The idea of “partying in Cabo” may conjure up visions of collegiate spring breakers sweating it out to top 40 tunes at generic, sticky-floor establishments serving trays of cheap tequila.

If so, perhaps you’re going to the wrong parties in the wrong part of town.

While the spring break scene bubbles up in the bars and properties of Cabo San Lucas, one hotel has created its own vision of what constitutes a Cabo party in the lesser-visited town of San Jose del Cabo, about 35 minutes northeast of Cabo San Lucas, a short 20-minute ride from the airport.

The Hotel El Ganzo isn’t a new property. In fact, it just celebrated its 10th anniversary over the Halloween weekend with a three-day bash called Ganzo X, where musicians and artists performed at the various venues throughout its grounds, including the rooftop pool and beach club.

The weekend showcased the El Ganzo’s incredible seaside potential (see below), but there’s more to the story than a couple poolside parties. The Ganzo X event highlighted everything the property has grown to stand for over the last decade; namely, how its art, music, and wellness programs blend perfectly with its luxurious hotel accommodations and unique property design.

Come along as we take a look inside this creative and art-driven property that has become a destination in itself.

The Vibe: “Non-Curated” Artistic Expression

Just past the lobby, on the way to the rooms on the first floor, you’ll encounter a quote painted on the wall from the hotel’s late founder, Pablo Sanchez Navarro.

In it, he sums up the mentality behind the Hotel El Ganzo’s mission as it relates to creativity and art.

“And the inevitable chaos begins, bringing out the best of each artist in their fight for purpose, expression, and freedom,” it reads. “In El Ganzo you cannot, and may not, curate artistic expression, sell out or give or receive awards. The purpose of art is a subjective journey not popcorn likability.”

Right from the start, this statement makes it clear that while the El Ganzo might be an effectively run hotel, it is not a tightly-controlled, corporate environment where everything has to fit together.

Instead, think of it as a rotating canvas that is consistently being turned over and reimagined by hand-picked artists, with large murals, paintings, drawings, visual displays and other exhibits serving as its wallpaper.

Embracing the concept of impermanence, artists are rotated frequently and the hotel is “redone” every couple years (which is great news for repeat guests, who can always expect something new).

When selected, artists are given freedom – not direction – to create their vision, a simple-yet-uncommon mantra that makes the El Ganzo different from many other art hotels.

The same artistic liberties are applied to the hotel’s wellness programming, which offers guests recuperation and recovery. Daily yoga and spa services are on the menu, as are special meditation events, like traditional cacao ceremonies, that are held in the hotel’s rooftop event space.

The Music: Underground Recording Studio + Artists in Residence

Walk into the lobby bar and lounge area of the Hotel El Ganzo and you may notice something peculiar, a wooden storm shelter door in the floor, right there in the heart of things, surrounded by potted plants so people don’t walk over it.

Is it a hurricane shelter? A wine cellar? No. Surprise – it’s a fully operational underground recording studio known as El Ganzo Records, and it’s how the hotel is able to attract an array of fresh artists to its property.

Here’s how it works: The studio is the centerpiece of the hotel’s Music in Residence Program, an arrangement that offers bands and performers free use of the studio to record in exchange for on-property performances, typically a live video recording in the studio (known as an “El Ganzo Session”) and a rooftop, poolside jam.

Some bands are sought out by the hotel, while others apply for the program. Previously hosted artists include The Whitest Boy Alive, L’imperatrice, Anderson .Paak, Siddhartha, Rubio, and Damien Rice, to name a few.

Want a few more big names? Slash played at the hotel’s opening party, where he was introduced by Charlie Sheen. At the Ganzo X bash this year, the headliners were Khruangbin, Pachyman, and Quantic (the latter is recording in the studio as we speak).

The recording studio can be accessed and toured by guests, and it even plays host to after parties and special events.

The Killer Views: Rooftop Pool Club

Check in to the Hotel El Ganzo, drop your stuff, and head immediately for the rooftop. When you get there, you won’t have to ask why – the scene and setting will instantly make you wonder if you’ve stumbled upon the best kept secret in Cabo.

An infinity pool and a “see-through” hot tub overlook the marina, waterway, and ocean, while a swim-up bar and poolside food and beverage service invite you to settle in for daytime DJ sets. Stay for the best view of the sunset in town and poolside dance parties in the evening.

If you’ve experienced watered-down margaritas from other areas of Cabo, worry not – you can expect a higher level of offerings from the Hotel El Ganzo, with dedicated cocktail programs featuring a variety of mezcal, tequilas, and specialty drinks that are professionally (and artistically) crafted.

The Venues: Beach Club & Crania

To reach the beach club at the Hotel El Ganzo, one must take a small ferry across the marina. The ride is only a minute or two, but its effect is much bigger than that, offering an “escapist” feel as you scoot across the gentle waters, taking in the views of the hotel and arriving at the calm, sandy cove of the beach club.

Here, plush loungers, day beds, and a fully staffed bar and restaurant are at your service, while the protected waters of the inlet beckon you to take a dip. A palm-lined peninsula protrudes from the east side of the bay, and during events, the green space is transformed into a live music venue (you can see photos here).

Just next door is Crania, the hotel’s outdoor, beachfront nightclub. If you’re looking for the “Burning Man” hang out of Cabo, this is the place. Bold expression is a key motivator in its design, as well as a focus on the “funk-tionalism of its spaces and structures.” All around you is innovation and purposeful design; the cranes that make up part of the stage and setting were left behind after the marina was built, salvaged, recycled, and repurposed into the art pieces you see today.

Now in its third season, Crania has become a hangout for locals and guests alike, attracting both domestic and international DJ performances. You can see more on its Instagram page.

The Balance: Luxurious Rooms, Tranquil Location

The Hotel El Ganzo seems to understand that every yang must have a yin, pairing its parties with wellness events, like yoga and meditation, and design attributes that offer space and views.

That overarching idea of balance is present everywhere. The views from the rooftop and beach club are instant muscle relaxers, as is the hotel’s secluded and tranquil marina-side location amongst quiet fishing communities (who, by the way, are often invited to participate in art projects – a collage painted by local schoolchildren currently hangs in the first floor hallway).

But let’s not forget about the luxurious accommodations. The hotel has 69 rooms, each outfitted with soaking tubs, plush bedding, and Rivolta Carmignani Italian sheets. We recommend booking a room overlooking the marina, preferably one on the first floor due to the large patios that are perfect sanctuaries for morning coffee (balconies on the higher floors are much smaller).

The mark of a good party hotel is that it throws a good party. The mark of a great party hotel is that it provides everything you need to recover. The Hotel El Ganzo can brag about its greatness in this regard, offering both the cause and the solution to all your post-party needs.

Next Up: Want to check out the Hotel El Ganzo? Follow them on Instagram to learn more about the upcoming New Year’s Eve bash.