pebbles1 - 5-4-2008 at 04:13 PM
I am coming from New Zealand to meet my partner for a break in Mexico. We need to fly from LA and looking for a relaxing beach side holiday. A
reasonably priced cabana/bungalow on the beach would be perfect. Preferably a relaxed town, not too tourist busy. Looking at Loreto or Manzanillo but
would appreciate suggestions of locations and accommodation options.
Many thanks
pebbles1 - 5-4-2008 at 04:42 PM
I meant to add that we will be visiting in July.
Udo - 5-4-2008 at 05:23 PM
Hola pebbles1!
Flying in from NZ you would be better off @ Manzanillo. Although Loreto has a decent airport, it's an expensive one to fly in from LAX, and unless you
are into fishing, Loreto is not your beach-party town. All accomodations are across the street from the beach, and the most decent eating
establishments are about a mile away. Manzanillo is a cool place with lots going on and you could get away at moderate expenses. One place you would
fall in love with, however, is La Paz. Yes, it is a big city, but if you stick near the malecon, you get the small town atmosphere. There is lots to
do if you stay near the malecon (incredible sunsets). The hotels have lots of connections on tours, dive trips, camping in the Isla Espiritu Santo,
kayaking, fishing. And on top of that, if you rent a car, Cabo San Lucas is two hours away. Todos Santos is an hour away and you'll fall in love with
it also. Cabo is not the Mexico you think of. It is more like the Riviera in Europe, and everything is very expensive, especially with the exchange
rate of your NZ Dollar. It will be cheaper to rent a car at the malecon than at the airport, which is 20 minutes away by taxi
I recommend staying at the Casa Tuscany Inn B&B in La Paz www.tuscanybaja.com. +612/1288103.They only have 4 rooms, but the service and attention to details makes the inn a destination. You are a two
minute walk to the waterfront. The best and least expensive restaurants are at the south end of the malecon...about 10 minute walk from the inn.
July will be fairly humid in southern Baja as well as the west coast of mainland Mexico...but you should be used to that in NZ.
Udo - 5-4-2008 at 05:28 PM
By the way, as you are reading this post in NZ, I think it is about 8 p.m. on a Monday, isn't it? So you should still be awake. Right now it is after
5 p.m. on Sunday
Don Alley - 5-4-2008 at 05:35 PM
In Loreto:
Hotel Oasis, in town, on the beach, walk to restaurants, shops, marina, etc. Restaurant and bar on site. I've never stayed there but it gets good
reviews.
Inn at Loreto Bay, on a small but very nice beach, very scenic spot. But it's in Nopolo, an expensive cab ride from Loreto, few places there to eat or
shop. Could get boring. Tons of construction in the area, and as touristy as Loreto gets.
Desert Inn, formerly La Pinta, on the beach in Loreto, but gets many poor reviews.
Danzante Resort, about 20 miles south of Loreto. Fabulous location, good beach, kayaks available and small islands and incredible shoreline within
easy reach. I think it's expensive, but worth it. Tasteless time share developers are invading soon, so get this one while it lasts. If you want
seclusion, go for it.
There are some small operations on the beach on the north side of Loreto. http://www.stayinloreto.com/ andhttp://www.loretoplaya.com/. Check out their web sites.
We've only stayed at one beach front hotel in BCS, and that's Martin Verdugo's in Los Barriles. Low price, huge beach, good fishing, walk or drive to
good restaurants. Long cab ride from an airport, though.
Cabo area beach front hotels: I never stayed at one, but I've seen them and they scare me.
David K - 5-4-2008 at 06:15 PM
Understand that July is our SUMMER... and it will be hot and humid in the tropics of Mexico.
Russ - 5-4-2008 at 06:50 PM
I agree with La Paz for "got it all" possibilities. Also it gets a bit of a cooling breeze in the evening during the summer. If you have specific
things you would like to see and do ask here and someone will explain and/or post photos. You'll Have a good time!
Diver - 5-4-2008 at 07:02 PM
Fly into La Paz, spend a day or 2 in the city and then a few days at Baja Joes in La Ventana on the beach.
Udo - 5-5-2008 at 08:08 AM
Ey, pebbles1,
I forgot to tell you that the owners of the inn are also from NZ
tripledigitken - 5-5-2008 at 08:59 AM
La Paz is a great suggestion. I would add that a few days or the whole time spent in Todos Santos would be great also. Pacific Ocean breezes and
small town ambiance. Todos Santos Inn right in town is a great place to stay.
Ken
pebbles1 - 5-5-2008 at 02:14 PM
Thanks everyone, I have some great ideas now and all the places suggested look fantastic.
Your help is much appreciated! I'm looking forward to escaping the cold winter of NZ and enjoying a break in the sun.
805gregg - 5-8-2008 at 07:10 AM
Check out Sayulita on the mainland about 1 hr north of Puerto Vallarta, great little small town with nice beach and reasonable accomodations right on
the beach.