Discover Loreto

Rent a bike when in Loreto Bay. It’s a great, eco-friendly way to get around.

If you haven’t visited Loreto Bay or seen photos of the area in recent years, you may be surprised. Those that remember 2005, will remember dirt. That’s all there was here next to the Sea of Cortez. Early homes sold based merely on dreams (not to mention some gorgeous water color brochures produced by the LB marketing team) — and the promise of eco-friendly construction and operation. Three years later everything would come crashing down with the global real estate meltdown and ensuing recession.

Flash forward, and, in 2014, things here in Loreto Bay appear… well… normal. Lovely actually. And, yes, at times, marketing lingo be damned, even soul stirring. How can it not? There’s the stunning Sierra de la Giganta to the West, and the crystal waters that are the Sea of Cortez to the East. Add to the mix the historic fishing village of Loreto, located about 20 minutes north of Loreto Bay, and you have the ingredients for one of the world’s greatest getaway secrets.

Back in the day, living here in Loreto Bay–even for short visits–required several visits to town. That’s changing. Local businesses are popping up along the Paseo in Loreto Bay. There’s a handy General Store, a cafe that converts into a “pop-up” restaurant on occasion (El Corazon), a restaurant (El Cardon), Wine Bar (with a healthy array of flatscreens for NHL, NFL and other sporting events), several property management services (BajaBoss, Bahia Management- who just celebrated their 5th year anniversary, Agua Viva Management, among others), a clothing store, a tour company (Viva Loreto Tours), a community center (with free wi-fi no less), a pizzeria, a spa (Liliz), and, the most recent, addition, a boutique groceteria (Deli/Dali). So, in other words, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone.

Meanwhile, in town, things look a whole lot different than even just a few years ago.

The biggest news in Loreto, at least from an economic perspective, is the emergence of what I’d describe as the area’s first Safeway: Ley Super Express. No longer do I need to buy Coca-Cola Lights individually. I can buy them by the case (and all was right with the world). Same for Tecate. You can’t help but think after watching cashiers process throngs of locals checking out here; a middle class in Loreto is emerging. Word is a Walmart-backed store is soon to follow. In some eyes this is all tainting an innocent seaside town. But note the improvements to the streets (most are no longer dirt), the upgraded Malecon, the bustling local stores, the general air of prosperity, and it’s hard not to believe this is a positive development.

IN PHOTOS: Loreto Bay and Loreto

View to the Sea of Cortez from the viewing tower of a Loreto Bay village home.

Courtyard of a “Nueva Chica” model in the Loreto Bay resort located in Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Inside a Loreto Bay home.

Cupola. Many Loreto Bay homes feature a cupola. Located above the kitchen the small towers help air ventilation.

Farmer’s Market. Every Sunday morning just north of Loreto, off Highway 1, the community congregates for fresh veggies, assorted goods, and for a relaxing time with friends and family.

A drive along Highway 1 (the one and only main highway in Baja and Baja California Sur) reveals many pinch-me viewing opportunities.

Though main roads are typically paved, expect a dirt one here and there – it’s all part of the Baja experience.

If you visit Loreto, consider a trip to the Villa del Palmar resort. Located about 40 minutes south of Loreto Bay, here you can enjoy spa services, seaside dining, and luxurious amenities.

Checking in to the 39,000 sq. ft Sabila spa at Villa Del Palmar.

Hitchcock?

View of “Agua Viva” in Loreto Bay. Located to the north of the development it is the 2nd of two neighborhoods. The first, “Founders”, began construction in 2005.

At the heart of the Loreto Bay resort are two condo buildings (Posadas). Construction stalled in 2008. Sales have resumed, and so has construction.

1 bedroom units start at $179,000 USD.

Many spaces in the Loreto Bay villages feature fountains, and community gathering spots.

A custom village home in Founders, Loreto Bay.

A new home goes up in Loreto Bay.

We interrupt this program to bring you… Revolution Day! A fiesta on November 20, 2014 in Loreto Bay. Truly special.

My wife Loni slips into the Liliz spa in Loreto Bay.

Take a ride.

Entrance to El Corazon, a popular cafe in Loreto Bay.

Loreto entrepreneur Pedro Lopez gives Loni Stark the tour of a lifetime. His new boutique groceteria is located in the north end of Loreto Bay, and will be a great convenience to those looking for last-minute goods.

Dust reduction. Many open spaces in Loreto Bay have been covered with gravel.

A view across Agua Viva.

Sierra de la Giganta!

The lap pool in Founders. World class.

Most pathways in Loreto Bay now feature lighting. Flashlights still come in handy, but night time strolls are now much safer thanks to the increased visibility.

Saludos! Thanks for reading Discover Loreto.