Where to Eat, Drink, and Explore in London
A local DJ in London breaks down the best ways to experience England’s most legendary city.
THE SOUTHERN HALF of Mexico’s Baja peninsula is blanketed with enormous cacti and vegetation resembling that of landlocked states like Arizona or Utah. But unlike the deserts of the American Southwest, Baja is where the desert meets the sea; the peninsula is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California, making it a perfect coastal destination all year round. While many associate the region with bachelorette parties and spring break bacchanalia, we visited some pockets that provide a very different, quieter experience.
For those yearning for solitude and smaller crowds, the town of Todos Santos is about an hour north of Los Cabos, with surf, sun, farm-to-table food, and a laid-back atmosphere. Each property we visited is so special — you may need to schedule a separate trip to fully visit each.
Acre
If you are craving a more unusual getaway, Acre Resort, tucked away in its own private jungle, offers treehouse accommodations. Set on stilts among the trees, its 12 treehouse suites offer both privacy and a unique luxury experience. Each treehouse includes a terrace, bathroom, closet, outdoor shower, and king-size bed. While roaming the property, expect to encounter roosters or the resident peacocks. After a day of swimming and exploring, pay a visit to the animal sanctuary and meet the adorable Nigerian dwarf goats, a donkey named Burrito, and a camel. The animal sanctuary also has an on-site dog rescue that houses and re-homes stray dogs and their litters (many guests have left with more than memories, returning home with a small friend at the end of their stay). And the restaurant, popular with both guests and outsiders, has a tremendous brunch offering that shouldn’t be missed. Calle Sin Nombre, Animas Bajas, 23407 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico
One&Only Palmilla
All the beaches in Mexico are public, but due to its location, One&Only Palmilla is one of the only properties in the area with access to what is essentially its own private beach. Overlooking the Sea of Cortez, the 174-room property is housed in a former estate that belonged to the son of a Mexican president. With four on-site restaurants, including a signature restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges, two pools, and activities like tequila tasting and cooking classes, it is an exclusive hideaway where everything is at your fingertips. The spa treatments draw from thousands of years of ancestral wellness knowledge, with 13 private treatment villas offering a massage, scrub, or facial. The property even has its own church; originally built for the workers on the estate, it now offers regular Sunday services as well as private weddings. Carr. Transpeninsular, Tourist Corridor, 23400 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico
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Paradero
After making your way down a bumpy dirt road surrounded by fields of corn and miles of cacti, you will enter a world of serenity otherwise known as Paradero. The 35-suite property, whose name translates to “whereabouts,” is where minimalism and brutalist architecture collide to make your desert dreams come true. Spread across 5 acres of untouched desert landscape, the property exudes a sense of calm, from the on-site spa to the infinity pool set against this serene setting. For those looking for a bit of adventure, Paradero can arrange a surf lesson, mountain bike tour, or hiking excursion with one of their local outdoor experts. But there’s no reason to leave if you don’t want to: their restaurant serves some of the most delicious cuisine and cocktails in the area. La Mesa KM 59 +3100, Degollado, 23300 Todos Santos, B.C.S., Mexico
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Elissa Polls Writer
Elissa Polls is the senior director of content production for Departures. A producer who typically stays behind the scenes, she has worked with creatives from around the world, helping bring their ideas to life. Polls has over 15 years of production experience and lives in Berkeley, California.
Skye Parrott
Skye Parrott is the editor-in-chief of Departures. A magazine editor, photographer, writer, and creative consultant, she was previously a founder of the arts and culture journal Dossier, and editor-in-chief for the relaunch of Playgirl as a modern, feminist publication.
