Last Updated on September 9, 2022
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We love Mexico —especially it’s magnificent coastlines. So, when we heard about the off-the-beaten-path destination known as San Felipe, we knew we’d have to check it out. And if you’re looking for a San Felipe vacation rental, Sandollar Resort is the perfect home base!
Located on the northeastern side of the Baja Peninsula, San Felipe is a throwback to earlier days when Mexican coastal towns were mere quaint fishing villages and life was easygoing and carefree. Friends who visit here often describe San Felipe as a “place where time practically stands still.” Add in the fact that it’s only a four-hour drive from San Diego or six-hours from Phoenix, and that makes it an ideal long weekend getaway.
The Sandollar Resort in San Felipe
John and Claire Trinkle purchased the stunning oceanfront property in the early 90s where the Sandollar Resort currently sits. The resort they built was named for the sand dollars that regularly wash up on the beach at low tide.
John chose this San Felipe piece of land as he fondly remembers camping on these Baja beaches as a child with his family. Those warm unforgettable memories led him to the decision to purchase the property. The stars all seemed to align and Sandollar grew to become a reality John and Claire could share with friends, family, and visitors coming to San Felipe for peace and relaxation.
And what an idyllic hideaway it is. We were immediately captivated by the sparkling tourmaline waters of the Sea of Cortez and long stretches of white-sandy beach fronting the resort as far as the eye can see.
The Sandollar Condos
Each of Sandollar’s condos and villas are decorated in beach, nautical, desert, or golf themes all paying homage to the magnificent and varying Baja environs. What this means for guests is no matter how small or large your vacation needs, Sandollar can accommodate them with the perfect vacation experience.
Our home-away-from-home paradise was named El Presidente, a spacious, single story, 2,800-square foot tiled oceanfront villa that can easily sleep 10 guests. Fully-furnished with three bedrooms, two full baths, kitchen, dining room, and living room, the villa is perfect for a gathering of family or friends. Cozy and comfortably appointed with bold colors of Mexico and the sea, it was the ideal place to celebrate the relaxed, slower-paced Baja lifestyle.
As the resort is located just a five-minute drive from town, it’s easy to get to a grocery store, stock up on supplies, and enjoy all there is to see in San Felipe. Several convenience stores are only a few blocks away, which came in handy when we realized we’d forgotten to buy a bag of ice.
Sandollar Resort Views and Amenities
The villa itself was beautiful, but another showstopper awaited us outside. Three patios surround the villa, one with a full bar, the other two with stunning ocean views. Guests who love to fish can even grill their fresh catches on the outdoor barbeque, and eat from a variety of outdoor tables, including our favorite, a thatched roof palapa overlooking the Sea of Cortez.
The spacious patio also sports an irresistible swing to chill and take in the palm-tree views while gentle waves kissed the sand below. It’s escapism at its very best in this tropical laid-back oceanfront property.
A sparkling outdoor pool overlooking the ocean features a statue of Poseidon and a waterfall. Beautifully hand-painted colorful murals celebrating the ocean and its magical sea life tower over the pool. A separate and expansive infinity-edge hot tub is a great place to unwind. And a separate game room and fitness area are located just off the pool.
You Can’t Beat Being Beachfront in San Felipe
The white-sand beach fronting the property is great for swimming. The sea here is shallow for a long way out and wave action is pretty calm. At low tide, beachcombers come to collect shells and sand dollars nestled in the sand.
But one of our biggest surprises was discovering that there are not one, but two high and low tides each day with an impressive 65-foot tidal swing that exposes over a ½ mile of beach. It’s not like anything we’ve ever experienced before.
For those into sunbathing, lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for guests. Surfboards, kayaks and a large inflatable Zodiac are complimentary and available on site for those seeking more water adventure. Golf enthusiasts love the 18-hole Las Caras de Mexico (Faces of Mexico) course located just minutes away with its unparalleled views of the Sea of Cortez and San Felipe mountains.
Sunsets from Sandollar are just awe-inspiring. As darkness falls, the lights from the charming town sparkle in the distance. With no street lights to compete, star gazing from the resort is an incredible experience.
James Carroll once said “There are times when we stop. We sit still…we listen and breezes from a whole other world begin to whisper.”
That’s the experience of a stay in San Felipe, where the sunshine, waves, and breezes just seem to carry every day burdens away. At the Sandollar, buena vida. Life is good.
