Mexico’s Eco Resort Paradero Todos Santos Takes Zen to a New Level

In Baja California Sur’s cactus-studded desert, down a dusty road flanked by fields of poblano chillies and fragrant basil, and framed by the rugged Sierra de la Laguna mountains, Paradero Todos Santos is a hidden oasis.

Nestled within a 65-hectare farming community an hour north of Cabo San Lucas, behind a lush grove of 5000 palm trees, it’s no accident that this adults-only retreat blends into the sunbaked landscape. Constructed from rough-hewn concrete, a series of Brutalist-inspired structures centres around a sprawling botanical amphitheatre where hummingbirds dart between prickly pear, Mojave yucca and native hibiscus, rows of herbs supply the on-site restaurant and the Ojo De Agua (waterhole) Spa draws on Mayan healing traditions (the temazcal sweat lodge ceremony, led by a local shaman, is the real deal).

Cast in sandy shades, the 41 luxuriously minimalist suites – some with private gardens and soaking tubs, others with a panoramic rooftop and two-person “star net” hammock for constellation spotting – encourage laid-back introspection and outdoor exploration. From here, it’s up to you. Learn to surf at near-deserted Las Palmas Beach. See a blue whale up close aboard Paradero’s sleek 46-foot catamaran. Take a taco tour of arty Todos Santos, 10 minutes down the road. Lounge on the half-moon-shaped pool terrace with a Negroni Mescale cocktail. All doable. There are also daily guided hikes, bike rides, yoga and sustainable farming lessons included in your stay.

Come dusk, head to the bar encircling the open-air kitchen to chat with chef Eduardo Ríos’ team as they prepare just-caught yellowtail ceviche, bone marrow tamales and juicy wood-fired shrimp served with hand-pressed tortillas warmed in a traditional Oaxacan clay oven. If it’s just the two of you, choose a table beneath the stars to hear waves crashing in the distance and watch the moon rise high above the craggy mountain peaks.