Why we went…
There is a 2 hour direct flight from Los Angeles! But it feels as if you’re a world away with dramatic islands, desert landscape, and gorgeous blue waters. It is perfect for a short active and relaxing get away.
How we got there…
We flew direct from Los Angeles to Loreto on Alaska Airlines. It was a very easy flight in coach.
Despite our large surplus of Alaska miles, we decided not to use them. The flight was too cheap and Alaska miles too valuable (e.g., 70k for first class on Cathay to just about anywhere in South East Asia) to justify using miles here. So we paid cash for two tickets and redeemed Alaska companion passes for the other two tickets. We earned the companion passes from signing up for Alaska credit cards through Bank of America. These cards are easy to get, and, in addition to a companion pass, come with a sign up bonus of 30k Alaska miles.
Where we stayed…
We stayed at the Villa del Palmar, an all inclusive resort. It is part of the Villa group that has a few other Mexican hotels in popular vacation spots. We were unsure about the all inclusive aspect of the hotel because we love trying good regional cuisine and libations when we travel. But it was fabulous! The hotel isn’t as polished as a top luxury hotel, but it is clean, the service is wonderful, and the location is unreal.
We stayed in a junior suite with a phenomenal view of the pools and the resort. We had a king sized bed, a pull out couch, giant tub, two showers, two toilets, a serviceable kitchen, a washing machine, and a giant covered patio. It was perfect for our family.
The hotel also had an on-site convenience store that we used to pick up a few things like milk for Ainsley, over-the-counter medicine, and water shoes for the kids. It was also reassuring to know that the hotel had a full time doctor on staff.
There are plenty of activities at the resort for the whole family. There are six pools, four of which our kids could enjoy (one was reserved for adults only and the other for top level Villa members). There is giant pool, a volleyball pool, a fabulous shallow splash pool (ideal for babies and small children), and a giant Jacuzzi pool with swim up bar. Drink and food service around the pool is prompt. We were never left wanting for our next snack, meal, drink or water. If you don’t like sweet margaritas, order them “tradicional” (with out sugar). Our favorite was the Jalapeno Margarita Tradicional!
The beach is incredibly beautiful and safe and wonderful for kids (though we needed to watch out for stingrays and little jelly fish that were stinging at that time of year). That didn’t stop us from enjoying the activities though! Kayaking, pedal boating, stand up paddle and tidepooling. And when you’ve done all these things, there is a bar on the beach that can also order food for you.
It is definitely worth doing a hike from the resort. There are several trails that vary in length and difficulty. We hiked up to a lovely view point with the kids!
The resort also offers golf, tennis, the spa and other activities for guests. I didn’t think the Kids Club was anything special, but Ainsley loved it. She also enjoyed making origami towels poolside with the event staff.
What did we do…
I would absolutely say one should spend most of their time at the hotel, but it is certainly worth doing a boat tour around the islands and visiting the town of Loreto. The hotel provides a shuttle to town, but be warned that it drops you at its sister hotel about a quarter mile from the part of town you want to be in. The walk isn’t bad but it’s not the most picturesque or secure feeling, especially at night.
The glass bottom boat tour through Loreto Coastal Expeditions around Danzante isand was a highlight of our trip. Our guide, Liz, a biologist and veterinarian, was extremely knowledgeable and quick to point out what we were looking at. If you don’t want to get in the water and snorkel (or even if you do), the glass bottom boat was a great way to see all the wildlife in the sea. The Sea of Cortez is called nature’s aquarium, and we saw why! The views from the boat were incredibly beautiful, and we enjoyed stopping at two secluded beaches where we could snorkel, hike, visit tide pools, and explore. The tour also provided lunch, snacks, and drinks. Be sure to wear good water shoes. You shouldn’t go barefoot in the sea because of sharp rocks, coral, and sea urchins.
The town of Loreto is very small and, from what I saw, consisted largely of cute touristy shops and restaurants amidst a beautiful mission and main square.
Where we ate…
The Market Restaurant – Villa Del Palmar Hotel – The kids favorite restaurant at the hotel! Every night they have a themed show on the stage at the restaurant. The kids also enjoyed the piñata on Mexican themed night. We were pleasantly surprised by the options and quality of the food. This restaurant is included in the all-inclusive package.
Casa Mia – Villa Del Palmar Hotel – We loved Casa Mia for lunch. They serve by the pool. The tacos are made with fresh tortillas, and they make fresh brick oven pizzas. Casa Mia is included in the all-inclusive package.
Danzante – Villa Del Palmar Hotel – If we weren’t with the kids (who loved watching the shows), we probably would have eaten at Danzante, the fine dining hotel restaurant, most evenings. The food and ambiance was wonderful and the price was right (only $20 per person additional charge).
Mi Loreto – The number 1 trip advisor restaurant in the town of Loreto did not disappoint. The ambiance and food were authentic baja Mexican. The margaritas were delicious, and the kids enjoyed the big mango smoothies and lemonades.
El Zolpilote – Great place to grab a local craft brew right in the main square.
Ainsley’s corner…
What was your favorite part of the trip? “Probably doing towel origami.”
Do you have any tips for other kids going to Loreto? “Definitely check out the tide pools at the beach. You’ll see sea cucumbers, 25 legged sea stars, all different kids of star fish, and thousands of different kinds of crabs.”
What was your favorite food on the trip? “Probably the buffet food at the Market restaurant at the hotel. It has everything from tacos, to lamb, beef, goat, and excellent fish. And great shows too.”
Traveling Lyons 