Excursions in the Old Port in Punta Lobos, a beautiful 1.5 hour excursion (round trip) located south of Todos Santos on the way to Pescadero. They will climb a ridge and then descend through a covered cove, with spectacular views of the coast. If they are scheduled (from noon to mid-afternoon), you can head to Punta Lobos and see how the fishermen arrive with the fresh catch of the day.
For more information on groups and tours, contact Todos Santos Eco Adventures.
Cooking classes and mezcal tastings in Todos Santos are one of the best ways to learn about Mexican culture. Todos Santos has so much to discover in the way of excellent food and drink. And there is no better way to experience it than participating first-hand in the process.
Cooking classes are offered at El Refugio, a delicious restaurant in the heart of Todos Santos, serving native Mexican cuisine. Classes are Wednesdays & Saturdays (from 11 – 2pm) or, can be set by special request. The cost is $95 USD/person and includes a 3 hour class, lunch and a shot of mezcal or beer. Noel, the chef, shares cooking tips and information on Mexican culture, bringing lots of humor to the class. The menu typically includes a few salsas, mole verde and sometimes ceviche.
You can read reviews here. We will gladly assist setting up this activity for you or you can inquire directly to make your reservation.
Alternatively, for a more casual experience, sit at the bar in the Villa’s kitchen and watch our in-house cooks whip up fresh juices, homemade salsas, guacamole and blue corn tortillas. These ladies prepare traditional Mexican cuisine that is saucy, delicious and authentic. Their hearty Mexican breakfasts and lunches, which feature local ingredients, are based on their own family recipes. With an abundance of fresh seafood in the area, some of our favorites dishes are the shrimp Chile Rellenos and Baja-style fish tacos. While this is not a hands-on experience, it will surely give you a few tips to take home – the best souvenir from any kind of vacation!
And, if you hang by the bar in the afternoon, perhaps our staff will share our classic margarita recipe – simple, easy and healthy. All you need is lime juice, good tequila and one secret ingredient….you’ll have to visit to find out.
As we say in Spanish, “buen provecho!”
A tropical oasis in the desert, Todos Santos is home to a wide variety of birds, giving visitors an amazing opportunity for bird watching. At Villa Santa Cruz, we have spotted egrets, ospreys, quail, nighthawks, pelicans, hummingbirds, and more. The list of species expands as you explore other wetland areas in Todos Santos, especially near La Poza hill.
For more information and guided tours, contact Todos Santos Eco Adventures.
Artists in Todos Santos galore! Our pueblo is an artist haven, home to more than 31 artists, with many art galleries to explore around town. The arts are a distinct aspect of what makes Todos Santos a special community. Todos Santos is home to painters, sculptors, photographers and muralists. Also, it has plein air painters, jewelers, printmakers, mixed media artists, potters, welders, and woodturners. Made up of Todos natives, mainland Mexicans and expats from all over the globe, the Todos Santos Arts community is an eclectic bunch. The artists are constantly evolving and offering visitors a unique body of vibrant and inspired work. Baja is their haven for a creative life!
Artist and gallery owner, Jill Logan, is on the main street of town near the Hotel California. Logan creates a variety of work in various mediums such as oils, silver leaf and 22K gold. Her sensual landscape work is colorful, her broken tile murals, bold and her abstract canvases, tactile. The driving force behind her exploration of color, form and emotion is to reproduce the pure essence of her subject matter. For passionate art collectors or casual viewers, Logan sells her original works on canvas and prints on paper. While wandering the multiple rooms of the Jill Logan Gallery, you can often watch Jill at work in her cozy studio space on the backside of the building.
Galeria de Todos Santos, is located right in the heart of the historic district, on the corner of Juarez and Topete. Well-known local artists Michael Cope and Erick Ochoa own and operate the gallery. Both Cope and Ochoa are dedicated, prolific painters and a gallery staple. At the gallery, you will encounter the artists on a personal level, either through their powerful canvases or by observing them directly at work! The fifteen artists the gallery represents hail from Mexico and the United States, offering viewers a look at both contemporary and traditional artwork. Enjoy the diverse mediums and styles – from figurative to abstraction, impressionism to landscapes. In short, you’ll find something for everyone to enjoy.
