Celebrity photographer Michael Simon is posing Sean Kaufman — breakout star on the still-viral TV show The Summer I Turned Pretty — outside of a swim-up suite, at the Nobu Los Cabos Hotel at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula.

“Dip your toe in the pool,” he directs the 25-year-old, as the camera fires off a series of shots.

Simon is the man behind some of Hollywood’s most famous bikini photos, having captured everyone from Kim Kardashian to Lindsay Lohan (ankle monitor and all) in this garb circa the late 2000s. Clearly, times are changing — Kaufman, for one, isn’t flashing his abs, and Simon’s female subjects this weekend aren’t bearing all outside of their cover-ups. Still, there’s one constant that has carried over from the 2000s, which is the enduring popularity of the Nobu brand, which first launched in 1994 as a restaurant in Tribeca, co-owned by Robert De Niro. More than 30 years later, Nobu has expanded into a proper lifestyle brand, with books, hotels, and yes, multiple restaurants across the world too. One of their most photographed — and celebrity-loved — properties: the Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, which marked its sixth anniversary with a star-studded bash last weekend.

Nobu Los Cabos hosted a talent roster that included Jesse Tyler Ferguson (accompanied by Justin Mikita and their kids), Kaufman, Robin Thicke, Carmen Electra, Chrishell Stause, Liza Koshy, and Amaya. Whether they landed with their luggage intact was a different story. Let’s just say Kaufman was called what the A-list crowd considers to be slur-adjacent — an outfit repeater.

During the weekend, the guests of honor enjoyed the Taste of Nobu sunset dinner — a survey of the best Nobu dishes from locations worldwide — which ended on a high note with a beach fireworks display worthy of its setting. The next day, the crew sailed to the famous Arco de Cabo San Lucas, before attending a sabrage soirée, where champagne was opened saber-style, with no shortage of pomp. Stause, the actress, real estate agent and reality star known for her role in Selling Sunset, immediately started playing wife G Flip‘s singles while on aux duties. And Thicke kept his spirits up with literal American Spirits, sneaking off to use them as a social-battery recharge in between courses of chocolata clam aguachile, a hokkaido uni sushi cup, and Japanese A5 wagyu.

It’s unlikely that, at any other point, this lineup of stars would spend time with each other, better yet the multiple days and nights at a Michelin Key–winning resort where they mingled, drank and enriched their already-present tans in the Cabo sun. We can credit only Nobu Matsuhisa — the famed chef and business owner behind 19 hotels, from Manila to Marbella, and more than 50 restaurants — with the kind of power to bring people together that was necessary to pull off a jubilee of this caliber.

If you were completely unfamiliar with the cult of Nobu, you wouldn’t have a clue that the 76-year-old Japanese native, who pairs glistening Nike Air Force 1s with his chef’s whites, is the fuel behind it all.

I meet him first on a yacht, where he’s drinking tea on the bottom deck with his team before stepping out onto the bow of the boat for photos. (Yes, everyone wants a photo of Chef, especially while he’s in his natural element, barefoot and wearing merch from Los Cabos Sushi Club, which offers apparel and pop-up activations for fans of Matsuhisa’s work.)

Only a day later do I finally sit down with the man face to face, fresh off his sushi-making course alongside Gregorio Stephenson, executive chef at Nobu Malibu, and Toshiyuki Shiramizu, the Nobu Restaurant Group’s corporate sushi chef. It looks like the busy weekend has gotten to Matsuhisa, but he still has those signature, impeccable manners on display, not to mention a willingness to get to know his clientele better — be they journalists or those on intimate terms with the Billboard Hot 100.

I’m curious about what makes Nobu Los Cabos special, not according to critics but in Matsuhisa’s own words. “ We have restaurants in big cities, but [they’re] not like this one,” the James Beard Award–winner tells The Hollywood Reporter. He goes on to mention that the place is ripe with possibilities for connection, remembering a man he met while strolling on the beach recently, who showed him a video of his 16-month-old eating the yellow jalapeños served at Nobu.

On the Menu for Nobu Los Cabos’ Sixth Anniversary: Star-Studded Yacht Trips, Miso Black Cod and Sushi Demos From the Namesake Chef Himself

Exclusive Star-Studded Yacht Trips: A Luxury Celebration on the Water

To mark its prestigious sixth anniversary, Nobu Los Cabos is offering guests an exclusive way to experiance its signature blend of luxury, culinary prestige, and breathtaking ocean views wiht its star-studded yacht trips. These bespoke yacht excursions are designed to immerse visitors in the stunning Pacific coastline of Los Cabos, paired with unparalleled Nobu hospitality.

• Private Yacht dining: Enjoy an exclusive dinner on a luxury yacht,featuring Nobu’s iconic menu items,crafted with the freshest local seafood.
• Sunset cruises: Capture memorable moments with family and friends while savoring specialty cocktails and appetizers curated by Nobu chefs.
• Celebrity Chef Appearances: Occasional surprise visits from acclaimed chefs and personalities add star power to your nautical adventure.

