The Destination
The Islands of Loreto dot the eastern shore of Baja California in the Sea of Cortez which Jacque Cousteau called the “Aquarium of the World.” Desert terrain of the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range frames the azure sea. The little town of Loreto, Mexico is home to the oldest mission in Baja, boutique hotels, a marine walk, cafes and brilliantly authentic shops. Loreto is much like Cabo was 30 years ago with a commitment to keep it natural.
The Venue
Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa at the Islands of Loreto sits on an inlet beach. Along the mountainside, the shallow cove is excellent for snorkeling. Get there by wading, swimming, paddle boarding or in a glass bottom kayak. Five swimming pools, Jacuzzis, hammocks and beach chairs are strategically set in this all-inclusive, peaceful sanctuary.
The Sabila Spa at Villa del Palmar, named after the healing aloe plant incorporates herb extracts in treatments. Hydration therapies in hot and cold pools, tubs, showers and saunas are included with relaxation chairs facing the mountain, sea and golf scenes.
Spacious suites with large balconies also showcase expansive golf course and ocean views. The surrounding luxury residential development offers single-family estates or fractional-ownership condos. Three restaurants serve gourmet cuisine in entertaining atmospheres. Wednesday is Beach Party Night with audience participation, fun and dancing on the sand after an exquisite surf and turf buffet. Folkorico dancing is impressive on Mexican night.
The Golf
Rees Jones designed TPC Danzante Bay with changes in the conceptual layouts along the way, explaining, “It’s like opening a bottle of wine. Your impression changes with the reality of what you have.” Danzante means dancing in Spanish and this TPC course has golfers dancing with delight, traversing through canyons and arroyos dotted with saguaros and ocean views. Number 17 has quickly become an iconic golf hole where tee boxes are elevated one above another in the rocks of the mountain, overlooking a deep chasm before the small green perched 250 feet above the ocean. Drive too far on this narrow peninsula and your ball will dive deep, too short, you must reload. This wow hole delivers a gull’s eye view. Mr. Jones believed this would become one of the best seaside golf courses in Mexico and quite possibly the world. We believe it is.
And More
On land, hiking trails reach hole 17 and beyond for cliffside scenery. The resort will arrange excursions by ATVs on trails, shuttles to town or Zodiak adventures in coastal waters known for 900 species of fish. Zodiac boats do 360’s to form large wave action, ringing the recess bell for a dolphin school that gleefully dances across the foamy ramps of water.
Our Takeaway
The Islands of Loreto are alluring for touring while saguaros to sea views instill serenity.
TPC Danzante Bay is a magical course that danced into our hearts forever. We love it enough to gather a group to return and share the superior golf, food and adventures.
The Journey
Connect to direct flights currently from Los Angeles, Dallas and Phoenix to Loreto, Mexico through American and Alaskan Airlines, with more options popping up. Charter flights are also gaining popularity. Shuttle or rent a car from the Loreto International Airport for a 30-minute easy drive down the Transpeninsular Highway to Villa del Palmar. If covid-19 testing is still required for reentry to the US, compliance is simple at the resort. Very special considerations for health and safety may be found on their website. www.villadelpalmarloreto.com
