A BILLION DOLLAR VISION: DANZANTE BAY IN THE ISLANDS OF LORETO
Members of the FutureCast Forum recently toured the historic Mexican fishing town of Loreto on Baja California Sur and explored the growing trend for Seattle-area residents to seek lifestyles south of the border. Predicted to become the “first choice in second homes”, Loreto has gained in its popularity given its infancy as a resort market, relative home values and convenient servicing by Alaska Airlines (less than two hours from Los Angeles). A compelling alternative to the more frenetic and expensive Cabo San Lucas, property buyers, vacation goers and even the TPC Network are drawn to Loreto’s unparalleled recreation, full-service amenities and pristine natural surroundings.
“Loreto is the Baja’s next move,” said Dean Jones, President of Realogics Inc., a Seattle-based real estate marketing consultancy and owner of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty. “For the past 35 years, The Villa Group have been the foremost experts in developing world-class resort destinations in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, Cancun and now they bring their vision to the shores of Danzante Bay.”
AUTHENTICITY & NATURE CONVERGE
From the rugged grandeur of mountain ranges that blend seamlessly into pure blue waters, to the sparse population and quiet beauty of its deserts, this is a region that has inspired generations of travelers, writers and artists. The sun dances across mountains and sea in an ever-changing theater, creating an enveloping sundial that reminds us of the importance of spending our limited time in this world in a place that matters – one that inspires while nourishing the soul. The Baja asks us to rethink our definitions of a life well-lived as it offers endless beauty, tranquility and warmth. For those who adopt its poetic grandeur, it promises a lifetime of discovery as a reward.
Danzante Bay at the Islands of Loreto is the distillation of this ethos. Bounded by Baja’s majestic Sierra de la Giganta mountain range and the Sea of Cortez, this remarkable community stands as a lush oasis against the area’s diverse geology. Red rock cathedrals suggest Sedona, while cactus-dotted desert landscape is reminiscent of the Coachella Valley. At times, it’s easy to feel lost in the canyons and peaks, but for the sparkling waters of the Bahía de Loreto National Park on the horizon – a reserve so rich in marine life that Jacques Cousteau referred to its waters as “the world’s aquarium.” The Gulf of California offers infinite waterways to explore above and below the surface of the sea.
As global citizens seek to acquire a second residence to balance their active lifestyles, areas such as the Baja and Loreto are increasing in popularity with their unmatched mix of sun and fun surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Indeed, Danzante Bay offers one of the world’s most diverse and accessible palettes of eco-tourism opportunities, from hiking and mountain biking in the surrounding foothills and mountains, to snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking and trophy fishing in the unspoiled waters of the bay. Of course, a provocative 18-hole golf course by hall of fame architect Rees Jones is its signature offering, and it is already garnering a reputation as one of the “must play” courses in the world with its divergent topography and breathtaking views.
For those whose idea of recreation is a healthy dose of relaxation, Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa at the Islands of Loreto offers world-class amenities that have already seen it ranked as Mexico’s #1 Beach Resort by World Traveler. Guests and residents can enjoy a full array of services at Sabila Spa, fine regional dining or sunning themselves at the beach or one of five pools, as well as dolphin and whale watching expeditions. As a nightcap, they simply sit back and enjoy the ever-changing display of stars against a pure black sky, awaiting a new dawn of activities and wonder.
FOR THE LOVE OF PLACE
When developer Owen Perry of The Villa Group took a well-deserved break aboard his yacht, escaping the electric culture of Cabo San Lucas, he found himself constantly returning to the peaceful bounty of Danzante Bay, with its unspoiled beaches and exquisite views over the Islands of Loreto. One day, while playing backgammon with his wife Jolene, he declared, “I think this is the next world-class resort destination, dear. This could be our home.” Both are proving true.
Only a few years later, he not only built a family home in Danzante Bay, he broke ground on this 4,500-acre destination resort alongside his co-founding partner Luz Maria Torres of The Villa Group, whom he refers to as “One of the great pioneering women in Mexico’s tourism industry.” The duo, with cautious regulatory oversight, anchored the one-of-a-kind planned community in the middle of a protected nature reserve. With a streamlined ownership process that puts ocean property within easy reach of foreign nationals, interest in this unspoiled region has increased immensely. To that end, Danzante Bay at the Islands of Loreto is poised to release the first in a series of residential accomplishments for private stewardship.
In keeping with his love for the nature and culture of Loreto, Perry has meticulously conceived of a community that uniquely encompasses mountain, canyon, beach and desert living while honoring its native land, and its people, through environmental initiatives and economic opportunity that is as sustainable as it is beautiful.
EXPERIENCE A GOLF COURSE LIKE NO OTHER
TPC Danzante Bay is the embodiment of all that its astounding location represents: beach, desert, mountains, canyons and sea.
When legendary course architect Rees Jones conceived of this breathtaking project, his goal was clear – to provide a challenging but ultimately enjoyable player experience with plenty of opportunities to stop and savor the panoply of exceptional vistas.
Rees Jones worked closely with lead developer Owen Perry to establish a design that would beckon like a siren to the world’s golfers. They understood early on that the course would have to be tournament grade, yet fun and approachable by a wide range of players. They sought to create a player experience that would challenge but not frustrate the experienced golfer, which would always offer something more in the form of a day spent surrounded by immense and ever-changing natural beauty. To that end, they took the extraordinary measure of limiting residential and resort development to preserve these spectacular sight lines in perpetuity.
In bringing his vision to life, Rees Jones created a top destination course that is already being heralded as one of the world’s most spectacular golf venues and a future home to tournament play. It guides players on a mini tour of the region, gently moving from desert terrain around a lake through sand dunes and canyons, then up into the surrounding mountains, all the while poised 250 feet above the Sea of Cortez. Its iconic 17th hole is one of golf’s most dramatic locations, situated high above the sea on its own outcrop.