These yacht trips are the perfect way to amplify the celebratory spirit of Nobu Los Cabos’ sixth anniversary, blending opulent experiences with gastronomic excellence.

signature Dishes on the Anniversary Menu

The centerpiece of the anniversary celebration is undoubtedly the timeless Miso Black Cod, a dish that has become synonymous with the Nobu brand worldwide. Graced with the signature sweet and savory miso marinade, this delicacy melts in your mouth and exemplifies the culinary artistry for which Nobu is renowned.

Other Highlighted Dishes:

• Black Cod with Miso: Marinated for 72 hours, grilled to perfection, and served with seasonal sides.
• Sushi Demos by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa: The namesake himself takes the stage for live sushi demonstrations, teaching guests the art of creating exquisite sushi, honoring authentic Japanese techniques combined with a Peruvian twist.
• Signature Nobu Roll: Featuring fresh tuna, avocado, and special sauces, crafted to tantalize the palate.
• Wagyu Beef Selection: Premium cuts prepared in conventional Nobu style to highlight the rich flavor and tenderness of the meat.

Anniversary Menu Snapshot

Behind the Scenes: Live Sushi Demonstrations by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa

One of the most exciting highlights of the sixth anniversary festivities is an intimate sushi demo led by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa himself. Guests gain a unique insider’s look at the precision, focus, and centuries-old tradition behind Nobu’s celebrated dishes.

• Interactive Learning: Guests participate and ask questions about ingredients and techniques during the demo.
• Exclusive Recipes: Chef Nobu shares stories behind some of his iconic creations, including his famous miso recipes.
• Perfect Pairings: Discover how Nobu pairs his sushi with rare sake and curated wines from local vineyards.

The Ultimate Nobu dining Experience in Los Cabos

Located within the acclaimed Nobu Hotel Los Cabos,the restaurant provides a perfect ambiance for this landmark celebration. Guests are treated to sea views, sophisticated décor, and a menu that marries Japanese culinary precision with fresh mexican ingredients.

Complementary Wellness and Culinary Experiences

Beyond the exquisite food and ocean adventures, Nobu Los Cabos also offers:

• Pilates Sessions: Energizing workouts to set intentions and maintain balance amid indulgence, guided by expert instructors like Marsha Lindsay.
• Wine Week Celebrations: Special wine-pairing dinners throughout September complement the culinary highlights.

Such holistic offerings elevate the Nobu anniversary celebration to an unforgettable luxury escape that nurtures body and soul alike [2].

Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips and Key Dates

• Reservation: Book early, as anniversary events-including yacht trips and sushi demos-are extremely limited.
• Dress Code: Resort casual with chic flair for onboard dining and restaurant visits.
• Best Time to Attend: September offers the pinnacle of events, including wine pairing weeks and special dinners.
• Transportation: Easily accessible from Los Cabos international Airport with concierge-arranged transfers available.

Benefits of Celebrating at Nobu Los cabos’ Sixth Anniversary

• Unmatched Culinary Excellence: Taste world-class dishes in an unforgettable setting.
• exclusive Access: Participate in private events rarely open to the public.
• Scenic Luxury: The turquoise waters and serene environment create a perfect backdrop for celebration.
• Memorable Experiences: Customized yacht trips and celebrity chef interactions elevate your stay to once-in-a-lifetime status.

Firsthand Experience: Celebrating with Nobu Los Cabos

Guests who have experienced previous Nobu anniversary events recount a vibrant mix of elegance, fun, and authentic Japanese hospitality. from the moment you step into the chic atmosphere to the last bite of the Miso Black Cod, every detail is curated to delight.

One guest described the sushi demo with Chef Nobu as “both educational and mesmerizing, blending artistry and flavor in ways I had never imagined.” The yacht trips, they say, “combine the best of spectacular scenery, great company, and outstanding food – a perfect way to celebrate an anniversary like no other.”

 ”It feels like home. [My] big-city restaurants have a lot of business people meeting. But when people come here, nobody has stress,” Matsuhisa, who hasn’t missed a single sunrise since arriving in Cabo for the anniversary fête, says, savoring a slowed-down pace in a place where the desert and ocean meet.

As for how he stays clear-headed and energized for all the projects and expansions that Nobu as a brand has up its metaphorical sleeve? (Upcoming hotels are landing everywhere from Baku and Cairo to Al Khobar and Kraków) “If I have nothing to do but stay home, I don’t want to see anybody,” Matsuhisa shares, smiling. “I’m married to my wife for over 50 years, so when I stay home, we don’t have to say much. She supports me and my team supports me. I’m a very lucky person.”

Lucky — the exact word that will come up as you stroll Nobu Los Cabos’ acres, replete with luxuriously appointed infinity pools, cactuses at every turn, wooden soaking tubs in each Japanese minimalism–inspired room, sculpture gardens featuring local flora, and terraces that lend themselves exceptionally well to a wedding or two (during my four-night stay, I was witness to three). You don’t have to drop anchor at the adjacent Nobu Residences to experience the true extent of the favorable hand life has dealt you, although their sweeping golf course views and fully equipped kitchens do give everything an extra sheen of opulence.

Just don’t leave Cabo without trying the restaurant’s famous lychee martini and dedicating time towards scanning the coastline for whales. Like Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, they’re sure to put on one hell of a show.