San Cristobal review: Welcome to the hippest new hotel in Mexico

Hip 1970s-style decor and a nearby turtle sanctuary are just some of the attractions at Hotel San Cristóbal

Poolside views at Hotel San Cristóbal Baja (Nick Simonite)

Open since April 2017, Hotel San Cristóbal is the latest offering from Liz Lambert of Bunkhouse – the brains behind five thriving Texan boutique hotels, including El Cosmico in Marfa and Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin. This supremely photogenic bolthole – located about three miles south of Todos Santos – boasts two killer restaurants; three roaring fireplaces; and a glittering, sea-facing pool.

The beach next to the hotel is stunning. I’m there, drinking a ‘Mexican Old-Fashioned’ ( with chilli-infused bourbon, mole bitters, and agave syrup) when, as if on cue, two whales swim by and cavort in the turquoise waves, seemingly for my sole amusement. If the view is anything to go by, this latest Bunkhouse project is poised for success.

Location

Poolside views at Hotel San Cristobal Baja (Hotel San Cristobal)

The property is about an hour and a half’s drive north of Los Cabos International Airport. Follow the sign for ‘Tres Santos’ from Highway 19 (blink and you’ll miss it) and meander down a long dirt track ending in a dreamy stretch of golden sand. It feels like stumbling into the Garden of Eden.

The nearby town of Todos Santos is a balmy, palm-fringed oasis, complete with brightly coloured colonial buildings, boutique stores and chichi galleries. Try Nomad Chic for handmade jewellery and accessories; and Ezra Katz for sun-drenched landscape paintings.

There’s a turtle sanctuary just outside town in Playa Las Playitas. From December to April, this non-profit organisation oversees daily hatchling releases which are open to the public.

Swimming on this side of the peninsula can be dangerous, but surfing is a big draw. Mario Surf School in nearby Pescadero offers lessons for all ages and abilities.

Comfort

Rooms at Hotel San Cristobal Baja have 1970s-style decor and comfy beds (Nick Simonite)

The 32 rooms are impeccably furnished with swirling 1970s-style ceramic tiles, leather sofas, king-size beds and indoor/outdoor showers. Mine had a sprawling beach-facing balcony.

There are two onsite restaurants. The more formal ‘Benno’ presents a blend of Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine, serving fresh salads, grilled fish and hearty seafood stews. The laidback pool bar is the perfect spot to watch the sunset. My humongous happy-hour margarita was a steal at 90 pesos (£3.50).

Throughout the property there are plenty of carefully thought out details, like a fireside nook with a record turntable, and an impressive collection of Sixties and Seventies vinyl. There’s also a large observation deck for sun-worshipping and/or stargazing. Failing that, do as I did: spend a blissful afternoon floating around the pool on an inflatable pink doughnut.

Travel essentials

Hotel San Cristobal, Highway 19, 3 miles south of Todos Santos, Mexico

+52 612 175 1530; sancristobalbaja.com

Doubles from £200, room only.

Wifi: free

Pets: pet-friendly

Parking: free

Accessibility: all ground floor bedrooms are wheelchair accessible

Rooms: *****

Service: *****

Value: ****