Cangrejo y Toro
Cangrejo y Toro is a quiet vacation villa retreat on seven acres of oceanfront land located in Troncones on the Mexican Riviera.
Escape to Casa Palapa for pure tranquility and serenity. Find inner peace, away from noise and chaos.
What is the story behind Casa Palapa, what was your inspiration to create it?
When we first heard about Todos Santos from friends, we were immediately captivated by their description of its beauty and charm. They insisted we visit, and we're grateful we did. The moment we set foot in Baja Sur, we knew we had found something special. The laid-back lifestyle and unique vibe resonated with us. Within a week, we decided to build Casa Palapa—a blank canvas we transformed into an Italian masseria-inspired haven.
Casa Palapa comprises two buildings: the enclosed palapa and the simple yet elegant casita. Palapas are common in Baja Sur, and usually open to the outdoors. We chose to enclose the palapa, maintaining its vibrant feel with the same material on the walls. Natural light floods the interior, and multiple doors connect to the lush yard. The casita's design is a beautiful box, harmonizing with the palapa. Together, they create shared spaces and private retreats.
How would you describe the atmosphere and interior design of Casa Palapa?
Casa Palapa offers a haven of tranquility and serenity, precisely why we chose Todos Santos as our sanctuary. We sought an escape to bask in the sun's warm embrace, finding solace in its calming energy for a few days or weeks.
As night blankets the sky, it transforms into a captivating spectacle. Looking upward, the moon's gentle glow and the mesmerizing tapestry of millions of stars evoke a profound sense of humility and wonder.
The intentionally spacious design of Casa Palapa creates a wide and open environment, embracing comfort and relaxation. Adorned with handpicked natural wood pieces from talented Mexican designers, the space combines practicality with artistic beauty. Each carefully selected item serves a purpose while making a sculptural statement, enhancing the unique ambiance.
Yet, let me unveil the true essence of Casa Palapa. It's an indescribable vibe that saturates every nook and cranny, embracing you with tranquility and unexpected comfort. While resembling a grand cabana, you'll delight in discovering that every modern luxury and amenity expected from a high-end hotel suite is thoughtfully provided.
To you personally, what is so special about Casa Palapa?
I think it’s the vibe and the unexpected comfort that people find inside. It appears like a big cabana but you have all the amenities you would find in a luxury hotel suite.
A modern Palapa and Casita nestled on a cul de sac, a few minutes’ walk from the center of Todos Santos, Casa Palapa is surrounded by a sensual nature in the center of an oasis, and is the perfect place for a small gathering of persons wishing to share a memory of a happy time in Baja Sur.
The palapa is about 80 square metres and consists of a loft with three separate areas. There’s a kitchen and a living area, as well as an open bedroom that faces the outdoors and the swimming pool. Behind the kitchen is a bathroom.
The casita is roughly 40 square metres and consists of a bedroom with a corner office.
The kitchen is equipped with a toaster, blender, coffee machine and fridge while the bathroom has a hair dryer, towels, soap and shampoo/conditioner from local suppliers. In addition to air-conditioning, there are overhead fans to keep the spaces cool.
Outside is a 4x3-metre swimming pool that’s not heated. As the pool isn’t enclosed, the property is not ideal for guests with small children and parents need to keep a close eye on them.
We have a gardener who takes care of the outdoor area and swimming pool and the property is gated with secure parking. We are on a cul-de-sac, so there is no traffic and it is very quiet.
On request, we can provide a chef, private transfers, massages and cleaning each day.
STAFF & SERVICES
Included: • Mid-week housekeeping - 2 hours • Pool cleaning - 2 times per week
Extra cost (advance notice may be required): • Airport transfers • Extra housekeeping • Extra towel and linen change • Home cooking • Villa pre-stocking ($70 service charge) • Welcome Dinner (full meal with traditional Mexican recipes)
People come to Baja for different reasons. Some want to drink and chill out, some come for food experiences while others want to meditate and do yoga. If it’s the latter, I would recommend visiting Cuatro Vientos where you can forget about the worries of life and work.
Around Todos Santos, the currents are very strong, so the beaches here are not recommended for swimming. That being said, they are pristine and you can walk for miles and miles without seeing a lot of people. The closest swimming beach is Pescadero, which is around 15 minutes’ drive from Casa Palapa, and there is good surf at Cerritos, which is 20 minutes away. On the east coast of Baja is one of the peninsula’s most beautiful beaches, Playa Balandra, which can be reached in around 1.5 hours.
LOCATION
• 5 minute drive to Todos Santos • 13 km to El Pescadero • 16 km to Cerritos • 74 km to El Triunfo • 82 km to La Paz • 105 km to San Jose del Cabo • 156 km to La Ribera
PLAYAS
• 113 km to Playa Balandra • 114 km to La Ventana • 116 km to East Cape • 123 km to Playa Los Zacatitos
ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS (advance notice required/extra cost)
• Boat trip to Isla Espiritu Santu • Boat trip to Isla La Partida • Culinary Tour • Horse Riding
Casa Palapa is located in the La Cachora area of Todos Santos, which is highly sought after. It’s around five minutes’ drive from downtown Todos Santos and 20 minutes walk from the ocean along a dirt road. Most of the properties in the surrounding area are residential or farms.
In Todos Santos, there are around 95 different restaurants with cuisine from around the globe. You can find everything from Italian and French to Mexican and Thai, as well as both street food and fine-dining restaurants.
Within walking distance of Casa Palapa is La Esquina, a cafe that has been open for around 50 years. It’s open from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm most days. Otherwise, you have to drive to the restaurants of Todos Santos. You really need a rental car to get around as there are only a couple of taxis and they are very expensive.
I love Todos Santos because of the energy and the quiet — it’s a place where you can be at peace. You just hear the wind and the birds and the trees. The people are also warm and welcoming — my team is very friendly and dedicated.
I’m conflicted because most people say November to January, which is the peak tourist season. But I like it when it’s warmer, between June and July. The rainy season is from August to mid-October, with hurricanes most common in September. While the rain is strong, the downpours are very short, then it’s sunny again. As a result, Baja is very green from August through to January. The rest of the year is always sunny, with just a little bit of rain in April.
Summer is the low season in Todos Santos and there can be a lot of insects, bees, scorpions and snakes in the area. Where we are located, there are also wild horses. This is Mexico and people need to be aware of these things.
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