The Hidden Haven in Baja California

This isn’t the Cabo you know, but it’s the hidden haven in Baja California you need on your radar.

An hour away, in the opposite direction, there is an exclusive area in the East Cape called Costa Palmas. If you want access, you’re going to have to go through three security checkpoints and it’s going to cost you a visit to the best resort I’ve ever been to — the Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas.

Set on the Gulf of California, known by locals as the Sea of Cortez, the resort is situated in the middle of unspoiled nature with miles of untouched and swimmable beachfront. The turquoise water parallels a desert landscape. Its exclusivity to the area easily makes it the most breathtaking resort in Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. Although newly opened in 2019, this remote Four Seasons is quickly becoming a top spot for luxury travel enthusiasts and celebrities seeking world-class service, pristine coastline, privacy and leisure.

A Secret Oasis Inspired by Nature

Unique to the Baja area, the architecture is sleek, clean-lined and contemporary. With the goal of filling every window with water, the sea is framed in thoughtful design giving each room unobstructed ocean views as hospitality design leader, Todd-Avery Lenahan, intended. Facilities are strategically placed so guests feel part of something bigger whilst never feeling crowded. Throughout the property, the Sierra de la Laguna Mountain range creates the perfect backdrop. Immaculate views stretch as far as the eye can see in every which way, making it hard to tell where indoor areas start, and outdoor areas begin. Natural light is abundant as is the shade covering terraces. Nothing is sacrificed.

Getting To the Hidden Haven in Baja California

Luckily, the climate boasts warm weather year-round, suitable for breaks in all seasons. I booked the summer. August turned out to be a fantastic choice for aquatic activities. However, there is never a wrong time to explore the hidden havens of a secret oasis. Transportation was arranged in typical 5-star fashion by Four Seasons on our behalf and charged to our room. As we passed through resort checkpoints into raw nature, I knew I was in for a tranquil treat beyond anything I’d experienced before. After 55 minutes of scenic driving, the chauffeur bid us farewell, and I was holding a freshly made mango welcome refreshment.

5-Star Service: Royal Treatment

Everyone knew my name, room number, and preferences. Every detail was taken into consideration. Upon entering my oceanfront room, two adult amenities sat enticingly on the tables. One was a tequila exclusive to the FS, CP73, with delicious paired pre-hispanic flavors of Mexico: Tamal de Tamarindo, Maple Truffle, Spicy Mango, and Dark Chocolate. The second amenity featured a chocolate tree with rich white and milk chocolate truffles as leaves. To top it off, a candied cacao shell laid on the side with a wooden mallet. Once broken, the most deliciously rich chocolates appeared inside. I’m still gasping at the creative genius in flavor and presentation.

Exploring Marina Village: A Foodie’s Paradise

Shortly after settling in, I grabbed my complimentary Four Seasons Los Cabos evening shawl and tote and set off for dinner in Marina Village at renowned restaurant, Mozza Baja. There’s only three ways to get to Mozza for seafarers — a water taxi, private boat, or yacht. I arrived by private boat arranged by a concierge, a standard means of transportation in these parts. With a little help from staff, I was able to captain my way to Nancy Silverton’s foodie’s paradise. It’s hard to say what I enjoyed most, the food or the transportation. Inside, I was joined by a friend at the lounge where we indulged in savory wood-fired oven pizza and signature libations. Between the meal and the East Cape waterfront, our stomachs and hearts were full.

The Spa That Stops Time

There are few things more satisfying than melting into a plush king bed with hotel collection linens and a sea of pillows after a long day’s adventure. However, Agua Serena and Arena Dorada spa rivals that bed rest. Further, the East Cape is long rumored to have healing powers. Tata Harper uses local ingredients to create award-winning natural luxury skincare products for each service to promote long-term wellness from the inside out. Before treatment, your room (more like a private villa) is scented with a scent of your choice; also made with unique fragrances to the area. I, of course, chose Relaxation and Restoration to heighten existing feelings of peace.

Moving at the preferred speed of molasses, I made my way to the Oasis Spa wet area with a steam room, sauna, hydrotherapy, plunge pool and whirlpool. The spa director was sure to give me all the tips and tricks on how to properly use facilities to increase circulation for flawless skin. When it was time for my massage, my hand-selected aroma wafted into the air as the door opened. I was greeted by my masseuse, complimentary champagne, cheese, and strawberries. There wasn’t a strict schedule and if there was, I didn’t know about it. I was able to stay longer to finish my glass of bubbly and, somehow, I felt like the only client. Yet, I wasn’t.

Award-Winning Dining Without Leaving the Resort

Even though the Marina Village hosts supreme dining establishments, the options at Four Season are highly rated with endless local flavors inspired by award-winning chefs. Meals are made in a classic preparation in the moment. Seafood is fresh caught, priced per pound and displayed at El Puesto for guests to choose exactly what they’re eating. Kitchens are not limited to indoor areas but stretch outdoors to allow for wood-fire grills and all elements to influence food. And while I am impressed by original flavors, sometimes the simplest things feel most thoughtful; like individual french press coffee makers on each table in the morning, filled to the top with brew from local beans.

Yes, really. Guests travel from all corners of the earth to essentially go on a food bender—and my general consensus is—it’s worth it. A place where all palates are both surprised and satisfied. Recognized as one of the finest Mediterranean seafood restaurants in the world, Estiatorio Milos is an absolute must. It would be a sin to travel here and miss out on acclaimed chef Costas Spiliadis. If you’re looking for something authentically rich in Mexican heritage, Casa De Brasa serves up homestyle favorites poolside. Other mouthwatering bites include Limón’s Baja California Backyard Grill, El Puesto fresh sushi and sake, Ginger’s sweet and savory cafe, 19th Hole food truck, and more. Oh, and if you had your heart set on romance, don’t worry, private beachside dinners can also be arranged.

Unlimited Relaxation & Adventure

This Baja gem is located on one of the only swimmable beaches; that means endless miles to explore with no riptides. I came to recharge. Therefore, my days were best spent lounging on a shaded chair taking in the pristine beachfront. However, the adventure concierge team can arrange complimentary paddle boarding, kayaks, catamarans, and beach bikes at the press of a button. There’s also a list of included activities for wellness and culture such as the Sol De Mayo hike through canyons, natural pools and waterfalls, scuba diving at UNESCO Marine World Heritage site, Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park, otherwise known by Jacques Cousteau as “The Aquarium of the World,” and visiting historically charming nearby towns.

The most frequented is the Mezcal Tour and Tasting. Despite much of the focus being on food, you haven’t truly tasted Mexico until you’ve done a proper mezcal tasting. As an oenophile and skilled mixologist, I was absolutely and utterly blown away at smooth and smokey properties. The guide explained palenque (mezcal distillery) culture and processing thoroughly and enthusiastically.

This resort has so much to offer. With regret, I was only able to partake in a third of the activities due to the length of my stay. I’ve already booked my return travel for not one, but two trips. In short, I’ve traveled all over the world for both leisure and event planning, designing weddings for clients with unlimited budgets and staying in the most sought out destinations. The Four Seasons Los Cabo at Costa Palmas ranks highest on my list globally, making it the hidden haven in Baja California you need to have on your radar.

Images by Mo Davis Photography