Have you heard of Loreto and the Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto? Some destinations, such as Cabo San Lucas and Cancun, are apparent when travelers think of a Mexican vacation. But if you’re looking for a less touristy location, consider the historic town of Loreto. This historic town is the start of El Camino Real, which extends into California. However, if you travel a bit further south, you’ll arrive at the Villa del Palmar on the islands of Loreto. A winner of the Best Hotels of the World award, see why this world class all inclusive resort is worth a visit..
Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto
Km. 84 Calle Carretera Transpeninsular
Ensenada Blanca, 23880 Loreto, B.C.S., Mexico
(800) 790-4187
www.villadelpalmarloreto.com
Located 26 miles south of Loreto, Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto is managed by Villa Group Beach Resorts and Spas. Founded in 1984, the company is one of the largest privately owned hotel, resort, and real estate development companies in Mexico. Each of the all-inclusive resorts offers world-class spa services, several vacation packages, and timeshare opportunities.
About Villa del Palmar
Opened in 2011, Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto in Baja California is a fabulous all-suite resort. It encompasses 10,000 acres along the eastern edge of Baja California Sur. The resort’s primary features are spacious, finely furnished accommodations and multiple dining options. Additionally, on-site are five swimming pools, an enormous spa facility, and one of the finest golf courses in Mexico. Villa del Palmar is further acclaimed for its world-class service and hospitality.
Villa del Palmar Location
Bounded by the Sea of Cortez and the majestic Sierra de la Giganta Mountains, the resort resides along Loreto Bay National Marine Park. The park is an essential marine life sanctuary, covering over a half million acres. Moreover, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Five islands are within the National Park – Isla Danzante, Isla Carmen, Isla Coronados, Isla Monserrate, and {Santa Catalina.
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About Loreto
Founded in 1697, Loreto was the first Spanish colonial settlement and thethe capital of New Spain’s New Viceroyalty in Baja California. Originally known as the Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó (Loreto Mission), it is the first stop of the famous El Camino Real, extending over 1200 miles to San Francisco.
Loreto Today
Today, Loreto is a resort town with friendly locals, exceptional local cuisine, great shopping, and water recreation like deep-sea fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, and whale watching. The original mission, completed in 1744, is in central Loreto.
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How To Get To Villa Del Palmar Loreto
Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto Golf Resort is located along a private cove approximately 24 miles from Loreto International Airport. After you arrive at the airport, you can pick up a taxi or car rental or ride a shuttle through Villa del Palmar Loreto. Employees from shuttle companies will be waiting outside the airport’s main entrance. They will direct you to the shuttle area. The estimated time to reach Villa del Palmar Loreto is less than 40 minutes.
Flights to Loreto
Alaska Airlines offers daily flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Loreto International Airport (LTO), which takes 90 minutes. Additional flights are available from other cities in Mexico, such as Guadalajara, San José del Cabo, and Tijuana, and a seasonal service is available from Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Accommodations
The Loreto, Mexico, resort offers several different types of rooms along with flight package options and all-inclusive plans. Rooms range from the 645 square foot Deluxe Suite to the massive, 5,000 square foot Presidential Penthouse. Each room has several modern conveniences, like air conditioning and satellite TV. You’ll also have a kitchenette, fully equipped kitchens, and a terrace or balcony. You will have views of the ocean, mountains, or golf course from your room.
Rooms Choices
You can also choose Premium Floor Suites, with exclusive amenities like guaranteed ocean views and a mini-bar stocked daily. If that’s not all, you’ll have access to the Elite Lounge and the Hydrotherapy circuit at Sabila Spa. Additional specials are also available, including golf or spa packages. One-bedroom suites and larger rooms also have a washer/dryer, dining room, and separate living area.
Dining
Villa del Palmar resort on the Islands of Loreto offers multiple dining options. For instance, there are upscale restaurants and bars, as well as poolside dining. Danzante, a steakhouse and seafood restaurant, is the resort’s signature dining experience. Among delicious entrees available from Chef Gerardo Garcia Martinez are Danzante Fish Filet and Shrimp Carousel. You should also consider the Surf and Turf. Additional steak options include Braised Brisket and Rib Eye Angus.
Additional Dining
Other resort restaurants are more casual yet offer equally superb cuisine. For instance, there is Casa Mia and Mexican Corner. Also, at TPC Danzante Bay, you can order gourmet meals with a casual approach at the Clubhouse.
Golf At TPC Danzante Bay
TPC Danzante Bay is one of the finest golf courses in Mexico. It is the only TPC course in the whole country. With spectacular views of the Gulf of California and Baja California coastline, Danzante Bay is an 18-hole, par-72 course with a maximum length of 7,237 yards. The award-winning course was designed by Rees Jones, the son of the famed golf architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. Don’t forget to enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings while on the course.
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Sabila Spa
Villa del Palmar’s award-winning Sabila Spa and Wellness Center offers an impressive collection of spa treatments and relaxation areas. The entire facility covers 39,000 square feet and also includes spa tubs, a cold water plunge, and a sauna. Among the luxury spa treatments available are Classic Swedish Massage, Wine Therapy, a Hot Candle Ritual, and a Sabila Spa Signature Golf Massage. The Wellness Center also includes a spacious fitness center featuring state-of-the-art cardio and weight equipment.
Onsite Activities
In addition to championship-caliber golf, Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto offers several other onsite activities and amenities. This includes five swimming pools, tennis courts, an arcade, and a Kid’s Club. Guests also have access to the resort’s private Villa del Palmar beach. Ongoing beach and pool activities and non-motorized water activities like kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and paddle boarding are also offered. Other activities can be arranged, like mountain hiking and rock climbing.
Guests Services
The resort offers several guest services and amenities, including a 24-hour front desk, on-site medical services, daily housekeeping, currency exchange, babysitting, and a shuttle service to and from the historic town of Loreto. Guest services can also arrange boat trips to some of the breathtaking islands in Loreto Bay.
Loreto, Mexico Wedding Planning
With spectacular ocean views, Villa del Palmar on the Island of Loreto can be an extraordinary wedding or honeymoon destination. The resort offers several options for both weddings and honeymoons. Additionally, the resort can make arrangements for bachelor and bachelorette parties. A sample wedding package may include a personal wedding coordinator, unique gifts, spa treatment discounts, and a beachside wedding.
Special Events
Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto is proud to host several special events throughout the year, as well as celebrity chefs, fitness professionals, and more. Check the official website for a list of upcoming events.
About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS Local from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including CBS New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS Radio, Engadget, and Radio.com.