For printmaking, make sure to stop in at La Sonrisa de La Muerte on the street called Militar. The 17 artists on view come primarily from Mexico – Oaxaca, Mexico City, Guanajuato, Baja California Sur and Michoacan. Select from an eclectic array of subject matter such as fantastical animals and lucha libres, as well as calaveras and historical, Mexican figures. The technically skilled prints on display make it a must stop tourist destination for anyone looking to take home an authentic piece of Todos Santos. They are reasonably priced and small enough to fit in a suitcase!
In sum, a stroll through town to explore and discover the galleries that line the historic center will not disappoint. Add it to your list of activities during your trip to Todos Santos.
Check out a few past blog posts to learn more about Todos Santos Artists:
https://villasantacruzbaja.com/jump-into-the-todos-santos-art-scene-at-studio-n-e-hayles/
It was a fun family wedding celebration at Villa Santa Cruz on Sunday night for Lauren & Michael. With perfect weather, an incredible sunset, and a group of 100 guests that danced the night away, the celebration was loud and lively yet included many personal details that gave the day an intimate feel. Here is a glimpse into their special day.
With sand beneath their bare feet, the couple stood before their friends and family and exchanged vows and rings under a colorful chuppah canopy, lovingly knitted by the bride’s sister. The groom’s cousin officiated the ceremony and, with a few jokes and many loving words, had the whole group both laughing and crying, often at the same time.
The ceremony ended on a high note with the ritual “breaking of the glass” and shouts of “Mazel Tov!” The group then headed to the pool for cocktails and appetizers.
The tables on the lawn were exquisitely decorated by Barb & Jan of Pueblo Magico weddings, with bold pops of color and natural elements. The bride provided a few personal touches, including an “open seating” sign, family photos and a traditional Scandinavian wedding cake.
As the sun went down and the Villa’s canopy of lights came aglow, the couple shared their first dance to Queen’s “My Best Friend.”
Soon after, it was time for the traditional Hora & Chair Dance!
The guests carried on dancing long into the night, with small interludes for a festive piñata and beach bonfire – a true Baja wedding!
We so enjoyed planning and celebrating with Lauren & Michael and their friends and family. We wish them a lifetime of love and hope to have them back for future anniversary celebrations. Mazel Tov!
Venue – Villa Santa Cruz, Boutique Hotel on the Beach, Todos Santos
Catering – Hotel California, Todos Santos
Photographer – Ana & Jerome, Cabo San Lucas
DJ – DJ Mijares, Cabo San Lucas
Flowers & Decor – Barb & Jan of Pueblo Magico Weddings, Todos Santos
Wedding Coordination – Jessica Canepa, Villa Santa Cruz
Over the weekend, a gorgeous wedding took place at Villa Santa Cruz, Boutique Hotel on the Beach in Todos Santos, Baja Sur, Mexico. Jenna and Adam radiated happiness on Saturday afternoon as they exchanged vows on the sand and became husband and wife in front of an intimate group of 55 guests. It was a special event for us at Villa Santa Cruz because the beautiful bride, Jenna, is the sister of Villa owner, Jessica. It was such a joy to share the property with all our friends and family. Take a peek into Jenna and Adam’s special day!
The bride and her father had a dramatic walk down the Villa’s boardwalk to the ceremony site just next to the Palapa. All guests were on their feet to catch the first glimpse of the bride’s dress!
Meeting in the Peace Corps in Paraguay and then living in Korea and now Los Angeles, the couple personalized their ceremony by incorporating elements from all the cultures they experienced during their courtship. The bride’s cousin, Daniel Cooper, officiated the ceremony.
Since this was a family wedding, all members of the Villa Santa Cruz team were there, even Freddy.
This is true happiness!
After the ceremony, the wedding group headed down to the pool for cocktails and appetizers. The Hotel California provided a lovely spread of shrimp on rosemary skewers with mango salsa, goat cheese flautas and fresh ceviche.
The couple had huge smiles on their faces as they were introduced to their guests for the first time as husband and wife! Of course, the only song appropriate for such an introduction was Pharrell’s “Happy.”
The evening concluded with the release of glowy wish lanterns – the perfect end to such a romantic celebration! We thank Jenna and Adam for letting us share in their happiness. Felicidades!
This lovely suite overlooks the Pool, Palapa and Pacific Ocean. The Spanish word granada means “pomegranate,” and they are just one of the many fruit trees growing on the Villa’s property. The deep red color of the fruit is infused in this suite, inspiring warmth and tranquility.
