Acre Resort, Restaurant and Cocktail Bar offers, as its name suggests, a diverse vacation experience. Not simply a lodging known for its rustic yet elegant treehouses, or as a benchmark purveyor of farm-to-table food in Los Cabos, sourced from its 25-acre organic farm and prepared to sustainable standards that no less an authority than the Michelin Guide has approved of via the awarding of its coveted Green Star … it’s also the site of some of the area’s best cooking and mixology classes, home to a wellness spa, a dog rescue and adoption program, beekeeping and much more.
On the occasion of Acre’s 10th anniversary in San José del Cabo, I recently spoke to Emilio González, the resort’s accommodation director, who has been with Acre since he was a 21-year-old concierge, about the brand’s history and evolution, and what comes next.
The history
What led to the founding of Acre, and when did it first open? Who were the founders, and did they have a previous history with the area?
Our founders, Cameron Watt and Stuart McPherson, two Canadian hospitality entrepreneurs, came to Los Cabos for what was supposed to be a short vacation. Like so many people who visit the region, they fell in love with the destination and decided to stay. While exploring the area, they discovered a 25-acre parcel tucked into the foothills of San José del Cabo, where towering palms created a natural oasis. They immediately saw the potential and set out to create something entirely different from the traditional resort experience in Mexico. Acre Restaurant and Cocktail Bar officially opened in 2016, and this year we’re proud to be celebrating our 10th anniversary.
That was the foundation for the vision Cameron and Stuart had for the property, a place where incredible food, hospitality and the surrounding natural landscape came together to create a one-of-a-kind destination. Over the past decade, that original concept has grown into a luxury resort with acclaimed restaurants, event venues and real estate.
How was the property acquired, and was there a history of farming there?
Cameron and Stuart were drawn to the property’s natural beauty, particularly its lush palm groves and unique setting within the estuary’s natural footprint in the foothills of San José del Cabo. Originally a mango orchard with 102 trees cared for by a local family, they recognized the opportunity to unlock the land’s full potential while preserving its natural character. Today, that connection to nature remains at the heart of Acre.
The accommodations
What was the origin of the treehouses?
The treehouses were inspired by our founders’ childhood dream of having a treehouse of their own. They wanted to capture that sense of wonder while creating a peaceful, adults-only retreat immersed in nature.
How many treehouses are there now and how difficult are they to build? What are the coolest amenities for those staying in them?
Acre currently has 13 treehouses, each thoughtfully designed to immerse guests in the surrounding palm canopy while offering all the comforts of a luxury stay. Perched above the property, they provide a truly unique overnight experience with sweeping views. Each treehouse features a king-size bed, an en suite bathroom, a private terrace with an open-air shower and a private balcony, creating a seamless connection between indoor comfort and the natural environment. One of my favorite details is that the treehouses intentionally don’t include televisions, encouraging guests to fully unplug and enjoy a true off-the-grid experience without sacrificing luxury. They have become especially popular with couples and solo travelers seeking a peaceful, memorable escape.
How many haciendas and villas do you have now, and are more planned?
Acre currently offers 10 haciendas and six jungle villas, all designed for families and groups looking for the comforts of home with the elevated experience of a luxury resort.
Food and drinks
Los Cabos is famous for its farm-to-table restaurants, the most emblematic of which are Acre and Flora’s Field Kitchen. Besides quality, what are the differences and similarities, in your opinion, between these two iconic local businesses?
Both restaurants have helped shape Los Cabos’ farm-to-table dining scene by celebrating fresh, seasonal ingredients and a deep connection to the land. At Acre, we bring that philosophy to life through globally inspired cuisine, produce harvested from our on-site farm and responsibly sourced meat and seafood from across Mexico. What also sets Acre apart is that the restaurant is part of a larger, immersive resort experience, where guests can pair exceptional dining with boutique accommodations, wellness offerings, art and culinary workshops and the property’s unique animal sanctuary.
What crops are grown on the 25-acre farm? Are they all organic?
Our working farm is truly the heart of Acre and supplies our kitchen with more than 60 varieties of organic produce. We grow everything from mangoes and citrus to tomatoes, peppers, root vegetables and fresh herbs, which inspire our seasonal menus throughout the year.
How do you source meat and fish?
We work with trusted producers and sustainable meat, fish, seafood and vegetable farms throughout Mexico, including Santo Mar, Santa Maria and Pat LaFrieda, to ensure we’re bringing the best ingredients to the table while supporting responsible sourcing practices.
Who is your current chef and how has the menu evolved?
Our culinary program is led by chef David Fajardo, whose approach reflects Acre’s long-standing philosophy of creating globally inspired, locally sourced and seasonally driven cuisine. Over the past decade, while the menu has continued to evolve through the creativity and influence of many talented chefs, the foundation has remained the same.
Today, the culinary team continues to refine the menu with an emphasis on creativity and consistency while advancing responsible sourcing and waste-reduction efforts. We’ve also continued to expand what we grow on-site, including produce from our expanded farm, honey from our active beehives and mangoes from more than 150 trees across the property. These ingredients continue to inspire seasonal dishes that reflect Acre’s unique sense of place and commitment to sustainability. New experiences like Rústico also allow us to further explore culinary collaborations, including connections with chefs and hospitality professionals from Mexico and beyond.
Has Michelin Green Star recognition changed the way you’re perceived, or boosted reservations?
