Cabo and Todos Santos Discovery Trip

The Cabo airport is easy enough to navigate and I absolutely recommend pre-arranging transportation.

First stop: The Cape Hotel

You arrive into a beautiful open-concept lobby with stunning views of the dramatic coastline, fun music, sounds from the buzzy cocktail lounge and handed a mezcal margarita.

The rooms ALL face the ocean with the iconic El Arco in the distance and a few surfers. This is one of the only beaches in the region that has a surfable wave. The design is a relaxed Southern California meets Baja vibe.

Very comfortable but need to note the bathroom and tub is an open concept in case that is not what you had in mind. There is a curtain for some privacy.

In the evening we had some bites at the bar, one of three restaurant options, two more casual and one fine dining. Service was genuine and relaxed while professional.

The rooftop bar is a scene. There was a wedding during our stay and l was thankful I brought my ear plugs.

Note: Request a lower floor if you are not interested in partaking in the fun on the roof. You can hear it on the higher floors.

They had a beautiful spa, gym, and pool. There were plenty of loungers around the pool and several cabanas on beach open for guests.

I think this is the perfect spot for a more affordable luxury stay, close to downtown (10 minutes) with a fun atmosphere. Great for girls getaways, dude's getaways, bachelor/bachelorette parties and younger couples.

Next, I had a short 15-minute drive over to the Waldorf Astoria through a stunning and dramatic private entrance down a dark tunnel carved into the mountain, illuminated by beautiful chandeliers. I quickly realized this stay would be quite the opposite of The Cape.

We were greeted with a gorgeous lunch spread in a private palapa overlooking the ocean. This property is dramatic.... the cliffs, the mountains, the giant boulders. It is a very unique landscape. You feel very tucked away yet can be downtown in minutes.

After lunch, I had one of the best massages I have ever had in the beautiful spa. A fun touch was the foot cleansing ceremony before any service. It was unexpected and unique.

On to the rooms, every single room no matter the category has an ocean view and a plunge pool!!! We stayed in a three bedroom villa, which was huge. Chips, guac, and tequila were waiting. Full kitchen, breathtaking views and even a washing machine and dryer which would be a game changer for families. The rooms are traditional and a bit older. Also, the Villas have very different rooms so if it is a group of friends, they will definitely want to know ahead of time that some rooms are superior within the villa. Rock paper scissors perhaps.

Dinner at El Farallon, the cliffside restaurant, was an incredible food experience, which started with a super fun Champagne tasting. Beautiful setting and during whale season you can see a ton right from your dinner table.

Day two started with sunrise yoga and a tasty breakfast spread complete with made-to-order dishes, fresh juices, and local treats. We were able to participate in a very exclusive and educational tequila tasting. I learned a ton and even sampled a tequila that costs $300 a pour so that was fun ;) The team is extremely professional, warm and the property really exudes authentic Mexico. Out front is a long stretch of beach for a morning or evening stroll. This is not a swimmable beach.

I loved this property and every single person I met there! I think it is great for so many different travelers. Couples, friends, families. The villas are perfect for families or groups of friends. The ground level ones would be my pick for the littles.

Then, we packed up and headed to the most special little hotel on the coast about an hour's drive through the desert. Todos Santos is awesome and so is Hotel San Cristobal. It's just cool without trying too hard. The hotel is colorful and had super fun music welcoming you as you entered the main area/lobby. The property is small in the best way, all the rooms surround the pool with a few facing the ocean. They have different options and offer both King and Double rooms. My room was a King Pool View and the first thing you see as you enter is the funky tile that makes you want to go redecorate your home. I love a room that inspires you and brings you joy in the form of a colorful robe and retro bathroom tiles.

We were welcomed with a gorgeous farm-to-table lunch and the best cocktails of the trip. The team curated a very thoughtful itinerary of experiences so we could envision how our clients would spend their days. Although, they could definitely chill at the pool all day and have a fabulous time. We were introduced to a super impressive man, Sergio Madera, who is not only the F&B manager but an extremely educated sommelier. Sergio led us in a mezcal tasting that convinced me I actually do like mezcal.

When I thought I couldn't love this place more, we walked downstairs to a small band playing music in the pool area as the sun was starting to set. So good!

Dinner was across the property in a beautiful outdoor restaurant, and a new concept for the hotel. Food was innovative, fresh and delicious. There are two restaurants on property and a pool/patio bar.

In the morning, we had a hike scheduled that I almost skipped because I didn't care to hike through the desert, but I went and am so glad I did. The views were spectacular and it was a great opportunity to learn more about the area.

I really enjoyed the stretch of beach right in front of the hotel where you could watch the fisherman go out early in the morning and return late afternoon while all the pelicans patiently waited. It was a glimpse into the day-to-day life in this area and the craft of fishing. This is not technically a swimmable beach but Cerritos, just 15-20 mins away, is a huge surfer spot.

Before our outing for the day, we were lucky enough to participate in a relaxing sound bath and meditation. It was a very nice moment to soak in how grateful we all were to be there and to be having these experiences.

In the afternoon, we visited the little town of Todos Santos, just 10 mins away, lined with cute shops, artisan goods and restaurants.

Dinner was off property at Jazamango and again a beautiful farm-to-table spread. We ate so much and so well on this Mexican adventure.

I LOVE this hotel and can't wait to go back. I wish I could bring my family but it is a 15 year and up property. With only 32 rooms, I think it's perfect for a group of friends, couples, birthday celebrations or to rent out for a special event/retreat.

We were also able to do several property tours during our visit to Montage, Chileno Bay, Esperanza, Grand Velas, Paradaro and Todos Santos Boutique Hotel. We covered so much ground, got a feel for all the top properties in the area, had the best time talking travel and life in general and soaking in all this special part of Mexico has to offer.

Baja California Sur has soooo many options and truly something for everyone.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Mexico. In need of further inspiration? Check out Amy Shamus’s guide, Todos Santos, Mexico Getaway.