Escape the Craziness of Cabo; Explore the East Cape Instead

In my much younger (and dumber) years, I visited Cabo San Lucas nearly on a regular basis for Spring Breaks, bachelor parties, and the like. The trips were filled with excessive partying, sunburns, and very little surfing. Perhaps a dip in the ocean to suppress a hangover. But actually paddling out on a surfboard? That was nary a priority.

But now, in my distinguished mid-30s, I seek a different kind of vacation, something more relaxed, less hazy nights and thumping techno, and more surfing, type of trip. Which is not to say that I don't dig Cabo; I certainly do. When I go there these days, however, I stray away from Squid Row, the yardstick margaritas, and the back-alley gentlemen clubs.

That’s why, when I visit the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula these days, I’ve been drawn to places like the East Cape — places like NEST Baja. Recently, I was invited to stay at the boutique hotel tucked away on the rugged, eastern bend of Baja’s southernmost tip, and it was a lovely escape filled with waves, exceptional food, and the region’s distinctive desert landscapes. Here’s everything you need to know before a trip to NEST Baja.

How to Get There

Coming from Southern California, San Jose del Cabo is a quick, two-ish hour flight. You go up, and before you know it, the pilot comes over the megaphone with an announcement preparing to land. It’s incredibly easy. Getting to NEST, however, takes a little more effort than the traditional Cabo hotspots. But the extra trek is well worth it.

From the Los Cabos International Airport, NEST is a little over an hour drive. Much of that is due to the dirt roads it takes to get there. Along the way, you’ll get a peek at the uncrowded surf spots that permeate this part of the coastline, the occasional burro crossing the road, and the relaxed, less touristy atmosphere.

Accommodations

“NEST Baja sits where the Sea of Cortez meets the desert. We designed with that tension in mind, reworking what existed to find the edge between bold gestures and restraint. The architecture had one job: make you notice the East Cape more, not less.” – Yves Naman, Namron Hospitality, Founder.

The design and architecture are some of the main aspects that make NEST unique. Upon arrival, the first thing you see is a concrete white lobby, with a sunken couch centerpiece, then French doors opening up to the pool and views of the Pacific Ocean. During my visit, every time you peered out to the sea, whales were breaching during their annual migration.

A dirt trail leads you to your room. For me, I had a sprawling white space with ocean views from the patio. One of the most interesting features was a personal pool, situated inside a separate space inside the room. It was almost like a meditation space, or a sensory deprivation tank, offering quiet solitude. But also, a welcome reprieve from the harsh desert heat.

Waves

The closest nearby spot to NEST is the famed, Nine Palms. Mostly a longboard wave, the righthander breaks over a shallow rock shelf, and offers lengthy rides. During peak season, the wave can get a bit punchier, allowing for a fish or even shortboard.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There’s a handful of other waves in the region – most notably, spots like Shipwrecks – but finding your own peak, cruising down unmarked dirt paths, setting up your umbrella, and scoring uncrowded waves is what the East Cape is all about.

When to Go

The best bet for scoring good waves is any time between March and October, but really, summertime is peak season for surfing in Los Cabos. However, of course, with the increased energy from the South Pacific, also comes the heat. Good thing the ocean is right there, and you’ll find yourself going in and out, session after session, just to stay cool.

Extracurriculars

When you’re not surfing at NEST, the hotel offers countless options for activities, including biking, kayaking, or simply lounging by the pool. During my stay, I took a moonlit yoga class on an elevated patio overlooking the ocean, as well as had a relaxing massage right there in my room. Then, there’s the food – the chef features farm-to-table dining, with highlights including the shrimp ceviche, fish tacos, and the burger. If you’re familiar with the area, think: Flora Farms, just outside of Cabo, when it comes to the dining experience at NEST.

Ambiance

The turquoise pool, the whitewashed walls, the azure ocean lapping against the coast – while staying at NEST, you’d be forgiven for feeling like you’re vacationing in Santorini, rather than the East Cape of Baja. The architecture is soothing and chic, evoking a sense of calm amidst the rugged desert landscape.

Couple that with the extremely friendly staff, the relaxed pace of things, and NEST feels more like a wellness retreat than a typical vacation in Mexico.

So, if you’re looking for an escape, somewhere to turn off your phone and disappear from the daily grind, while also catching a couple world-class waves, the East Cape is a fine place to do it. And if you wanna do it in style, with some of the best surf spots in the region nearby, mixed with delectable eats and a tranquil atmosphere, you can’t do much better than NEST.

For more, check out NEST Baja.