Kimpton Mas Olas

Kimpton Mas Olas in Todos Santos, Mexico, stands as a Michelin Key Selected property, frequently praised for its stunning natural setting, exquisite design, and exceptional service, offering an adults-only luxury escape. While generally highly regarded, guests note its premium pricing and somewhat remote accessibility.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Kimpton Mas Olas is overwhelmingly positive, often described as "stunning," "beautiful," and "a true oasis." Review scores frequently reach 9.1 or 9.2 out of 10, with particularly high marks for comfort (9.8), staff (9.3), and facilities (9.6). Guests consistently highlight the relaxing and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for unwinding. However, some reviews also mention high prices and a previous, serious incident involving carbon monoxide when the property operated under different management as Rancho Pescadero, though IHG states rigorous safety re-inspections have been conducted.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Kimpton Mas Olas:

• Service & Staff: The staff is frequently described as "amazing," "exceptionally well trained," "friendly," "attentive," and "faultless," with many noting personalized touches and attention to detail.
• Location: The beachfront location in El Pescadero offers a quiet, calm, and remote environment with breathtaking ocean views and sunsets, nestled between the desert and the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains.
• Design: The resort's aesthetic is celebrated as modern yet distinctly Mexican and local, featuring whitewashed adobe buildings, breezy open-air spaces, and thoughtful design details. It seamlessly blends into the desert landscape with beautifully landscaped gardens, natural materials like handmade ceramic tiles and native wood, and colorful textiles.
• Amenities: The resort boasts a wealth of luxury amenities, including four outdoor pools (one infinity pool overlooking the ocean, another lap pool tucked in the gardens), a sprawling 25,000-square-foot spa with 12 treatment rooms, a sauna, fitness center, yoga and Pilates studios, and a charming apothecary space. Additional offerings include free bicycles, evening entertainment, cooking and mixology classes, garden tours, and pickleball courts. The property also emphasizes sustainability with organic gardens and a sea turtle hatchery.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at Kimpton Mas Olas are designed for comfort and elegance. They feature air-conditioning, minibars, bathrobes, baths, and free toiletries. Each room includes a private terrace with a daybed, and the majority offer stunning sea views. Many accommodations provide extra luxuries like outdoor showers, private plunge pools, or rooftop decks, while villas elevate the experience with larger infinity pools and firepits. Rooms are spacious, with standard rooms starting at least at 700 square feet, and suites are considered comparable to those found in high-end properties like Auberge or Montage. The design is modern but grounded, utilizing locally sourced materials such as handmade ceramic tiles, native wood, and vibrant textiles. Notably, rooms do not include televisions or speakers, encouraging guests to unplug and immerse themselves in the tranquil environment.

4. Dining Experience

Kimpton Mas Olas offers a diverse and highly-rated dining experience across its three restaurants, emphasizing fresh, local, and organic ingredients often sourced from the on-site gardens.

• Kahal: The signature oceanfront restaurant, Kahal, specializes in fresh-caught seafood, an abundant raw bar, fine wines, and craft cocktails, all enjoyed with breathtaking Pacific coastline views.
• Botánica: Located within the organic garden, Botánica provides an alfresco dining experience focused on freshly farmed vegetables and organic meats cooked over a live fire, complemented by a selection of wines and craft cocktails.
• Centro: This family-friendly, poolside restaurant serves casual Mexican fare with a focus on Baja specialties for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast options are comprehensive, including continental, American, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free selections. Centro also features a coffee bar with a proprietary blend of locally roasted beans.

Guest feedback on the food is overwhelmingly positive, describing it as "amazing," "delicious and fresh," and "top-notch". Executive Chef Sandro Falbo oversees the ethnobotanical culinary program, showcasing his expertise in enhancing natural flavors.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Kimpton Mas Olas is consistently highlighted as a major strength, receiving near-perfect scores from guests. Guests describe the staff as "amazing," "friendly," "helpful," "attentive," and "exceptionally well trained". Many appreciate the personalized and detail-oriented approach, with staff often going "above and beyond" to ensure a special stay. The professional management and staff training are considered a step above the norm, providing a high level of hospitality that luxury travelers appreciate. Most customer-facing staff are fluent in English.

6. Location & Accessibility

Kimpton Mas Olas is situated in El Pescadero, a serene fishing village just north of Todos Santos, offering a quiet and exclusive Baja experience. It's approximately an hour's drive from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and about 15 minutes from the town of Todos Santos. The resort is described as being "off the beaten path," located down a "long, sandy dirt road," which contributes to its secluded and peaceful ambiance but also makes renting a car a "must" for exploring the surrounding area. While remote, the location allows for uninterrupted views of the Pacific coastline and the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains.

7. Value & Pricing

As a luxury, Michelin Key Selected property, Kimpton Mas Olas is priced at the higher end. Guests frequently describe the prices for services and food as "high" and "on par with what you'll find at luxury resorts in Los Cabos or California". Some guests felt the cost was not always justified by the value, with "value for price" scoring lower in some aggregated reviews (2.5 out of 10, though another source shows 8.3). Average weeknight prices are around $860, and weekend nights average $820, with December being the most expensive month and September the cheapest. Despite the high cost, many guests find the experience worthwhile for a relaxing and luxurious getaway.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are largely positive, some recurring criticisms and issues have been noted:

• High Prices: The cost of food and services within the resort is a frequent point of contention for some guests, who feel they are expensive.
• Accessibility: The hotel's "off the beaten path" location, accessible via a "rough" dirt road, means that a rental car is highly recommended or even considered essential for convenient travel to and from the resort or for exploring Todos Santos.
• Limited Exploration Options: One guest mentioned the hotel could improve options for arranging travel to explore nearby Todos Santos if guests haven't rented a car.
• Music at Pool: A minor complaint noted by one guest was "house music at 11 am" by the pool, which was deemed jarring for a relaxing environment.
• Past Safety Concerns: A significant concern, though related to the property's previous identity as Rancho Pescadero, involves past carbon monoxide incidents that led to fatalities. While IHG has stated that the property underwent thorough re-inspection and safety upgrades, this history remains a consideration for some potential guests.

Sources

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