

We return to shore empty-handed but there is no shortage of seafood restaurants around the marina in which to sample the local catch.

After dark Cabo San Lucas is transformed into a clubbers' paradise, with venues such as the aforementioned Señor Frog's, Squid Row and Cabo Wabo (owned by former Van Halen singer Sammy Hagar). Sensibly, I am staying well away from all this tequila-drenched silliness in the breathtaking luxury of Las Ventanas al Paraiso.

The beachfront hotel is halfway between Cabo San Lucas and the traditional neighbouring town of San José del Cabo. We arrive in the reception area, with the stylish resort spread out below us like a small Mexican village.

Owned by American hotel tycoon Ty Warner, no expense is spared, from the "sheet menu" from which guests can choose their favourite bed linen to the army of gardeners who ensure not a blade of grass is out of place.

Celebrities love the place.

Kate Beckinsale had her honeymoon here, Adam Sandler brought his bulldogs and Simon Cowell gave it the thumbs up.

GELAXING by the infinity pool, where guests are brought drinks and fresh towels by "pool butlers", I idly wonder which sunlounger Eva Longoria, Charlize Theron and Jennifer Lopez chose during their stay.

My stunning suite is set over two levels with a brass telescope to observe the sunrise and a Jacuzzi on the balcony.
The hotel staff are unfailingly cheery, although it is the little touches that are most memorable, such as the waitress remembering my coffee order.

The resort's executive chef, Frenchman Fabrice Guisset, describes Baja California as "the new Provence".

As a native of Avignon, he should know and he speaks lovingly of the mussels, herbs, tomatoes, olive oil and organic vegetables grown in the mountains and used on the hotel's imaginative menu.

The region even produces a surprisingly pleasant white wine, although it is not as surprising as the quality of the tequila.

During a boozy "lesson" with one of the resort's "Tequileros" I learn that only the really rough stuff ("blanco") is exported abroad, while the Mexicans keep the best for themselves.

"Reposado" (rested) tequila is stored in oak casks for up to a year, while "anejo" (aged up to three years) and "extra anejo" (up to five years) are as silky and smooth as a single malt or cognac. Retiring a little unsteadily to the deep bubble bath on my balcony and gazing out over the glittering Sea of Cortez, I find it is easy to believe the hotel's claim that every guest is made to feel like an A-list star.

There are few other places on Earth that can make that particular Hollywood dream come true.

GETTING THERE:
Las Ventanas al Paraiso (00 800 8767 3966/www.rosewoodhotels.com) offers doubles from £378 per night (two sharing), B&B. Valid until September 30 (minimum three-night stay).

American Airlines (0844 499 7300/ www.aa.com) offers return flights from Heathrow to Los Cabos via Dallas/Fort Worth from £820.

Expedia (0871 226 0808/ www.expedia.co.uk) offers seven nights at the five-star Las Ventanas al Paraiso from £2,188pp (two sharing), room only.

Price includes return flights with American Airlines from Heathrow to Los Cabos, via Newark and Dallas.

Mexico Tourism Board: 020 7488 9392/ www.visitmexico.com