Discover the Wild Side of the Gulf of California at this Polished Mexican Resort

Courtesy of Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto

While Mexico is renowned for its dazzling cities—Ciudad de Oaxaca, Merida, and San Miguel de Allende, to name a few—this sprawling nation is no slouch when it comes to gorgeous natural features either. Towering mountain ranges, lush jungles, and sunbaked deserts can all be found within Mexico's borders, but for wildlife lovers in particular, it's tough to find a better destination than the Gulf of California.

Sandwiched between the Baja California Peninsula and mainland Mexico, this sprawling water feature (often referred to as the Sea of Cortez) is renowned worldwide for its high level of biodiversity, with no shortage of fascinating fish, seabirds, and cetaceans thriving along its shores. There's no shortage of small-scale accommodations available for booking across its coast, but for those in search of a grandiose estate that perfectly blends ecotourism with lavish amenities, Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto is the perfect fit. Measuring in at roughly 1,800 hectares, this massive resort has served as one of Baja California's top vacation destinations for years—and it's not just humans that like to hang out in the surrounding area.

“Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto overlooks the Sea of Cortez, otherwise known as the ‘Aquarium of the World.’ We are the only resort in the entire bay, so it’s incredibly peaceful,” says general manager Eduardo Rojas. “The resort is set on the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, which is home to an incredible range of wildlife including spinner dolphins, manta rays, blue whales, turtles, and sea lions. Our guests come here looking for nature, water activities, and a laid-back vibe away from the crowds; they come back for Loreto’s warm and friendly hospitality.”

Courtesy of Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto

While all of this aquatic fauna can be spotted from the comfort of shore, no stay at Villa del Palmar is complete without taking some time to explore the sparkling waters found just past property limits. For an introduction into the wide world of aquatic adventure, guests can book a kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding lesson, while experienced navigators can embark on a twilight LED SUP tour to discover the beauty of the surrounding bay during sunset. And of course, no trip is complete without taking the plunge and getting up-close-and-personal with the local wildlife, with both snorkeling and scuba excursions available for guests.

As an added bonus, there's a massive array of amenities awaiting visitors back on dry land. Dining destinations abound across the property, with restaurants ranging from the high-end Danzante steakhouse to the Italian-focused Casa Mia, with a wealth of bars to explore in between meals as well. During daylight hours, visitors are welcome to play a few rounds at the 18-hole golf course TPC Danzante Bay, hit the pickleball courts, or take a refreshing dip in the resort's five outdoor pools—and to end the trip on a high note, the on-property spa offers more than 70 different treatments for guests to enjoy.

The Gulf of California is a veritable treasure trove for wildlife lovers, and for those wishing to come face-to-face with its native flora and fauna, Villa del Palmar serves as a particularly luxurious base. While visitors can spend the morning encountering curious sea turtles and dazzling fish, the property will be waiting patiently with cold drinks and lavish amenities upon return, providing guests with the best of both worlds on the scenic Baja shore.