Scoop The Dirt

The reputation of Casa Natalia is astounding. Magazines and the web are aflutter; praising the architectural design and overall hospitality of this cozy little getaway located in the historic Spanish Colonial village of San Jose Del Cabo on the southern tip of Baja California (that’s in Mexico on the left side of for you non-travelers).

It is just a two hour flight from California or Arizona. We flew from Seattle so it was about 3.5 for us but it was well worth it. Casa Natalia is just a 15min. van ride from the airport costing about $30 for two people but if you chat up the person at counter in Spanish you can save a few dollars to start your trip on a good note, we saved $4, woohoo

This Small Hotel has been dubbed a Small Luxuary hotel

“Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ is an unsurpassed collection of over 500 hotels spanning more than 70 countries, which together offer an infinite variety of experiences. Whatever your inclination, Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ is guaranteed to have that exclusive hotel with its own unique character and charm.”

They have also received a rating of four diamonds from AAA
not an easy task considering how only 0.27 percent of the 60,000 AAA Diamond Rated lodgings and restaurants throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico, receive more than four diamonds. Good job guys!

“a rating of One to Five Diamonds is assigned, based on lodging and restaurant published guidelines for facilities, amenities, and service.”

They have consistently been written up as the top 100 hotels in the world and can be seen in:
Travel & Leisure Magazine, Bride, and Bridal guide, Wine spectator, Vanity Fair and many others.

“Set in a secluded enclave of 39 palm trees, waterfalls and tropical flowers that echoes the spectacular natural beauty of the Baja Peninsula With its striking, contemporary architecture and 14 Deluxe Guest Rooms and 2 Spa Suites individually decorated with local art-craft, staying at Casa Natalia is like staying in an authentic Mexican home. From the moment you enter until the very moment you hesitate to leave. Please note that the property does allow children 13 and older.” –From www.casanatalia.com

People you should Look for:
Owners: Nathalie and Loïc Tenoux (He is also the executive chief)
Outstanding wait staff: Enrique, Christian and David to name a few.
The Concierge: Marco, guy you talk to if you want to check out their free DVD selection (Hey even I want to rest after a hard day at the beach.)

The Scoop:

• Rooms are a little pricey if you are just looking to booze it up in Mexico, but a must buy if you want a romantic getaway and to see some culture while you are at it.
• Average room rate $230-$575/night
• They are located in a small and very clean village in “Los Cabos” they are NOT on the beach, but that’s OK because you have the option to take a free or very inexpensive van ride to a hotel on the beach that they have so brilliantly partnered up with. There you will have the ocean side infinity pools (some heated) and great to-your-pool-chair service. They are also just a beach stroll away from a relatively un-crowded swimming beach.
• Free WiFi in the lobby and restaurant
• Internet (for a fee) in your room
• Free DVD movies
• They have an amazing menu, try the risotto followed up by the best flan you will ever have.
• The drinks are amazing I recommend “El mar de Cortez” a sweet blue taste of heaven
• When you are on the beach, look out for whales, you can easily spot them from poolside.
• Next door is Damiana, try their Fajitas and amazing Margaritas.

Things to think about:
It’s Mexico so people tend to speak Spanish, if you at least try to learn/speak the basics you will be a lot better off. It is in no way necessary, especially at Casa Natalia because everyone speaks English wonderfully (and the few that struggle are very much understandable!) So don’t be like “an American” and think they should know English. Suck it up, try to have fun and learn some damn Spanish.

Special note: To those four blonds that were eating dinner Mi Cocina that whistled to the waiter to get your check and actually yelled, “You hoo!” I am truly disappointed in you. That has to be the nicest restaurant I have ever been in South of the border. You make me and all other North Americans look and sound like garbage. I was ashamed to be “an American” You did not ruin my evening though, in fact I tweeted about you and many other people had nasty comments for you. Thanks!

Check out the official Review video of the hotel here:

Visit them and say Gabe and Jen sent you! www.casanatalia.com