Baja California Dreaming

By:Hillary Latos

El Camino Real, aka the Royal Road, is the historic 600 mile road that begins in Loreto and connects Baja California to San Francisco connecting 21 missions, 4 presidios and 3 pueblos and served as Kerouac's inspiration for On the Road.  Though Loreto was founded in 1697, little has changed in this charming colonial town where kids play in the street, local craftsman sell their handmade pottery and handicrafts, and fisherman prepare some of the best fish tacos in the world.  Just 25 minutes south of Loreto is the Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa at the Islands of Loreto located in a quiet cove protected by the rugged Sierra de la Gigante Mountains with a direct view of Danzante Island in the majestic Sea of Cortez.

Lovingly dubbed as the "Aquarium of the World" by Jacques Cousteau the UNESCO sanctioned Sea of Cortez is the world's second largest National Marine Park and home to over 5000 different forms of sea life.  Embark on an aquatic adventure sailing past majestic humpback whales or a pod of playful dolphins or explore the mystery of underwater life with a diving expedition.  Reflect on the power of Mother Nature within the unique landscape combination of untouched desert, mountains and sea as you sail around the five islands of Loreto – Coronado, Danzante, Santa Catalina, Monserrat, and Del Carmen.  Snorkel off one of these deserted islands in this exotic Baja California aquarium filled with exotic creatures like the animated puffer fish and other colorful sea life.

At the peaceful Villa Del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa you can experience peace and solitude from sunrise to sunset.  The spacious and luxuriously appointed rooms have all of the amenities of a home with living rooms, a gourmet kitchen, washer/dryers, large soaking tubs and expansive verandas overlooking vistas of the ocean and mountains.  Indulge in authentic and gourmet Mexican cuisine in one of their three restaurants on site- the Market Restaurant, Danzante, or Vista del Mar Terrace.  Submit to total relaxation in their expansive 39,000 square foot Sabila Spa that features an array of services.  Pre or post treatment follow the detoxifying hydrotherapy session at your leisure which includes a sauna, hot and warm jacuzzis, various plunge pools, a steam room, and an aloe or salt bath. Here you can relish in unsurpassed luxury while enjoying the quiet sanctities of nature by day and the millions of stars illuminating the sky by night.

Villadelpalmarloreto.com