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. But don't let the crowds in party town Cabo San Lucas steal the charm from your holiday here; instead, head up the coast to San José del Cabo, where you'll discover a far more authentic and charming side to Los Cabos. This artsy coastal town is renowned for its galleries, boutiques and farm-to-table dining, all perfectly captured at colourful Casa Natalia.
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 16 rooms and 2 suites overlook a contemporary courtyard of cascading patios lined with rustling palms, bougainvillea and waterfalls. Start your day with breakfast at the bar, 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.
Casa Natalia
San Jose del Cabo, Baja California, Mexico
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 two-to-one, and the owners live on the premises, so you're well looked after
- The restaurant serves excellent Euro-Mexican cuisine, while the buzzy bar is fun at happy hour
- 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
Our top tips
Join one of San Jose del Cabo's Art Walks, which take place in the Gallery District every Thursday evening from Nov-Jun. You'll wander through the neighbourhood's colourful back streets, dropping in at art galleries and restaurants - including Mi Cocina at Casa Natalia! It's a lively event that brings the whole town together - an unmissable treat.
- Boutique Hotel
- 18 rooms
- Restaurant and bar
- Over 13s welcome
- Open all year
- Heated Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Walk to beach
- 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. They are split into 4 categories - Artist, Deluxe, Superior and Spa - all with private terraces.
The two Artist Rooms are the smallest of the bunch, but they are quirkily decorated by local artists based in San Jose del Cabo.
The layout, size and amenities of the Deluxe and Superior rooms don't vary much, but their personalities do. 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.
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.
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 tubs.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfast is served daily in the bar area and is an à la carte affair. Choose from a menu of yummy-sounding egg dishes - Rancheros, Mexican or Benedict - as well as chilaquiles, French toast and coffee.
Lunch and dinner at Mi Cocina are a real treat. The space oozes romance, with candlelight, jazz tones tripping across murmuring water, and palms throwing dramatic shadows across the courtyard walls. 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.
Cool drinks and cocktails are available all day from the breezy, palapa-covered bar, which has a daily happy hour.
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 on the decking area
- 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
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Fishing
- Golf
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Horse riding
- Hot tub
- Kayaking
- Plantlife / flora
- Private guided tours
- Scuba diving
- Scuba diving courses
- Shopping / markets
- Snorkelling
- Spa treatments
- 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.
From the Airport
You can arrange a transfer via the hotel's concierge service, or 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. There is paid parking at the hotel.
Getting Around:
The concierge can arrange taxis and day trips. There's a daily shuttle to the beach club, available for an additional charge.
Airports:
- Los Cabos International 27.0 km SJD
Other:
- Beach 2.0 km
- Shops 0.2 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
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