Travel Agent - September 15, 2008 - (Page 46)

DESTINATIONS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 44 caverns, bays, oasis, a multitude of islands and coves, all influencing and being influenced by the climate of the region. Where to Stay Accommodations throughout Loreto are varied and well suited to appeal to a wide range of interests and tastes. On a secluded cove on the Sea of Cortés is the Inn at Loreto Bay (www. innatloretobay.com), part of the Villages of Loreto Bay master-planned community. The 155-room hotel opened its doors in February 2002. It was specifically designed to take advantage of the landscapes offered by the Sea of Cortés and the Sierra de la Giganta Mountains. Resort amenities include a fitness center, an exclusive beach club, spa and three onsite restaurants. The Inn at Loreto Bay has its own beach and wading pools. The Inn borders the golf course with views of the Sea of Cortés. Loreto Bay Company and Citigroup Investment Partners in December of 2005 acquired the hotel, formerly the Camino Real hotel. The best room is the Cortés Suite, a onebedroom suite on the top floor of the hotel with spectacular ocean views and a large balcony. Agents should call the reservations department at 011-52-613-133-0010 and ask for Maude Valdez or e-mail maudev@loretobay.com. A favorite hotel of sport fishermen and nature lovers, Hotel Oasis (www.hoteloasis. com) is a 40-room, family-owned hotel that sits right on the beach at the south end of Loreto’s malecón (boardwalk). Right on the beach at the south end of the main boardwalk in Loreto, Hotel Oasis offers clients easy access to local shops, restaurants and historic sites. The property has 39 rooms and three room categories: Pool Area, Ocean View and Suite. The best room on the property is room #8, an Ocean View room, right on the beach. It has recently been renovated. Agents can book by calling Adrianna Malvido in the reservations department at 011-52-613-1350211 or loretooasis@prodigy.net.mx. Built in “old hacienda” style, Posada de las Flores (www.posadadelasflores.com) is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Loreto, in front of the town’s main square and near Loreto’s ancient mission. Posada de las Flores is for the discerning traveler looking for a unique and intimate experience. The ambiance is considered “antique Mexican.” The hotel has 15 rooms, including 10 Standard Rooms and five Junior Suites. The best room is considered to be the Bouganvilia (or Corner) Junior Suite, which has views of Loreto’s main square. Agents should call the reservations department at 011-52-57-57-3600 and ask for Susana Villena or e-mail villena@ posadadelasflores.com. CONTINUED ON PAGE 48 AGENTADVICE “The actual town of Loreto is still very typical Mexican, however the malecón has been completely redone,” says Marianne Braly of Now Voyager Travel, a Signature Travel Network member, based in Huntington Beach, CA. “If that is appealing to travelers, then they must stay at the Hotel Posada de Las Flores. The newer, more touristy area is called Nopolo, south of the town of Loreto. Here you’ll find the Inn at Loreto Bay Resort (formerly the Camino Real) and activities like golf and tennis. Surprisingly, the Tennis Center in Nopolo, near the Inn at Loreto Bay, was designed by John McEnroe and has nine courts, lit for night play. Fishing is still the big draw here, as is whale watching in January, February and March. “Nightlife is still pretty quiet, mostly small cafés and bars,” adds Braly. “A great restaurant for the best breakfast in the town of Loreto is Café Ole. A great day trip is to Mission San Javier, about a two-hour drive on a dirt road, but worth it, a real step back in time to a quaint Mexican village.” A bedroom at the Inn at Loreto Bay with a view of the Sea of Cortés 46 | TravelAgent September 15, 2008 http://www.hoteloasis.com http://www.hoteloasis.com http://www.innatloretobay.com http://www.innatloretobay.com http://www.posadadelasflores.com

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Travel Agent - September 15, 2008 Online Now Contents Agent Insider From the Editor Hawaii Europe Pacific/Asia Las Vegas US Airways Vacations - Atlantis, Paradise Island Specialist Central & South America Mexico Caribbean Cruises Cover Story: Merge Mania France by Rail Weddings & Honeymoons Gay & Lesbian Travel Tours Agent Profile Triptailor Vacations Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Vegas Week Insights on Singapore Travel Leaders Builds New Alliances The Latest from the Caribbean A Sneak Peek at a New Ship Classified Marketplace In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch Special Supplement: Thailand Travel Planner

Travel Agent - September 15, 2008

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