Los Cabos | Todos Santos
Cabo San Lucas has long been associated with Spring Break and all-inclusive resorts, but as of late, with a host of new hotel openings including the Amanvari arriving in the East Cape soon, Los Cabos (which includes both Cabo San Lucas and the artistic community of San José del Cabo) has reclaimed its right as a worthy travel destination. The bohemian surf community of Todos Santos, a pueblo mágico, is only an hour south for those looking for a more relaxed setting to enjoy Baja California’s waves.
STAY
ONE&ONLY PALMILLA The first One&Only resort in North America, and perhaps Los Cabos most luxurious property, the expansive waterfront resort includes 4 restaurants, a wellness spa, two salons, and its own signature blend of Clase Azul Tequila, served on arrival. Personally, our favorite part of the resort is the understated, simple whitewashed stucco chapel overlooking the water. Carr. Transpeninsular, Tourist Corridor, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico; oneandonlyresorts.com/palmilla
LAS VENTANAS AL PARAÍSO This Rosewood property lives up to its namesake- The Windows to Paradise. A mariachi band greets you on arrival and each casita includes woodburning fireplaces on patios complete with telescopes for stargazing by night or whale watching by day. Arbol, the romantic restaurant on a terrace lit by trees adorned by twinkling lights is a must. Carr. Transpeninsular Km. 19.5, Tourist Corridor, Cabo Real, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico; rosewoodhotels.com/en/las-ventanas-los-cabos
ESPERANZA, AN AUBERGE RESORT This 17-acre hideaway is hidden off of the main highway, and focuses on wellness with complimentary yoga classes and spa treatments en plein air. Argentinian chef Guillermo Gomez heads the seaside restaurant, Cocina del Mar, and spotlights the best of Baja purveyors. Punta Ballena, México 1 KM 7, 23410 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico; aubergeresorts.com/esperanza
CHILENO BAY RESORT & RESIDENCES, AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION Next to Chileno Beach this beachfront boutique hotel is set on a protected cove with pristine reefs, contemporary design, and five-star service. Make sure to make a reservation at the open-air restaurant with a terrace overlooking the ocean. Playa Chileno Bay, Carr. Transpeninsular Supermanzana Km. 15, San Jose, 23410 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico; aubergeresorts.com/chilenobay
PARADERO A brand new and buzzy hotel in Todos Santos, which prides itself on being a landscape project first and a hotel second, a rarity in the Baja California Sur peninsula of Mexico. Set on a previously unused 5.5-acre plot within a farming community in Todos Santos, it’s become the mission of Mexico City-based founders Pablo Carmona and Joshua Kremer to preserve the over 160 acres of family-owned farms that surround the property. Set before a palm tree oasis about 20 minutes from the beach, it’s made up of a series of brutalist-inspired structures designed by architects Ruben Valdez and Yashar Yektajo. They took note of the landscape’s sunbaked hues and designed the property in golden shades to blend into the sandy natural surroundings. La Mesa KM 59 +3100, Degollado, 23300 Todos Santos, B.C.S., Mexico; paraderohotels.com
HOTEL SAN CRISTOBAL As the local saying goes “when you see a dirt road in Baja, you should take it. There’s always something interesting at the other end.” That is certainly the case with Hotel San Cristobal. Liz Lambert, the hotelier behind Texas properties Hotel San José in Austin and El Cosmico in Marfa, opened the 32-room beachfront boutique hotel on the water in Todos Santos. We especially love the nightly s’mores in the sand under the stars. N° Km 54+ 23300 800, México 19, 23300 Todos Santos, B.C.S., Mexico; bunkhousehotels.com/hotel-san-cristobal
NOBU HOTEL The first property in Mexico from Japanese Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and actor Robert DeNiro, the beachfront property blends Japanese minimalism with locally-sourced Mexican materials. The use of concrete and angular spaces is reminiscent of Tadao Ando’s designs, a modern and contemporary departure from the other resorts nearby. Polígono 1. Fracción D. Fraccionamiento Diamante, Los Cangrejos, 23473 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico; loscabos.nobuhotels.com
THE CAPE, A THOMPSON HOTEL The first Mexican hotel from the trendy Thompson brand looks straight out across the Sea of Cortez to the peninsula's famous Arch. Book a table at Manta by Chef Enrique Olvera (of Pujol fame) to enjoy seafood dishes with (in our humble opinion) the best view in Cabo. Carr. Transpeninsular Km 5, Tourist Corridor, Misiones del, 23455 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico; hyatt.com/thompson-hotels/cslth-the-cape
WALDORF ASTORIA LOS CABOS PEDREGAL Also known as The Resort at Pedregal, the hotel is situated on a cliff overlooking the Pacific- perfect for peeping giant gray, blue, and humpback whales. The rooms come appointed with local handicrafts and feature private plunge pools. Enjoy fresh seafood and live music at El Farallon restaurant in the evening. Cam. del Mar 1, Pedregal, 23455 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico; waldorfastorialoscabospedregal.com
