Just outside the sleepy arty town of Todos Santos in Baja California Sur lies Desierto Azul, a hidden haven for environmentally conscious travellers seeking peace and rejuvenation. With only four spacious and organically designed units, this sustainable retreat marries minimalist living with high-end luxury and stunning views of the Baja cacti, desert mountains and the sound of rolling ocean waters that lap the nearby beach.
Everything about Desierto Azul is curated to have as little impact as possible – the entire property is powered by solar energy, including the heated saltwater infinity pool. Wastewater is recycled for irrigation, plastic is banned and the onsite restaurant is dedicated to plant-based cuisine and the promotion of healthy indulgence. The organic mantra also extends to the cool cowboy-chic design, sumptuous natural furnishings and high-end beauty products. Food is a focus. Onsite food options are vegan specialties including organic breakfasts, and the resort also runs a calendar of plant-based cookery courses in its own kitchen studio.
If you can tear yourself away from the pool and those sunrise/sunset views, nearby Todos Santos is an artistic enclave with shops, markets and eateries where you can while away a balmy afternoon or evening, soaking up the local colour.
Highs
- The superb quality of the breakfasts, cocktails and the organic coffee; make sure to take a cooking class while you stay
- Exceptional service – the resort scores almost unanimously perfect scores from guests, who particularly enjoy the intimacy, low-key luxury, personal details and kind but unobtrusive staff
- Very sympathetically designed with regards to its surroundings – wood pergolas, artisanal tiles, linen and organic cotton bedcovers, palm leaf lamps etc – that combine rustic charm with modern elegance
- Usefully located only a few minutes' stroll to the beach, and a 10-minute drive from Todos Santos itself
- An inspirational commitment to all things organic and eco friendly
Lows
- You’ll need a car if you want to explore and, although it goes against the sustainability ethos, a 4x4 is recommended because of the rough roads
- With only four rooms, you'll need to book ahead
- The sunbleached minimalist desert aesthetic may not suit all, including the desert scrub in the immediate landscape
Best time to go
Baja California Sur is pretty much a year-round destination. Due to its desert climate, it is generally warm and dry. The cooler months of November-April are recommended as it is dry all over the state, with blue skies and sunshine most days (however, mornings and evenings can be cool, and water temperatures are chilly.) This is also the peak season for whales and other marine life. Hurricane/rainy season is from July to mid-October.
Our top tips
Want to visit the iconic Hotel California? Well, you can’t! Despite the numerous local legends, the gift shop selling overpriced merch, and the hordes of selfie-takers outside, the Hotel California in Todos Santos didn’t actually inspire the famous Eagles song. (The Eagles had never even visited Mexico when it was written). Save your money – there are plenty of other legit, sustainable local businesses that deserve it more.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape