Last Updated on April 5, 2023
Fondly referred to as “Arizona’s Beach,” Puerto Peñasco is so nicknamed as it happens to be the closest coastal beach town to major Arizona cities. The ideal place to stay is at Las Palomas Beach and Golf Resort Mexico, the largest master planned community in Puerto Peñasco with a total of 450 villas located throughout 16 floors in nine buildings/towers.
Sitting only 66 miles south of the U.S.-Arizona border, the drive from Tucson and Phoenix takes approximately 3 ½ to 4 hours, making this the most popular seaside oasis from these desert locales. And it’s only 5 ½ hours by car from San Diego.
Many Americans refer to this region by its English name ‘Rocky Point,’ so named by a retired Royal Navy lieutenant for its rocky landscape jutting out into the ocean.
The small fishing village located on the Sea of Cortez has transformed itself into a popular vacation destination, while still retaining an off-the-beaten-path laid-back vibe. And that’s the magic of vacationing here.
I love it for a long weekend of fun in the sun, mouthwatering Baja cuisine, and loads of pleasant surprises.
Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico
Warm and welcoming, Las Palomas Beach and Golf Resort Mexico is located in the exclusive area of Sandy Beach features fully furnished villas providing guests that home-away-from-home feel. My well-appointed villa with a balcony overlooked infinity pools, a lazy river, and the azure waters of the Sea of Cortez. Not a bad way to wake up each morning!
As a matter of fact, what makes Las Palomas so popular with visitors is that all of its condominiums or villas have ocean views.
Because of its close proximity to Arizona and Southern California, Las Palomas attracts couples, groups of friends and families. As a result, visitors can choose between one to four bedroom condos. Each one is individually decorated by its individual owner, fully furnished and equipped with gourmet kitchens, spacious living rooms, dining areas and a washer/dryer.
My visit to the area was with a group of friends from San Diego.
We booked two one-bedroom condominiums ideal for the four of us. Each had a master bedroom, full bath and outdoor balcony. Our one-bedroom consisted of 1140-square-feet located on the 7th floor of the resort. Because it had been recently renovated, it felt as though we were staying in a brand-new condo.
Both of our accommodations featured a classy beachy theme in its colors, throw pillows, wall art and other décor.
Las Polomas Resort Amenities
Las Palomas is all about unwinding, and as such, the resort offers many ways for visitors to do just that.
We enjoyed spending time at the picturesque outdoor pools, particularly the main pool with its infinity edge allowing for stunning ocean views. The lazy river and water slide are well-loved features. A private beach for guests is ideal for soaking up the sun, and includes beach loungers and umbrellas.
The covered hammock area is a great place for chilling.
For those looking for more adventure, the Links Golf Course is a par-72, 18-hole, world-class championship course. Fitness facilities and spa services are also available.
Activities at the resort celebrate the Mexican culture and the blessing of its location right on the sea.
Kids and adults alike thoroughly enjoyed the piñata-making program and sand castle competitions. These are joyous occasions seeing families working together and having fun on their vacation.
Adults into the foodie scene can sign up for lessons on how to make fresh ceviche and guacamole. Spanish classes are available for those wishing to become better acquainted with or more conversant in the local language.
Book your stay at Las Palomas Beach and Golf Resort
Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico
For those wanting to venture out from Las Palomas Beach and Golf Resort Mexico and explore Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico, the hotel concierge staff is so helpful in assisting with tours and reservations.
This includes ziplining, scuba diving and snorkeling, deep sea fishing, water skiing, windsurfing, boat tours including sunset sails, rock climbing, cave exploring and spelunking. Guests can also make arrangements for personal motorized watercraft located at the resort.
If you’re into kayaking and paddle boarding, the 40-acre saltwater lagoon at Laguna Del Mar is surrounded by bluebird skies and breathtaking scenery. While an emerald-green Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course is the highlight of the beautiful club property, kayaking and paddle-boarding are popular sports and it’s not hard to see why.
As we paddled through the picturesque tranquil lagoon, it’s almost as if there’s an unspoken rule of conversing in hushed tones. Sounds of the chirping birds, splashing ducks, and fish jumping in the water are the universe’s way of saying, “Take note. Today is your day to be one with Mother Nature.”
Las Palomas Resort Restaurants
Two main restaurants provide exceptional dining experiences at Las Palomas.
La Maria Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. During breakfast, guests can order from the a la carte menu, and during our weekend visit, the restaurant featured an impressive buffet.
The lunch/dinner menu includes Mexican appetizers and main courses. Consider ordering the traditional Molcajete Mixto for two which includes flank steak, octopus, shrimp, panela cheese, chambray onion, fried chili and beans in sauce accompanied by corn or flower tortillas. It’s divine.
Citron, also open for breakfast, lunch and dinner offers gourmet options like poached eggs with Norwegian salmon in the morning. For lunch and dinner, you’ll want to focus on the fresh seafood coming straight from the Sea of Cortez. My favorite? The succulent jumbo prawns however the menu or the chef suggests their preparation.
Things to do in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico
You’re in Mexico. So, enjoy it. Every beach city has a Malecon. Puerto Peñasco’s is a vibrant, easily walkable oceanfront promenade along the Sea of Cortez located just 10 minutes from the resort. Vendors here sell everything from street foods (street tacos are amazing here), to ice cream, local drink specialties, Mexican art and handcrafted jewelry.
For one incredible evening of wine tasting, sangria, small plates and some of the best paella I’ve ever tasted, El Tapeo Wine Bar delivered. It’s no wonder every table on its colorful outdoor, wine-inspired patio was filled with happy patrons celebrating life. Gentle breezes blowing off the ocean made for a perfect evening.
Tired as my friends and I were from a day of travel and adventure, once the jazz band started playing, it was impossible to leave. We kept telling ourselves, “We’ll stay for one more song.”
And then another and another.
When we crossed the border back to the U.S after our long weekend, we were in total agreement that checking out Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico for a girl’s getaway was a wonderful choice. Its many delightful offerings along with a stay at Las Palomas Beach and Golf Resort Mexico more than exceeded our expectations.
Book your stay at Las Palomas Beach and Golf Resort!
