One of Mexico's most popular getaways is Los Cabos, a 32-mile corridor on the southern tip of Baja California, renowned for world-class scuba diving, sport-fishing, golf, luxury hotels and glitzy timeshares. The noise and crowds in party town Cabo San Lucas can steal the charm from your holiday; our advice is head for Casa Natalia, a colour-filled boutique hotel in the more authentic Spanish colonial town of San José del Cabo.
On arrival, you're welcomed with a chilled hand-towel and a refreshing drink flavoured with hibiscus flowers. European-born owner Nathalie and her attentive staff are dedicated to treating you as their houseguest. The 14 rooms and 2 suites overlook a contemporary courtyard of cascading patios lined with rustling palms, bougainvillea and waterfalls. Start your day with breakfast on your private terrace, then relax by the pool. Or ask the concierge to arrange a snorkelling, fishing, or jeep excursion. End your day dining under the stars at their gourmet restaurant, Mi Cocina.
Highs
- This is a stylish, secluded enclave in San José's charming old town, steps away from interesting shops, art galleries, cafés and a leafy plaza
- The rooms are decorated with indigenous art and crafts depicting different cultural themes
- There's a staff-to-guest ratio of one-to-one; the owners live on the premises
- The restaurant serves excellent Euro-Mexican cuisine
- Many unique details and personal services (including in-room spa treatments) are provided
Lows
- There's no direct beach access - the nearest stretch of sand is a 15-minute walk, though the hotel offers a shuttle service for an additional charge
- For exploring, it’s most economical to rent a car; but driving the Los Cabos corridor can be hair-raising
- Street traffic is sometimes audible, even over the waterfalls
- San José rolls up its sidewalks by 9 or 10pm; head to San Lucas to party
Best time to go
Summer (April to September) brings a double-whammy: heat and energy-zapping humidity coupled with the threat of hurricanes. Some restaurants also close during these months. Winter (December to March) brings more pleasant weather and tourist crowds. We recommend booking just before the start of the high season in October or November, when prices are low, restaurants are reopening, the weather is near-glorious and you’re likely to have most places to yourself.
Our top tips
Take a good book (look for a stack of the latest American magazines in a basket by the pool); gear for snorkelling, fishing or other water sports you have a passion for; plenty of sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
- Boutique Hotel
- 16 rooms
- Restaurant and bar
- Over 13s welcome
- Open all year
- Heated Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Concierge Service
- Board games
Rooms
Casa Natalia's rooms and suites are set around the courtyard, overlooking the pool and tropical gardens.
The layout, size and amenities of the 6 Deluxe Rooms and 8 Superior Rooms doesn't vary but their personalities do (Deluxe Superior Rooms have the added benefit of breakfast served on your private terrace included in the rates). Each is named rather than numbered, and brightly illustrated with original Mexican folk art, handicrafts and furnishings selected by the owners during their extensive travels throughout Mexico.
Otomi (meaning 'Embroidery') has a fabulous wall hanging of vibrant threadwork and matching scatter cushions. Sandia features whimsical splashes of red and green and wooden slices of watermelon; hand painted bedside lamps continue the theme. Romantica features angels and Conchas seashells. All have been decorated with imagination and flair.
Stretched out in the hammock on your bamboo-shaded terrace, you’re hidden from view by lush bougainvillea. The travertine marble bathrooms have stone vanity units, built-in storage and large walk-in showers, but no tub.
Baja’s contrasting desert and sea themes are played out in its 2 Spa Suites, Del Mar and Cactus. The layout is similar to the rooms, with the added feature of a large roof terrace with sunbeds and a Jacuzzi - perfect for stargazing.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
Mark your breakfast choices before turning in, then wake in the morning to enjoy a tasty spread served on your private terrace (if you're staying in a Superior Room or a Suite), or in the restaurant, Mi Cocina. We lingered over juice, fresh fruit, huevos rancheros, toast with jam and a pot of coffee, with no room for the oatmeal (instant).
Poolside, you can enjoy light snacks ranging from homemade salsa and chips to sandwiches. Or you can request a picnic before you head out. Cool drinks and cocktails are available all day from the breezy, palapa-covered bar.
Dinner at Mi Cocina is steps from your room. Candlelight, jazz tones tripping across murmuring water, palms throwing dramatic shadows across the courtyard walls - the space oozes romance. The innovative menu of Euro-Mexican seasonal specialties always includes the freshest market ingredients - maybe grilled lobster with cilantro pesto or fresh clams steamed with scallops and white wine - and the international wine list has some fine Mexican wines. We couldn’t resist the pork tenderloin glazed with Jerez and accompanied by Dauphinois potatoes. Make sure you save room for the decadent key lime pie on offer afterwards.
San José is quickly establishing itself as a mecca for diners staying in corridor hotels and if you fancy eating out you'll find half a dozen other sophisticated restaurants within easy walking distance.
Features include:
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
Activities
- Linger by the half-moon-shaped pool, ringed with terry-covered sunloungers, or spend some time with a chessboard in the covered game room
- Take the shuttle (available for an extra cost) to the beach, with its white sand, bars and beautiful stretch of bathwater-warm, aquamarine water (though it's a bit rough for swimming)
- Relax with an in-room spa treatment - choose from massages, facials and manicures/pedicures
- Explore San José del Cabo - with its sleepy village streets, romantic courtyard restaurants and shops selling jewellery, crafts and regional art, you'll find authentic Mexico on your doorstep
- Have a go at watersports: the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez offer diverse marine environments great for surfing and sportfishing, though the dangerous riptides make many Pacific beaches unsafe for swimming. The Los Cabos area is known as the “Marlin Capital of the World” while Jacques Cousteau proclaimed the Sea of Cortez the “Aquarium of the World” for its 800 species of fish, some found only in these waters. While scuba diving, snorkelling or kayaking, it’s not uncommon to get close to giant manta rays, whale sharks and schools of dolphins. The concierge can arrange diving excursions, equipment rental and lessons
- Play golf at one of the 6 championship courses along the Los Cabos corridor
- Head off on one of the full- or half-day guided trips and eco-adventures on offer: explore theTodos Santos artist community, ride an ATV in the desert or release a baby sea turtle into the ocean - see Rates
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Fishing
- Golf
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Horse riding
- Kayaking
- Plantlife / flora
- Private guided tours
- Scuba diving
- Scuba diving courses
- Shopping / markets
- Snorkelling
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Traditional cultures
- Whale watching
Kids
Casa Natalia offers a relaxing intimacy not available at most Los Cabos resorts (even the luxury choices). The beach club doesn’t allow children and the hotel isn’t suitable for those under the age of 13.
Family friendly accommodation:
Extra Beds Available
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Casa Natalia is in the centre of the historic town of San José del Cabo, in Mexico's Baja California Sur.
By Air:
Los Cabos International (27km) is the nearest airport - click on the links below for a list of airlines serving it.
From the Airport
The hotel can arrange a transfer - see Rates. Taxis are readily available at the airport, as are the main car hire companies.
By Car:
If you wish to hire a car to explore (watch out for the potholed roads), see our car rental recommendations.
Getting Around:
The concierge can arrange taxis and day trips. There's a daily shuttle to the beach club, available for an additional charge.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Mexico and getting around
Airports:
- Los Cabos International 27.0 km SJD
Other:
- Beach 2.0 km
- Shops 0.2 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km