Welcoming a whopping 4.75 million international visitors in 2023, Los Cabos is the most popular destination in Mexico for international travelers.
Despite a tourism boom in Los Cabos that outpaces that of the rest of Mexico by 50% — or perhaps because of it — areas around Los Cabos are growing in even more exciting ways.
Driven by ultra-luxury travelers who have been there and done that in Los Cabos, high-end tourism is booming in some of the quaint towns of Baja California Sur — with a new crop of luxe resorts, residences, and boutique hotels to prove it.
Lovely Los Cabos
Los Cabos, perched along golden sands on the Baja California Peninsula, has long been home to some of Mexico’s most popular attractions and activities. The area houses various adventurous accommodations, like desert wellness retreats, amenity-rich resorts, and adventurous wildlife encounters in the aquarium-like Sea of Cortez.
After years of growing its profile with travelers, developments occupy nearly every square inch of Los Cabos’ coastline. The area’s saturation makes neighboring destinations — like the islands of Loreto in the Sea of Cortez and the historic town of Todos Santos — shine with a luxury that Los Cabos lacks: seclusion.
Travelers seeking luxury are heading elsewhere to find it, and competing areas are erecting enticing luxury properties to accommodate rising demand.
Developments like Costa Palmas on the Baja California peninsula’s Eastern Cape take luxury further. The exclusive community houses Four Seasons Resort & Residences Los Cabos and Amanvari Resort and Residences. The area boasts many elevated amenities — a Robert Trent Jones II golf course, countless culinary offerings with new spots this summer, and a marina with slips for yachts up to 250 feet long.
Though just a few hours away from Los Cabos, these destinations feel a world away. In Todos Santos, “the emphasis lies on immersing oneself in the rich tapestry of local culture, with a distinct bohemian flair woven throughout every experience,” says Rodrigo Gutierrez, General Director of the new Todos Santos Boutique Hotel.
Todos Santos Boutique Hotel
The Todos Santos Boutique Hotel, located less than an hour north of the hustle and bustle of Los Cabos, is among the most exciting new openings in the region. This intimate 10-key boutique hotel opened its doors in February 2024. A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the Todos Santos Boutique Hotel caters to the discerning visitor looking for a luxurious experience with a one-of-a-kind taste of the region’s unique cultural heritage.
“We prioritized quality over quantity, ensuring every aspect reflects the essence of Mexican heritage and the narrative of the town,” says Gutierrez of the property, the first of its kind in the area. “Our hotel appeals most to those with a timeless appreciation for culture, people who seek meaningful experiences and cherish the artistry woven into every detail of their stay.”
Details abound to make the destination a regal hideaway. Hand-painted murals conceived by celebrated artist Nef Espino and inspired by the historic Spanish missions of Baja California Sur bring life to each guest room. Rich textiles and high-end furnishings give spaces a warm, cozy feel that might surprise Mexico but fits perfectly with the bespoke travel experience most discerning guests crave.
Elevated culinary offerings include the hotel’s signature restaurant, 1890, which blends international and local flavors using the freshest local ingredients. Todos Santos Boutique Hotel’s sophisticated bar, La Copa, is known for expertly crafted cocktails highlighting the finest selection of regional and spirits alongside international wines. It is also home to La Cava, a stunning wine cellar reservable for private events.
The thoughtfully designed communal spaces include a rooftop terrace and heated pool for guests looking to stay at the hotel. Adventurous guests looking to explore will enjoy exclusive access to everything from yacht charters with Ocean Line Yachts to off-roading tours that race through the region’s dramatic backcountry.
Don’t Count out Cabo
Despite the growth of luxury tourism in other parts of Baja California Sur, these new developments have yet to dull the shine of Los Cabos for visitors.
New projects, like the recently-opened adults-only Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos by the award-winning Velas Resorts collection, continue to debut with much fanfare along the golden coast between the Los Cabos towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. It’s part of an astronomical growth of over 6,000 new hotel rooms in the area in the past seven years, per the Los Cabos Tourism Board.
However, new options like Todos Santos Boutique Hotel mark an exciting, if unexpected, change in tourism in the region that only looks to grow. While a luxury experience that was once unthinkable in a tiny coastal town like Todos Santos, it’s now poised to be a trendsetter in this new era of high-end tourism in the region.
