By Kitty Bradshaw
The feeling of total peace brought me back to Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto where I spent some much needed down time. Not quite as popular as Mexico City or Cancun—Loreto Mexico offers a much more toned down, tranquil experience which resonates with travelers like myself that want to retreat from the world. This resort offers a respite that creates a stress free zone tempered at a frequency of Zen. Everyone leaves Villa del Palmar feeling light and free of any burdens or anxiety. Simply put, this resort is my quiet place off the grid.
The property of Villa del Palmar is a town within a town; a Spanish style Shangri-La of sorts. The resort spans 4,447 acres which includes a golf course, tennis court, multiple swimming pools of various sizes and visibility, full scale spa, 3 restaurants, private beach, and a reclining chair with your name on it. The elements of both land and sea come together to create a vibrancy rich in color and texture that makes it a worthy choice. Although its amenities are plentiful, I enjoy focusing on the feeling of a vacation in its truest sense and all its benefits.
FOODIE PARADISE
I pretty much ate everything that was set in front of me and then some. Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto has an all-inclusive food and drink package through the restaurants and room service. Seafood, steaks, and tequila— they had to peel me away from the table by the time it was all said and done. Stand outs for me included the Chocolate Clams, Tortilla Soup, and Mexican style briskets, lobster, shrimp cocktails, and customized cocktails with each meal. Their award winning chefs created everything I could imagine. When I wasn’t intoxicated, dreaming, or working out; I enjoyed plenty of delicious meals and specialty drinks.
CULINARY OPTIONS
• Danzante Restaurant: Fine dining steak house and seafood with Mexican fusion, offering a large wine selection and a variety of cigars.
• The Market Restaurant: A brand new concept where you are able to make your own dishes! Just imagine preparing your own meal at home with the help of a chef. Open for breakfast and dinner.
• Casa Mia Restaurant: Authentic Italian food with fresh pasta and pizza. Open for lunch & dinner.
• Room Service: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight menu featuring international cuisine & snacks. 24 hour service.
GRAND SLEEPING ACCOMODATIONS
Villa Del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto has 181 deluxe ocean view suites that mimic large style apartments complete with full kitchen, bathroom with a spa size, Jacuzzi bathtub (drinking champagne was mandatory while inside), and living room with 2 separate entrances. Additionally, each room had a full wrap around balcony that was large enough to host 50 people for a small party.
Each of the one, two and three bedroom suites features stylish contemporary decor perfect for romantic getaways, families seeking the ultimate in comfort and style, business groups or corporate events.
WHERE TO GO - WHAT TO DO
The Bar!!!
The #1 rule while on vacation is go where the wind blows you. To my surprise and enjoyment; the wind placed me at a bar with every turn. From what I remember during my moments of sobriety on that particular trip, I was never less than one pace away from a bartender that didn’t know my name. Aside from the obvious drinking, guests have the option to take a 2 hour Tequila Tasting course which results in a certificate of completition at the end. My experience included partaking in drinking games during final exams-- the graduation ceremony was something dreams are made
of.
Town of Loreto
The resort provides transportation to and from the Town of Loreto. Tourists can shop local vendors selling homemade goods such as pottery, blankets, ponchos, beaded jewelry, and various wines and spirits. I brought back 2 bottles of 160 proof Mexican Vanilla Crème Liqueur that can be enjoyed straight or mixed with tequila.
Del Carmen Island
Off the sea of Danzante Bay resides a private island by the name of Del Carmen Island. Guests of Villa del Palmar resort can reserve a boat to take them out to the island where they can have lunch, swim, or relax on the beach. Depending on the season you can see both dolphins and whales swim along the boat as it makes waves.
Other activities include snorkeling, hiking, San Javier Mission Excursion, tours, cruises, Sun Salutations with the resident Shaman, and Spa treatments, to name a few. Regardless if you are there to relax by lounging in a chair or immersing yourself in activities that take your mind off the world back home-- Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto resort provides customized experiences that will exceed expectations and turn you into a repeat guest. If you are interested in visiting Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, rates run as low as $119 per night (Athleisure Discount Code: FAMNOV15) through April 2016.
* All pictures courtesy of Villa Del Palmar resort at Loreto
Kitty Bradshaw is a Passionate Traveler, Brand Ambassador and Lifestyle Influencer currently splitting residences between New York, Los Angeles,
and Hawaii. When she is not busy traveling, stalking airfare glitches, giving commentary on CNN.com, or watching classic films – you can find her on the beaches of Waikiki hanging out with friends. Some of her more memorable trips can be found through the digital pages of Tourist Meets
Traveler, Black Enterprise Magazine, and YRB Magazine to name a few.