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 Cortez
and 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.
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| 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 Restaurant
serves 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.
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| 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).
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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.
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