Todos Santos, the location of my Rebirth

Creating a new life after a divorce can be hard, but doing it while you're in the middle of a divorce adds a whole new layer of complexity. The pendulation you experience swinging back and forth between the joy of creation and the rage of destruction is so intense. The concoction of emotions crashes back and forth in my body like the way the waves crash the shoreline.

Todos Santos made a very special place in my heart 4 years ago when I visited for the first time with my dear friend Meg. It was my first personal trip away from my family for over 6 years. The one before that was a trip to Napa Valley just an hour from SF so this was big to me. Todos Santos was a place where my creative voice was birthed independent of all the other roles I played back home. I found my expression outside of the walls of motherhood and wife. Roles I played for a long time before considering the essence of the women beneath of all of the titles I had. I came home to me. It was a time in my life when I had just been laid off at VSCO and was in a major career transition now looking back I can see that that transition was a launchpad into a career that would bring me closer to my purpose in life. Todos Santos was a destination for me where I could rest my weary soul and become rejuvenated in all of my creative expression.

“Todos Santos was a place where my creative voice was birthed independent of all the other roles I played back home.”

Chris and I love to travel! It's such a huge part of our relationship culture and one of our intentions for our relationship is to fill it with adventure. Last month I took Chris to Todos Santos for his birthday. It was our first trip together, sans kids, where we had to get on a plane after moving in together, and it was international! So...not only was this trip to celebrate his birthday, but it was also secretly a trip to honor the intersection of where our life was at this moment. Big things and huge times!

If you're unfamiliar with Todos Santos, check out my blog post from a few years ago and this awesome article from Vogue, which was what got me to beach and desert destination in 2017. Located at the very tip of Baja California, it was a perfect getaway for Bay Area folks like us who have busy lives back home. It's a short plane ride from SF, there's great food, and it's the right blend of sleepy and nightlife that ends at 11 PM. (we're getting old)

We found Desierto Azul, a small 4 suite intimate hotelito tucked away in the neighborhood of Las Tunas just 15 minutes passed Todos Santos Centro. There are so many things to love about Desierto Azul that every time I think about where to begin I just want to throw a bunch of words out and hope that they make sense. I loved the intimate environment that felt like home. I loved the aesthetic of the bedroom, the quiet surroundings, the tranquil pool area, and every corner of the property I found a little delightful surprise that made me smile from the inside.

The main experience I was head over heels for was the cooking studio.

Chris and I were able to experience a private cooking lesson by Nilu, a certified nutrition coach who focuses on plant-based cooking and is the owner of this wonderful property. Nilu brought both Chris and me on a journey of preparing and cooking six different plant-based meals we could easily make at home. We love to cook, we love to eat, and we love experiences that nourish our well-being. Some people go on vacation to escape cooking, we love to experience both!

The class was thoughtfully put together based on our needs and desires to bring back easy simple plant-based recipes we could make at home for the kids. Nilu created a menu with recipes that had less than 10 perfect ingredients. We started off making a green smoothie, created an entire 3-course lunch, and ended with a berry crumble.

Desierto Azul awakened the senses and rested the body. It was the embodiment of all that we needed for our getaway and more. We didn't want a property that was congested especially since it was our first international travel and Omicron had just started to get out of hand in the Bay Area. They took great care of us and the entire property felt like a familiar dream or memory I've had before.

There’s no better place in the Baja to be rejuvenated and seduced back into life like Desierto Azul. I left this little haven in the desert feeling nourished mind, body, and soul. I know I'll be back to Desierto Azul, my spirit is already calling an intimate women's retreat on the property in the future I can feel it in body and soul. Todos Santos is where the desert meets the sea, the perfect place for a rebirth of any kind, but meant for the sacred rebel stepping into their conscious awakening.

Oh and don’t worry my loves…there’s a part two. I still need to share our adventures off the property.

photos were taken by yours truly, Jo Portia Mayari and my partner Chris Messina.