In the heart of San Jose del Cabo, an unassuming white building sits tucked away among art galleries and cervecerías, not a terracotta pot or waving palm frond out of place. This is Drift Hotel—or, as they proclaim on their equally aesthetically minimalistic website, “Baja’s best kept secret.” Everything about it exudes simplicity and authenticity, an indicator of Drift’s attempt to replicate Baja’s naturally airy, unfussy environment. 

The 29 rooms are elegantly sparse and appropriately named dreamy things like “Surfer's Retreat” and “Paradise Cove.” Black-trimmed square windows let the warm Mexican sun into square rooms with white walls. Bare cement forms sinks, showers, benches and bedframes. Artisanal wicker lamp shades hanging from the ceilings cast a diffused glow across spaces minimally decorated with natural materials and the creations of local artists. Drift’s appreciation of Baja’s arid environment and desert style are reflected in each detail and corner of the two-person hotel rooms, many of which overlook a gravel courtyard teeming with palm trees and other native plants. Sunken into the courtyard’s center is a heated pool as simple yet enjoyable as every other aspect of the hotel, accented by a few sun loungers, a hammock and a ping pong table.

Although San Jose del Cabo is home to some of the best restaurants in Baja California Sur—many of which are helpfully suggested on the hotel’s website—Drift has a full-service restaurant of their own that serves up a tasty local breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. For those who enjoy a good drink, it’s also important to note that drinks and mezcal are available every and all day from the mezcal bar, which offers 15 different Agave varieties, daily happy hours, mezcal tastings upon request and, if that wasn't enough, a free shot upon check-in. The brick-laid, plant-studded patio turns into a backyard party every Thursday, the kind that includes a taco truck, cocktails, and live music courtesy of the grooviest DJs. The promise of an unparalleled social vibe until nearly midnight draws in Drift guests and travallers alike, making the hotel buzz with the best of Cabo.

The stream of good times doesn’t end there. Drift’s location in the historic El Centro neighborhood offers guests easy access to a plethora of shops, restaurants and nightlife brimming with art, culture and life. The neighborhood pushes up against the Gallery District, making it a breeze for guests to participate in the Art Walk that occurs weekly from November to June—but for those who would rather take it all in from a far, the hotel’s rooftop terrace offers a perfect vantage point. Right next door is Gypsy Soul House, a salon offering everything from massages to manicures for those looking to relax even more, if such a thing is even possible. 

Drift uniquely understands the need to relax and decompress, but they’re no stranger to the all-encompassing urge to explore that has millions of tourists sailing down Baja’s Highway 1 on a meandering road trip. They’re more than willing to co-pilot, which means they offer their best rates, free parking and a food and beverage credit for those wanderers looking to rest their heads for a while and enjoy their time in serene San Jose del Cabo. The shimmering ocean waters and pristine beaches that the area is so beloved for are only a short 15 minute trip from the hotel; to make playing in the waves even easier, Drift offers a complimentary surf package complete with longboards, speakers, and a car rack. Also complimentary is the hour long yoga session held every Saturday in the courtyard for guests and locals, finished off with a mimosa on the house. And if for some reason one can’t make it down to Mexico, Drift Hotels has additional properties in Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, and Nashville, each location promising the same top-notch service, relaxation and simple luxury of Drift San Jose del Cabo.

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