It’s been almost ten years since we explored Todos Santos and Cabo San Lucas. So much had developed along the Baja coast, and we thought it was a good time to revisit and scout out new territory. My husband discovered this incredibly luxurious, eco-minded hotel, located on a five-and-a-half acre plot within a farming community. The Paradero Hotel, in Todos Santos, that’s an hour north, a straight shot on Highway 19 that’s a safe and well-maintained highway - the hotel is twenty minutes from the beach and a ten-minute drive to downtown Todos Santos.
We rented a car through America, (shuttles are available) about 3 minutes from the Cabo airport, and the process was quick and efficient. We wanted to stop along the way to check out new properties and visit a few from our past vacations. There are a few toll roads along the way, and you’ll need around 5$; I suggest having pesos with you. When entering the property, it’s a dirt road that looks and feels like a unique farm. You enter through the area pictured upper right, and as you walk in, you hear the ocean echo, and above the rocks, when you look up, you’ll see the sky.
We missed the turn-off; you can’t see the hotel from the main road, so look for a sign that says “El Pescadero.” Make your turn there onto the dirt road, and you’ll arrive shortly where you check in with the gate attendant. *FYI, you won’t see a sign that says The Paradero.
The above photo is the lobby, a main gathering place all day and into the evening. When the sun sets, it’s a beautiful setting for cocktails, mingling with other guests, or relaxing. This is a hotel that is rich in architecture and fine dining. Mexico City-based founders Pablo Carmona and Joshua Kremer collaborated with architects Ruben Valdez and Yashar Yektajo to create a property that blends into the natural surroundings. The rich desert colors and brutalist-inflected structures surround a 100,000-square-foot botanical garden with plants like red sand verbena, Mojave yucca, and cactus that are over 200 years old. I’m not a big brutalist fan, but this was incredible.
Similar Coverup
On the property, It’s all about communion with nature; you feel one with the earth and a calm that reminds you to just “be.” As a guest, you have a wonderful menu of activities: yoga, meditation, hikes, surfing, temazcal or sweat lodge, cooking class, and… a complementary class to learn more about farming and gardening! I was on the waitlist for that…maybe next time! There are so many wellness options; I only had so much time. I need to return; this is the ultimate way to unplug! Welcome Video
Our stay was a quick one, just two days but I actually felt like someone hit the pause button for me. I spent much time walking around the garden area, admiring the plants, flowers, and herb garden. It’s an incredible property, and the aroma of the land was intoxicating.
The 130-foot-long infinity pool area with a swim-up bar was perfect for cooling off; I loved the music they played - on Spotify.
Skirt Xirena
There are 35 rooms; we stayed in a spacious rooftop suite with stairs leading to an open-air lounging area where you’ll find a “star net,” my favorite part of the stay; see below. Your room comes with a cool sombrero, in case you forgot yours. The sunrise in the morning against the mountains and farmland was unforgettable, the sunset against the mountains… ditto. Here’s another perk: Guests wear a bracelet to enter your rooms, so no more losing the key or digging in my never-ending bag.
A flat hammock bolted into the walls and suspended over the outdoor spaces. You literally feel like you’re floating in the sky; I’d say it’s a “next-level” hammock…trust me, it’s bolted in there really well, I checked.
The garden suites have a different perk; there are traditional hammocks and outdoor soaking tubs that do not have a “star-net.” The bath and shower feel like you’re outdoors with the wide open window to the mountains…and not to forget the organic shampoos and soaps. There are several styles of rooms, each one unique, and sliding doors to the bathroom that are separate from the bedroom. FYI - the beds were perfect.
You can dine in the open-air kitchen or the quaint tables under the trees. The first night, we sat at the open-air kitchen bar and watched the meal preparation, and our food was delicious.
Meals are usually served with corn or flour tortillas warmed in a traditional Oaxacan clay oven alongside a flight of salsas made from the 12 different types of chili peppers grown on the property. I must say it was quite the food scene here. The next morning, before we left, I had the best Huevos rancheros of my life!
The second night, we ventured to downtown Todos Santos, charming, laidback, and vibrant! Only a few years ago, it was mostly known to be a great spot for yoga retreats and surfers, It still is and now it’s become a known getaway and It’s growing, but it’s still quite quaint. FYI We felt very safe there.
It takes about 15 minutes to drive downtown from the Paradero, our hotel recommended we try Oystera an old sugar mill from 1930, It was packed, so fun, and really good. We sat outside and watched the sunset, and it was lovely.
Hats off to the Paradero team -This was one of the most unique hotels I’ve experienced; I left there wanting to be a farmer, a gardener, and a rancher. I felt like someone “beamed” me up to a new planet, a really wonderful and graceful one. I do hope to return; email me if you have any questions. I highly recommend The Paradero.
Muchas Gracias, and Thank you for reading! Previous travel post at Costa Palmas
Tips - Rent a jeep - Take photos of your rent-a-car for your own protection - Carry pesos