Receiving our first Michelin Green Star in 2024, and each subsequent year, has been an incredible honor because it recognizes something that has always been central to Acre: our commitment to sustainability. It has certainly reinforced our reputation as a destination for thoughtful, farm-to-table dining and highlighted the care that goes into everything from our on-site biodynamic garden and beehives to our responsible sourcing practices. For our guests, sustainable practices are just as crucial to them when deciding where to dine and stay as they are to us.
What makes mixology at Acre special?
Every cocktail begins with the land itself. Inspired by Baja culture and shaped by our on-site biodynamic garden, the cocktail program uses freshly harvested herbs, fruits, roots and vegetables to create drinks that are seasonal, expressive and deeply connected to their surroundings.
Rather than relying on imported syrups or pre-made ingredients, our bar team lets what’s growing on the property guide the menu, so it naturally evolves throughout the year. Through our “Sips from the Orchard” program, we also embrace zero-waste techniques like fermentations, clarified juices, shrubs and repurposing fruit peels and leaves, giving ingredients a second life while creating cocktails that are both innovative and rooted in a true sense of place.
What’s the one thing that everyone who visits Acre should try?
If there’s one thing everyone should try during a visit to Acre this year, it’s The Perfect Ten cocktail. Created to celebrate our 10th anniversary, it captures everything that makes Acre special by showcasing ingredients grown and produced right here on the property. The cocktail features our limited-edition La Tierra de Acre mango mezcal, made with mangoes from our orchard, alongside on-site honey, a honey and turmeric shrub, and a touch of bubbles. It’s fresh, vibrant and reflects the connection between our farm, our bar and the land that has shaped Acre over the past decade.
Classes and special events
What are some of the coolest experiences or classes being offered right now?
There’s always something new happening at Acre, but one of the things that makes the property so unique is the variety of hands-on experiences available through Acre Academy. Guests and locals can enjoy everything from jewelry, candle, pottery and painting workshops to Huichol art, textile painting, organic cosmetics and incense-making classes. We also offer cooking classes with our chefs and mixology experiences led by our expert bartenders. Recently, we introduced monthly wellness days that invite guests to slow down and reconnect with nature through a full day of restorative experiences, including yoga, Reiki sound healing, a cold plunge, massages, brunch at Acre Restaurant and Cocktail Bar and access to the property.
This summer, we’ve introduced several seasonal offerings, including a new eight-course Baja-inspired brunch with live music and craft cocktails, the return of our popular Taco Tuesdays with bottomless tacos, and a special mango-inspired menu in August celebrating fruit from our on-site mango trees. Guests can also enjoy a limited-time mango mezcal cocktail and our special-edition 10th anniversary mango mezcal.
How did the animal collection and dog adoption efforts come about?
Acre’s animal collection began in a very organic way, thanks to co-founder Cameron Watt’s daughter, Rachael. She started bringing in lost, abandoned and sometimes injured animals, and her ability to rehabilitate them quickly became known among the community. As the animals began to thrive, they became an important part of the Acre family and helped shape the unique spirit of the property.
This passion for animal care evolved into Acre Dogs, the on-site rescue and adoption program operated in partnership with Acre Animal Rescue. Since 2017, the initiative has rescued hundreds of dogs from the streets of Los Cabos and helped connect them with adopters across North America. Guests can spend time with adoptable dogs, take them on walks around the property and help socialize them during their stay.
What are the long-term plans for Acre and are there any new features or services in development?
Acre is always evolving, but the long-term vision remains focused on creating thoughtful, immersive experiences that connect guests with the property’s natural surroundings. This summer, we’re excited to introduce Tranquilo Spa, a new wellness offering featuring four treatment cabins, a signature wet room and an expanded menu of massages, body wraps, scrubs and beauty treatments. Many treatments will incorporate local ingredients from the on-site orchard, including the Nopal Detox, a two-hour ritual featuring organic Nopal cactus. We’ll also soon introduce Nido, a new intimate dining space for couples and small groups of up to six guests, featuring a special five-course tasting menu.
Are there any upcoming events or things which our readers might be interested in?
There are several exciting experiences on the horizon that we think readers would enjoy. In August, we’re celebrating National Dog Month with a special dog-friendly “Farm Dog Taco” on our popular Taco Tuesday menu, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Acre Dogs, our on-site rescue and adoption program.
This fall, we’ll also host a Halloween Dog Costume Contest on Oct. 31, featuring puppy Pilates, festive food, photo opportunities and plenty of fun for dogs and their owners. The following evening, on Nov. 1, guests can experience one of Acre’s most anticipated annual traditions: Día de Muertos, when the property is transformed with traditional altars, marigolds, papel picado, themed cocktails and other authentic celebrations of the holiday.
We’re also looking forward to welcoming guests back to Rústico when it reopens for the season in November. Located in the heart of our circular garden, it offers an intimate farm-to-table dining experience with a prix-fixe menu and cocktails inspired by ingredients grown just steps away. Rústico also serves as an authentic gathering space for private dining and events, which include a rotating series of various chef and winemaker pop-ups.
Chris Sands is a writer and editor for Mexico News Daily, and the former Cabo San Lucas local expert for the USA Today travel website 10 Best and writer of Fodor’s Los Cabos travel guidebook. He has also contributed to numerous other websites and publications, including The San Diego Union-Tribune, Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, Forbes Travel Guide, Porthole Cruise and Travel, and Cabo Living.
