Whenever I travel somewhere new I like to find one word to describe it so that I can focus on that feeling when sharing the essence of a place with others.
On the third morning of a recent visit to Villa Del Pamar in Loreto, Mexico I slipped down to the restaurant to grab a tea. It was just before sunrise and I seemed to be the only one who hadn’t received the memo that work could wait. I made my way through the winding pathways of the resort, watching pink light up the sky where the mountains meet the sea and I was hit with a release. The kind of release you get after an ugly cry or a particularly emotional time; a catharsis. I sighed deeply and that’s when I knew what word would describe this place — tranquility.
Located half an hour from the sleepy Mexican town of Loreto, and in a secluded bay off The Sea of Cortez, the Villa Del Palmar is quite simply your one stop serenity shop.
From the moment you arrive and have all your cares ceremonially washed away with floral water on your hands to the moment you leave, the staff at Villa Del Palmar are there to ensure you leave fully restored.
The first thing you’ll notice after check-in is your accommodations. Every room at Villa Del Palmar is at least twice the size of regular hotel rooms and comes with a spectacular view. In addition, each room has a kitchen and a large terrace. Kitchens are fully equipped for those who prefer to make their own breakfasts or even an occasional dinner or two. Guests can also choose between two dining plans during their stay—European or All-inclusive. Also worth noting, every room has laundry facilities so you can pack light.
The business at hand though is your head, so let’s get to it.
First and foremost you can and should lose yourself in the 35,000 square foot Sabila Spa. The hydrotherapy room allows guests to relax in eucalyptus tubs overlooking the Sierra del la Giganta Mountain Range before they move on to hot tubs, saunas and cold plunge pools. I highly recommend a massage from one of the expert massage therapists on staff. My massage therapist kneaded my stressed out muscles into submission. It was one of the best massages I’ve ever had in my life; I could feel the difference for days afterwards. Sabila Spa offers a full range of spa services including guided meditation services. While I didn’t have an opportunity to try this, I can see why it’s a popular service for hyper-connected travelers. In other words, step away from your phone; you’re not going to get to Instagram this.
While clearing your head via the spa is my first recommendation it’s certainly not my last. Yoga on the beach, with a view of the The Sea of Cortez runs a close second. Guided hikes through the mountains are also available for those who find breathtaking views comforting.
For those who find solace in communing with nature, you’re in luck, because Villa Del Palmar also happens to be located on the second largest marine park in the world. Dubbed the Galapagos of North America, you will not want to miss a day outdoors here. Grab a kayak or paddleboard and explore the bay immediately in front of the resort or book a lengthier excursion with Danzante Tours.
Don’t miss the Coronado Island Adventure tour. This volcanic island is rich with wildlife that guests can get up close and personal with, including a sea lion colony friendly to snorkelers. You’ll also find secluded beaches on this tour that will make you wish for a stranding. In season, you’ll also be able to get up close and personal with the majestic blue whales that come to the Sea of Cortez each year.
For those who want their adventure toned down a bit then the Danzante Tours Wine and Cheese Sunset Cruise is absolute bliss. On our evening cruise we were privy to jumping manta rays and a blue whale that circled our boat for over an hour. While this can’t obviously be guaranteed on every trip, it’s impossible to be disappointed when the backdrop is as beautiful as Loreto.
Finally, food means everything to me when I’m traveling and I’m happy to say that Villa Del Palmar does not disappoint. I’d like to say that I left leaner due to all the activities I was able to do while there, but it would seem I was on a mission to eat all the food. I couldn’t help myself. Not only do the chefs at the Villa Del Palmar know how to prepare cuisines from around the world, but they also excel at bringing authentic Mexican to the table. Healthy options abound here so for those with self-control (unlike myself) you’ll find plenty of delicious alternatives on the menu. The chefs here are also very well-versed in serving those guests with food allergies—no skimping on taste required.
For Canadians, getting to Villa Del Palmar has just become a whole lot easier with WestJet offering seasonal direct flights out of Calgary. For those not in the west and willing to tack on an extra day or two of travel, it’s well worth your time to connect through Calgary for this can’t miss destination.
Here’s what you won’t find at Villa Del Palmar: no jet skis with their annoying whirring in the background, no loud music drowning out your thoughts around the pool, no substandard food, no beach vendors waking you from a blissful afternoon nap, no concrete jungle or honking horns.
What you will find is your peace of mind, tucked away in a sleepy cove on the Baja Peninsula.
Thank you to Villa Del Palmar & Westjet for inviting Life in Pleasantville to visit. Our expenses were covered to visit this property but all opinions expressed in this article are that of the author’s.
Sheri
I can feel the sea air just looking at the photos. Great article!
Alison Pentland
You are soooo cruel 😉 we just brought home the new puppy and a vaca is out of the question for a while, but I’ve tucked this info away in early near far wishful make-it-happen file.
Sherrie Guthrie
Awesome post! This makes me want to travel to Mexico 🙂
smg
Tara
This is when take the boys and have a real vacation….the photos are amazing!