by Karin Leperi

Nathalie Buchler is a lovely Luxembourg beauty who has found both her heart and home in Baja California Sur. Her home is in the historic district of San José del Cabo, where Nathalie opened and currently manages Casa Natalia – a 17th century hamlet that anchors a gentrified neighborhood. Her journey to Baja California Sur is nothing short of a modern-day love story. It is a story where different cultures collide and yet combine the best elements of diversity, even while producing and promoting heartfelt harmony in the process.

Nathalie, the eldest of four children, is originally from Luxembourg, where she lived until coming to México to pursue her career in hotel management. “I have a wonderful family.” says Nathalie, “with great parents, two sisters and one brother.”

But destiny had not yet prevailed that is, until Nathalie came to México to work for hotel companies. Her dream was to combine the best in food, lodging, and service in a boutique hotel geared toward discerning travelers.

In October 1999, she (along with her ex husband) opened doors to their 16-room luxury European-style chic boutique h o t e l – Casa Natalia: where travelers with a passion for food, culture and appreciation to small details can find an oasis of European sophistication amidst authentic Mexican charm. “Our inspiration to build our paradise in San José del Cabo came from having lived in México for over a decade and having acquired extensive experience in the hotel and restaurant industry,” says Nathalie.

“The hotel and restaurant was a project that came up like – THIS IS – and we have worked hard to get to where we are.” In the process of bringing Casa Natalia to fruition, Nathalie admits that she learned that “casa” was not merely Spanish for “house” but rather a word that captured the essence of “home.”

Today, this is her motto for Casa Natalia and part of the experience that she continually strives to bring to their guests. Couple this with the ambiance of their critically-acclaimed restaurant, Mi Cocina, where an executive chef  weaves his innovative culinary blends of alfresco Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine, and it is easy to see why Casa Natalia is a favorite with locals as well as international travelers.

Nathalie admits to striving for perfection in everything she does. “I am all about perfection, especially when it comes to business,” she explains. “I love things that are done right and the effort that goes into it.” She says she wouldn’t have it any other way. And that is what Casa Natalia is all about: “A unique oasis where service, atmosphere and great food come together.” Nathalie adds that she particularly enjoys meeting new people and finds it interesting to see how many different people from various parts of the world come to visit their small hotel.

Though running a business and raising two children has left her with little free time, Nathalie enjoys spending those precious moments with her children. Her perfect day is relaxing at the beach and, of course, shopping. She also enjoys spending time with her family from Luxembourg, where she tries to get back at least several times a year. As for friends, Nathalie counts many, and she can think of nothing better than to reconnect over a nice dinner and bottle of wine along with wonderful Mexican music in the background.

Given her international background, she also loves traveling whenever she gets a chance. Nathalie also finds solace in nature and enjoys the fact that Baja has such a unique diversity of flora and fauna. Because of this and her love for nature, she manages to squeeze in extra time in volunteering her time to promote and protect the estuary – a cause that is very close to her heart.

Nathalie Buchler’s heart and home are in México. “I am a happy person who is in love with México, and my family,” she says while clasping her heart. A modern-day love story, she is living the dream.