VICEROY LOS CABOS Celebrated Mexican architect Miguel Angel Aragonés created a modern, minimalist escape with sugar-white buildings, all angled towards the sea, at this hotel. Formerly Hotel Mar Adentro, the design resembles Louis Kahn’s Salk Institute in La Jolla, California. At the center of it all is the open-air ceviche restaurant, Nido. P.º Malecon San Jose Lote 8, Zona Hotelera, 23405 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico; viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/los-cabos
FOUR SEASONS RESORT LOS CABOS AT COSTA PALMAS Situated an hour a half from Cabo San Lacos in La Paz, the Four Seasons is a spacious property with oceanfront views, 5 restaurants including Mozza by Nancy Silverton, multiple outdoor pools, a spa, and even a golf course. A sports center with a gym features tennis, basketball and volleyball courts. Eureka-Buenavista, 23570 La Ribera, B.C.S., Mexico; fourseasons.com/loscabos
EL GANZO A modern, boutique hotel with a rooftop infinity pool, a fire pit, and a private beach club. Visiting artists leave their marks on the walls or record in the on-site studio in San José Del Cabo. Blvd. Tiburon s/n, La Playita, 23403 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico; elganzo.com
MARQUIS LOS CABOS RESORT & SPA This Leading Hotel of the World property makes a dramatic first impression- upon entering the all-white, open-air lobby, your eyes travel through the archways, which perfectly frame the turquoise waters beyond. Hacienda-style rooms come with ocean-facing balconies and outside lies an infinity pool, spacious spa, and six on-site restaurants. Km 21.5, Carr. Transpeninsular Km 21.5, Fracc. Cabo Real, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico; marquisloscabos.com
DINE | DRINK
FLORA FARMS One of, if not our favorite, places in San José del Cabo. Flora Farms is a working farm at the base of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains. Reserve a cooking class, which ranges from tamales to regional salsas, and includes a tour of the property and lunch al fresco. There is also a restaurant, bar, market, and various boutiques and galleries on the property. Carretera Transpeninsular San José del Cabo Km. 30 Las Ánimas Bajas, 23407 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico; flora-farms.com
LOS TAMARINDOS Another organic farm located just one mile away from the Sea of Cortez and San José del Cabo’s estuary. The restaurant is in a farmhouse dating back to the 19th Century, which used to grow sugar cane, one of the region´s major exports at the time. The property also includes bungalows and cooking classes in a beautiful kitchen terrace with stone walls and wooden ceilings. C. de Las Animas s/n, Animas Bajas, 23407 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico; lostamarindos.mx
ACRE Whether you are staying in one of the 12 treehouses on the property or dining at the farm-to-table restaurant, Acre is a must-visit (or stay). C. Rincón de las Animas S/N, Animas Bajas, 23407 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico; acreresort.com
JAZAMANGO An open-air restaurant in Todos Santos by Chef Javier Plascencia using local products from their own organic garden. Los Naranjos s/n, Fraccionamiento La Huerta, 23300 Todos Santos, B.C.S., Mexico; jazamango.mx
OYSTERA A beautiful oyster bar with indoor/outoor seating in Todos Santos. Calle Benito Juárez, Ignacio Zaragoza y Santos E, Degollado, Centro, 23300 Todos Santos, B.C.S., Mexico; oystera-ts.com
EL FARALLON Located inside The Resort at Pedregal, El Farallon offers cliffside tables right surrounded by lanterns and live music. Order the parrotfish ceviche and catch of the day. Cam. del Mar 1, Pedregal, 23455 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico; waldorfastorialoscabospedregal.com/culinary/el-farallon
EDITH’S A mainstay for authentic Mexican food, this vibrant restaurant on an outdoor patio is covered by a thatched roof and adorned with colorful, traditional décor. Order a margarita, freshly grilled lobster, and shrimp enchiladas in a guajillo pepper sauce with blue corn quesadillas. The Edith Group also owns The Office and La Pintada Brewery. Av. del Pescador S/N, El Medano Ejidal, 23410 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico; edithscabo.com
THE OFFICE For an “authentic” Cabo Spring Break experience, may we recommend a visit to The Office, a true Cabo San Lucas classic on Médano Beach from the same owners as Edith’s. A lovely sombrero-adorned gentleman will offer you a tequila shot on arrival at this lively restaurant. Olé! Playa El Medano S/N, El Medano Ejidal, El Medano, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico; theofficeonthebeach.com
ARBOL This romantic restaurant at Las Ventanas Al Paraíso is located under the tree-lined terrace adorned with twinkling lights in Los Cabos. Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort, Carretera Transpeninsular, 19.5, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico; rosewoodhotels.com/en/las-ventanas-los-cabos/dining/arbol
CLASE AZUL LA TERRAZA Clase Azul Destinations are unique spaces where Clase Azul comes to life through unique experiences. The first destination is located in Los Cabos featuring exquisite Mexican cuisine led by Chef Iván Arias, whose concept arises from a desire to tell stories about La Baja through the creation of unique culinary delights. Carr. Transpeninsular KM 27.5-LOCAL 207, 23406 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico; claseazul.com
