Hacienda El Rancho

Mesmerizing Hacienda Mágico

The latest creative kaleidoscope by longtime host and accomplished British designer, Jenny Armit, this color-infused villa splashed across a five-acre ranch around a 48-foot saltwater pool screams mesmerizing modern Mexico in buzzy beauty, Todos Santos. Jenny's previous properties have cemented her unique talent for blending traditional Mexican vibrancy with contemporary design styles, and this visually stimulating spot takes it to the next level.

The swirling villa is alive and vibrant, filled with personal treasures from around the globe set in spacious, color-bloc rooms. There’s a magenta indoor/outdoor dining and lounging zone, a lilac-backed fireplace in an art-packed living room, and the saltwater pool that fills a boho-cool, palm- and cactus-dotted terrace garden strung with hammocks, near umbrellaed sun loungers, with a half bath and outdoor shower. 

Kitchen and bedrooms are roomy and bright, and there’s a two-bedroom casita adjacent, with its own small kitchen and covered outdoor dining space. Yogis will love the poolside platform, and there’s a roof deck on the main house, offering views over the Pueblo Mágico that's only a quick drive or walk away.

AROUND

Gated within a five-acre tropical ranchito, this hacienda shares its grounds with rescued animals—Doris, the resident donkey, piglet half-sisters of the late movie-star pig, Colette, and others, keeping the ranch setting warm and real. The pool is shared with another hacienda on the property, and La Cachora beach is a short walk down the road. Voted one of the top ten beaches in Mexico, La Cachora is a much-loved spot for whale-watching, sunset walks, horseback riding and swimming. La Pastora beach offers Todos Santos’ biggest waves, a hot spot for expert, big wave surfers who now make their way to the once isolated village. (Road access came to Todos Santos came only in the 1980s.) 

Now a decidedly hip, increasingly happening, government-designated Pueblo Mágico, Todos Santos has gained significant traction as an artsy mecca for remote workers and creatives who love the town’s low-key, creatively bohemian lifestyle. Ideal for exploring on foot, the village is now full of fresh, farm-to-table markets, inventive cafes and stylish restaurants and bars. Artists, jewelers and other makers sell their handmade wares from quaint brick shops and galleries. Surf schools and yoga/wellness retreats round out the scene. Set about an hour’s drive from both La Paz and Cabo San Lucas, Todos Santos occupies the Pacific side of the Baja Peninsula and sits at the base of the Sierra de la Laguna mountains.

LOCATION

Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Nearest airports: (Domestic) Manuel Márquez de León in La Paz (55 miles); Los Cabos International (75 miles)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Fall through winter