Nestled along the rugged coastline of Baja California Sur, midway between the bustling resort mecca of Cabo San Lucas and the port city of La Paz, the charming town of Todos Santos has emerged as a hidden gem for travelers seeking a laid-back escape infused with art, culture, and surf vibes.
Once a sleepy agricultural community, Todos Santos has transformed into a vibrant destination where bohemian chic meets coastal charm. Backed by the towering Sierra de la Laguna mountains to the east and washed by cooling Pacific sea breezes, the town is blessed by a comfortable climate and pristine beaches. Todos Santos’ designation as one of Mexico’s Magic Towns (Pueblo Mágicos) has caused some to worry that it might become the next Tulum, so try to keep it a secret for now, but don’t hesitate to visit. To get you started, here are six of our favorite trending hotels in Todos Santos.
Paradero
Set in a palm tree oasis, the stark sand-hued concrete walls and raw wood accents of this eco-conscious resort blend seamlessly into the surrounding desert landscape. Billed as Mexico’s first experience-based hotel, Paradero’s focus on minimalist design invites guests to turn their attention outward to the natural world and the panoramic views of the Sierra de la Laguna mountains. From sound healing and guided hikes to organic farm-to-table dining experiences and complimentary custom-designed surfboards, every aspect of Paradero is curated to promote authentic experiences, relaxation, and mindful living.
The resort’s rooftop suites incorporate outdoor lounge areas with sweeping views of the cactus-studded desert below and unique star-net hammocks that float over the landscape. Garden suites cloister guests in a courtyard garden with private soaking tubs. Pacific beaches are a 10-minute walk or a short car ride away, and the village of Todos Santos is about four miles up the road. In keeping with the resort’s emphasis on bespoke services, Paredo maintains a fleet of cars and drivers for guests wanting to visit the village or surrounding natural sites.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to spend a day at the beautiful infinity pool set in the desert and sign up for a farming class.
Villa Santa Cruz
Overlooking an undeveloped beach to the north of downtown Todos Santos, Villa Santa Cruz offers a serene sanctuary where guests can connect with nature and unwind with a vacation experience that is unscheduled, unhurried and in close connection with the natural beauty and rhythm of Baja. The resort’s warm ocher walls, beamed wooden ceilings, and terracotta tile floors channel the spirit of a traditional Mexican hacienda, but in reality, this property is a relatively recent addition to the local hospitality scene. First conceived as a private residence, it was transformed into a four-room boutique hotel in 2011 and has since evolved into an eclectic mix of rooms, bungalows, suites and tented oceanfront suites.
With tranquil gardens and farm, seaside palapa, beachfront restaurant, infinity pool, and a variety of on-site experiences, this 20-acre enclave delivers a balance of upscale amenities, active pursuits and intimate hospitality. Whether horseback riding on the beach, savoring fresh local seafood at The Green Room restaurant, or taking in a sunset from the crest of an ocean dune, guests are sure to feel the magic of Baja at Villa Santa Cruz.
Pro Tip: Check out their new tented oceanfront suites, which have the look of a glamping tent, but the feel of a high-end hotel room.
Todos Santos Boutique Hotel
This upmarket boutique retreat is a masterpiece of artistic expression and bespoke hospitality that exudes the charms of a bygone era. Housed within a 19th-century historic building first owned by a Spanish countess, the property’s original ambiance has been carefully preserved and elevated in neo-colonial style to create a haven of colorful courtyards, artisanal décor, and understated opulence. In each of the hotel’s 10 uniquely designed rooms and suites, guests are enveloped in a timeless elegance of brass detailing, canopy oakwood beds, luscious fabrics, lustrous marble and hand-painted murals of historic Todos Santos. Every detail in the Todos Santos Boutique Hotel is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and refined luxury.