LOS TRES GALLOS A Mexican restaurant near downtown Cabo with fresh queso, guacamole, and strong margaritas. The last time we went our affable waiter somehow procured churros off the street and brought them (even though they weren't on the menu) so obviously, our memories are fond! Leona Vicario esquina, 20 de Noviembre S/N, Centro, 23469 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico; lostresgallos.com
BAJA BEANS ROASTING COMPANY While visiting Todos Santos, pick up a cold-brew coffee at nearby Pescadero, then head to the beach, one of the best breaks in the area. On the weekends, a bustling farmer’s market pops during the high season. Blvd. Paseo de la Marina 1, Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico; bajabeanscoffee.com
GUAYCURA SKY LOUNGE BAR Sip a cucumber-basil margarita as the sun sets at this terrace bar in Todos Santos. Av. Legaspy 27, Centro, 23300 Todos Santos, B.C.S., Mexico; guaycura.com/en/sky-lounge-bar
CAFE SANTA FE Set in an 1850s building and run by Italian expats- this Todos Santos hotspot has become known for its Northern Italian classics, like wood-fired focaccia. Av, Ignacio Zaragoza S/N, Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico; sfcabo.com
HIERBABUENA Dine on wood-fired pizza at this alfresco restaurant located within an organic farm outside of Todos Santos. Parcela 76, LAS MARAVILLAS, 23310 El Pescadero, B.C.S., Mexico; hierbabuenarestaurante.com
ACTIVITIES
SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO ART WALK Galleries fill the classic adobe homes where weekly art walks every Thursday night from November to June offer the chance to scope contemporary works and traditional handicrafts. Alvaro Obregon 20, Gallery District, Centro, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico; ivanguaderrama.com
SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO FARMER’S MARKET Saturday’s organic farmers’ market in front of the Jockey Club brings out the splendor of Baja produce.
MISIÓN SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO The mission was rebuilt in 1918, but preserves the 19th-century facade with a mosaic of the martyrdom of the church’s 18th-century founder, Jesuit priest Nicolá Tamaral. Miguel Hidalgo S/N, Gallery District, Centro, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico
TANYA TALAMANTE WORKSHOP Tanya Talamante is an artist and designer working in Los Cabos. She founded “Studio TT Art School and Gallery” at the One&Only Palmilla Resort. Sign up for a painting workshop at the atelier while in town. Carretera Transpeninsular Km 31.5, San José del Cabo, BCS. CP. 23400; tanyatalamante.com/workshops
SURF Playa Cerritos is the place to surf 20 minutes from Todos Santos. Beginners can take a class at Marios Surf School. If you’re staying in Los Cabos then Zippers and Old Man’s Break are for you. Lessons are also available at the Costa Azul Surf Shop or Mike Doyle Surf School at the Cabo Surf Hotel.
SHOP
LA COYOTA Edith Jimenez (of Ediths, The Office and La Pintada fame) has converted her multi-level hacienda into a boutique displaying and selling local Mexican artisanal wares. One of the bedrooms is bedecked entirely in embroidered linens, another revolves around Dia De Los Muertos, while the second-floor outfitted with floor-to-ceiling crucifixes. In the open-air courtyard, there are hand-blown glass ornaments and pottery. Out of the way of Cabo proper, but the treasure hunting is worth the trip! Av. Leona Vicario, Downtown, Ampliación Juárez, 23469 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
EL WINE SHOP A wine bar, coffee shop, and store in San José Del Cabo, including a location at Flora Farms, offering classes and experts to help you pick out a bottle of wine including a large selection from Valle de Guadaloupe, the Napa Valley of Baja California. CARRET TRANS 3.5 TEZAL, 23454 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico
BRILANTI In Todos Santos, descendants of Ana Brilanti, a pioneering early-20-century silversmith in the Mexican silver capital of Taxco, who once designed a fan-motif Art Deco necklace for First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, forge bold pieces based on traditional Mexican iconography. Calle Centenario 26, Todos Santos 23300 Mexico
ANNE SIDORA Frenchwoman Anne Sidora came to Los Cabos on vacation and never left. The curator’s space by Flora Farms brings together stunning cups, candles, soaps, and leather pieces made by Mexican artisans. It’s impossible to leave this beautifully merchandised store empty-handed. Anne Sidora, Animas Bajas, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico; annesidora.com
VILLA VALENTINA A family-owned interior design studio, B&b, cafe, restaurant, and women’s clothing boutique (Colectivo De La Villa) with handmade Latin American crafts benefitting local artisans in a San José del Cabo shopping center. Carretera Transpeninsular, Kilómetro 31.5, México 1, Zona Hotelera, 23405 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico
SPA
CURRENTS SPA AT THE CAPE HOTEL After too much tequila, we recommend the facial at this seaside resort. The charming courtyard where you await treatments faces the ocean. Tourist Corridor, 23455 Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico; na.spatime.com
THE WALDORF ASTORIA SPA AT THE RESORT AT PEDREGAL We especially love the pre-treatment foot bath and massage at this luxe spa. Cam. del Mar 1, Pedregal, 23455 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., Mexico; waldorfastorialoscabospedregal.com
Text: Veronica H. Speck Contributing Editors: Alexandra Storey, Danielle Roque, Morgan Lopez Photo: Slim Aarons, © Getty Images