This post is the last in a series of 3 documenting my trip to Villa del Palmar Loreto earlier this summer. The trip was paid for by the resort but all opinions and crazy awesome experiences are mine!
So I've told you all about Loreto, Mexico, and what makes the hotel part of Villa del Palmar Loreto special. So now it's time to share some of the extracurricular activities you can do at the resort.
You know, the fun stuff. Like the hike we got to take. This is the view from the very top. It was well worth the physical exertion.
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Go Hiking at Villa del Palmar Loreto
One early morning (you have to go early or it will get too hot), we took a really cool hike that is on the resort property to one side of the hotel.
The trail was amazing. It was clearly marked and the views and landscape were stunning.
This hike could have easily been self-guided and there were signs with plant info all along the way. I am not an avid hiker and I was able to complete it (but I did sweat a lot...) and I'm so glad I did!
Our hike was led by a local nature expert who I have no doubts could survive on Naked and Afraid.
This was such an awesome way to learn more about the area, the sea life, and folk history. I would highly recommend trying to set up a hike with a guide if at all possible on your stay!
I even got to try some cactus fruit at the very top of our hike. It was kind of awesome.
From that high perspective, we were able to check out several of the surrounding islands. These islands are not inhabited (well, there might be one dwelling on one of them) and are the perfect spot for a white sand beach picnic.
Take a Boat Excursion
Our boat excursion was one of my favorite parts of the trip. We picked up the boat from town with the intent to tour some of the islands, eat lunch at one of them, and then be dropped off back at our resort.
The boats are super comfortable, with cushioned seats including compartments to make sure your stuff stays dry, a covered portion near the rear, and a ladder to easily climb back into the boat. And there were beers.
Our boat trip got started a little bit later than we had hoped and by the time we got to our first island, the tide was too high for us to go ashore. But that didn't stop us from dropping anchor and snorkeling around a bit.
The water was warm and beautiful.
Most gals snorkeled but I just hung out in the water. After a short time, we got back on the boat and made our way to the next island where we had a little time to snorkel again.
Once our playtime was over, we continued on to the hotel while checking out all the other islands, by boat, along the way. The rock formations and desert landscape were gorgeous and like nothing I have ever seen.
Being on the boat was so much fun. A glass bottom boat is also available which would be really cool.
I'm ok with fish as long as there is a bunch of safety glass between me and them.
Try a Water Sport (or Two)
The resort has plenty of water sports as well. I tried stand-up paddle boarding for the first time!
You can't tell from this photo but my legs were totally shaking! It wasn't really that difficult but I didn't want to fall off into the water.
The water is really shallow for a ways out but that meant you could see the fish swimming under you. That part freaked me out.
Since it was my first time I was afraid of getting too far away from shore.
I paddled around, close to shore for about half an hour and then called it a day. I would totally do it again though.
I did really enjoy kayaking, however! We were lucky enough to get to use one of two glass-bottomed kayak boats.
The kayak holds two people and was really easy to maneuver in the calm waters of the bay. We didn't get too adventurous but we could have taken the boat to a nice little white sandy beach around the side of the bay if we wanted to.
I am going to put that on my list of things to do for my next trip there. I think my boys would LOVE to do this!
While I was kayaking, some of the other gals got to go diving for chocolate clams! Chocolate clams are abundant in this bay and are absolutely delicious.
This was one of the coolest experiences ever.
The team was able to find about 100 clams and they brought them right up onto the beach. The kitchen sent out some salt, lime, and hot sauce and we all got our turn to try these straight-out-of-the-water clams.
I really hope that isn't a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Enjoy Fine Dining
The night we dressed up for dinner was really fun.
The evening started off with cocktails before we moved into Danzante Restaurant for a delicious dinner experience.
The food at Villa del Palmar Loreto is SO amazing. You could get the traditional Mexican dishes that you want in a trip to Mexico but they are elevated.
There is a fine dining touch to them.
Our meal started with an amazing tortilla soup. This could have easily been served in the bowl but they chose to share it with a gorgeous presentation, where the waiter attends to each guest to complete the dish.
You can't see it from this photo but the way the avocado was placed in the dish was a really nice touch and showed just how much care goes into creating each dish.
The fresh seafood was crazy good and showed a fusion of flavors from other parts of the world.
My trip to Cabo, last year, was a huge disappointment in the food category and I was not sure what to expect here. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and the level of sophistication.
And they know how to put on a good show. This custom coffee presentation was both fun to watch and delicious to drink.
You don't just get Mexican food at this resort. They do theme nights with the food too.
This was part of Italian night and we were treated to some favorites, like this Caprese stack and bruschetta along with a delicious steak.
There are three restaurants on-site. One is super casual and easy. One has seating indoors and out and features a buffet and the fine dining option of Danzante.
You can also use in-room dining.
I am not a buffet gal, but this may have been the best setup I've seen. Everything on this buffet was really nicely displayed, was super fresh, and very tasty.
There were tons of fresh options as well, like a taco bar and fresh tostadas for dinner or an omelet bar in the morning.
We were treated to an extra special breakfast on the terrace of one of the Presidential Suites. Not only was the suite ridiculously awesome, with a 3 sided, wrap-around terrace, but it also featured a private jacuzzi.
When you stay in this suite, you can request a chef to come up and help you prepare dinner on the outdoor barbecue.
These chilaquiles and tamales were my favorite. I can't wait to try my hand at making some at home!
All of these glorious pastries are made on the property by someone who obviously knows what they are doing. They were flakey and delicate and tasted amazing.
And while a vacation can tend to be full of decadence, the staff knows that health is something that many people are interested in. Each morning they presented us with this special green juice to start the day off on the right foot.
Featuring celery, aloe, mint, and more it was sweet and delicious but good for you too.
And they weren't stingy with the guacamole. They all but refused to serve guacamole on my trip to Cabo, which was a big letdown.
I knew the resort was on top of it when this was one of the first things I tried once I arrived. It was absolutely delicious.
As were the drinks...from the margaritas...
to the coconut drinks by the pool, they totally nailed the cocktails.
You'll Love the Nightlife
There was plenty of nightlife for me.
One night we watched a stage show featuring Mexican dances and stories. The dancers interacted with the crowd and it was really fun.
On another night, there was a musician playing classic rock songs on his guitar which was also really fun.
The outdoor restaurant features a large wrap-around bar and was the perfect place to retire after dinner for a nightcap.
I just think the resort will appeal to all kinds of people looking for their perfect vacation spot.
Read yesterday's post to see my info about the private nightclub on the resort. And of course, each room features a private patio that would be another perfect spot for enjoying the sunset or view of the lighted resort at night.
There is a little something for everyone here and I highly recommend you check it out for yourself.
Thank you, Villa del Palmar Loreto, for bringing me to your fine resort and letting me share it with my readers. My extended family has talked about coming back next summer and I really hope we do!
Related Posts
Read more about Loreto, Mexico
Read more about hotel Villa del Palmar Loreto
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This post was originally published on August 27, 2014, and has now been updated with fresh links, and for clarity.
Melissa says
Wow! What an amazing trip. The photos are jaw dropping and so is that food!! Wish I could have jumped in your suitcase. This is on my must visit list. :)
Sharon Garofalow says
Melissa, it will make the perfect family vacation spot for you. I will meet you there. :)
Tori @ Thoughtfully Simple says
This looks like a great trip. And your dress? LOVE!!! The clams are so intriguing, I would love to try!
Sharon Garofalow says
Tori! The clams were amazing! I wouldn't call myself a huge seafood fan, but there is something about the experience and getting to eat them THAT fresh! It is something I hope I get to do again some day!