5 days recently and it was a mixed bag of really, really good things and some not so good. We've stayed at two other Villa Group resorts so we had an expectation coming in and we weren't visually disappointed. Same basic footprint and the typical terrific upkeep and landscaping surrounded by great views of the mountains and beautiful beach frontage. Easy prompt check-in, which makes sense as there were only 50 or so guests in occupancy.
The room was an enigma for us. We booked a king but received two queens, which are really fulls not queens. We were later told by a salesperson that guests have to specify at check-in which is something I've never heard of in decades of travel and years in the hotel industry. Lighting was truly puzzling. One lamp, bedside in the entire room. A desk, but no lamp? Why? The sliding door to a huge patio didn't seal tightly and as such the wind was cacophonous at night, as was the noise from the adjoining rooms.
We paid for the Ultra All-Inclusive and were disappointed when the contract listing of what was "included" was not the same as was provided to us when we booked. The Danzante restaurant, and Angus cuts of beef were mysteriously now not part of the package. I have both copies of the contract but let it go in the interest of simply enjoying our time. Interestingly, we spoke with another couple who'd been told the golf course was finished when they booked, only to find that there hasn't been a shovel to hit the ground yet. None too happy about it I night add.
The food we had at Casa Mia and The Market was very good, at all three meal times. Great sandwiches, salads, and The Clams Loreto are fantastic. Moreover, the service was exceptional, at the pool bar, and at the two restaurants. Friendly, prompt, and our waiters grew to know our names just a day or two in. Despite tips being included with the UAI, we tipped everyone in addition to that to recognize their attentiveness.
We partook of the kayaking on day two, but were denied any further access to the kayaks despite, once again, this being part of the package. The excuse from the Wild Loreto spokesperson was "choppy water" which was simply not the case. Again, we let it go and enjoyed our time poolside, and hiking etc.
Staff activities were fun, the shows very tongue in cheek and entertaining, and we particularly found the kitchen tour, which included the maze-like inner workings of the hotel, to be very interesting. The level of cleanliness behind the scenes is extraordinary. We did find it strange that there isn't a pub or casual restaurant with some level of entertainment/tv/pool table, something that is INDOORS. There is simply no respite from the weather, and should you find it too cold (as we did one day), or too hot you'll be fairly well stuck to your room, with no WiFi I might add.
The spa is very nice, and the fitness facility first-rate with excellent equipment and a great view.

We attended the required sales presentation which was what you'd expect. Very high-pressure, but our presenter didn't seem to understand the product and thus neither did we at the end.

The housekeeping was unobtrusive and excellent, and we saw the General Manager a number of times during our stay, working alongside his staff and clearly tending to business. Special thanks are in order to some of the staff that were especially excellent: Gualberto, Abraham, Luis, and Julio were terrific waiter/bartenders and extremely helpful and friendly. Alejandro, the Front Desk Manager, was excellent, and Raffi, Ivis, and Ceci were outstanding.

Overall, we'd go back but we'll give them some time to work out some of the kinks.

From the moment we arrived, we were swept away by the magic of this very special place. The tranquility of the beautiful locale, matched with exceptional service and consistent quality throughout the resort and amenities, left us relaxed, pampered and so very satisfied. Nearby Loreto was interesting, but one never need leave the property to have an exceptional vacation.

This place out-performed and exceeded every expectation we had. The property is beautiful. The guest accommodations are very spacious and comfortable. Housekeeping was exceptional. The staff was superlative in every way. They make it their personal mission to make sure you are happy, comfortable and having a good time. The food and beverage was excellent. The wait staff were attentive beyond the norm. The activities staff is friendly, fun, and of course very entertaining.
The setting is extraordinary. Every room has a view. The magic of the Sea of Cortez is incomparable. This was an exceptional value and an experience that will be cherished.
We'll be back for sure!

This is one of the newest of the Villa del Palmar resorts, open for about a year and a half. The facility is still partially under construction, but the finished part is beautiful. The rooms are larger than their other resorts and very nicely appointed. Only two restaurants were open, but the food was excellent. The Palmita market was a bit light on inventory, but was sufficient for our one week stay. We did the all inclusive (meals, drinks, entertainment) for three of the 7 days, but could easily have done as well paying for these on an as you go basis. The resort is very remote, an hour or so out of the small town of Loreto, but VdP provides three free van trips per day into town, which made visiting the town easy and inexpensive. There are supermarkets in town to stock up supplies if you need to and the pricing is very modest. The people of Loreto are friendly to a fault and the town has an interesting and lengthy history being the capital of all of the Californias for many years. Wild Loreto, the adventure service, is excellent. Great staff, nice tours and trips available. We did some SCUBA diving, but were surprised at how cold the water is (20C), so we ended abandoning our light wet suits and obtained some heavier ones from the dive service. They use pangas (small outboard motor boats) for the diving, but the dive guide and boat operators were great. Overall the staff at the resort was the best we have experienced in our 6 years of ownership with VdP. If you are looking for a first class experience with a quiet, relaxed atmosphere, and no high pressure sales people at the airport, this is it. Enjoy!