In the ocean-meets-mountain town of Todos Santos, there’s a certain feeling in the air. It’s a carefree feeling, one inspired by the wanderlust that runs deep in this coastal enclave found in Baja California Sur. Here, adventure is found near and far—in the Pacific Ocean waves, cacti-filled landscape and across the Sierra de la Laguna mountains.
Many of the most memorable adventures in Todos Santos begin on a dusty trail of twists and turns that promise the unexpected. Travel down one of these beaten paths, and you may just find yourself on the doorstep of one of the area’s greatest treasures: adventure-filled Paradero Todos Santos.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF PARADERO AND TRAVEL CREATOR JESSICA WRIGHT OF @BONTRAVELER ON ASSIGNMENT FOR PASSPORT MAGAZINE
Where One Road Ends, Another Begins
To arrive at Paradero Todos Santos is to be thrust into the elements—the blazing sun, the sea breeze, the open skies. Paradero co-founders Pablo Carmona and Joshua Kremer designed their Todos Santos property with the intention of connecting visitors to the environment, creating an immersive, adult-only experience that rekindles the spirit of adventure.
The result is a sandy-hued, brutalist-inspired structure that seamlessly blends into the arid desert. Surrounding that, a 100,000-square-foot botanical garden of endemic plants such as red sand verbena, Mojave yucca and Shaw’s agave. It’s said to be the first-ever experience-based hotel in Mexico, distancing itself far from the all-inclusive mega-resorts of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. No television. No room service. This isn’t a uniform beach vacation.
The Great Outdoors, Inside
It’s the visually striking desert plot that surrounds this architectural wonder that first wows. Then it’s the interiors, which bring the outdoors in. Featuring raw wood, concrete and metal, interiors are minimal and elemental and pull in a muted palette of sand and dusty olive green from the sunbaked, palm- and agave-dotted landscape outside. Rooftop suites have outdoor seating areas with views of the cacti desert below and “star nets” to lounge in for constellation-spotting. The garden suites come with their own perks such as hammocks and outdoor soaking tubs.
Come Together
Beyond its walls, Paradero shines a light on Baja’s natural wonders in the most extraordinary way. The property is designed to beckon guests out of their rooms and into, say, The Living Room, an open-air multi-purpose hub designed to foster connection. The hammocks and rattan lounge pillows here invite staying a while, while just a stone’s throw away, a 130-foot infinity pool hugged by a half-moon-shaped sun terrace provides refreshing R&R. Swim up to the bar for a mezcal martini or a glass of champagne, and take in views of spindly cacti in the distance while chatting up new pals.
Let the Good Times Roll
With new friends made, it’s time to create lasting memories together. Being an experience-based hotel, Paradeo encourages guests to continue their connections with one another through a series of daily excursions that showcase the region’s greatest assets. Ocean safaris, surf lessons, morning bike rides, meditations—activities here come in all shapes and sizes, spanning land and sea. Each exclusive experience invites guests to step outside of their comfort zone, unleashing their inner adventurer.
Dining with a Sense of Place
After sips of mezcal by the pool, it’s only right to continue savoring the flavors of Mexico. Under the skilled guidance of Chef Eduardo Ríos, Paradero’s kitchens transform locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms, organic gardens and the bountiful Pacific Ocean into a culinary symphony that celebrates the diversity of Baja California Sur. From farm-to-table experiences to casual beachfront bites featuring handmade tortillas and salsas, each dish captures the essence of this enchanting coastal destination. Don’t miss the opportunity to cheers with another mezcal cocktail—especially the Desierto Silvestre served with Jamaica salt, anise, cinnamon, and rosemary, basil and honey.
A Little R&R
After a day of surfing and an evening of good food and drinks, relaxation is on deck next. Shaded by nearly 100 palm trees, the Ojo de Agua (watering hole) spa has hot and cold dipping pools to respark body and mind. Treatments—including an anti-inflammatory sun recovery treatment for too much time spent catching rays—happen beneath open-air, palapa-style structures and incorporate traditional sound healing. A temazcal or sweat lodge session is also can’t-miss. For a different type of relaxation, head to the water. While not an oceanfront property, staff will happily take you to the nearby beach and set you up for a day amongst the waves.
Preserving Community
Situated within the historic La Mesa farming community, Paradero takes pride in its commitment to sustainability and community engagement. From day one, the Paradero Foundation made it their mission to advocate for responsible development, environmental conservation and community empowerment. There’s a sense of responsible tourism here, with a focus on helping preserve over 160 acres of family-owned farms in the area. Paradero provides employment opportunities to locals and encourages guests to participate in eco-friendly practices and connect with the community through farm tours.
While the familiar is often comforting, those who depart from the typical, trodden path are rewarded. With its expansive desert setting and endless adventures, Paradero Todos Santos is a testament to the idea that choosing the road less traveled often leads to epic memories and richer connections. Here, everything feels possible.
