Wake up, work, think, overthink, think some more, repeat. This is the cycle. Always scrambling, thinking, going. I’m notorious for it. Many of us are. 

The working society rarely takes time to relax. We’re always in stress mode. So when Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa at the islands of Loreto, B.C.S, MX came up on my radar, my mind was still going 10,000 miles a minute. Would there be wi-fi? What activities would I be able to do that wouldn’t interfere with the work I had planned. 

But something happened between boarding the plane at LAX and arriving 2 short hours later in Loreto. It felt like I went through a porthole. One where I was no longer concerned about work that needed to be done. I wasn’t stressed about what was coming up. I found myself ready to relax. Sure, the mini bottle of tequila I had on the plane may have had something to do with it but I digress. 

Arriving to the Villas del Palmar, guests are greeted with a welcome drink. Anywhere that greets me with a welcome drink gives me high hopes but this was just the beginning. The staff also performed a welcome ceremony of the washing of the hands. It is said that this ritual is done to clear you of stress and worries so you can enjoy your time in Loreto. I washed mine twice just in case. This is where the desert meets the ocean, they say and it was true. Surrounding the resort was the incredible Sea of Cortez and majestic desert landscape. The weather was perfect, breezy but not humid-perfection. 

A Room for Royalty

I opened the door to my suite and I was immediately greeted with a breeze and a beautiful ocean view. 

Spacious and luxurious, this one-bedroom floor plan that had plenty of room for a family. You might be wondering, too much for one person? Not at all. It was perfect for one person seeking a spacious retreat. The room came with a fully equipped kitchen, washer, and dryer, two bathrooms, along with a large jacuzzi tub in the master suite.

The entire apartment had a large terrace overlooking the pool and the Sea of Cortez. 

I was so impressed. I knew it would be hard to leave when I had everything in my palace for one but the staff knew exactly how to do this by hosting a feast the first evening. An entire buffet of delectable dishes from world-class chefs, right on the beach. Unlimited beverages to enjoy to your heart’s content. 

Activities in Loreto

The morning in Loreto was quiet, just how I like it. You’ll wake up in a king bed refreshed from a slumber so heavenly, the idea of getting out of might feel like it will destroy the dream you’re in.

After enjoying a wonderful buffet breakfast, treat yourself to a hike. The trail allows you to learn so much about the local plants and trees that you get an education while you are getting your exercise on. And let’s not forget about the view. At any time, you can look around you and see the beauty that is the Sea of Cortez.

After your hike, come back and relax at one of the five pools that form the shape of a turtle. I hung out at the adults-only pool and took a nap. 

Fun in the Sun

Snorkeling in Danzante Bay is one of the highlights of visiting. You can go out by boat from the resort to crystal blue waters to swim with the local fish. The white sand and brisk waters were such a treat on this day. 

Take a day trip to the center of Loreto yielded a magnificent array of culture, art, and food. I got to visit the first mission that started all the missions in California.

Then recharge with margaritas and tacos of course. 

The beauty of visiting Villa del Palmar and Loreto is you don’t have to partake in any activities while visiting. You could very well lounge all day in the pool, your suite, the beach-whatever floats your boat but there is plenty to do if you desire. 

The food at Villa del Palmar 

When was the last time you found yourself enjoying a meal without rushing to the next thing on your to-do list? Yeah, I can’t remember either. Here, I actually had a chance to eat mindfully. I wasn’t scarfing down food like I usually do because I have to pitch a new marketing client, because I have to review the copy I wrote for a company’s newsletter. I just got to sit and taste every flavor. On this day, Chef Keith Breedlove who was there showcasing his master culinary skills made a juicy chilaquiles burger…it was 10 am. A burger for breakfast? Yes. I took a bite and the juice from the burger dripped on my chin… I left it. 

If all of this relaxing wasn’t enough, I had the opportunity to visit Sabilla Spa where I experienced a delightful massage then was instructed on how to use their 10-step aqua therapy treatment. Each step of the process involves spending a few minutes in different stations: Warm Jacuzzi, cold plunge pool, sauna, steam room, hot jacuzzi, pressured shower, a bath of aloe vera, and finally an Epsom salt bath. Each is meant to help exfoliate and detoxify your skin which after partaking in copious amounts of tequila, your body will be thanking you for.

BREATHE

I had a million things going on at home. I’m sure you can relate. My daily thoughts are typical: emails I’m sure needed answering, texts that needed to be responded to but I couldn’t pull myself to the needs of the future. I was too present. For once in a long while, I could actually feel myself breathing. Taking in the mix of the desert and ocean air. It felt perfectly in balance. Villas del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto will persuade you to breathe. It taught me to be more present in that moment. I learned that the world would not burn down if I put my phone away. 

Most people think to travel to Cabo, Cancun or some of the more popular destinations in Mexico but Loreto has become my first choice for some true R&R. I’m over the party scene, I want luxury, quiet, and a place I can truly be present it. This quiet location where the desert meets the ocean should be first on your list if you want to reconnect with yourself. 

While Villas del Palmar Resort is not an adults-only resort, it’s so well done and spacious, January is considered their peak season and it seemed quiet and peaceful. The best time to visit is October through May when it’s not deathly hot there.

Have you ever visited Loreto, B.C.S. Mexico?