Loreto, off the Eastern coast of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, is not your typical Mexican vacation spot. The Villa del Palmar hotel, opened in spring 2011, overlooks the uninhabited Danzante Island. The 181 suites at Villa del Palmar feature amazing views of untouched Mexican landscape, from the Sea of Cortez to La Giganta mountain range. In the evening, twinkling stars light up the night sky, and the climate is pleasant enough to enjoy the outdoors year round.
Villa del Palmar Baja
A Mexican retreat
It’s only a short flight from Los Angeles, California to Loreto, Mexico, but this sleepy fishing village could not feel more different from the big city. The pace of daily life is slower, making Villa del Palmar a great place to relax and unwind, and take in the amazing scenery and sea life that Baja California has to offer. While some of Mexico is going through a period of unrest, Villa del Palmar is a safe place to spend a few days just getting away.
Staying at Villa del Palmar
There are a variety of room options at Villa del Palmar, from the deluxe suite with two queen beds to the Presidential suite that sleeps up to 12 people. Can’t wait to come back? Villa del Palmar also offers a time share program, but no heavy sales pitch here.
All Villa del Palmar rooms feature air conditioning and climate control, as well as a private balcony or terrace. Rooms come complete with kitchenettes (toaster, blender, coffee maker, and microwave), ceiling fans, in-room safe, and daily housekeeping.
Room #2514 at Villa del Palmar, Loreto, Mexico
Loreto Dining Options
When it comes to dining, there are several options at Villa del Palmar. The all-inclusive plan includes all three daily meals, 24 hour room service, unlimited cocktails and beverages, and themed dinners. The all-inclusive option also includes all resort activities and daily turndown service. If you’d rather go for a la carte dining, you still have the option to upgrade for $89 per person, per day. The rate for children, ages 5-13, is 50% off, and kids under five eat free. Since there aren’t too many external dining options, the Villa del Palmar is also home to the Palmita Market, for any on the go items you might need.
Keeping busy in Loreto, Mexico
Villa del Palmar offers a variety of activities to keep guests of all ages entertained. Kayaks, paddleboards, snorkels, and fins are available for guests who want to explore the waters of Loreto on the Sea of Cortez. On site, there are water aerobics classes, volleyball, hiking, and bicycles. The concierge is also ready and willing to help you book other activities such as a visit to the San Javier Mission, a tour of downtown Loreto or a boat ride to Coronado Island. A golf course is also in the works at Villa del Palmar.
Unwind in Loreto, Mexico at Sabila Spa
Unwind at Sabila Spa
The Sabila Spa at Villa del Palmar offers 17 treatment rooms, a fitness center, wet area featuring plunge pools, hot tubs, saunas, and Swiss showers with six different temperatures of hot and cold. The spa is a great place to spend a little time after a long day exploring Loreto, with many different treatments and massages available.
As if the spa and the general tranquility of Villa del Palmar isn’t enough, they have found a way to eliminate those pesky hotel key cards. Each guest gets a wrist band with water-proof smart chip technology. All you have to do is swipe your wristband to get into your hotel room! No more fumbling with key cards, demagnetized room cards or locking yourself out of the hotel.
Not sure about dropping yourself in the middle of a Spanish-speaking country? Don’t worry, the friendly Villa del Palmar staff speak both English and Spanish, and all menus are presented in both languages.
Check prices at Villa del Palmar or at Hotels.com.
Hotel review and photos by San Francisco-based travel, food, and wine writer Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of Villa del Palmar.
