In travel, as in life, seek places that speak to your soul, add value and perspective, have both an impact and the opportunity to make an impression and provide memories for a lifetime. THOSE are your places.

Seems every winter we have been heading down to the Baja Peninsula in search of sun. We used to go to Hawaii in December to escape the snow, the ice, the cold. But we kept finding rain and crowds, so we tried Cabo one year and came upon Todos Santos. This has become our “go to” winter escape spot.

SInce we have been here so many times, we have pretty much explored the surrounding area, have visited most of the shops and art galleries, and have sampled the food at most of the restaurants. So what to do this time?

Well first off, we made reservations at a new spot, It is always a little stressful trying out a spot having never been there before….but we read all the reviews, looked at every photo we could find and said, “Let’s go for it!” And so glad we did. Named VILLAS LA MAR, the villas sit tucked into the hillside high above the ocean. Each unit has a commanding view of the Pacific and a lagoon below filled with water fowl. We sat on that deck every day and watched whales migrate past us on their way to their birthing lagoons. What a sight. (I even brought a set of high powered binoculars along so we could get an “up-close” look) Each deck was equipped with a gas fire pit…so nice when the sun set and the air turned cool. Our bed was situated such that when you woke in the morning and sat up, the entire ocean was in view. Heck, you even had a view from the shower!!!! Besides the view, we loved that our apartment had a full kitchen so we could eat in whenever we wanted. And a real plus for Heidi, every thing was spick and span, clean as a whistle. The ever so friendly and ever so helpful staff was there when needed, even loaned us a couple beach chairs, an umbrella and a cooler for our stay. The only negative, if you could call it that, was our unit was at the tippy-top, up 94 stairs. But we thought it was a good way to work off some of the weight gain we were sure to experience after eating all the delicious food this village has to offer.

Knowing the area so well, we knew where to go for a beach of our own. Our trusty little VW Polo rental did well as we navigated down dusty, rutted dirt roads until we arrived at “our” beach. There we set up our umbrella, chairs, towels and sat down to soak up the sun and read a book or two. Now and then, for no reason at all, you hop up and take a long walk down the deserted beach. And, with our cooler filled with ice and Pacifico Beer, we could enjoy a refreshment with our picnic lunch. When we tired of the sun, we headed to the nearest beach bar to partake in some guac and chips and an ice cold margarita. I know, sounds a bit boring, but that is what we love to do when we come here….pretty much nothing, void of all stress, and above all, taking in the sunshine!!!!

Last time we were here we were on the search for the best Margarita in town. This time, our quest would be the best chilaquiles. Now chilaquiles happen to be Heidi’s favorite breakfast meal. You start with fresh, fried tortilla chips, add them to a simmering Verde (green) sauce, some prefer a red sauce. Place the soaked tortilla chips at the bottom of a bowl. Add on top some Cotija cheese or queso fresco, a fried egg, some onion, cilantro, avocado, and beans (refried or whole). Delicious!!!!!! Goes well with a mimosa!!!! We tried them all over town, and voted for the one we enjoyed the most. (doesn’t take much to entertain us!!!!) Hands down, unanimous all around, the winner was DoceCuarenta….a lovely, little coffee roasting spot just out of town.

It is amazing the quality food you can find in this little town. Besides DoceCuarenta, we were bound and determined to find some new dining locations. Our first find, Taller 17, a hole in the wall bakery/coffee shop. Only three customers allowed in the shop at one time, there always seems to be a line. But the wait is worth it when you exit with expertly brewed latte or cappuccino and a couple of heaven-sent cinnamon rolls. My eyes roll up into my head just thinking about those mind blowing cinnamon rolls.

We had heard of this amazing farm to table spot, just down the highway in Pescadero, Hierbabuena. As always, you drive down a dirt road for about a mile, and then there it is, in the middle of their farm. As much as possible, this restaurant pulls ingredients directly from their fields and uses only locally sourced meats and poultry. Everything was fresh, fresh, fresh. And again, the service was impeccable. But when you have Heidi along, who can resist falling in love with us?

My daughter, Jamie, from her trip down here last year, recommended Fish Tacos Santo Chilote for the best tacos in town. Our first night in town, that is where we went after we had checked into the room. And Jamie was spot on…amazing shrimp tacos and fish tacos. You add whatever extras you want on top, and then let your taste buds have a party!!!! And their margaritas were large and strong!!!!

A trip to Todos Santos is never complete without a walk-about the town. We mosey into stores, talk with the gallery owners, and try to find interesting things to photograph.

So, I’ll be keeping this post a bit short. We came away with tans to make everyone at home jealous. We read a couple books each. Despite the stairs, I’m pretty sure we will be taking home a few extra pounds. We found some new restaurants and place to stay. But more than anything, we enjoyed our time together here in Todos Santos. Nothing better than 10 days alone with the person you love.

Will we come again? Probably. But it is growing. More and more homes are being built. The word has gotten out. I suppose when our empty beaches start to become populated, then we will go in search of a new sleepy village on the ocean.