Down Mexico Way

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28 JULY 2004
Matches made in heaven
Just a few miles along the coast lies Las Ventanas al Paraiso – the windows to paradise. You won’t find any check-in desks at this 12-acre resort; instead you’re greeted by a memorable panorama of meandering waterways, stunning infinity pools staffed by pool butlers, and cool white Mediterranean style buildings.

A member of staff will show you to your suite where you’ll find a huge marble shower, Jacuzzi for two, telescope for stargazing and whale spotting, and a terrace with comfy sofas perfect for taking in sea views. If you do stray from your room, further delights include a sweeping golden sandy beach and a world-class spa.

Most guests dine in the open-sided restaurant, which is shaded by an enormous thatched roof, or in the more casual Sea Grill, but you can also arrange a romantic torch-lit dinner on the beach. Many a marriage offer has been made here – but whether any celebrity proposals were among them the ever-discreet staff aren’t telling.

And the best ways to spend your days? Unsurprisingly for a state where nowhere is further than 90km from either the Pacific Ocean or the Sea of Cortez, most activities centre around the water. More than 800 species of fish make Baja a prime site for diving and fishing.

But the most spectacular sight these waters have to offer is the annual grey whale migration. Between December and April thousands of Alaskan grey whales travel some 10,000km to mate and breed. There are three main “sanctuaries” where you can watch them but you’re also likely to see these magnificent creatures from the beach as they pass by, often just 50 metres or so from the shore.