Secret Baja Inn Ideal Getaway from Unhinged Economy

            Posada la Poza (“Inn at the Spring”) is located seemingly in the middle of nowhere, and that’s just the point:  The intimate inn, which has just seven suites, is far removed from today’s bustling world but not from its comforts and delights, making it a true escape for travelers.

            Posada la Poza is the creation of Swiss-native Juerg Wiesendanger and his Czech-artist wife Libusche, who discovered not only charming Todos Santos in the late ‘90s, but an incomparable location for the unique, comfortable inn they envisioned.  Natural springs surface here making the area a lush, palm-studded oasis in the Baja  desert, and creating a lagoon that is separated from the Pacific by just a narrow sandbar.  Birds flock to this special environment, up to 70 species at any given time, from the snowy egret to the belted kingfisher. And in the winter and spring migrating seasons, pods of gray whales pass along the seemingly endless stretch of uninhabited beaches here.

            The inn they built and run is its own oasis. “We’ve combined the Mexican tradition of gracious hospitality with Swiss quality in a serene and beautiful ambiance with bird calls and crashing waves the only sounds,” explained Juerg.

            The magnificent gardens, lapped by the lagoon, are a cornucopia of flowering tropical plants, fruit trees and cacti. There is a large deck shaded by a latilla for viewing the wildlife, with binoculars provided each guest. The restaurant, El Gusto!, serves gourmet Mexican cuisine with international accents. Guests enjoy a saltwater swimming pool, a traditional Mexican sweatlodge, and the use of bicycles and fishing gear.  From her statuary in the gardens to her paintings in the restaurant and suites, the inn is a living gallery of Libusche’s art.

            Cosseted in two two-story casitas with garden, lagoon and ocean views, suites feature comfortable sitting areas, terrace or patio, mini-bar, safe, spacious bathrooms with tiled walk-in shower and toilet in a separate room, air conditioning, fans, CD player with choice of CDs, and, in several suites, a spa or hot tub. Rates are from $185 for two including wake-up coffee or tea and full breakfast.

            Traditionally a farming and fishing village founded in 1724, Todos Santos has blossomed into an active artists community — of expatriate painters, writers and others— and an increasingly popular, but non-touristy, destination. In the historic center of colonial buildings, visitors enjoy an array of art galleries, handicraft shops, boutiques, restaurants and only very small hotels.

            While the inn is secluded, reached by negotiating circuitous dirt roads, it is actually very accessible. The airports of La Paz and Los Cabos are just 60 and 90 minutes away, respectively;  both are served by a number of airlines from the U.S. and most major rental car companies.

            For more information and reservations:   011-52-612-145-0400 (direct dial from U.S.), Fax 011-52-612-145-0453, contact@lapoza.com, www.lapoza.com.