Mission-Style Boutique Hotel on Mexico's Quiet Pacific Coast

About 50 miles north of Cabo San Lucas's rowdy beaches, Los Cerritos Beach's sparsely populated white-sand coast shows a quieter side of the Baja California Sur peninsula. There, the Hacienda Cerritos boutique hotel sits atop a private ocean-side bluff, its marigold-hued façade and a mission-style design evoking the image of historical Mexican haciendas. From the massive, hand-carved wooden doors to the courtyard’s palm trees and traditional fountains, the hotel captures the grand essence of Old Mexico. Climb up the spiral staircase to the hotel's turret for panoramic views of Los Cerritos Beach, one of the only swimmable and surfable beaches on the Pacific side of the peninsula. The crescent-shaped beach attracts surfers and celebrities for the ocean's steady swells and predictable whitewater.

White lounger beds surround the resort's outdoor pool, which features a lengthy swim-up bar where up to 18 patrons or a flock of thirsty pelicans can grab a drink. Nearby, at Cerritos Beach Club, surf instructors impart their knowhow during surf lessons. After hanging ten, guests can pop into the Beach Club restaurant for a meal. On Sundays, the club pulsates with live music, often headlined by jazz singer Daline Jones.

Each of the upscale one-bedroom suites has its own combination of amenities, but most rooms feature private balconies or terraces, and some come with carved stone fireplaces. A private pool and jacuzzi highlight select rooms, including bungalow 4. In every suite, elegant Old Mexico décor welcomes those returning after a day on the beach with carved leather and wood furnishings and a Mexican-style tiled floor.

Todos Santos, Baja California Sur: Surfing, Jet Skiing, and Seaside Horseback Riding in Flourishing Artist Colony

Located 50 miles south of the spirited seaside town of Cabo San Lucas, the area surrounding Los Cerritos Beach maintains a tranquil vibe. Due to Los Cerritos Beach's ample space, guests can zip around on ATVs or ride horseback, and jet skiing and kayaking are also popular. From December through April, beachcombers can spot gray whales and their newborns splashing in the warm waters offshore, as they have migrated down the Pacific coast in their top-down convertibles.

A 10-minute drive from the hotel lands visitors in the seaside town and artist haven of Todos Santos. Founded as a mission in 1724, the town grew as a sugar-cane production center, then became a farming enclave for poblano chilis, avocados, papayas, and mangos. In the last decade, Todos Santos has become a creative hub for artists, evident by the town's boutiques and galleries touting handmade sculptures, paintings, and other artwork.

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