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Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa at The Islands of Loreto: Traveler Reviews

4.0 of 5
Carretera Transpeninsular km 84 | Ensenada Blanca, Loreto 23880 , Mexico
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Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa at The Islands of Loreto
Ranked #6 of 21 hotels in Loreto
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195 reviews from our community

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Portland Oregon
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
10 hotel reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
33 helpful votes 33 helpful votes
“Relaxation in elegant seclusion”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 18, 2012

If you are looking for a first-rate resort to relax in an isolated location, the Villa del Palmer at Loreto may be your ticket. This new resort is located on the Sea of Cortez about half-way up the Baja Peninsula. Horizon airline (part of Alaska airlines) flies a prop jet into Loreto from Los Angeles. It is then about a 40 min shuttle (prearrange with the resort, about $25 per person each way) from the airport to the resort. The resort runs a free shuttle into the town of Loreto three times a day (45 min each way).
My wife and I had a one bedroom unit that was huge – about 950 square feet. The balcony, with a nice view of the sea and the swimming pools, could have accommodated a party for 20 people. We mostly eat in our unit, and the kitchen was well stocked including Bosch appliances (full refrigerator, cooktop, microwave, dishwasher and washer/dryer). The main bedroom had a king size bed and huge Jacuzzi tub in addition to the shower. There was a second bathroom with shower off the living room for anyone using the hide-a-bed. Daily maid service was provided. There is a main pool with several smaller ones including a child’s area with geysers and a large jetted hot tub that could accommodate 20-30 adults. Being a new resort, occupancy was low, so there was no problem in getting pool lounges. There were even a couple of hammocks and two fire pits near the beach. Although there were lounges with umbrellas on the beach, these were rarely used. The beach is OK at high tide but somewhat muddy at low tide. I went snorkeling by the peninsula rocks to the right and saw quite a few fish. There is an activity desk that can arrange a rental car or a number of activities (kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, etc.). The spa was wonderful with free use of many facilities (e.g., sauna, steam room) and the gym is sufficiently equipped.
We only ate a few times in the restaurant – only one restaurant, with a reasonable menu, is currently open plus a snack shop with burgers, pizza, tacos, etc. Prices for main courses ranged around $10-$20. There was an all-inclusive option for about $89 per person per day. The mini market had soft drinks/beer/wine, chips, snacks, and eggs (bought individually – great for omelets). We took the shuttle into town to get our main groceries. The shuttle drops you off at the Santa Fe hotel, and it is a 10-15 min walk to the El Pescador market. Although the largest market in Loreto, it was limited in selection (e.g. no fish), but we found enough to get by for the week. Contrary to an earlier report, they now accept credit cards. There is a fish market close to the police station. We didn’t really explore Loreto, so I can’t comment about it. Some guests took the evening shuttle (left resort at 6 pm, returned from the Sante Fe at 9 pm) into Loreto for dinner.
This is NOT the place to come to party, but the staff are truly exceptional in making your stay enjoyable. They even put on a show/skit most evenings at the restaurant that is fun. The Villas group has big plans for this new resort – expansion of accommodations including condos, an 18 hole golf course and several more restaurants. Given its secluded location, I wouldn’t hold my breath. However, at present it is a GREAT place to bring a couple good books and relax!

  • Stayed November 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 13
Ask Sodman about Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa at The Islands of Loreto
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nanaimo
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
5 hotel reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
“Lovely resort and spa”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 15, 2012

A very quiet resort in a remote location. That being said, The resort in beautiful and clean. It is well run, the resort is spotless, rooms amazing. We were a bit disappointed that the steak house was not open yet, but it sounds like it will be in a week or two. the resort is located about an hour away from Loreto which they offered a free shuttle, but, if you wanted to just chill at this lovely location it was a bit of a problem as the Palmita Market was not very well stocked at all, wine selection was very pricey so you pretty much had to go into town. I have to say the staff is great! A special mention to Cruze (bellman) he was so helpful and friendly, a great addition to your staff. Ler also deserves a great thankyou. He is very sincere and easy to talk too and made sure we were well taken care of...Thanks so much!! it was very much appreciated! The spa is great great great..go check it out, the six of us went everyday to enjoy the wet areas as well as treatments. all were very good. Claudine is the Manager and she is so helpful and goes the extra mile to make sure we were all very well looked after..Again another Thank you to her!! We will be back, perhaps in a year or so when things are perhaps a bit more developed. Overall a great Vacation and one more thing, the Manager of the resort Sixto was a hands on guy that walked around and spoke with the guests..he seemed to be a very approchable guy that cares a great deal about this resort. Thanks everyone!!! Kim and Brian

