Los Zacatitos By Boutique

Modern Architecture as Desert Oasis

Slung low on the linear desert plains of Baja California, on a remote four-acre plot of arroyos and rugged granite outcroppings, this set of four architectural structures is the first in a series of desert dwellings exploring off-grid living in a relatively extreme climate by Javier Campos of Campos Studio. The award-winning multi-disciplinary design firm, based in Vancouver, British Columbia, focuses on contextual passive designs specific to geography, environment and culture. With this project, the firm has created an architectural statement home and pool among indigenous desert scrub and cacti, with passive cooling based on the use of outdoor courts and interior breezeways, often seen in traditional Spanish architecture but expressed here in modernity and with local construction methodologies of concrete reinforced panels.

Across the four structures, the striking home sleeps 12 guests in one king bedroom, two queen bedrooms and a triple bunk room with six singles. Each section of the villa features a dedicated courtyard planted with indigenous flora. Interior breezeways, many spaces shaded, connect the minimalist volumes, creating privacy, ventilation and a hacienda-style environment. The fifth structure houses the kitchen, dining, and lounge—the common space built to connect, share, and enjoy the beauty of the desert.

Oversized boulders punctuate the landscape, and a pool anchors the heart of the stark, spare residence. The Sierra de la Laguna mountains are silhouetted on the horizon and are best enjoyed from the rooftop patio at sunset.

This vacation home for rent in Los Zacatitos sleeps up to 12 guests.

What we love

Striking modern architecture, sited unobtrusively on arid plains and built sensitively using passive cooling as well as local construction methods and materials. It’s a cool—and cooling—respite from its desert surroundings.

Layout

The villa is composed of four distinct structures connected by shaded breezeways. Three volumes house the bedrooms: one master bedroom with a king bed and en-suite bathroom, two bedrooms with queen beds, and a fourth room with six built-in bunk beds and an en-suite bathroom. Each has access to a private courtyard. There are two additional shared bathrooms. The main, central building contains the communal kitchen, dining, and living areas, creating a hub that opens completely to the elements and the pool.

Extra services

Available at additional cost: daily cleaning, private chef, concierge services, private surf instruction and guide, private yoga.

Please note

Renting a 4x4 SUV or Jeep is recommended to best experience the location.

Staying on the East Cape is an adventure. As you leave San Jose Del Cabo, paved roads turn to bumpy dusty dirt roads. The homes in Zacatitos are off grid. Solar panels charge batteries that power the house, and the water is trucked in and UV treated for clean water throughout the house. The desert is unforgiving and at times things break. Our property manager is on call to resolve any such challenge.

Around

Located in Los Zacatitos in Baja California Sur, Mexico, the home benefits from deep desert seclusion, combined with a five-minute drive to the ocean where you'll find empty beaches and clear water. As you enter Zacatitos, local restaurant and bar Zac’s will be buzzing, and any last-minute groceries can be picked up at the Central Station convenience store.

The oceanfront community is famed for its proximity to the secluded East Cape surf spots—Shipwrecks, La Fortuna, and 9 Palms—local favorites and secret spots where you will often be the only one out. The area is ringed by the Sierra de la Laguna mountains as backdrop and a quick 10-minute drive back to town accesses six Michelin Guide recommended restaurants—including Acre, Flora Farms, Lumbre and Omakai. Another 20 minutes towards Cabo San Lucas opens up the hustle of Medano beach and the many resorts with Michelin restaurants such as Nobu, Zuma, and Manta.

World-famous scuba diving can be found in Cabo Pulmo, and a day trip out fishing from the San Jose marina is an adventure. Thursdays in the old town of San Jose, the square comes alive with an art walk where local artists display their work, as well as food stands and live music.

For a day trip, head up to Todos Santos, the buzzy and 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 full of farm-to-table markets, inventive fresh cafes and stylish restaurants and bars. Artists, jewelers and other makers sell their handmade wares from quaint brick shops and galleries, and surf schools and yoga and wellness retreats round out the scene.