We’re almost a full month into the new year, how are you doing with your resolutions? Approximately 45 percent of people in the United States say their resolution is to get healthy—after all, a new year offers a new chance to better yourself. That might mean losing weight, eating more nutritiously, or finally sticking to a fitness routine.
Unfortunately, a research study by the University of Scranton showed that a whopping 92 percent of people abandon their resolutions by the end of the year. If you want to be among the eight percent who actually stick to it, then it’s important that you set your sights a few months out and register for Villa Del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa at the Islands of Loreto’s Wellness Week.
Held a few times each year, Wellness Week focuses on healthy eating, fitness, and mental health. The program includes guided hikes, hydrotherapy detox sessions, aqua aerobics, spa treatments, healthy meals, expert-led talks, and yoga, fitness, and meditation classes.
The first Wellness Week of 2019 is scheduled for March 6-9, so no matter where you are with your resolution, this program will breathe new life into your health and wellness regime. If you’ve fallen off the wagon, Wellness Week will help you reset and inspire you to start again. And if you’ve been keeping up with your health resolution, look at this retreat as a well-earned reward and motivation to get you through the rest of the year.
The trip to Loreto itself is relaxing and rejuvenating. Air service to Loreto will increase this year to include daily flights on Alaska Airlines out of LAX, and routes by Volaris and Aerocalafia out of Tijuana. Plus, Loreto International Airport even has a private terminal. Landing in Loreto is like landing in a beautiful oasis—as if Palm Springs or Cabo San Lucas decided to get some much-needed beauty sleep.
You can take Villa Del Palmar Loreto’s shuttle to the town center—which is small, quiet, and picturesque— and spend the afternoon walking around and soaking up the Baja sun. Meander through the Mission of Our Lady of Loreto, cool off with a popsicle in the town square (there’s a shop down a side street that sells flavors like arroz, coconut, and strawberries and cream), or head to the water where you can stroll along the Gulf of California and bask in its serenity. Cap off your trip to town with the perfect margarita and some Mexican comfort food at Mi Loreto, a colorful spot that can’t be missed.
Villa Del Palmar Loreto, which is tucked away outside of town, is secluded and peaceful. It’s located ashore of Danzante Bay, a serene little bay on the Sea of Cortez, and surrounded by the rugged Sierra de la Giganta Mountains. Amenities include a spa, fitness center, nightly shows, and activities for children. The resort also runs what they call the “Amazing Program,” which adds a special factor to each guest’s visit; this could be a framed picture, special room décor, small gifts, and other surprises to add a personal touch to their stay.
The hotel itself boasts four restaurants that celebrate the land and sea, embrace the culture, and utilize the freshest ingredients. Danzante is a fine-dining experience that offers seafood, steak and other delicacies. Casa Mia, a poolside spot with views of the sea, serves up everything from pizza to tacos to salads. The Market combines buffet-style dining with à la carte options, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a different international theme each night.
Of course, you can visit Villa Del Palmar Loreto any time of the year and still feel confident about keeping up with your health or fitness routine. The gym has state-of-the-art equipment and dreamy views of the desert, so you won’t mind logging miles on the treadmill. There are also plenty of outdoor activities that take advantage of the beautiful setting. Miles of hiking trails ranging in difficulty give you the chance to explore the property’s vistas and even catch a glimpse of Baja’s wildlife, like osprey and whales during season. Out on the water, you can choose to swim, snorkel, paddle board, kayak, and scuba dive.
Those who prefer the green over the sand can play a round at the 18-hole, Rees Jones-designed golf course that sprawls across the property. The 7,237-yard, par-72 course is carved along a canyon and showcases a topographic blend of desert, mountain, and dunes. The diverse range of hole layouts can be played by golfers of any capability. The breathtaking views from hole No. 17 make it the signature hole of TCP Danzante Bay, and is worth a visit even if you’re not planning on teeing off.
Sabila spa is a tranquil space that offers a number of specialty services that makes for an extraordinary experience. The 39,000-square-foot facility is an oasis in the desert with views of the peaceful mountains and golf course. Treatments—massages, body wraps, facials, and body scrubs—are designed to heal and calm.
The hydrotherapy circuit, which consists of a sauna, steam room, cold-water plunge, aloe bath, Swiss shower, and other spa tubs is a must. The spa attendants walk you through each segment, placing soothing cucumber slices on your eyes or providing a fresh towel when needed. It’s the ultimate in relaxation and detoxification.
Wellness Week definitely kicks Villa Del Palmar Loreto’s amenities up a notch. We got to experience the last Wellness Week in December 2018, which included celebrity instructors and chefs, each bringing their own expertise to the event in a super personal atmosphere. Other activities consisted of morning workout classes, beachside yoga, aquarobics, poolside cooking demonstrations, and health talks. The program also included the opportunity to go snorkeling in the Bahía de Loreto National Park, inhabited by schools of fish, clams, eels, star fish, and even octopuses.
Daily activities began with fitness classes taught by celebrity trainer, Rebecca Broxterman. She tailored the lessons to include exercises that could be taken and done at home. Though the 7:30 a.m. wakeup call seemed a little extreme while on vacation, her encouragement made the circuit and strength training sessions much easier. Getting those out of the way first thing also made breakfast more satisfying and the evening hydrotherapy treatments at the spa feel way more deserved.
Certified Nutritional Therapy Practioner and yoga instructor Beth Manos lead nutrition talks on eating intuitively and naturally. She also led meditation sessions and yoga classes on the resort’s beachside deck. Again, lessons don’t just stay in Loreto, Manos shared her meditation podcast too, so attendees could take the peaceful vibes home with them for the holidays.
Fitness isn’t the only aspect of Wellness Week—nutrition gets its own time in the spotlight as well. Celebrity chef David Fuerte created special menus for the week that focused on vegan and healthy options. Bringing in the culinary philosophies of his catering and event company Made for Chefs, his recipes put a twist on tradition. Chef Fuerte impressed attendees with dishes like matcha cauliflower mash, vegan Caesar salad, pistachio-crusted flank steak, squash blossom quinoa, and vegan chocolate banana avocado mousse.
Ultimately, Wellness Week feels very indulgent. It’s a chance to take some time for yourself and recalibrate as we head further into the new year. Make your reservation for March and get ready to feel completely restored, renewed, and transformed. The program might just become an annual—or bi-annual—tradition, allowing you to get away and reset mentally and physically.
