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Todos Santos: A shopaholic’s paradise
perched high above the palms of the
lower town. Blocks are lined with
19th-century red brick buildings in
various stages of decay, restoration and
gentrification.
The sleepy streets—some cobbled and
strewn with colourful banners left over
from Day of the Dead celebrations—are
lined with luxe yet subdued boutique
hotels, artist-run galleries and awardwinning restaurants that stay true to the
town’s warm, rustic character.
Chief among these is the 11-room
Hotel California, with its burnt sienna
facade and rows of arches shading the
sidewalk. While there is no dark desert
highway or cool wind in your hair (the
Eagles have repeatedly claimed their
famous song isn’t even about a hotel),
this Hotel California doesn’t shy away
from the association. And it’s clearly
working for them: Inside, you’ll find
two popular foodie hotspots—La
Coronada Restaurant and Bar, and Santo
Vino Bistro—as well as the meticulously
curated Emporio Gallery and Store,
which is filled with take-home treasures.
Around the corner, the pale yellow
Misión Nuestra Señora del Pilar
presides over the sunny plaza, offering
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welcome shade. Simple yet imposing,
the Catholic mission was first founded
in 1723 and parts of this structure date
back to 1747. Inside stands a giant
bronze sculpture of the Holy Family by
local artist Benito Ortega Vargas.
Wander a little farther and more art
is everywhere. The spirit of the town
is palpable as you peek in shop windows and through courtyards. Galleries
display one-of-a-kind jewellery, handwoven wool blankets and blown glass
produced by local artisans. The quality is consistently high, and there’s less
of that hard-selling vibe often encountered in bigger cities.
Outside the art-filled city centre,
ecology prevails by the sea. From
November through March, visitors
can participate in sea turtle hatchling
releases, and the government-funded
botanical garden remains a spectacular
setting for bird watching.
Todos Santos isn’t only a visual arts
hub; it also attracts musicians—Iggy
Pop reportedly maintains a residence
here—and the town buzzes each
January with the Todos Santos Music
Festival. Staged by R.E.M. bassist
Peter Buck, the intimate festival draws
talent and music lovers from around
the world. The town also hosts an
annual film festival in March.
Whether you plan to attend one of
these eclectic festivals, or you simply
head up the highway for a break from
high-energy Cabo, the slow and pure
spirit of Todos Santos will surely
capture your heart.
• Determine what you’re
willing to pay and what
you think the item is
worth.
• Offer something below
that figure. Starting with a
low price means you can
work up to what you’re
willing to pay.
• Never take the first
offer. Tell the vendor your
best offer to get the price
you want.
• Don’t let them spot
more money in your wallet. Keep a few small bills
in a separate pocket when
it comes time to pay.
• Don’t be afraid to walk
away. The vendor will likely
give in before you do.
• Be assertive but not
aggressive. A seller will
respond better to a
friendly, but firm barter.
• Don’t haggle with stores
in the city. Their prices are
usually fixed because they
have rent to pay.
For more travel tips,
contact Carrie at
[email protected],
204-262-6000 or
1-800-222-4357
HOTEL: HOTEL CaLifOrnia TOdOs sanTOs; sHOp: MiCHaEL HansOn/GETTy iMaGEs
Check into the Hotel California
in Mexico, bartering
is not only acceptable—it’s encouraged. Try these
haggling hints from
Caa Travel consultant Carrie Taiarol