THE BEAUTY OF BAJA

Nature’s beauty can be profoundly transformative. Take Kimpton Mas Olas, a resort revealing a new level of sustainable beachfront luxury located in the artist’s haven of Todos Santos—just one hour north of Cabo San Lucas.

Nestled between Mexico’s Sierra Laguna Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the 30-acre resort features 1,100 feet of unspoiled ocean footage. Designed by Mexican architect Alejandra Templeton of Indigo Añil, the resort’s connection to nature is reinforced by its nine interconnected gardens, two farms, and a citrus orchard.

The resort team’s dedication to the pursuit of self-exploration and careful curation of every detail was evident from the moment of arrival when we were encouraged to open the resort’s immense, carved door to “physically” begin our journey. Upon entering the open-air courtyard, we were greeted by a profusion of color— courtesy of the vivid flowers and vibrant local artwork—that inspired a childlike joy. The artwork includes a Madonna where it is suggested that you set the intentions of your visit. Leaving the courtyard, we entered an endemic garden—Baja’s largest. Here guests choose between two paths—one made of sand and the other of brick. We chose the winding sand path making our way through thousands of indigenous desert flora. At the center of this garden stands an ancient torote tree. Here guests pause for a moment of reflection before continuing on to their accommodations and passing a beautiful stand of manicured neem trees that serve as a natural insect repellent.

Entering our second-floor suite, we were immediately enthralled with the boho chic décor. Design details like the Talavera bathroom tiling handmade in Tlaquepaque, steel headboards with leather tassels made in Chihuahua, and fabrics sourced from Tijuana—all custom-made for the resort and purchased fair trade—take one on a visual trip through Mexico. The favorite part of our suite, in addition to the second-floor outdoor entertaining area, was the third-floor terrace with an enormous, circular dais. Many mornings began on the terrace savoring coffee courtesy of our in-suite French press while listening to birdsong and enjoying the panoramic views. In the evenings, we sipped wine beneath a blanket of stars while listening to the ocean’s roar.

From the terrace, we noticed the resort’s 12 oceanfront villas built into beachfront sand dunes. As each private villa contains a plunge pool and private beach access, we definitely discovered our next visit’s accommodations.

All reservations include a range of complimentary activities encouraging travelers to authentically experience Baja. These include sunrise meditations, yoga, sustainability tours, gardening workshops, and aromatherapy at the apothecary. I highly recommend diving into the activities as each is instructive and soothing to the soul.

Shortly after our arrival, we were summoned to the elaborate garden—Kimpton Mas Olas’ heart and soul—for a floral welcome where we cut flowers for in-room bouquets. Post-cutting, we were guided in the arranging and tying of our little treasures. During this exercise, our host explained the meaning of each flower and observed that guests’ selections often reflect their personalities. I was thrilled to learn my arrangement stood for love, generosity, and kindness.

At the garden’s center stands an intricate conservatory that doubles as an artful abstract sculpture. Here we engaged in a cacao ceremony inspired by ancient Mayan traditions designed to balance the mind, body, and soul. This meditative experience combines music, intention setting, chanting, cacao sipping, and incense burning to create an extraordinary celebration. Reflecting on this experience still stirs an incredible feeling of joy.

Just next door, we visited the apothecary. Here we were educated about the medicinal properties of various oils. For example, clove and sweet orange facilitate sleep, tea tree serves as an antibiotic, bergamot helps the immune system, and grapefruit regulates blood pressure and inflammation. We each mixed an assortment of oils, creating our very own vessel to take home.

One morning we visited the pristine chicken coop to select eggs for our huevos rancheros. A few hours later, we visited the farm to forage for the ingredients to make hearty salads. There was something so satisfying about gathering ingredients with my own hands—with each bite, I could recall the vine that once held the tomato or the time I toppled over trying to extricate a radish from the rich soil.

The culinary program at Kimpton Mas Olas is designed to demonstrate the connection between nature and food. At its helm is the globally renowned and Michelin-experienced Chef Sandro Falbo. Chef uses native ingredients from the ocean and surrounding communities together with the bounty of its nine interconnected gardens, farms, citrus orchards, and beehives (80 percent of the resort’s food and beverage is sourced within 50 miles of the hotel).

Kimpton Mas Olas features three restaurants. Botánica is set among the gardens and orchards and offers the ultimate in farm-to-table dining. One evening we enjoyed a meal with Chef where each course was inspired by fire and smoke. While Botánica’s wood fire oven gave the air a hint of smoky earthiness, wooden boxes were placed at each setting. When opened, a cloud of smoke emerged revealing an edible masterpiece. As Chef noted on several occasions, “Guests eat with their eyes first.” No matter how full you might be, don’t skip dessert—each is not only a work of art but is simply divine.

Centro is an all-day dining spot offering a selection of classic Mexican dishes that are brilliant in both color and taste. Perched on the second floor, Centro has an elevated view of the ocean and gray whales often serve as mealtime entertainment. With a view of two pools, a cocktail bar, the ocean, and the aforementioned whales, I enjoyed forkfuls of The Baja Super Food Salad, a generous mix of root and vine veggies, cactus, crispy corn, chickpeas, avocado, pomegranate, and sunflower seeds bathed lightly in a fresh hibiscus dressing.

Kahal is an oceanfront seafood restaurant. Hugging a sweeping infinity pool and outfitted with décor designed to resemble the inside of a seashell, Kahal is elegant and sexy. By day, cenote-style Jacuzzis and 14 floating double-loungers create a beach club atmosphere. By dusk, fire pits cater to intimate evening conversation over cocktails while the sun descends brilliantly “into” the ocean. The Baja sunsets are some of the most spectacular that I have ever seen.

The resort also offers special dining experiences like the taco wine pairing we enjoyed while seated at a long table in the Citrus Allée. One can’t imagine the number and varieties of this traditional Mexican dish—fish, pork, meat, veggie … My favorite taco had a hearty leaf in place of the typical shell. It was an epicurean delight served along with the finest of locally sourced white and red wines.

To work off all these glorious calories, visit the 25,000-square-foot spa and wellness center where services are rooted in nature’s wisdom. For my massage, I was guided to a circular palapa called a “treatment nest” outfitted with a private outdoor shower. The 80-minute Rosemary Massage designed for boosting the immune system while stimulating your senses was exactly what the doctor ordered!

From sunrise yoga and sound baths to an array of spa experiences and exercise machines, you could spend your entire vacation in the spa’s healing space. Don’t miss the hydrotherapy circuit featuring an ice fountain, experience shower, steam room, and Himalayan salt sauna (loved)!

Kimpton Mas Olas’ endless luxury is further enhanced by all the resort team is doing to be kind to our planet. The resort avoids single-use plastics, uses dark sky lighting, processes seawater into fresh drinking water at the onsite desalination plant, relies upon a sprawling solar farm for its electrical needs, and plans to become a zero-waste property that exists “off the grid.”

Embrace the joy of traveling well at the luxurious Kimpton Mas Olas, a destination devoted to nature and connection, in the profoundly spiritual setting of Baja Mexico. ¡Feliz Viaje!

For more information, visit masolasresort.com.