When you are in need of a beach getaway—a bona fide, hidden Get A Way—look no further than down south on the Pacific coast side of the Baja California Sur, Mexico. Here, you’ll find a secret gem sitting on a seven-mile stretch of secluded beach with sand as soft as sifted flour and rolling waves that will lull you to sleep every night. Baja Beach Oasis is a true oasis in the Baja desert, blooming from precious water that spills down from the mountains and feeds a patch of fertile land that yields palm trees and papayas. Next to that, California native Bobbi McElravey has built her private stash of paradise that she opened up to guests just three years ago.
Bobbi’s Mexican resort is the antithesis of the super huge, impersonal all-inclusive beach hotels. For one, it’s small and quiet with no TVs and phones in the three casitas. And it’s completely off-grid. “We are a lesson in sustainability—that you can take a vacation in paradise without mucking up paradise,” Bobbi says with great pride. “We truly are living in nature.”
Because she doesn’t serve regular meals with the price (except for the first-night dinner), it’s not “all-inclusive.” But if you appreciate natural amenities like butterflies of every color flitting from flower to flower and birds chirping in symphony from treetop to treetop; watching the sun patiently drop into the sea every evening and gazing at more stars than you’ve ever seen dangling like diamonds from the black velvet sky, Baja Beach Oasis is all-inclusive with rich wonders of the natural world, and you don’t have to ring room service to get them. Just walk out of your private casita any time of day into a garden jungle where paths lead to secret spots waiting to be discovered.
One of those spots is a copper tub built for two hiding among the plants where nighttime soaks under the stars are heavenly. Another is an outdoor shower curled around palm trees. And the peaceful Pacific is just 100 steps from your front door with seven miles of beach so secluded, even seabirds are comfortable making their home there. In fact, Bobbi has a local’s knowledge of the area so she can show you the most hidden places, like where baby turtles are hatching in the sand and the best location for spotting whales. When you’re ready for serious water play, Bobbi provides all the toys to her guests for free: kayaks, boogie boards, snorkel gear. For all day at the beach, she has coolers to keep your Negra Modelo cold and umbrellas and chairs to keep you comfortable. She acts as your concierge, so if you want to book a swim with the whale sharks, go horseback riding, charter a fishing boat or get a massage, your wish is her command.
“We do not charge for this service,” Bobbi says. “We feel it is important for our guests to have wonderful experiences with the best outfitters, and we don’t want to charge for connecting guests with the best available.” Guests pay the outfitter directly. One popular off-property adventure is a trip to visit Marcos the famous potter at his mountaintop studio off a rugged four-wheel drive road. Bobbi’s son Sam packs lunch and drives guests up the mountain; the cost is $120 for the transportation, tour and picnic for the 6-hour trip.
The only other charges are for meals if guests want a home-cooked dinner. “We are happy to prepare vegan, vegetarian, kosher, or any special type of meal; of course, the emphasis is on Mexican foods,” says Bobbi. “I let my guests know that if they want something special we will do our best to arrange it, either bringing in a special chef or preparing it ourselves if it is within the repertoire of my son and myself. The costs range between $20 and $30 for two people. Our guests tell us that the food is yummy, the service is exquisite, and they appreciate the option of staying “home” and eating at their casita occasionally without doing the cooking themselves.” When guests bring back fresh fish, either their own catch or from a vendor, they can clean it in Bobbi’s kitchen and cook it on the outdoor barbecue. “We are happy to assist without charge, and no advanced notice is necessary,” Bobbi says.
You will want to sample the farm-to-table cuisine at the excellent restaurants in Todos Santos, the charming historic town 15 minutes north on Highway 19. The town is enjoying a resurgence from its decline as a prospering sugar plantation in the 19th century to an artists colony and eco-tourism mecca. The town was recently chosen as a Pueblos Mágicos, a designation by the Mexican government given to a town with historical, cultural and architectural values to tourism.
Bobbi’s “housemother” connection with her guests has led to many repeat customers who have become lifelong friends. Once you’ve experienced a genuine Mexican experience at her intimate natural oasis, you will never go to a mega resort again.
Baja Beach Oasis is just 30 minutes north of Cabo San Lucas at the southern tip of the Baja. For more information on price, casitas and more, visit www.bajabeachoasis.com.
