Baja is bountiful. Along its dramatic turquoise coastline, the sea teams with life, while inland is vast, sparse desert – infinite golden dunes punctuated by cacti. Many of the region’s finest resorts place this natural abundance at the heart of their experience, offering guided adventures that take you beyond the parameters of the property and into Baja’s wild, wonderful terrain, or bring its magic to you.
Yet this part of Mexico is as much about luxury as it is about adventure. You’ll find design-led retreats with brutalist sensibilities, as well as hotels outfitted by artisans and steeped in tradition who have been hosting the Hollywood set since the 1950s. What unites them all is an impressive standard of service; expect attentive teams intent on making your stay memorable. And while the coastline is dominated by luxury resort groups and all-inclusive giants, those who look deeper will uncover a quieter world of intimate, locally owned hotels.
The Cape
Los Cabos
9/10
A spectacular five-star beachfront hotel combining sleek minimalism and unbridled luxury. The Cape overlooks El Arco, the arch-shaped rock formation that marks the extreme southern end of the Baja California peninsula.
Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costas Palmas
Costas Palmas
9/10
This resort is a world within a world, enjoying miles of pristine beach, splendid mountain views, superlative service and impeccable dining. It is far from the swathes of resorts in nearby Cabo and set on the much calmer, swimmer-friendly Sea of Cortez, offering a luxury beach holiday with ample opportunity for adventure.
Grand Velas Los Cabos
San Jose del Cabo
9/10
A truly luxurious all-inclusive resort in swanky Los Cabos, with beautiful views, excellent restaurants, great service and an extensive list of facilities. This is a good choice for both couples and families, with a glorious spa and two separate kids’ clubs.
Nobu Hotel Los Cabos
Cabo San Lucas
8/10
This was Robert de Niro and celebrity chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa’s first Nobu hotel venture in Latin America, on the southern tip of the peninsula. It’s a modern whitewashed resort with neat cactus gardens, four pools and an empty beach – but the food is the real star here.
The Resort at Pedregal
Los Cabos, Baja California
8/10
Water views, irresistible pools, organic spa treatments, daily guacamole and a programme of bucket-list adventures are just a handful of the highlights at the Resort at Pedregal. This escape at the very tip of Baja California is all about accessible luxury and personalised service.
Rancho La Puerta
Tecate
8/10
This peaceful health and wellness retreat – visited by the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Kate Winslet – is set in 4,000 acres of flower-filled gardens and has an attractive menu of activities, from yoga to sound therapy, as well as a meat-free menu. Rooms are colourfully and proudly Mexican.
One&Only Palmilla
Los Cabos
8/10
Palmilla, positioned on a rocky headland looking onto a turquoise bay, is a beacon of originality and authenticity amid the fast-changing Los Cabos. The hacienda-style architecture, historic chapel and old-school service make for a seamless stay that will take you back to 1950s Mexico.
The Todos Santos Inn
Todos Santos
8/10
The Todos Santos Inn is a converted 19th-century hacienda. It has spectacular gardens and an atmospheric Spanish colonial-style décor, with a lively bar at night.
Chileno Bay Resort & Residences Auberge
Los Cabos
8/10
A stay here is luxurious yet satisfyingly laid-back. Chileno Bay offers a refined resort experience for travellers seeking great food, contemporary design and a tranquil beach where you can actually swim – a rarity in Los Cabos.
Marquis Los Cabos Resort & Spa
Los Cabos
8/10
The elegant arched lobby and uninterrupted Pacific views make the Marquis one of the most stylish locations on the Los Cabos corridor. Infinity pools, a dramatic ocean-front setting and smooth, professional service distinguish this all-inclusive spot among a host of newer resorts.
Esperanza Auberge
Cabo San Lucas
8/10
This traditional-leaning Auberge resort is carved into the dramatic Punta Ballena headland. Esperanza has something for everyone: play a game of paddle, take your pick of the five swimming pools or kick back on a spectacular expanse of sand.
Baja Club
Baja California
7/10
A seamless marriage of old and new. Baja Club puts La Paz on the map for discerning travellers with an eye for design. The hotel is ideally positioned on the promenade overlooking the glinting Sea of Cortez, with a sunset bar and infinity pool. It’s a stylish base for exploring the region’s natural wonders.
Paradero Todos Santos
Todos Santos
7/10
This hotel is set among verdant farmland with views of the Sierra La Laguna meeting the Pacific, and was designed to create a dialogue between traveller and landscape. Paradero’s experience-inclusive approach, brutalist architecture and mid-century interiors make this a place for design-conscious travellers with an appetite for adventure.
Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort
Cabo San Lucas
7/10
Winding down a dramatic mountainside to the Pacific Ocean is Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, a big, bustling resort stacked with entertainment, amenities and antiques that impress jet-setters and families alike.
Additional reviews by Graeme Green, Helena de Bertodano, Tim Ecott and Hayley Shapley.