Emerging from indigenous Mesa farmland just south of alternative Baja California coastal town Todos Santos – the unspoiled and unfussy antithesis of oversaturated and costly Cabo San Lucas one hour south – is Paradero. Opened in 2021, the 41-suite resort has already garnered numerous accolades for its wellness-focused mission, striking Brutalist – albeit site-responsive and eco-conscious – architecture, and Michelin-Key TENOCH restaurant.
Ruben Valdez and Yashar Yektajo – up-and-comers among an ever-growing roster of innovative Mexican talents shaking up the field on an international level – designed the 5-acre oasis with the idea of “framing” the environment in which the desert meets the ocean. Defined by cast-in-place concrete volumes with curvilinear articulation; pre-air-conditioning cooling strategies like breezeways; and reflective accents, the destination champions an indoor-outdoor living model. Within the perimeter structures that house the lodgings – some with outdoor bathtubs and others with suspended lounging nets – are a whole host of freestanding structures dedicated to yoga, fitness, and even cooking classes.
After an intensive sweat-lodge experience in the traditional temazcal, guests can cool off in the 130-foot semi-circular infinity pool or partake in a meditation class. Various art installations intersperse within the central 100,000-square-foot botanical garden replete with 200-year-old Cardon cacti. A James Turrell-esque amphitheater is accessed from a below-grade entrance and is encircled by well-tilled farmland which also makes its way up to the foot of the ground-level suites. Though setback from the largely undeveloped Pacific Ocean beach by a few miles, Paradero offers an extensive surfing and sailing program.
“Located between Cabo San Lucas and La Paz, Todos Santos is the heart of the peninsula and Paradero is the ultimate Baja experience. We are strategically creating a community in one of Mexico’s premier real estate investment destinations,” Paradero co-founder Joshua Kremer notes. “Never before has a hotel residence offered this combination of design, experience, and ecological sensitivity.”
Part of his and his business partner Pablo Carmona’s overall goal is to expand on this mission with a diversified product: a collection of rentable villas with its own dedicated suite of amenities and the currently under-construction Paradero Homes. The enclave of 26 four- to six-bedroom luxury residences is appearing right next to the main resort, also amid indigenous farmland. Each property will have its own organic garden.
“Paradero Homes leads the way in future living, promoting a holistic approach to health and wellness through lifestyle, movement, nutrition, and connection,” Carmona explains. “The Homes have been designed to encourage this lifestyle with thoughtful architecture, interiors, and landscaping.”
Though distinguishable by the matrix of sleek clean lines the structures will form as a whole, they’re also set to blend into their surroundings. Award-winning architect Gabriella Carillo – yet another force behind Mexico’s influential scene – was tasked with the design of the two-story freestanding abodes and opted to use natural materials: stone, clay, and other elements.
Though programmed for privacy, open-concept layouts – available in three variations – are being staged by interiors firm Estudio Esterlin to have a boundary less flow between the indoors and outdoors. Rooftop terrace replete lounging nets are joined by seamless ground-level patios anchoring infinity pools and large sunken dining rooms. Operable window walls will give way to the semi-arid landscape and mountains in the distance. Positioned above an ancient aquifer, Paradero finds itself in a unique perch. There are at least five distinct ecosystems in its midst, including a dense cacti forest that UNESCO has designated a biosphere reserve.
The units are selling for $2.5 million and up, far less than in Cabo San Lucas, where comparable properties can easily fetch $30 million. The resort-adjacent residence trend is only picking up steam and Paradero Homes is leading the charge.
What: Paradero Homes
Where: Todos Santos, México
How much: Homes starting at $2.5 million
Design draws: Luxury vacation homes extending from the top-ranked Paradero resort that take on the same contemporary, yet responsive outdoor-indoor aesthetic with organic farmland and multiple wellness amenities to boot.
Photography courtesy of Paradero Todos Santos.
