After a trip to Cabo Pulmo in 2011, Stefano Frontani had a vision of a unique small place, for a few people at a time, perfectly integrated into the wild nature of the land, made entirely with local natural materials, designed combining Mediterranean style with those of local ranches and immersed in the magical atmosphere of this unique place where the tropical desert of the Cape meets the Sea of Cortez. The land where the White Lodge stands today was the first of more than 15 properties that Frontani visited during his second trip to Baja. It was love at first sight: its elevation above the sea, its winding inland stream, its hidden beach, its unspoiled setting, its proximity to the best surfing spot in the entire Gulf of California and so he secured that ground with a handshake in the scorching June sun, smiling into a pair of blue eyes, while two Frigates flew above the property (the inspiration for the logo of the White Lodge).

With his vision and the desire to truly integrate the design of the hotel into the shape and structure of the land, it took over two years to finish the White Lodge, which opened in December 2020.  Stefano also followed his desire to have an environmentally-built property, constructing the main building with hay bales and the casitas with rammed earth, giving incredible insulation in both summer and winter.

With 10 unique units, three of which are built into the hillside and can only be seen from below, Stefano achieved his vision.  The natural path through the property from the main building is a winding arroyo, groomed with LED lighting at night that lets guests go from the group meeting area and Minicari restaurant to their casita, the Yoga platform overlooking the Sea of Cortez, and to the beach.  The White Lodge maintained the landscape and natural plants but added to them herbs, fruit trees, and organic gardens to help supply the restaurant with products from the land.

Each of the rooms has a small fireplace and natural products are used to furnish the rooms simply but elegantly.  As the White Lodge is designed as a wellness retreat, the only electronics in the room are the guest’s phone or tablet that can access the Wi-Fi.  The white and black theme runs throughout the property with hand-made blankets from the mainland on the queen-size beds.  Natural lighting and views of the Sea of Cortez are available in all of the rooms.  Consistent with the health and wellness theme, the bathrooms offer natural products for showering.  One of the casitas even has a “Secret Room” that has a unique personal pool with a view of the ocean.