Share
It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen.
As experienced travelers and digital nomads, we are always on the hunt for new spots that we can fit both work and wellness into. We found exactly what we were looking for at this laid-back yet exclusive hidden gem of a resort in Baja.
A little bit about the property
Thirty years ago, corporate CEO Lisa Harper camped on a secluded beach in the small fishing village of Pescadero approximately one hour north of Cabo San Lucas. With a pad of graph paper and a big dream, she began creating a 12-room oasis of serenity and well-being.
Fast forward to 2023, Rancho Pescadero (newly reopened as part of Hyatt’s one-of-a-kind luxury “Unbound Collection”) has been expanded and renovated into a 103-guest room state-of-the-art luxury hotel experience. As part of the Hyatt family, you know you’ll experience the highest quality of service and accommodations, but this property is an individually unique oasis of well-being and completely different from any other.
In keeping with the essence of the property that Lisa originally camped out on, the designers unbelievably and meticulously moved dunes, literally plant by plant, and created oceanfront villas with outdoor showers, firepits, and private plunge pools; suites with rooftop decks, indoor/outdoor living areas, and more with breathtaking views of the sunset over the Pacific.
Here’s why we loved it and why we will go back
> It’s casual, not pretentious. After a quick 2 hour non stop flight from Austin into San Jose del Cabo International Airport, we rolled in off the main highway via a small dirt road and were completely blown away by how this gorgeous property fit perfectly into the native mountain/desert/ocean landscape. After entering the front gate, we found no front desk, no check-in lines, and no hassle…we were simply greeted by friendly staff with refreshing cold drinks and then given a casual tour of the property and guided toward our room. PRO TIP: Book one of the oceanfront villas if it fits your budget, you’ll be tempted to never leave. Also a must if you’re a naturist. 😉
> It’s eco-friendly, eco-conscious, sustainable and supports the local economy.
The grounds are designed to be low-impact and self-sustaining by featuring water-efficient native flora in the gardens and landscape and by using organic practices and water-saving irrigation systems. Rancho Pescadero utilizes solar to generate clean renewable power for the resort. They minimize waste with comprehensive recycling and composting programs. There are vast gardens on the property used by the restaurants, spa and even the apothecary, where you can pick your own herbs and flowers to create customized body, skin and hair products for yourself. The ingredients in the gourmet cuisine and delicious cocktails are often harvested just hours before your meal. Drawing directly from the natural abundance of the property grounds and the Baja coast, 80% of their food and beverage is sourced from within 50 miles of the resort. PRO TIP: Book a table in the kitchen garden for a “garden to fork” dining experience you’ll never forget!
> Super friendly and helpful staff. From the enthusiastic greeting upon our arrival to the fun and informative restaurant wait staff and bartenders, we cannot say enough about the staff at Rancho Pescadero. We even had the head chef, Sandro Falbo, visit our table at dinner! The cleaning crew were quiet, discreet and super helpful when we had questions or requests. After just a day, most of the staff knew us and greeted us by name around the resort. On our spa day, we were treated royally and professionally. PRO TIP: Get to know the bartender at the poolside bar and ask them to make you their speciality drink and then go up on the rooftop to catch the elusive “green flash” as the sun plunges into the Pacific Ocean!
> Thoughtful attention to detail. In addition to the sustainability of the property, this is probably what will take us back to Rancho Pescadero. The entire property is designed to anticipate the needs of every guest, whether one is “working from home,” taking a wellness break, or on their honeymoon. From the quiet atmosphere of relaxation and rest to the “lite breakfast” waiting outside your room every morning to the whales breaching while you’re sampling fresh ceviche and mezcal, a stay Rancho Pescadero is a well-deserved and well-appointed sanctuary for travelers looking for an undiscovered oasis. PRO TIP: Take a walk down the beach and watch the surfers and try your hand at rock balancing.
> Activities abound. If you need a break from working or from resting, there are plenty of activities that will enrich your stay at Rancho. They range from sunrise meditation, aqua yoga, pilates, and apothecary workshops to Mexican wine tasting, margarita/mezcalita class, salsa workshops and even a “hangover experience.” PRO TIP: Do the rooftop sunrise meditation and create your own special “Baja Blend” essential oils in an apothecary workshop.
Connect with Rancho Pescadero
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cover photo Kenny Viese, courtesy Rancho Pescadero
Antonio and Leona Barr are adventure travelers who live wild in the Texas Hill Country.
