Pool at Baja Beach Oasis, photo by Claudia Carbone
Pool at Baja Beach Oasis, photo by Claudia Carbone
Pool at Baja Beach Oasis, photo by Claudia Carbone

When I was in search of a secluded beach getaway, my friend told me about Baja Beach Oasis on the Pacific coast side of the Baja California Sur, Mexico. Here, this secret gem sits on a seven-mile stretch of hidden beach with sand as soft as sifted flour and rolling waves that lull you to sleep every night. Wild and raw, Baja Beach Oasis is a true oasis in the Baja desert, blooming from precious water that spills down from the mountains and feeds a patch of fertile land that yields palm trees and papayas. Next to that, American Bobbi McElravey has built her private stash of paradise that she opened up to guests a few years ago.

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Back to nature at Baja Beach Oasis

Bobbi’s Mexican resort is the antithesis of the super huge all-inclusive beach hotels. For one, it’s small and quiet, with free WiFi in lieu of TVs and phones. And because she doesn’t serve regular meals (except for the first-night dinner), it’s not “all-inclusive.” But if you value natural amenities like butterflies of every color flitting from flower to flower and birds chirping in symphony from treetop to treetop, you’ll appreciate the setting. If you like watching the sun patiently drop into the sea every evening and gazing at stars dangling like diamonds from the black velvet sky, Baja Beach Oasis is all-inclusive with rich wonders of the natural world. And you don’t have to ring room service to get them. Just walk out of your private casita any time of day into a garden jungle where paths lead to secret spots waiting to be discovered.

Soaking tub at Baja Beach Oasis, photo by Claudia Carbone
Soaking tub at Baja Beach Oasis, photo by Claudia Carbone

One of those spots is a copper tub built for two hiding among the plants where nighttime soaks under the stars are heavenly (can anything be more romantic?). Another is an outdoor shower for two curled around palm trees. And the magnificent ocean is just 100 steps from your front door with seven miles of beach so secluded, even the seabirds are comfortable making their home there. In fact, Bobbi has a local’s knowledge of the area so she can show you the most special places. She showed us where the baby turtles hatch in the sand, where the best place is for spotting whales and her secret cave!

Secret Cave not too far from Baja Beach Oasis, photo by Claudia Carbone
Secret Cave not too far from Baja Beach Oasis, photo by Claudia Carbone

Baja Beach Oasis casitas

Baja Beach Oasis offers three comfortable casitas, all differently designed in native motif. All have fully stocked small kitchens, half baths and porches outfitted with a hammock.

A casita at Baja Beach Oasis, photo by Claudia Carbone
A casita at Baja Beach Oasis, photo by Claudia Carbone

Things to do at Baja Beach Oasis

When you’re ready for serious water play, Bobbi provides all the toys to her guests for free: kayaks, boogie boards, snorkel gear. For all day at the beach, she has coolers to keep your Negra Modelo cold; beach towels, umbrellas and chairs to keep you comfortable. She acts as your concierge, so if you want to book a swim with the whale sharks or go horseback riding or charter a fishing boat, your wish is her command, and she knows all the outfitters.

“We do not charge for this service,” Bobbi says. “We feel it is important for our guests to have wonderful experiences with the best outfitters, and we don’t want to charge for connecting guests with the best available.” One popular off-property adventure is a trip to visit Marcos the famous potter at his mountaintop studio off a rugged four-wheel drive road.

Out-of-this-world sunsets

If you’re around at sunset for happy hour, ask Bobbie to let you climb to the upper deck of her home where you will be in awe as the sun slowly sets into the sea.

Sunset at Baja Beach Oasis, photo by Claudia Carbone
Sunset at Baja Beach Oasis, photo by Claudia Carbone

If you decide you want a home-cooked dinner, Bobbi can do it. “We are happy to prepare vegan, vegetarian, kosher, or any special type of meal; of course, the emphasis is on Mexican foods,” she says. “I let guests know if they want something special we will do our best to arrange it, either bringing in a chef or preparing it ourselves if it is within our repertoire. Costs range between $20 and $30 for two people. Our guests tell us that the food is yummy, the service is exquisite, and they appreciate the option of staying ‘home’ without doing the cooking themselves.” When guests bring back fresh fish, either their own catch or from a vendor, they can clean it in Bobbi’s kitchen and cook it on the outdoor barbecue. “We are happy to assist without charge, and no advanced notice is necessary.” It’s this home-away-from home atmosphere that makes Bobbi’s place so comfortable.

Outdoor BBQ for guests at Baja Beach Oasis, photo by Claudia Carbone
Outdoor BBQ for guests at Baja Beach Oasis, photo by Claudia Carbone

Baja Beach Oasis – at Km 79 on Highway 19, turn toward beach. It’s the blue three-story building. 415-870-5176 USA; 011-52-1-612-167-6610 Mexico

Getting here

Fly into Cabo San Lucas at the southern tip of Baja. Baja Beach Oasis is 30 minutes north off Highway 19 toward Todos Santos, which is another 15 minutes north.

Todos Santos

Home of the legendary Hotel California, this small historic town has been in the area since 1724. First built from the sugar cane industry, it’s now a growing artist colony with excellent restaurants. The main beach is Los Cerritos where the surfing is world renowned. We got massages from therapists who have their tables right on the sand.

Restaurant suggestions

La Casita – menus are based on fresh catch of the day and what organic produce the farmers have available. Excellent wine list too.

The Garden Restaurant – an outdoor eatery with its own organic garden.

La Gardenia – authentic Mexican fare off the highway about 15 minutes south of Todos Santos.

Baja Beans – this coffee shop and bakery hosts brunch and a market with local goods every Sunday. A must!

For more about Todos Santos, visit https://todossantos.cc/

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