Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, México

Housed in a 19th-century building from Todos Santos’ sugar plantation era, Guaycura Boutique Hotel stands as living heritage in México’s first Baja California Pueblo Magico. The hotel honors the Guaycuras – the region’s nomadic first inhabitants, guardians of the desert oasis. Located at Legaspi and Topete in the historic center, steps from the 1723 church and cobblestone streets adorned with bougainvillea, Guaycura creates an immersive journey through Todos Santos’ soul. Designated Pueblo Magico in 2006 for cultural richness and artistic vibrancy, this authentic town an hour from Cabo San Lucas retains country charm while attracting artists, surfers, and seekers of intentional travel.

The 14 individually decorated suites preserve old hacienda aesthetics with exposed wooden beams, burnished furniture, and spacious marble bathrooms. Select Comfort beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets and down comforters, while colorful Mexican textiles add vibrancy. Higher-category rooms include vintage copper soaking tubs. Each suite offers private balconies with spectacular views, plasma TVs, iPod docking stations, minibars, safes, complimentary WiFi, and artistic touches creating romantic, poetic spaces. The rooftop Sky Lounge features a heated pool with panoramic oasis, desert, and ocean views – the prime sunset spot with craft cocktails and tapas where locals and visitors gather nightly.

The Guaycura Route integrates multiple properties: El Mirador Restaurant perched on a hill serves Mexiterranean cuisine with Pacific sunset views (reservations essential), Jardin Cafe offers Baja Beans coffee and breakfast, and La Terraza provides wine service overlooking the town. Two miles away, El Faro Beach Club runs entirely on solar power, featuring an infinity pool, swim-up bar, palapa-style dining with stone arches, and Guaycura Spa offering massages and facials in beachfront treatment cabins. All hotel guests enjoy complimentary beach club access with arranged transportation.

Grupo Guaycura demonstrates deep community commitment: restoring Baja’s first theater, supporting turtle conservation, treating town water, and sponsoring local teams. The contemporary art gallery reinforces Todos Santos’ reputation – with a dozen galleries including Galeria de Todos Santos (1994) and 15 annual festivals including Art Baja (April-May). Nearby Playa Los Cerritos offers beginner-friendly surf, while farm-to-table restaurants like Jazamango by chef Javier Plascencia showcase organic Baja cuisine. The New York Times named Todos Santos the 23rd best place to visit in 2016.

What makes Guaycura exceptional is how it bridges Todos Santos’ sugar plantation past with its vibrant present as a destination for conscious travelers seeking authenticity. The staff’s genuine attention to detail creates stays where guests feel cared for rather than serviced. As visitors note: the location is perfect, rooms spacious and clean, and the staff makes the stay exceptional. In Todos Santos’ growing hospitality scene, Guaycura remains true to its vision – luxury manifested through space, silence, and authenticity, honoring nomadic guardians while celebrating a town where heritage meets horizon.

Property: 19th-century | Rooms: 14 suites | Dining: El Mirador, El Faro Beach Club | Airport: SJD – 50 min | Activities: Surfing, art galleries, beach club |
Contact: +52 (612) 175-0800