At Paradero Todos Santos in Mexico, You Can Learn to Surf—or Cultivate

“Art walk (four hours). Hiking (two hours). Learn to farm (two hours). Eighty-minute Mayan ritual.” Now, how do you prepare for both a farming session and a Mayan ceremony? This delightful dilemma was part of my itinerary for a four-day stay at Paradero Todos Santos, a hotel in Baja California crafted to immerse guests in the local culture. Unlike the Cabo resorts just an hour away, Paradero is less about pool parties and more about cultural enrichment, nestled between a sun-drenched desert, mountains, and the Pacific coast, complete with an onsite farm and the vibrant art-and-surf community of Todos Santos only a ten-minute drive away. It’s essentially a curated experience of the region, with activities included in every stay.

Sustainability is a key focus at Paradero, where the hotel serves as an indoor/outdoor sanctuary—35 suites “crafted to harmonize with the desert surroundings, featuring rough concrete walls and handmade Mexican decor,” notes Jennifer Flowers in the 2021 Best New Sustainable Hotels list. Interestingly, a small desert frog added a whimsical touch to our stay, slipping through our guest room door to lead us inside.

The lobby resembles an open-air lounge, complete with hammocks, plush cushions, and several other cozy spots to take a public nap. A steady breeze keeps the front-desk staff bundled in warm wool ponchos, despite the summer heat. Meals, crafted by a chef from the renowned Pujol restaurant in Mexico City, are served simply at wooden tables under sunshades—and the flame-grilled octopus tacos are so delectable that they attract diners all the way from Cabo.

And that Mayan ritual I mentioned? It was likely the most unforgettable massage I've ever experienced. That’s the essence of Paradero Todos Santos: “Pablo Carmona and Joshua Kremer, the founders based in Mexico City, have meticulously curated experiences that transcend beach life,” says Flowers. Guests can enjoy complimentary yoga and fitness classes; a (strenuous) guided nature hike with ocean views; a guided art walk through the nearby village of Todos Santos, a haven for artists from the U.S. and Mexico for decades; and even engage in gardening or farming activities right on-site.

Surf lessons, taco tours, beach setups, and outdoor massages are available for an extra fee, but once you glance at the daily activities board, it’s tough to resist. Just look at how charming it is!

Honestly, you could easily lounge by the infinity pool and swim-up bar (just remember to pack plenty of sunscreen), feast on shrimp with freshly made tortillas every day while enjoying all-natural Jalisco tequila, and that would make for a wonderful getaway. However, you would miss the incredible people who make Paradero truly exceptional. I’m grateful for Regina, our 27-year-old art-walk guide from Mexico City, who shared insights on Talavera ceramics and her love for deejaying and sustainability; Diego, who patiently taught us how to transplant papaya seedlings into pots while discussing philosophy on our hike (in multiple languages, no less); and Alejandra, who radiated sunshine and guided us through the Mayan ritual.

“I want to share my medicine,” she expressed. “I believe everyone has their own medicine.” Hers was a blend of “kindness, gratitude, love, and happiness,” which—after the tumultuous year we’ve all endured—I wholeheartedly embraced and intended to pass on to those around me. As she pointed out notable landmarks in the landscape, including a towering 100-year-old cactus, she conducted a sound ritual beneath a palm tree, then led me barefoot to the outdoor changing area and deep-tissue massage. If I wasn't already feeling tranquil, the relaxation “room” nestled in a palm grove almost sent me into a daze. With white tea in hand and a serape blanket draped around my shoulders, I sat in bliss at the crossroads of culture and renewal.