This Baja Sur Resort Sits Between Mountains and Sea on the Edge of a National Marine Park

A resort designed for anyone in a setting that feels exclusive

Photos: Kate Orlando

After check-in, I was shown around the property, starting with the beachfront views and continuing through the resort’s restaurants, pools, kids’ center, and a variety of accommodations suited to different guests. During my stay, I saw all kinds of guests enjoying the resort: families with young children, multi-generational groups, couples, solo travelers, and groups of friends.

My one-bedroom suite was decorated in warm, neutral tones that echoed the surrounding desert, while large windows and a private outdoor space showed off views of Danzante Bay and the Sierra de la Giganta. For travelers mixing work and leisure, select rooms, like the one-bedroom suite, have dedicated desk areas. Families can settle into larger suites with separate living areas and conveniences like cribs and Pack ‘n Plays available upon request. Meanwhile, couples can choose accommodations in room blocks farther from the main pool and central activity areas.

More activities and amenities than you’ll have time for

Photos: Kate Orlando

Villa del Palmar’s turtle-shaped pool is one of its most recognizable features. The five connected pools that make up the shape each serve a different purpose: the shell is the main gathering space for swimming and lounging; the head has a dedicated children’s area; and the fins split off into water activities, a 21-plus zone, and an elite-member area with views out over the bay.

That something-for-everyone model extends beyond the pool. The TPC Danzante Bay golf course threads through the desert hills, while tennis and pickleball courts sit next to the fitness center. There are guided activities like cooking classes and self-guided ones like trail hikes and stargazing. There’s a kids’ club and family programming every evening and an on-site dance club for adults.

Water sports launch right from the beach; you can take kayaks, paddleboards, fishing charters, and boats out to the islands. I took a private tour to Danzante Island and Del Carmen Island with a guide named Jamie. Snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, and marine park fees were included. The farther we traveled from shore, the more the scenery opened up, revealing rock formations, coves, and quiet stretches of coastline. The main snorkeling stop was off Del Carmen Island. Swimming through the calm, clear waters, I spotted a sea turtle along with curious blowfish and trumpetfish moving through the reef below.

The boat had partial shade, but I still ended up with enough of a sunburn that I switched my scheduled massage at the resort’s Sábila Spa for a facial. That decision led to an unexpected highlight of my stay: an aloe bath. Aloe grows wild all over this part of the Baja peninsula; I stepped into a tub filled with hand-cut pieces and worked the plant into my skin.

Dining that’s a little bit of everything and a whole lot of seafood

Photos: Kate Orlando

Mornings at The Market set the tone for choose-your-adventure days at Villa del Palmar. I started at the made-to-order omelet bar, then moved on to chilaquiles, but there was also a tempting selection of breads and pastries (banana bread, cinnamon twists, chocolate muffins, croissants), plus classics like French toast and waffles.

Casual food and drinks are available at the resort’s pool and beach bars throughout the day, with bites like ceviche and sushi that go beyond typical poolside fare. The Clubhouse, overlooking the golf course, is another lunch option. The menu focuses on seafood, featuring dishes like rice and octopus croquette with tuna tartare (combining fried sushi rice, avocado, and sweet soy sauce) and the Sunshine Shrimp Roll (shrimp with mango, fried banana, and chili aioli).

Danzante, set against the backdrop of its namesake bay, serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with ingredients that reflect Loreto’s connection to the Sea of Cortez. The atmosphere feels more intimate and intentional, making it a natural choice for a celebration, special dinner, or a slower evening after a day of exploring.

My meal there began with fried shrimp and cheese wrapped in phyllo pastry and paired with a guajillo chili vinaigrette. The standout was the Danzante soup, a combination of green tomato, white corn, crispy tortilla, Ojos Negros Valley cheese, avocado, and chili oil. Octopus, shrimp, scallops, and seasonal shellfish also featured on the menu, complemented by cocktails like the Summer Scotch, made with Buchanan’s 12, bitters, cinnamon syrup, and pineapple juice.

Things to do in Loreto

Photo: Kate Orlando

North of Danzante Bay, Loreto was founded in 1697 as the first permanent Spanish settlement in the Californias, the name Spanish colonizers gave to the entire region that included both the Baja peninsula and what’s now the US state of California. The settlement centered around the Misión Nuestra Señora de Loreto, which sits a block from the town plaza.

Andador Salvatierra, the pedestrian street running from the mission to the waterfront malecón, is lined with shops selling ironwood carvings and local art. I stopped to eat at Buena Vida Restaurant Bar, where I enjoyed ceviche topped with a bright fruit glaze. The bar menu had a thoughtful selection of tequilas and mezcals.

Loreto is under an hour from Villa del Palmar. You can arrange transportation there through the resort, take a taxi, or drive there if you’ve rented a car. The town center is compact enough to cover on foot once you’re there.