Loreto and Villa del Palmar Resort, Baja California Mexico (11/14-18/2013)
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| Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto Resort |
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| View from Our Room |
Welcome back to SAFE MEXICO where you can relax without worry, drink the water, and eat gourmet food. We are so glad the elegant 5-star Villa del Mar at the Islands of Loreto Resort invited us to visit because we found the ideal upscale Mexican oasis for tranquility and pampering with stunning ocean and mountain views and exciting activities.
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Map of the Islands of Loreto
- Baja California, Mexico |
Recently built in 2011, everything is new, clean, and modern. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and views of the Sea of Cortezand the picturesque Islands of Loreto (see photo), the resort is secluded away from everything. You are completely safe and never bothered by vendors. With their own water purification system, you have no concerns about the food and water. You can drink the water from the tap – we did for days. |
| Our 'Villa' at Villa del Palmar |
After a 2-hour comfortable direct flight from Los Angeles LAX on Alaska Air we left our all stress behind to be completely pampered by an extremely attentive English-speaking staff. After an easy check through at the new modern Loreto airport, we were picked up by the resort staff for a scenic drive along the beautiful Sea of Cortez. Upon arrival at the resort, we were taken to our 1-bedroom villa featuring postcard-perfect views (see photos), a full kitchenette, washer/dryer, living room, and a balcony larger than our at home. Amazing room!
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| Chocolate Claims |
As hard as it was to leave this beautiful room, the magnificent views from every window drew us out to enjoy this impressive resort. First it was lunch at the Casa Mia beachside restaurant. TRY THE CHOCOLATE CLAIMS claimed to have aphrodisiac qualities (we are not telling). They are taken fresh and named for the color of their shell, not for using chocolate (sorry, chocoholics).
Now it’s time for a soak in one of the huge outdoor jacuzzi or a swim in one of the four heated pools all designed to look like a turtle (see photo). Then relax by the pool or sit on the beach with a tropical drink.
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| Dolphins in the Sea of Cortez |
For those who desire a more active vacation, the resort can arrange a host of activities to keep you busy. Located in the protected Loreto Bay National Marine Park, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, Loreto is known for its scuba diving and world-class sport fishing in the blue waters of the Sea of Cortez.
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| Blue Footed Boobie - Sea of Cortez, Mexico |
We elected to take the boat ride to Coronado Island with optional snorkeling witnessing the beauty of the Sea of Cortez. We were so glad we did. Taken on a brand-new covered boat, we were amazed to see blue-footed boobies and dolphins (see photos) in cobalt-blue water. The snorkeling in warm water with good visibility was also very nice with lots of colorful fish and diversity of marine life in this protected environment.
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Pat Cruising the Sea of Cortez
- Baja California Mexico |
Other activities include kayaking, beach walks, aquaerobics, tennis, hiking trials, paddle boarding, and other planned activities. Theme night entertainment is presented every night. We liked watching a movie outside at night by the pool with a blanket of stars overhead. They have a kids club and babysitting available for parents craving a romantic night together.
Whale watching tours are available in season. The waters off Loreto are home to several species of great whales including Blue, Fin, Bryde's, Humpback, Orca, Sperm, and others. Internet Wi-Fi is available on room balconies for those who need to stay connected.
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| Romantic Domingo's Place - Loreto, Mexico |
The resort offers a free shuttle into the historic town of Loreto (see more below) where you can do some shopping, stroll along the new oceanside malecon walkway, golf along the waterside, and enjoy this small authentic Mexican town. While in town there is a nice restaurant called Domingo’s Place where you can enjoy good Mexican food in a romantic setting (see photo).
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Gourmet Mexican Dishes
at Danzante Restaurant |
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Now for dining at Villa del Palmar... and what great choices you have. The Market Restaurantserves an incredible buffet or individual meals. Don’t miss the resort’s fine-dining Danzante Restaurant. Described as a fusion of steak and seafood with a delightful Mexican touch flavor, it offers some the best gourmet Mexican dishes we have ever had. Crafted by a top chief, the food is so good at the Villa del Palmar Loreto; our only regret is that we could not try all the dishes. |
| Morning at Villa del Palmar Loreto |
Also, another not-to-be-missed experience is the Sabila Spa. Described by the spa manager as 39,000 square feet of pure pampering, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. This clean and elegant spa has just about everything you need with a fitness center with yoga classes, healthful enzyme whirlpools, jacuzzi spas, steam room, and very nice staff. The view is beautiful. The spa treatments are top notch. Our massage was so relaxing and one of the best we have ever had. You can use the spa for a nominal fee (free with a service). |
| View from Our Room - Villa del Palmar Loreto |
Rated 5-stars, the resort manager calls describes the Villa del Palmar Loreto as a million-star hotel because with the clean air, viewing the stars at night is remarkable. With their remote peaceful setting, they believe that you need to ‘disconnect to reconnect.’ We highly recommend the Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto Resort for a safe and distressing upscale Mexico getaway.
Loreto & some history...
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| Mission and Downtown Loreto - Baja California Mexico |
Loreto boosts 300 plus days of sunshine and moderate-warm climate. Loreto is a small Mexican town with a historic center dating back to 1697 founded by Jesuit missionaries. It was the first Spanish settlement on the Baja California Peninsula and served as the capital of the Las Californias from 1697 to 1777. The mission in downtown Loreto (see photo) is considered as the origin of missions of Alta and Baja California.
Travel tips... Mexico uses the same electrical plugs as the U.S. so no adaptors are needed. Just bring your passport. At the time of writing this blog post, a direct flight from Los Angeles LAX was available. For those who want to drive to LAX airport, the Hacienda Hotel offers a “Park, Room, Fly” deal for $149 plus tax to stay one night (before or after your trip) and park for up to 14 days with free shuttle service to and from the airport.Please see our other 4 posts about great Mexican resort areas:
Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico
Mexico’s Caribbean Riviera Maya (Big cities -Cancun & Playa del Carmen and Smaller villages - Tulum & Puerto Morelos)
Puerto Vallarta, MexicoHuatulco, MexicoPlease enjoy 200+ wonderful places around the world, with award-winning photos, from our BLOG ARCHIVE on the right ---->
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