Rancho Pescadero had its beginnings as the vision of one woman almost thirty years ago. Back in the mid-1990s, Lisa Harper spent a year camping on a secluded beach near the farm and artist community in Todos Santos. Positioned about an hour north of Cabo San Lucas on the Pacific Coast, Harper decided to take a sabbatical from her role as CEO at companies such as Gymboree, Hot Topic and Torrid.
During her time in a tent, she strolled along the deserted beach and indulged in daily reading. She cherished the local people, wildlife, and exceptional surf that fostered a sense of well-being in this relaxed community. Upon choosing to acquire a prime beachfront piece of land, Harper oversaw the planting of palm and neem trees to provide shade and enhance beauty. With a 12-room hotel design on graph paper, she established the essential infrastructure and enlisted local individuals for the construction and operation of the hotel. Harper aimed to offer others a Baja experience filled with beauty and authentic activities that would promote serenity and wellness.
“At the outset, my focus was solely on creating stable job opportunities for locals in the community who were unfamiliar with the hospitality industry. It was an opportunity for them to progress in their careers, and enhance their living conditions and overall well-being,” mentioned Harper. “My personal journey has showcased that individuals thrive when they are encouraged to showcase their genuine selves, while also giving them access to quality education and a platform to refine their skills.”
This is the most extensive venture the Todos Santos region has ever witnessed. Harper’s objective is to uphold an environmentally responsible approach while uplifting the lives of residents and workers.
She is establishing a local preschool and residences near Rancho Pescadero for its 300+ employees. The initial phase of this initiative will offer housing for all interested employees, with the subsequent phase introducing affordable housing options and resources for the wider community. In light of the insufficient local educational opportunities, Harper will commence construction later this year on a vocational school for the community, where residents can acquire valuable skills applicable to various industries.
Harper is reshaping the landscape of upscale travel in Baja, and she anticipates that her diligent efforts will inspire other developers to adopt a responsible approach to tourism. Her in-depth knowledge of Baja, acquired over many years and her understanding of its populace, culture, and environmental and socioeconomic obstacles, have enabled her to become a catalyst for change.
Over twenty years following the initial inception and expansion of Rancho Pescadero, Harper and her team have envisioned a fresh vacation experience for present-day travelers. For the past four years, they have dedicated themselves to constructing, designing, and preparing for the grand reveal of a completely revamped Rancho Pescadero. Set to reopen in Fall 2022, the reimagined amenities and experiences aim to immerse travelers in the local culture and encourage them to rethink their travel and relaxation habits.
Rancho Pescadero invites you to leave your shoes at the entrance and relish in casual luxury across 30 acres adorned with nine gardens. The property now comprises 103 luxurious guest rooms, including 12 oceanfront villas. Each villa features its own fire pit, plunge pool, and outdoor shower. The establishment also offers 10 Penthouses and one Hacienda Suite with outdoor showers, plunge pools, and private roof decks. Harper meticulously designed the layout to ensure that 96% of the rooms boast stunning views of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains or the Pacific Ocean.
Boasting four dining venues, in addition to the expansive beachfront pool that rivals those in prestigious locations from Mykonos to Marbella, Rancho Pescadero showcases a farm-to-table culinary experience at KAHAL Oceanfront restaurant, CENTRO Cafe, Botanica Garden restaurant, and in-room dining.
The onsite farm and orchard enable guests to personally source ingredients for their meals and spa treatments within the 25,000-square-foot wellbeing complex. The property houses an apothecary grounded in the natural power and wisdom of plants, a Pilates studio, two yoga shalas, and an extensive range of programs that aim to foster personal growth, from meditation and sound therapy to gardening, cooking, and arts and crafts.
Every detail at Rancho Pescadero is meticulously crafted to ensure a relaxed and intuitive guest experience. Harper envisions that guests will relish the ‘cross over’ welcome experience from the moment they arrive. An inconspicuous entry acts as a gateway to a fantastical, sanctuary-like getaway. Rather than a conventional check-in counter, guests are greeted by towering living altars and amiable hosts who guide them through the property’s meticulously planned grounds, inspired by Baja’s biosphere, which transition gradually from desert to sand dunes.
Upon arrival, guests have the option to choose between two paths—one of sand and one of brick—encouraging them to tailor their unique journey. Whether it involves stepping onto the earth barefoot or stopping to explore the gardens and visit the farm to observe the goats, chickens, and bees.
Reservations are now open beginning November 1, 2022, to experience a stay at Rancho Pescadero.
Image Source: Just Luxe