Stayed November 2012, traveled as a couple
Was this review helpful? Yes 7
Ask NanaimoKIm about Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa at The Islands of Loreto
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
“Escape from Reality”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 9, 2012 via mobile

An absolute must for those seeking relaxation and tranquility! Executive Chef, Roberto, offers an outstanding romantic dinner for two that can't be missed. Also, he's one of the coolest chefs you will ever meet. Ask him about diving for chocolate claims in the Sea of Cortez. The Sabila Spa is a worldly escape. Claudine and staff attend to your every need. Do not miss breakfast. Luciano will ensure a meal to remember. If you have issues with anything, Ler is the person to see. He ensured we would have a vacation to remember. We can't wait to visit again and spend more time with the wonderful staff!


Stayed November 2012, traveled as a couple
Was this review helpful? Yes 6
Ask Joe Y about Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa at The Islands of Loreto
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
McMinnville, Oregon, United States
1 review
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
“10 Days at Villa del Palmar Loreto”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 9, 2012

We just returned from 10 wonderful days at VDP Loreto. It was by far the most relaxing vacation we've had. As other guests have commented, the resort is remote. The free resort shuttle ride was about an hour from the quaint town of Loreto. We took the San Javiar Mission Tour offered by Wild Loreto. It was awesome and our guide Said was quite knowledgable and a lot of fun. He also was our Island Excursion guide. Said actually dove in the water (machete in hand) and rescued a baby dolphin that was stuck in fishing line!

We enjoyed the shows put on nightly by staff. Food was very nice, pool service excellent. The entire staff treated us like royalty. Alexandro arranged for an upgrade so we could have a hot tub on the balcony, Jorje was great by the pool, Yazmin, Angela and Rafi were lots of fun at water aerobics. So very friendly. We also enjoyed Mario's tour of the water plant that processes salt water to fresh.

Cudos and thank you to all the staff!

  • Stayed October 2012, traveled with family
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 6
Ask Mark V about Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa at The Islands of Loreto
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Seattle, Washington
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Maybe come back in 10 years”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 7, 2012

This is a wonderful place to relax if you don't plan on doing anything but enjoy the poolside and the beautiful views. If you want to do site seeing I highly recommend renting a car so you are not tied to a shuttle schedule which is very seldom throughout the day. Also, the long drive into town, 50 minutes which includes the very long 2 mile drive from the resort to the main highway because it's a dirt road and then the highway that has been severely damaged from the recent rain storm with a lot of washed out sections on the highway. The resort has wonderful poolside and absolutely beautiful views of the ocean. Make sure to go to Coronado Island as it is a fantastic white beach and beautiful blue waters! The food on the resort is not the best but the poolside snacks are decent. Also, there is no internet in the rooms so you have to specifically ask for a remote modem to be placed in your room. We had to ask twice before they would finally offer a remote modem. We will consider coming back in another 10 years when just maybe the roads will be finished and repaired.

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  • Stayed November 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 4
See 3 more reviews by kimbrownlee for Loreto
Ask kimbrownlee about Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa at The Islands of Loreto
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Additional Information about Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa at The Islands of Loreto

Also Known As:
Villa Del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa At The Islands Of Loreto Hotel Loreto
Villa Del Palmar Beach Resort And Spa At The Islands Of Loreto
Villa Del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa At The Islands Of Loreto Hotel
Address: Carretera Transpeninsular km 84 | Ensenada Blanca, Loreto 23880 , Mexico
Phone Number:
Region: Mexico > Baja California > Baja California Sur > Loreto
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Beach Business Center Fitness Center Free High-Speed Internet Free Parking Kids Activities Kitchenette Restaurant Room Service Shuttle Bus service Suites Swimming Pool Wheelchair access
Hotel Style:
#3 On the Beach Hotels in Loreto
#3 Family Hotels in Loreto
#8 Romantic Hotels in Loreto
Price Range: $$
Hotel Class:4 star (4*)
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
The Villa Group - Loreto master plan will feature 1,800 acres of remarkable beauty, including restaurants, a Rees Jones golf course, up-scale timeshares and ownerships, and grand hotels. As with every resort created by The Villa Group, it will be a blend of elegance, a passion for service and style, and hospitality as warm as the sun-drenched skies. And views that must be experienced to be believed. Villa Del Palmar at The Islands of Loreto is now open! with a total of 191 Deluxe Suites. Each of the one—two and three bedroom suites features stylish contemporary décor. Suites for a romantic getaway, family seeking the ultimate in comfort and style also group business trip or corporate event. Deluxe Studio and penthouse suites are also available. ... more   less 
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Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa at The Islands of Loreto
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