By Valle de Guadalupe is Mexico’s biggest wine region and significantly cheaper than wineries in California. Only a 90-minute drive from the California border, Guadalupe is one of my new favorite weekend getaways. In recent years, a lot of new developments and sleek boutique hotels are rising; attracting a more hip crowd for its minimal, rustic architecture, and unique wineries. I couldn’t believe how easy and affordable this trip was! Below is everything you need to know if you’re planning on checking out Baja Mexico.
Where to Eat
Our Hotel Bruma had complimentary breakfast included which was delicious! Everything from fresh squeezed orange juice to homemade salsa and chilaquiles for guests only.
Villa Torel – Gorgeous winery and restaurant with a view of the Guadalupe mountains. Really fresh seafood and good white wine. Great for lunch.
Fauna – Delicious fusion Mexican food with a beautiful outdoor patio and cool music. Very vibey restaurant and waiters are friendly and speak great English. Great for dinner.
Bar Bura- My favorite restaurant of the trip located between Ensenada and Guadalupe. Definitely make a reservation before going as they are limited capacity with Covid and book up fast. This restaurant is located high up in the mountains overlooking the ocean and has the most stunning views!! It’s literally a restaurant in the clouds with great food.
Other restaurants that came to me recommended that I didn’t have the time to check out.
Where to Stay
We chose Hotel Bruma over Encuentro based on a friend’s reviews who had stayed at both luxury boutique hotels. This sleek 5 room wing of the hotel is designed by Ensenada architect Alejandro D’Acosta. Considering vegetation, rocks and gardens to create an environment of privacy sheltered by trees and vineyards, the hotel gives guests the feeling of sleeping in a garden . D’Acosta’s unique prism shape design of Casa Ocho with windows and sliding doors merges the luxe interiors with the more urban exterior.
Although the property is gorgeous, design wise there were a few things I didn’t love such as the bathroom not having a door and giving no privacy or ventilation, really low ceilings and not much natural light in the rooms. I went with two girlfriends so we stayed in the double bed suite, but next time I would definitely try the more expensive villas for ultimate seclusion and relaxation.
What I Wore
We went in November and the weather was perfect in the 70s, so my wardrobe consisted of nice jeans and tops, a few going out dresses for the wineries and bikinis for pool time. I linked everything I packed below to make it easy for you guys.
Shop My Looks
Travel Tips
Driving through the border to get into Mexico is a breeze, but you will experience traffic getting out of Mexico. We got a Sentri fast pass to skip the border line and it’s so worth it.
Definitely bring cash for tipping!
Ubers are unreliable as the city is pretty spread a part and it’s covid, I would ask your hotel to arrange a shuttle for wine tastings.
Lastly I felt completely safe my entire time in Mexico, everyone wears masks, there is sanitizing stations at every restaurant and our hotel was practically empty with just us and one other couple. I honestly felt safer in Mexico than in crowded Los Angeles. If you have any questions about my trip please feel free to leave a comment below!