Guests are invited to digitally disconnect and live in the moment at the hotel’s palm-shrouded courtyard pool or while enjoying morning coffee and sweeping views of the village on the rooftop terrace. The in-house restaurant, 1890, delivers a fine dining experience where international flavors draw inspiration from Baja’s land and sea. An in-house sommelier is on hand to pair tastings with vintages from the adjacent oak-wood wine cellar. After dinner, the hotel’s location in the heart of downtown Todos Santos invites guests to immerse themselves in the town’s cultural heritage by exploring nearby galleries, shops, and restaurants.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on their bespoke experiences.
La Bohemia Baja Hotel Pequeno
Drawing inspiration from the bohemian spirit of Todos Santos, La Bohemia Baja is an eclectic and whimsical retreat where creativity flourishes and community thrives. With just nine rooms managed by the on-site owners, guests are made to feel like welcome family members. Century-old adobe walls, thatched roofs and native landscaping set the tone for communal spaces that foster a sense of connection and camaraderie with live music events, yoga classes, mezcal tastings and fish taco nights. Whether taking a dip in the cute pool or lounging in a hammock beneath the palm trees, visitors can’t help but be swept away by the magic of La Bohemia Baja.
The hosting owners, who are world-travelers themselves, describe their creation as a retreat created by travelers for travelers, and have taken great care to curate a cozy and upbeat environment with a focus on fresh air of the great outdoors, getting off the beaten path, excellent eating and drinking, and a great night’s sleep. Setting the tone for these relaxations, rooms and suites feature a colorful yet elegantly simplistic décor with handcrafted furnishings and artistic details curated during the owner’s travels.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask the local on-site hosts for advice on what to do and where to eat.
Hotel San Cristobal
Perched on a low bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Hotel San Cristobal celebrates the timeless allure of Baja California with its bohemian chic aesthetic and laid-back ambiance. Designed by renowned architects Lake Flato and the founder of Bunkhouse, this boutique hotel seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces with stylish accommodations, oceanfront dining, and a saltwater infinity pool that’s just steps from the ocean. The angular simplicity of the hotel’s whitewashed walls and earth-tone accents helps focus attention on outward views of the beach and the looming headland of Punta Lobos beyond. Rooms finished in polished concrete walls are enlivened by hand-stamped tiles and bright handwoven Mexican bedspreads.
From surf lessons to stargazing sessions at a beachfront bonfire, Hotel San Cristobal offers an array of experiences that capture the essence of Todos Santos’ coastal lifestyle. Nature-themed experiences and wellness programs from beachfront yoga sessions to coastal and desert hikes, horseback rides and off-road biking in the Sierra de la Laguna mountains and traditional medicine classes. The hotel’s deep dedication to sustainability includes rigorous recycling and reuse programs, a zero-plastics policy and composting for the on-site organic gardens. Guests are also invited to participate in environmental and community service efforts such as beach cleanups, donations of clothing and school supplies for the local village, assisting on local farms and protecting hatchling sea turtles on their journey to the sea.
Pro Tip: Check out their new farm-to-table restaurant called Cosecha.
El Perdido
Tucked away in the tranquil outskirts of Todos Santos in the small agricultural village of El Pescadero, El Perdido is a hidden gem in the desert that invites guests to unplug and reconnect with nature. This intimate retreat features rustic chic casitas surrounded by lush gardens and fruit orchards, providing a peaceful sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. When planning this oasis-like sanctuary, the builders utilized traditional and sustainable construction materials and created spaces designed for maximum efficiency, taking into account environmental conditions such as wind, sun and shade. Communal areas are free of walls to allow for natural veneration and a connection with nature. The hotel also has a water treatment system, a saltwater pool, and has eliminated all single-use plastics.
With its emphasis on sustainability and community engagement, El Perdido offers immersive experiences such as organic gardening workshops and traditional temazcal ceremonies. From practicing yoga in the open-air shala, soaking in an outdoor bathtub, lounging poolside, to experiencing local cuisine at Coyote restaurant, or stargazing through a telescope, you will be swept away by the tranquility of the desert.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Polaris Off-Roading experience through the desert to the sea.
