Staring out from the boat onto the blindingly bright blue waters of the Sea of Cortez, what is more striking to me than the sprawling oceanic splendor is the fact that I’ve only seen two other boats that day.
Far from your overpriced and under-liquored pina colada-infused vacation, a trip to Loreto in Mexico’s Baja Peninsula will have you marking this as your top pick for a dreamy, low-key yet luxurious getaway.
Just six hours north of Cabo, you will feel as if you’ve transported to an entirely different universe in Loreto. Peace and serenity are two things you’ll find here that don’t exist in other famed Mexican tourist towns.
Loreto reigns in the world of highly-coveted destinations that have not been tainted by tourists, but that are still pleasantly and perfectly posh.
Don’t be fooled, though -- the peacefulness of Loreto does not mean it’s void of adventure.
The waters right outside your door at the magical Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa at the Islands of Loreto are home to what renowned explorer Jacque Cousteau referred to as “The Aquarium of the World.”
The natural habitat and marine preserve surrounding the resort (which boasts the title of Mexico’s largest) serves as the most idyllic spot to explore the life here in Loreto.
From paddle boarding to kayaking; from snorkeling to boat excursions and beyond, when a guest at Villa del Palmar, countless doors open for you to become familiar with, and develop a love for the Sea of Cortez and its charming marine dwellers.
And after a few days at the resort, you’ll wish this place served as your dwelling, too.
The level of luxury here is exceptional, but not in your typical stuffy sense -- Villa del Palmar has managed to master the perfect balance of opulence and comfort; to where you feel like you’re at home, but a home that is five-star.
I attribute the resort’s success in achieving this feeling in large part to the staff. No request here is absurd, no favor asked is too much, and no conversation ever takes place without it being full of smiles and sincerity.
The level of relaxation and attention here is unparalleled.
And that is down to every little detail, my favorite of which was the margaritas. Every ice cold tequila-infused sensation made at Villa del Palmar is killer -- especially the ones at the beach bar. (And finding good margaritas is not something that is across-the-board true in Mexico).
In addition to sipping magnificent margaritas, and partaking in exceptional escapades out on the water, Villa del Palmar will have you living your best life no matter where on the property you roam. And trust me, there will be a great deal of wandering happening, as this property spans nearly 5,000 acres of some of Mexico’s finest real estate.
One of the top places to clock some serious hours is at the resort’s nearly 40,000 square-foot Sabila Spa. Its breathtaking mountain views, instantaneously de-stressing treatments, and the valet-led detoxing experience will make it clear why this spa was awarded one of SpaFinder’s Best Spas in Mexico.
Though everything that happens within the walls of this spa is phenomenal and worth checking out, the detox experience is something you absolutely cannot miss. Float in pure bliss as the spa valet guides you from station to station, and feel your stress levels drop down to an absolute zero.
Lose all sense of reality in the sauna, cold plunge pool, Epsom salt bath, local aloe vera plant soak and more, closing with a Swiss shower that will make you wonder how you’re ever going to enjoy a normal shower ever again.
Post-spa, soak up some rays at one of the resort’s six pools with a book in one hand, and a fresh margarita in the other as you enjoy the exclusive and spectacular views of the rugged Sierra de La Giganta Mountains.
And if relaxing to you means swinging away at a little white ball with a giant titanium club, then you’ve found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow here.
Villa del Palmar’s championship golf course, TPC Danzante Bay is the new kid on the block at the resort, and its popularity is skyrocketing.
TPC Danzante Bay’s 18 holes take you on a tour through every terrain imaginable. From 11 breathtaking ocean-facing holes, to desert landscapes rife with cacti, and everything in between, no topography was overlooked in the construction of this Rees Jones masterpiece.
You’ll take your eye off the ball more than once to glance at the stunning Danzante Bay that lay in front of you, the cliffs that scream “dreamy,” and the rugged mountain landscapes that will have you convinced you’re on the set of HBO’s Westworld.
And when you make your way to the course’s signature hole -- number 17 -- be prepared to pause your swing to snap a shot of the blue whales passing by. These waters serve as their migration route from Alaska to Baja, and luck may be on your side to catch a glimpse of these mystical giants.
Whether the shot you take home in memory is the birdie putt you sink on this hole, or the photo of the blue whales breaching in the background of the epically lush green, this hole (and the entire course) is so memorable that I dare you to not compare every future course you play to TPC Danzante Bay.
And that comparison will leave you wishing yourself back in Loreto.
There have been few moments since my return from this spectacular spot that I haven’t pined to return.
The longing for Loreto happens most often when dusk hits. There are few places where the sunsets are as spectacular as in Baja.
Allow yourself to be swept off your feet and into the arms of euphoria as the Technicolor rainbow of light makes its final appearance at Villa del Palmar for the day. And lay in the seaside hammock as the twinkling stars start their performance.
But don’t get too caught up in the beauty that you miss out on the delectable dining options the resorts offers. From my personal favorite -- the vibrantly festive Beach Party with live music and entertainment featuring classic foods with a Loreto twist -- to the fabulous fine dining at Danzante with top-notch wine choices and the finest seafood in Baja, the food here does not disappoint.
My favorite hidden secret of Villa del Palmar serves as the perfect cherry on top of your resort experience sundae. Remember the Sierra de La Giganta Mountains mentioned earlier? Head up there post-dinner for a truly spectacular sight -- I’m talking the dreamiest secret getaway you could imagine.
Tucked away in the perfectly picturesque mountains littered with cacti sits a yurt that, on the weekend, transforms into a disco. But don’t go there expecting big crowds. Chances are good you’ll be the one bringing the party, as well the music requests. But the charm behind the experience is truly unforgettable, and was unquestionably one of my favorite and most unique adventures to date.
How many people can say they’ve been to a yurt disco in the remote mountains of Baja? I’m guessing only as many as have been to the yurt disco at Villa del Palmar.
Coming down from the high you’ll be riding the whole time you’re in Loreto will be hard, but well worth the trip.
Speaking of being worth it, the resort’s option for an all-inclusive plan is the way to go. It simplifies your stay, is a better deal, and makes your trip that much more enjoyable (and indulgent).
At Villa del Palmar, you can drink those stellar margaritas free of guilt, and truly live up the luxurious life in Loreto.
So go now.
To book: www.villagroupresorts.com/resorts/islands-of-loreto/villa-del-palmar/
