Famed Golf Architect Rees Jones (left) and Villa Group Owner Owen Perry discuss the future of the Danzante Bay Golf Course at Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto.
This is going to be a golf course that both avid and casual golfers will want to travel to play, enjoy and experience. - Rees Jones, owner of Rees Jones Golf Course Design, Inc.
(PRWEB) May 06, 2014
Villa del Palmar Resort at the Islands of Loreto welcomed world-renowned golf architect Rees Jones, also known as the “U.S. Open Doctor,” to the property to tour progress on the spectacular 18-hole Danzante Bay Golf Course, which is taking shape at the resort.
A meeting between Jones, of the famed golf course architects at Rees Jones Golf Course Design, Inc., and Villa Group co-owners Owen Perry and Luz Maria Torres, unveiled that the 7,400-yard course will tout magnificent views of Danzante Bay and the Sea of Cortez to the East, as well as the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range to the West. The Islands of Loreto in Baja, Mexico, can be best described as a cross between a Palm Springs mountain view and the natural beauty of Costa Rica, set on the spectacular Sea of Cortez.
The first phase of the golf course will open in November 2014 with ocean-facing holes closest to the resort, a clubhouse featuring ocean views, as well as an 18-hole putting course that will be a miniature version of the larger course where families can practice together.
In addition, it is slated to open with a state-of-the-art practice facility situated toward the mountain range and a Pro Shop with quality rental clubs and golf cart rentals. Golf lessons with a professional instructor will also be available.
“Most of the world’s most popular golf courses that have stood the test of time were built slowly,” said Jones. “Golf holes aren't really designed and built from a plan – you feel them in the land. This land is so good it tells us what to do. The holes fit the land naturally.”
Danzante Bay Golf Course will showcase a crescendo of diversified golf holes that will pay homage to how golf originated – where the land meets the sea.
The course will utilize Paspalum turf, ideal for the climate in Baja, and will play through a variety of settings including valleys, arroyos, foothills and dunes, with holes featuring stunning views of the Sea of Cortez, the majestic Sierra de la Giganta mountain range and the surrounding Islands of Loreto. The course will also contain a lake at its center, between holes 10 and 11. Jones says hole 13, situated on Danzante Bay, will be one of the most spectacular Par 3 holes in golf.
“This is going to be a golf course that both avid and casual golfers will want to travel to play, enjoy and experience,” said Jones, who mentioned that the course will be playable by any caliber golfer. “This golf course will have open entrances, pockets and sandy areas to capture the ball and keep it from going to the dessert, and green contours that are manageable in the wind. People will want to play it over and over again because the conditions will change with the wind.”
Owen Perry mentioned that in addition to Jones’ reputation as an artist and true golf architect (Jones is known as “The Open Doctor” for his redesign of numerous courses in preparation for major golf championships), another reason for partnering on the course is Jones’ talent for designing a challenging, yet friendly course, that also takes the natural habitat of the area into consideration.
“Being located in the protected marine park, we adhered to stringent environmental rules, and we gladly accepted the challenge, because we feel that is going to keep the Islands of Loreto unique,” said Owen Perry.
Also expected to begin in November to accompany the opening of the first phase of the golf course development is the sale of 150 half-acre residential lots in a master planned community with stunning views of Danzante Bay and the Sea of Cortez. Development of the homes, which will be elevated above the course to maximize views and minimize potential damage from stray drives, are expected to begin shortly after. The sites will offer the same great sea-to-mountain views as available at Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto and will make perfect year-round or vacation homes for their owners.
“Home owners and resort guests will love the opportunity to wake up in the morning and go for a walk on the beach, go fishing for half a day, and top off the afternoon with a nice round of golf or a relaxing massage at our 39,000 square-foot Sabila Spa,” said Owen Perry. “There will be something for the entire family.”
The Villa Group will be investing $25 million into the golf course and surrounding development over the next three years, which is a testament to how much confidence the luxury resort operator has in the destination of the Islands of Loreto.
Nestled in the majestic Sierra de la Giganta mountain range and situated on one of the most pristine coastlines in the world along the Sea of Cortez, Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto allows guests to enjoy the unspoiled beauty and charm of the Islands of Loreto. Over the course of three short years, Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto has been rapidly growing in popularity with adventure-seekers and connoisseurs of pure relaxation alike.
“I have not found anywhere else where you can actually kayak or paddle board to different islands, discover a beach that no one has been to before and have a completely different adventure every time you come here, all within a two-hour flight from Los Angeles,” said Owen Perry. “Once people discover Loreto, they will be surprised such a unique area is so close.”
Alaska Airlines offers a daily flight schedule from Los Angeles to the Islands of Loreto.
For resort reservations or additional information, please contact the resort at reservaciones.vdpl(at)vgloreto(dot)com or call 800.790.4187. To learn more about Villa del Palmar, contact your preferred travel professional, visit http://www.villadelpalmarloreto.com/ or call the number above.
About Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto: Baja’s First Million Star Resort
Villa del Palmar at The Islands of Loreto is a self-contained destination resort on the Sea of Cortez, off the eastern coast of the Baja peninsula overlooking Danzante Island (one of five in the region). It features 181 new, spacious, beautifully appointed Deluxe Ocean View, one, two and three bedroom Suites with balcony or terrace, stunning ocean views, mountain views, outstanding restaurants, an attentive English-speaking staff, five swimming pools, a 39,000 square feet Spa, two tennis courts, beautiful beaches and a mild and warm climate year-round. The New York Times lists Loreto in its Top Ten Places to go in 2011. The travel article featuring The Islands of Loreto, Baja California South, Mexico ranked first among readers.
Guests can enjoy scuba and snorkeling tours in the protected Marine Park within the five prominent Loreto Islands, horseback riding, swimming, world-class fishing (catch a Dorado and bring it home to have a Villa del Palmar at The Islands of Loreto chef prepare it for you), paddle boarding, kayaking, whale watching and mountain biking. With complimentary shuttle service, guests can explore the historic town at the Islands of Loreto and visit the 1697 mission that made the town famous. The area is also known for its wildlife, including the 900 species of fish off the coast and in an area that has been declared a World Heritage Site. Hotel perks include a spa and fitness center, massages, salsa dance lessons and movie nights for children.