Growing up in Hawaii, I felt the Islands’ natural beauty and lifestyle was unsurpassed. I was wrong. Yes, Hawaii has beautiful beaches, sun and fun, and a rich cultural heritage. So do we! In fact, this is the Hawaii of the 1950s with margaritas and mariachis thrown in. We left our Hawaiian beach home in the 90s to the crowds and traffic that now plague “paradise”, and rediscovered all that we had loved about Island-living…in Los Barriles, Mexico.

The night breezes are fragrant with plumeria and pikaki. Mango, papaya, citrus, and banana trees keep us in fresh fruit for breakfast. Dune buggies and ATVs are the preferred way to get around our coastal beach roads, surf and kite boards strapped to the back. You won’t hear ukulele music (well, you might!) but you will hear classical guitarists and even world-class fiddlers in the outdoor restaurants that Los Barriles is famous for. Step back in time to the days of long boards and beach shacks. Think North Shore with shave ice and “plate lunch”, complete with a 50’s price. Eat your heart out Hawaii. The Endless Summer is alive and well in sunny, southern Baja, in a place fondly called “LB”.

Tranquility, Atmosphere, Ambiance. Three words to describe what’s important in a vacation. Add to that being close to all the action but just far enough to leave it for a good night’s sleep. Cottage on the Cove is just north of Los Barriles. That means that you can drive a short 10 minutes into town to dine, shop, and play. Return to enjoy the quiet and solitude of your private home at The Cove of Agua de la Costa. Share a walk on the beach at sunset if you choose with neighbors from all over the world. Better yet, take a run along the coast road under the towering, weathered cliffs. Either one begins at your doorstep.

Sheltered in its own mini arroyo, The Cottage takes advantage of the cool, evening breezes. Your bedroom doors open to the ocean. The sound of the palm trees and the waves lull you to sleep. Butterflies and songbirds winter in this part of the Baja. They gather in the garden in the cool morning hours, entertaining you over breakfast. The coral reef awaits your exploration. We are spoiled. I like to think that all of Baja, Mexico is like this. It isn’t. Los Barriles is unique and Cottage on the Cove is one of a kind.