Flora Farms or ACRE: Which is for you?

Worth the short trip from San Jose del Cabo to Flora Farms or Acre? Definitely!

If you have spent anytime at all in Los Cabos, then you have very likely heard of Flora Farms. Our first visit to Los Cabos was in 2014, and Flora Farms was included on a list of recommendations from the owner of our rental. It took our third visit to the area in 2016 to make the quick trip slightly north of San Jose del Cabo.

Botanical garden with palm trees, sunflowers and greenery with clear blue skies in Flora Farms, Los Cabos, Mexico.

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Arriving at Flora Farms

We always rented a car while vacationing, so it was easy to follow directions and make the short drive (15 minutes from San Jose del Cabo) to this one of a kind destination in the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains. Flora Farms is a 25-acre organic working farm and houses Flora’s Field Kitchen, the Farm Bar, Flora Farms Grocery and Flora Farms Celebrations. You will also find the Shoppes at Flora Farm, the Farm Spa and the Culinary Cottages at this scenic location.

A donkey statue with palm trees and bushes in Flora Farms, Los Cabos, Mexico. — Flora Farms, Los Cabos, Mexico

Flora Farm Experience

Reservations are required, and it will be suggested that you allow time either before or after your meal to wander the grounds and browse the shoppes. As an animal lover, I especially enjoy interacting with the many creatures that are lucky to call the Farm home. Flora Farms is an excellent choice for a romantic dinner but is also extremely family friendly. Prices are on the higher side, but definitely worth it for the wonderful food in such a beautiful setting.

Flora Farms seating area with a white wooden fence and plants, Los Cabos, Mexico. — Flora Farms seating area

We were fortunate to experience live music during our first dinner at Flora Farms. Their menu changes seasonally, but pizza (15 types!) and chicken are delicious staples. Don’t miss out on their house-made sorbets and ice creams to finish off your meal.

Flora Farms has an extensive website and an active social media presence. They offer Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Tuesday through Saturday and Brunch on Sunday (definitely on my wishlist!). They offer tours, art, cooking and yoga classes, and spa services (Farm Spa by Leo Salon). Read our full Flora Farm guide here

Acre

Newer in the neighborhood is Acre – another 25 acre spot just past Flora Farms. Acre began as a restaurant and bar serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily as well as Sunday Brunch. Fausto’s Coffee Shop and General Store are also open daily. More recently, they opened their Treehouse Hotel – 12 units, including one deluxe double. Provided with the daily rate is their “Wake Up Breakfast”, morning yoga in their mango orchard and access to the pool. Acre boasts organic gardens, citrus groves, a fire pit, bocce ball, ping pong, a dog rescue and an area where farm animals are housed.

The restaurant menu is mouth-watering, and the cocktail descriptions are intriguing. They set a goal to source the best small-batch Mezcaleros, with the result being a collection of four award-winning mezcals labeled La Tierra de Acre.

The nighttime atmosphere is breathtaking, and friends that have visited say that they love to dress up and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. Unlike Flora Farms, Acre states that they are not set up to accommodate children – especially in the Treehouse Hotel. This is a superb spot for a romantic dinner or getaway.

Acre Seasonal Special

My husband and I recently took advantage of one of Acre’s seasonal specials (Dine and Stay) for his birthday celebration. Everything exceeded our expectations. In spite of the pristine setting, there is nothing pretentious about this resort. All the staff we encountered were friendly, warm and welcoming. We were a bit early for check-in, so six members of our group (four couples) changed to play pickleball, while the other two (myself included) opted for some pool time.

Acre Treehouse Hotel pool area with sixteen sun loungers and four shades surrounded by palm trees. — Acre pool area

The pickleball courts are well designed and positioned on the outer edge of the resort. Although our group brought their own, the equipment can be provided by Acre. The pool area is gorgeous, well appointed and uncrowded (this was during the “off” season). Food and beverage services are provided in this area as well.

Acre Check-in

The check-in process was smooth, and we were accompanied to our treehouse room by one of the front desk staff. It is truly amazing how private each of these units are – it doesn’t seem possible given that they are somewhat close together. You feel completely alone in a jungle setting. There are many stairs, but they are stable and have sturdy handrails. At the top of the stairs, you first see the outdoor shower and a nice outdoor seating area with a mini fridge (with complimentary water and fresh fruit).

Acre Treehouse Hotel

The enclosed treehouse is compact – the bed takes up most of the room. It is open air and screened. Heavy drapes hang on all the “windows”, but we didn’t feel the need to have them all closed. It was nice during this hot time of year to have the cross breeze with the drapes open. Behind the bedroom is a small bathroom to one side and a closet to the other. Obviously, in this open air setting, there is no air conditioning, but between the ceiling fan and a free standing fan, we were comfortable. So comfortable that I slept in well past my normal time.

Treehouse interior with wooden floor and a white clean bed with palm trees outside. — Treehouse interior at Acre San José del Cabo

Our Acre Dinner Experience

Our dinner was fabulous. The service was attentive, with the menu thoroughly explained. Everyone was pleased with their cocktails and appetizers. We all opted for (mostly) different entrees, and no one was disappointed. Most ordered desserts, and they were beautifully presented and delicious. They brought my husband a special dessert for his birthday. After dinner, we walked along the paths throughout the resort before turning in.

Acre – Fausto’s Coffee Shop

The next morning the pickleball players in the group played again (I slept in). We all headed to Fausto’s Coffee Shop at various times for breakfast. While I opted for the (included) continental breakfast, others ordered off the menu for a larger meal. After check out, we were encouraged to continue to use any of the resort’s amenities.

Acre Animal Sanctuary

Acre’s website is beautiful and gives thorough descriptions of all they have to offer. They are also home to a dog sanctuary that houses and re-homes stray dogs and their litters, as well as an animal sanctuary that is home to donkeys, miniature Pygmy goats, peacocks and more! Guests can help out at the sanctuary during their stay at the resort. I took advantage of some puppy play time at the dog sanctuary. They also have an active social media presence that will definitely entice you to visit.

A woman petting three little goats at the animal sanctuary in Acre Treehouse Hotel, Los Cabos, Mexico. — The animal sanctuary at Acre Treehouse Hotel

Flora Farms or Acre Conclusion

They are both quiet, restful and located in stunning surroundings. Flora Farms has its unique farmhouse style and beautiful Sunflower gardens. No surprise Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo got married there. Flora Farms restaurant has been named one of “the world’s 10 best alfresco dining experiences” by Forbes and has a high-end vibe even with its humble setting. Both Flora Farms and ACRE offer farm-to-table dining experiences, which amazed me with the desert landscape covering most of La Baja Sur.

Acre has modern architecture, surrounded by a beautiful landscape. Acre has its mango orchard, naturally-growing palms and agave, alongside large vegetable gardens. If you are an animal lover, then Acre is the place to be, with donkeys on entry, a puppy sanctuary and a rescued camel, to name a few. Acre has a more laid-back vibe than Flora Farms, but both a stunning. If you decide on Flora farms or Acre, you won’t be disappointed.