By Dawn Pier Via Baja.com

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Villa del Faro Eco-Hotel in the East Cape is a surprise in so many ways – a lovingly handcrafted private estate turned boutique hotel, hidden on the side of a hill overlooking the Sea of Cortez smack dab in the middle of nowhere. It is truly a tropical hideaway. One is even more surprised to learn that the vast and comfortable compound is powered by solar energy (augmented by quiet generators only when necessary). There are no power or phone lines to connect to, but thanks to satellites, it isn't difficult to connect to the outside world through the internet and television.

The hotel resides on 12 conscientiously tended acres of beachfront property just one mile north of the area known as Boca de las Vinoramas and 21 miles east of the Los Cabos International Airport (best access is via the bumpy Palo Escopeta Road). It is open October 15 through July 31st (closed for peak hurricane season).

There are six unique one-bedroom spaces available for rent. Two of the units are adjoined by a shared living space, making them perfect for two couples traveling together or two singles who want separate sleeping quarters. All of the units have fireplaces and are beautifully finished with Mexican-style tile, carved furniture and textiles.

Villa del Faro's rustic beachhouse

For the young-at-heart and economically minded there is the quaint and rustic stone beach cottage that literally sits on the beach. It consists of one room plus outhouse-style baño and use of a nearby gazebo for meals and relaxation. The gazebo's tiled roof is a work of art (US$140 per night plus 14% tax).

There is a lavish and plush "Casa Alberca" or Pool House that comprises a large bedroom, full bath, kitchen, fireplace and balcony overlooking the sea all under a large palapa (palm-thatched roof). The Casa Alberca sits adjacent to the 55-foot pool and patio surrounded by tropical landscaping, fountains and has an incredible view out to the Sea of Cortez (US$425 per night plus tax). There are paths to the beach from all the casitas. Breakfasts are included and dinners are available upon request and at additional cost. The food is sumptuous with produce obtained directly from local organic farms.

One gets the feeling of staying in a lavish private home more than a hotel, and that is how the owners want it. It wasn't always a hotel, but had its beginnings as a get-away for a large family of friends who are artists, musicians, writers, architects and musicians. It is clear as one wanders the vast grounds that its creation was a labor of love. No detail has gone unattended – the architecture is Spanish colonial with meticulous talavera tile work throughout, hand-molded balusters and cornices, grand columns with bas relief detailing. Exquisite original artwork graces the colorful walls of all the buildings, and a spectacular marble sculpture resides at one end of the large, elegant pool area. It is a feast for both the eyes and ears – water cascading from beautiful fountains combines with the sound of waves crashing in the distance, white winged doves coo and geckos chirp.

Ready to relax? Reserve the Casa Alberca.

The owners are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about local activities and the environment. Activities include fishing, bird watching, hiking, whale watching, snorkeling and diving (Cabo Pulmo National Park is only a half hour drive away) and horseback riding can all be arranged. A protected bay below the grounds is one of only a few places along this rugged stretch of coastline where swimming is safe.

There are no shopping malls nearby, no golf courses or discos. This is the kind of place you go to get away from all that, perhaps to rediscover yourself or rekindle the romance with that special someone in your life. Things move a little slower here, even more so than in other parts of Mexico. Villa del Faro is an incredible place to escape to.

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