Just south of San Quintin and Lazaro Cardenas is a garden paradise called Hotel Jardines Baja. The Spanish word “hermosa!” describes it best, beautiful!, spoken with a sigh. You have to travel off the main Highway 1 for one mile on a dirt road, but it is well worth finding this little oasis out in the middle of the cornfields. One would never know this delightful hideaway exists, yet more and more people are finding their way as a vacation destination. Open just six years, it has become a place where vacationers revisit when in the agricultural center of northern Baja. Hotel Jardines earns its name with the lush green gardens, manicured lawns and flowers galore all shaded by tall palms.

Soft cooing from the doves wake you in the morning as the sunlight streams into the spacious rooms with fireplaces for chilly winter nights. During the summer there is always an ocean breeze, although not located on the beach, ceiling fans are provided for the warmer days. Some of the larger rooms have their own private patios. It makes those mornings with a cup of coffee a cozy setting with your laptop very special.

Pets are welcome with parental supervision and clean up. There are open roads for long walks or a good run with your pooch. Within walking distance is a grassy campground and RV park in an olive grove with a playground for children, even a circular concrete skateboarding rink. Fishermen know the secret of the great fishing nearby and Jardines has become their destination choice.

The Baja Jardines Restaurant is next door and recently opened, it is closed on Mondays. It shares the same attention to beauty as the hotel and the landscaping is underway. Carmen has created this special place to welcome and make people feel right at home. The rates are reasonable starting at $380 pesos up to the larger accommodations of $800 pesos.

Directions: Traveling south, passing through San Quintin and Lazaro Cardenas and just beyond the turn off for the well known Old Mill, there will be a sign on the right pointing you down a dirt road. The 1.4 miles on dirt road is fairly well maintained in dry weather. You come to commercial growers and turn left. At this point the hotel sign is easy to see.

Reservations are a good idea in August as the area draws avid fishermen. August is also a favorite vacation month. Headed north or south you will truly appreciate this quiet off the main road accommodations with the lovely restaurant next door for quality dining.