Queen Size Bed
Wood Burning Fireplace
Balcony Patio with outdoor seating
Bathroom with shower
Ocean view location on the northeast corner of the Villa
All four suites are located on the second level, one in each corner of the Villa. The Deluxe Suites face the ocean and the Junior Suites face the Mountain Range, yet all four suites have lovely ocean views.
The Ballena Suite boasts breathtaking views of the Palapa, Pacific Ocean and Sierra de Laguna Mountain Range. The word ballena in Spanish means “whale,” and during the whale season (Nov – Feb), guests will undoubtedly spot them from the suite’s balcony and even the bathroom.
King Size Bed
Two Balcony Patios, one with outdoor seating
Spacious Bathroom with claw foot bath tub and shower
Oceanfront location on the southwest corner of the Villa
All four suites are located on the second level, one in each corner of the Villa. The Deluxe Suites face the ocean and the Junior Suites face the Mountain Range, yet all four suites have lovely ocean views.
Love was in the air last night at Ross and Rachel’s wedding at Villa Santa Cruz, Boutique Hotel in Todos Santos. Ross and Rachel celebrated their love in front of a small group of friends and family in a beautiful beach ceremony, followed by dinner and dancing under the stars. Take a peek into their special day.Ross and Rachel had a few moments to themselves before the ceremony for a private photo shoot around the Villa. Ross was so enamored with his beautiful bride.
Shucking tradition, the couple opted to walk down the aisle together, hand in hand.
The bride’s brother-in-law, Tim, officiated the ceremony. His kind words added such a personal touch to the afternoon.
After the ceremony, the guests enjoyed cocktails and appetizers on the Villa’s Roof Terrace. After the sun set, everyone took their seat downstairs on the back lawn.
The tables were lovingly decorated by Barb & Jan of Pueblo Magical Weddings. We love the use of colored antique glass, delicate flowers, lace tablecloths and mismatched chairs. The decor gave the wedding such a personal, antique feel.
The bride’s sister, Jennifer, also added a few of her own touches – beautifully designed invitations and handmade butterfly place cards. Lovely!
The guests dined on exquisite cuisine provided by the Hotel California. The menu included appetizers of yellowtail sashimi, crab cakes and goat cheese flautas, a main course of braised leg of lamb and fish in a tomatillo-cilantro sauce, and, for dessert, churros with chocolate dipping sauce. Que rico!
The party carried on into the night and ended with the release of glowy wish lanterns next to the bonfire. The lanterns drifted up into a spectacular starry night.
We send our warmest congratulations to Ross & Rachel. Wishing you all the happiness in the world.
Venue – Villa Santa Cruz, Boutique Hotel on the Beach, Todos Santos
Catering – Chef Dany at the Hotel California
Photographer – Cheryl Sedick of Jim Kennedy Photographers
DJ – Dennis Owens (Long Beach, California)
Flowers & Decor – Barb & Jan of Pueblo Magico Weddings
Wedding Coordination – Jessica Canepa, Villa Santa Cruz
What an elegant wedding it was for Laura and Mike last Saturday evening. Arriving at Villa Santa Cruz in Todos Santos from snowy Calgary, Canada, the couple was excited for the beach wedding they had always dreamed of. With an understated elegance and thoughtful detail, their wedding was personal and intimate with touches of Mexican charm. Take a look through the photos below to catch a glimpse into their special day.
The boardwalk path was beautifully decorated with white luminarias, leading the guests to the beach ceremony. The candles inside twinkled and glowed as the sun went down.
After the ceremony, the wedding guests gathered on the Villa’s rooftop for champagne and appetizers.The evening’s catering was provided by the Hotel California.
The appetizer menu included flautas filled with goat cheese, roasted peppers and pine nuts, shrimp skewers and mango ceviche.
A ten piece mariachi entertained the group during cocktail hour. They were a lively bunch with choreographed dance moves and song – the guests kicked up their heels and started dancing even before the sun set.And what a sunset it was!
Skeleton keys decorated the guests’ escort cards and The framed the escort card table.
The beautiful tablescapes were breathtaking with glowy candles, light pink roses, glass accents and bright blue tequila favors.The white papel picado flags rustled in the breeze during the couple’s first dance.
Laura & Mike’s cake was a flourless dark chocolate truffle wonder covered in whipped cream.
After they cut the cake, it was time to get the party started!
