There are moments that capture your heart, give it pause, and allow you to admit to yourself that not everyone is lucky enough to be where you are and have your life. Overlooking the sea while sipping a cocktail, surrounded by vineyards, mountains, and olive orchards, with your luxury tent behind you is almost assuredly one of those instances. That’s one of the (very many) reasons people adore a glamping stay at Cabañas Cuatro Cuatros.
Off Baja Mexico’s western coast, just north of main town Ensenada, Cabañas Cuatro Cuatros pops color into a rural desert landscape. Quiet with an ocean breeze, the settlement welcomes its guests with equal parts bucolic and luxurious feeling. But it’s not just for wild parties beneath the bright stars of Mexico, as proven by Arielle Vey's stunning images of a dream team photoshoot with florals by Jill Fausner of Layered Vintage, design, styling & tabletop goods from Farra Miron of Hostess Haven, planning/guide by Angel Miron of Let's Go Clandestino and Juan Miron, mixologist from Barcon Cocktail Co., we can’t seem to get over. For all the tasty tidbits & insider's scoop, we had the privilege of sitting down with these masterminds to discuss how this beautiful shoot came to lovely life.
Words + Floral Design by Jill Fausnerof Layered Vintage | Styling, Planning/Design & Tabletop Goods by Hostess Haven | Planning/Guide by Angel Miron of Let's Go Clandestino, Photos by Arielle Vey
Tell us about some of the highlights of your experience at the venue.
ANGEL: My favorite thing about the venue is how well they highlight the outdoors. The natural landscape is the focal point and everything else is secondary to that.
Tell us a little bit about the shoot?
ANGEL: Cinco de Mayo was quickly approaching and so we decided to design an inspired shoot but wanted to change it up a bit. After combing most of San Diego we realized the most authentic place to shoot would likely be across the border and so this trip transpired...We were also able to shoot at Javier Plascencia's latest restaurant- Finca Altozano- in Asador Campestre, Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada. We immediately fell in love with the outdoor dining area with cement counter tops and tiled walls. Instead of going full color and lots of it we went for a more muted or toned down version
Why did you choose this venue in particular?
ANGEL: To me this venue is one of the few places that really highlights all that Baja has to offer. Wine, beautiful beaches,gorgeous natural architecture and amazing hospitality.
Why did you make the design decisions you did? What about this venue influenced your design direction?
Farra: Perfect canvas (literally with those amazing tents, landscaping, etc.) for really anything. We wanted the place to do the talking so what she brought was minimal but bright and bold in color and patterns. Our latest collab with SRCD Goods has imported items from Mexico and Morocco. We ended up bringing in wool blankets and woven baskets from Morocco to accent the tents and give them a home link vibe. Our alternative to a traditional picnic blanket was draping Thai textiles on the deck of a tent for happy hour.
What types of events do you think it's ideal for?
ANGEL: This Venue can really host so many groups but ideally I prefer it for small groups on retreat and as a magical home base for visiting the Valle de Gaudalupe and Ensenada.
Any tips for hosting events and/or getaways here based on your experience?
ANGEL: In my experience it's good to have a liason to help organize your event down here. There are so many options and to sort it all out can be quite confusing. If you do however decide to go on your own, phone calls are the best way to get in touch.
Favorite existing design elements of the venue?
Jill: The tents themselves are beautiful. Layout is spacious yet feels cozy. The bathrooms blew us all away. All wood with glass walls so you can shower while enjoying the view of nature. Also in love with the old ships near the vineyard. Enormous wood ships with untold stories make for the perfect backdrop while enjoying breakfast on your private deck.
Tell us about the drinks/easts in the shoot (so beautiful!)
ANGEL: The food in the Valle De Guadalupe is emerging as some of the best in the world. With so much space to pasture raise the livestock and the famous Ensenada fish market so close the chefs of the region really can pick and choose whatever they want to serve.
Tell us about the featured cocktail and how our audience can make it at home!
JUAN: The cocktail is called "La Hermosita" mezcal, lime, agave, salt. Making it: Grab some of your favorite mezcal and throw 1.5 oz into a cocktail shaker, squeeze half of a lime, a pinch of salt, 1 tsp of agave or simple syrup, put some ice in it, give it a good shake, put some salt on the rim or not, then throw that bad girl in there, straw, drink, repeat
What did you do while in the area? Fave shops? Fave restaurants?
ANGEL: We always love to visit Los Globos for cheese, eggs, and anything local and artisanal. It's great to get a few things from there for a small picnic on your porch at cuatro cuatros. It's always my first stop in the Valle. I also love to visit Doña Esthella for breakfast if we have time. The fresh cheese and tortillas there are untouchable. Don't forget to order a cafe de olla (cowboy coffee) with cinnamon and local sugar called piloncillo.
What makes both the area + the venue a good destination for a group getaway or event?
ANGEL: You can't beat the view from El Mirador (the cliff side bar overlooking the ocean). It's magical. Anyone looking for something memorable would be well served by coming here. The region has so many things to offer that you can really curate the experience you want while here. There's fishing, horseback riding, farm to table food, fresh seafood, cheese caves, great wine, and award winning breweries all in one area!
Did you meet anyone at the venue that you connected with or made a lasting impression?
ANGEL: Honestly... everyone is nice and helpful.
Any inside tips?
ANGEL: Well, you have to order a michelada with your chilaquiles in the morning at Cuatro Cuatros and sit on your porch. It's really an incredible experience. The mornings there are something special to be savored and enjoyed.
Credits:
Photography: Arielle Vey | Planning/Guide: Let's Go Clandestino | Floral Design:Layered Vintage | Styling & Tabletop goods: Hostess Haven | Cocktail: Barcon Cocktail Co.
