About · La Fortuna · East Cape, Baja
About ALAIA
A small, family-run surf lodge
Our story
It started with a few tents.
ALAIA was more than 15 years in the making. Jaime spent those years as a yacht captain, traveling the world, surfing, and looking for one thing: a wave right out front, open space, and room to live close to nature.
He found it above La Fortuna. The first guests camped. Slowly it grew into a villa, two trailers, three campsites and a salt water pool, and it’s still small.
Who we are
Jaime, Mel and the dogs.
We’re a small family. Jaime surfs, and knows just about every wave on this stretch of coast. Mel wanted the same life he did: slower, close to the water, with plenty of space for family.
Glen is our full-time host on site. He’ll get you settled and help with whatever you need on site.
The land
We got lucky with the view.
Nothing sits between the house and the Sea of Cortez. You can see the waves from almost everywhere, and from November to early April the humpbacks come by.
We try to go easy on the place. There’s a seasonal garden (the tomatoes show up in our reviews), chickens for eggs, solar power, recycled water and a compost pile.
On site
Surf lessons, guiding, board rental, 4×4 surf trips and surf photography. Message Jaime on WhatsApp to set it up.
The animals
Koa, Maya and Marley will play fetch for as long as you will. Chamoy is the cat everyone falls for. The chickens are mostly interested in your scraps.
What’s next
A sauna and a café, eventually. We add things slowly so the place stays small.
From our guests
“Watching the whales in the morning from bed with coffee and truly spectacular sunsets over the sea and desert mountains was so special.”Marshall K. · Google review
“We surfed everyday and loved all of it. Came for 3 nights and stayed for 3 weeks!”Ariel S. · Google review
Stay with us
Places to stay.
The Villa
One bedroom and an 80 m² covered terrace. You can see the ocean without lifting your head off the pillow, and it stays cool on the hottest days.
See The Villa
The Lookout
A 27 ft trailer with its own fire pit, facing the break. The name is accurate.
See The Lookout
The Hideout
Just below The Lookout. A queen bed, bunks for the kids and a big patio you’ll end up living on.
See The Hideout
Camping
Three sites for tents, vans and RVs up to 30 ft. You get the pool, a hot outdoor shower and Wi-Fi fast enough to work from. The gate closes at night, so your gear stays put.
See the campsites