Villa Santa Cruz, a boutique beach resort and working farm located in Todos Santos, Mexico, offers an elevated camping experience with its Tented Ocean Suites, blending luxury with a nature-based experience on the Pacific coastline.
Situated about an hour north of Cabo San Lucas, the resort is positioned near the Pueblo Mágico of Todos Santos, a destination known for its appeal to surfers, artists, and travelers seeking a more low-key Baja California experience.
The Tented Ocean Suites aim to reimagine the traditional beachside camping experience with hotel-level amenities.
Each unit includes a king-size bed, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a full bathroom with a soaking tub and rain shower, and outdoor spaces outfitted with a hammock, lounge chairs, and a fire pit.
According to Paper City, the fire pit can be lit upon request, and guests receive s’mores kits as part of the service. While other high-end resorts in Mexico offer similar tented suites, such as Naviva in Punta Mita, Villa Santa Cruz brings this style of accommodation to a less developed part of the country.
Originally developed as a four-room bed and breakfast, Villa Santa Cruz opened in 2011 under the direction of founders Matt and Jessica Canepa.
The couple operated their intimate retreat until 2020, when frequent guests Joyce and Guillermo Marrero joined on as co-owners, bringing fresh energy and new ideas to the mix.
The Marreros’ addition marked a turning point for the resort, fueling its expansion into a full-service hospitality destination that includes a variety of accommodation types such as Rooftop Villas, Ocean View Bungalows, and North Villa Suites.
In terms of amenities, the resort features two swimming pools, including an adults-only infinity pool, and an organic farm that supports its on-site restaurants.
The Green Room and Caracara restaurants are overseen by executive chef Alfredo Aguilar and offer menus based on locally sourced ingredients, including produce harvested directly from the property’s gardens.
Guests also have access to experiential offerings that highlight the resort’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement. These include a beekeeping program led by a resident apiarist and horseback riding through nearby desert trails on rescue horses from Rancho Santa Cruz.
Plans are underway for a wellness and fitness center, which will include a sauna, cold plunge, class space, outdoor sanctuary areas, and a traditional Temazcal for ceremonial use.
In 2024, Villa Santa Cruz received a Michelin Key, a recognition highlighting its dedication to quality service, thoughtful design, and distinctive guest experiences.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector, Villa Santa Cruz presents a model for integrating upscale amenities with sustainability practices and community-rooted storytelling, especially in less developed regions.
By combining agritourism, immersive nature experiences, and high-end accommodations, the property offers a case study in how glamping and boutique resorts can evolve beyond traditional formats.
Its success also suggests growing consumer interest in luxury travel that offers privacy, local flavor, and minimal environmental impact.
Featured image by Villa Santa Cruz via villasantacruzbaja.com