Fodor's Expert Review Posada La Poza

West of town, overlooking a bird-filled lagoon that gives way to the Pacific, this is the only Todos Santos property right on the water. The Swiss owners have taken great care to create a property that showcases the local flora, and the results are flawless. The handsome, spacious suites have terra-cotta–color walls, modern furniture, and sumptuous Swiss linens. You'll find a CD player and binoculars on hand, but there aren't any TVs or phones in the rooms. Even if you're not staying, stop by the excellent El Gusto! restaurant (closed Thursday) for spicy tortilla soup, local scallops, organic salads, and an impressive list of Mexican wines.

room

Ground-floor rooms showcase picturesque garden views, while the upstairs suites offer terrace views of the garden, the lagoon, and the Pacific Ocean. The rooms all boast queen or king-sized beds, as well as individualized décor such as handcrafted furnishings and colorful artworks. Traditional palo de arco pergolas provide shade for terrace hammocks and chaise lounges.

bathroom

All baths boast roomy shower areas and, in the European style, water closet style toilets. The bathroom in the Honeymoon Suite is larger than some studio apartments, with the addition of double sink basins, a cosmetics table, and an over-sized soak tub.

pool

The saltwater pool area is surrounded on all sides by the hotel’s magnificent garden, and the pool has been contoured to wrap around an enormous palm tree. A soothing waterfall adds to the blissful atmosphere.

A jacuzzi, also saltwater, is set between the pool area and the fitness equipment.

spa

Massages are available in a shaded palm grove, and may also be arranged in one’s room.

gym

A small shaded square is set aside near the pool area for fitness activities, with the primary attractions being a quartet of cardio-focused machines.

dining

The on-site restaurant, El Gusto, is utterly charming, and renowned for its superb fare. Breakfast is served each morning in a charming outdoor patio setting near the entrance, with freshly squeezed mango juice added to the menu during the summer months. The second-story terrace, meanwhile, is utilized for lunch, offering beautiful Pacific Ocean views to accompany delicious menu specialties like smoked tuna flautas and grilled arrachera.

Dinner is available only by prior reservation, and for groups of 10 or more.

drinking

Stop by the bar near the kitchen for a cocktail and good conversation, or take advantage of the Mexican beers stocked in each room’s minibar.