Loreto just might be Mexico’s best kept secret. Located on the Baja California Sur, this remote and historic village is arguably the country’s most beautiful setting, bounded by the Gigantic Sierra Mountains and the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez.
If images of Mexican vacations conjure up images of boozy, crowded beach parties, it might be time to take another look. Loreto is unspoiled and undiscovered. Remote does have a number of advantages for many travelers today. Flight schedules are limited, and that’s a good thing. You will have more of the region to yourself. Flights are direct from LAX on Alaska Airlines, and seasonally from Calgary, Canada via WestJet, and from within Mexico on Calafia Airlines and Volaris.
Just south of the tiny airport, the dusty desert opens up to expose a luxury waterfront resort, Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa at the Islands of Loreto. Here, you will find yourself rubbing your eyes to see if it’s simply a mirage, or if it is really an inviting oasis. The landscape and architecture are clearly desert-chic, but modern luxury lets you know that you have arrived. The resort offers spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms, luxury amenities, and private balconies that make you feel as though you have found your home in paradise. The all-inclusive resort offers guests a wealth of amenities and activities, including three distinct dining options.
The Baja’s Most Luxurious Spa
You will be surprised to find a luxury resort in the middle of Mexico’s desert but an even bigger stunner is the 39,000 square foot Sabila Spa. The spa’s decor and treatments are all centered on healing and wellbeing. While many spas focus on beauty, treatments at the Sabila Spa are inspired by the treasures of the region to create balance. The spa’s top attraction is the hydrotherapy room with seven stations designed for wellness and detox. Guests can enjoy a mix of hot and cold experiences intended to get the blood circulating, detoxify the body and provide deep healing relaxation. There are jacuzzis, a dry sauna, steam room, cold plunge pool, salt bath and aloe bath. Twice a year, the resort offers a Wellness Week with a daily schedule of fitness classes, yoga, meditation, healthy cuisine and wellness talks with celebrity trainers and chefs.
Award-winning Golf on the Baja
Villa del Palmar is home to one of the most scenic golf courses, TPC Danzante Bay. The Rees Jones-designed course takes advantage of the course’s unique location with challenging play over valleys, arroyos, dunes, and foothills. Stunning sea views are certain to distract even the most accomplished golfers. The course was named one of the 2018 Best Golf Resorts In Mexico And Central America by Golf Digest. If golfing is not your game, you can hike the cart paths for a great workout… rewarded by amazing views of the Sea of Cortez.
What to do in Loreto
Do nothing, or do everything. Seclusion does not have to be boring, but it can be. The beach along the Danzante Bay is the spot for pure relaxation, complete with tropical cocktails from the nearby beach bar. The tranquil waters are perfect for paddle boarding and kayaking. Explore the five Loreto Islands via boat where birdwatching and snorkeling will give you a glimpse of the wildlife, both on top of and under the water.
Take a trip into the quaint and colorful town and learn about the region’s rich history including The Mission of Our Lady of Loreto, founded in 1697.
Vacations are for unwinding so skip the crowded, frenzied resorts and steal away to a place that’s still undiscovered. We think that you will appreciate the slow pace of relaxation; and you might just rediscover what getting away is all about.