We caught up with Emily Lennon, founder of Gypsy Soul House in San Jose del Cabo, to discuss how her boutique spa has evolved into much more than just a wellness destination. In our conversation, she reflected on the deeper purpose behind the space: creating a sense of community in a place that can often feel transient, such as Los Cabos. She emphasizes fostering genuine human connections and providing a space that feels like home. From wellness events to youth markets, Emily shared how Gypsy Soul House continues to grow while remaining true to her original vision.
Learn more about Gypsy Soul House.
The Vision Behind a Community-Centered Spa in San Jose del Cabo
What was the initial idea behind Gypsy Soul House? What did you aim to create?
My vision has always been to create a peaceful space in the heart of San Jose del Cabo’s historic downtown. A place where people could come together. I wanted it to feel tranquil, inviting, and rooted in community. Not just a business but a place that encourages connection.
Reconnecting in an Age of Distraction and Isolation
Do you feel like something’s been lost in how we connect today?
Absolutely. Especially when watching the younger generation, I’ve noticed how disconnected they can be from each other due to electronics and the amount of time we all spend behind screens. I wanted to offer something different: a place that bridges generations. That’s why we organize events beyond spa services, including markets, wellness gatherings, and moments where people can come together. Face-to-face. In real space.
Building a Sense of Belonging in a Transient Town Like Los Cabos
Los Cabos can sometimes feel like a transient place, with people coming and going all the time. Does this make community-building harder?
It does feel like that at times. But that also makes the community more necessary. Many of our clients are here only part of the year or are visiting, so we stay in touch with them. We let them know they’re remembered, that we’re happy they came. And they come back. They recall how they felt here and recognize our staff. That’s the kind of feeling I want to create: one where they feel like they’re coming back home. The name “Gypsy Soul House” reflects that. It started as a home, and I’ve tried to keep that energy alive.
What Community Means at Gypsy Soul House
How do you personally define community? What does it look like to you?
To me, community is a feeling. It’s relationships, conversations, shared experiences. Especially for people who don’t live here full-time, it’s about those small moments of connection that make you feel seen and welcome.
How a Boutique Spa Becomes a Local Gathering Place
What kind of events do you host to encourage that sense of connection?
We’ve offered salsa lessons, art walks, and wellness events, including yoga. One of my favorite initiatives was our Young Entrepreneur Market. We invited kids aged 12 to 14 to sell their handmade products. Every Thursday night, they’d set up their stands here, meet other young people, and connect with the community. We also open the space to local vendors — people who create crafts, food, or art — to share their work. It’s a way of bringing the community into the space and the space into the community.
Reviving the Spirit of Public Spaces in San Jose del Cabo
You’ve lived in San Jose for a long time. What do you miss about other places?
I’m originally from Appleton, Wisconsin, so I’m no stranger to cold winters. But what I miss, primarily having raised our four kids here, are the kinds of public spaces we had back in the States. Places where families could gather on weekends, listen to music, run into friends, and just be. That’s something I’ve wanted to recreate here. A space where people can show up and feel part of something without needing a reason beyond just being together.
What Sets this San Jose del Cabo Spa Apart from Resort Wellness Centers
Los Cabos has seen a big wellness boom — retreats, spas, temazcales, and more. What sets Gypsy Soul House apart?
Location, for one. We’re right in downtown San Jose del Cabo, surrounded by restaurants, cafés, and art galleries. But more than that, we offer something different. It’s a sense of escape that’s still part of the town’s fabric. We’re not part of a resort, and that changes everything. Those resort spas are amazing, but they’re designed for tourists. Gypsy Soul House is for everyone, visitors and locals alike. It’s not just about beauty or services. It’s about belonging.
Hiring with Intention: The Energy Behind the Team
You have a strong team here. Beyond professional qualifications, what do you look for when bringing someone on board?
It’s all about energy. You can sense it when someone walks in, whether they’re genuinely passionate about healing and making people feel better. A calm presence, a genuine desire to care for others. That matters more to me than anything. Of course, our team is highly experienced, but what stands out is their spirit. You know it when you feel it.
From Self-Care to Shared Healing: A Collective Wellness Approach
Many people think of self-care as a private act, something individual. But your approach seems more collective. Is there a link between personal healing and community well-being?
I believe there is. Healing starts inside, of course. But once you’ve given to yourself, you’re better able to connect with others. And when you’re in a space surrounded by people who are also on that journey, it becomes something bigger. There’s a kind of shared magic to that, being part of a community that’s growing together, even quietly.
Staying True to the Soul of a Boutique Spa as It Grows
As the business grows, how do you stay true to your original vision?
It’s a constant balance. There’s always that temptation to go bigger, especially when demand increases. But if you lose that feeling of home, you lose the heart of it. For me, it’s more important to keep it warm, cozy, and intimate. That boutique scale: that’s what makes it special. That’s what makes it real.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Gypsy Soul House in San Jose del Cabo
And what are you most excited about as you look ahead to the next year?
Just continuing to grow in the right way. We’re entering our second year now, and the city is beginning to recognize what Gypsy Soul House has to offer. The community has brought us new opportunities and ideas — events we hadn’t even imagined. That’s what excites me most: opening our doors to new ways of connecting, not just through beauty or wellness, but through the “house” part of Gypsy Soul House. That’s where I see the future.
To join the conversation and be part of the growing community, connect with Gypsy Soul House on their Facebook and Instagram.