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The Best Places to Get Away from It All
Rancho La Puerta: In 1940, well before resort spas were the rage -- or even an acceptable form of vacationing -- Rancho La Puerta opened its doors. It was called a "health camp" then, and today it is considered a pioneer of the modern spa and fitness movement. In the more than 50 years it's been in operation, it has consistently been at the cutting edge of promoting health and wellness. It emphasizes a mind/body/spirit philosophy in one of the most relaxing and pristine settings you can imagine. For those looking to get away from it all in search of your best self, this is the place.
Cabo Pulmo: It's only a 37km (60-mile) drive from the Los Cabos airport to Cabo Pulmo, yet if the mounded Sierra de La Laguna peaks weren't a dead giveaway for Baja, you could be in the South Pacific. Swaying in the shade of a palapa-roofed bungalow fronting the Sea of Cortez, you won't care where you are -- you just won't want to leave. The coral reef itself is a sight to behold, but the real attraction is the flourishing sea life in this protected marine park. The underwater world is ideal for washing away earthly cares, and extensive hiking/mountain-biking trails loop through the mountains, for those who prefer the peace of the desert.
Camping near Loreto: The beautiful succession of tranquil coves and beaches bordering Loreto makes for a few great places to set up camp. Once settled you can kayak the coast, explore the desert, hike a hill, or just hold court on the sand.
Punta Colorada, East Cape: Baja's East Cape is close enough to the bustle of Los Cabos that you can drift as far away as you want while being close enough to do lunch or dinner in San José. Punta Colorada is a classically stark Baja escape steeped in a culture of fishing, hiking, bird watching, beach combing, and, more than anything, just being.
Valle de Guadalupe: Mexico's wine country bears little resemblance to the tourism-oriented wineries of Northern California. Here you'll find plenty of peace and quiet in the midst of acres of vineyards. A couple of small inns welcome visitors who want to stop and smell the grapes -- or vintages produced here. And, its eclectic history makes exploring the area a treat.
El Santuario: This resort's location, 40km (25 miles) south of Loreto on pristine Ensenada Blanca Bay, makes it far away from most everything, but you won't miss a thing. Nestled in rolling sand dunes, six small palapa-topped casitas are located throughout the property, allowing for privacy in the stillness of this sustainable eco-retreat. All meals -- mostly vegetarian -- and a host of activities are included in the rate. Therapy sessions based on the mind-body connection also are available with one of the owners, a renowned psychotherapist from California.
Posada La Poza: On its own, a visit to Todos Santos feels worlds away -- especially from the crowds of Los Cabos -- but nestled beside a quiet lagoon that borders the Pacific is Posada La Poza. This gracious boutique retreat, awash in desert colors, birdsong, and meticulous detail, will take you even farther into your own reverie.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
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