Valle De Guadalupe Part 1
I recently took a girls trip to Valle De Guadalupe. It is about an hour and a half from the TJ/US border in Baja. It was such an extraordinary experience that I had such hard time editing it down to just one post so I decided it just has to be a 3 parter! ;)
I really wanted to highlight our trip into three different parts. La Villa del Valle; the dreamy Villa we stayed at. The wine and dining experience that isn't to be missed. And lastly, the discovery of this little gem of a spa that is perched on a rocky canyon and offers an experience like no other with architectural details that are so cool!
I will be posting each Part of this series weekly so do come back, read along and see the beautiful places my whims took me to!
Ok, about this beautiful magical place, La Villa del Valle! It is located a short 1.5 hrs from San Diego in the heart of the Mexican Wine Country. I'll be honest the first time I went there with my husband 5-6 years ago I thought we for sure had it wrong because it is so off the beaten path and feels so remote but that is part of the beauty of it! As soon as you arrive you literally feel as if you are in a place of peace and relaxation. It sits atop a hilltop with views of vineyards, olive groves, rows of fragrant lavender and mountains on all sides. It is luxurious without being pretentious so you are encouraged to make yourself at home. Truly, I have felt like a dear friend every time I have had the pleasure of visiting.
The owners, Eileen and Phil Gregory, are welcoming and so open to share suggestions and stories about the area. The Villa is peppered with eclectic artwork created by your hosts. Every time I visit I see something new and interesting! Throughout there are small nooks and spaces to sit and enjoy your thoughts or sit over wine and talk for hours. Oh the conversations we had curled up in the patios while watching epic sunsets!
This Villa offers so many amenities from the award winning Restaurant on the grounds, Corazon de Tierra, to yoga, massage, and cooking classes that really you don't need to leave the grounds at all! I've tried to give you a small glimpse of what Eileen and Phil have created and to hopefully inspire you to travel to this part of the country that is such a well kept secret.
The question I am asked most about traveling in this area especially as a woman is, "Is it safe?" I can truthfully say I have never felt unsafe or afraid to travel these parts. Of course it goes without saying that we don't take any unnecessary risk as I wouldn't in my own city. In recent years they have developed a great taxi service that services the Valle area and is pretty much available at ANY time you need them. I'd highly suggest using it because the roads are rough and you can easily get lost. We had the same cabbie the entire trip so he became our pal by the end! (make sure to negotiate your rates ;o))
I hope you enjoy this glimpse of Mexican Wine Country and follow along on the rest of the series.
With Love,
Lucy
Our loyal companions during our stay...
I might have or have not stashed away a few of these scones. So good I asked if they sold them!
The most delicious "cafecito" and the crisp valley air.
With two littles and everything it takes to make mornings run smoothly, these morning quiet times are such a luxury.
It was a bit too chilly to enjoy the pool and jacuzzi, but next time.
One of the many amenities that Valle offers are yoga/Pilates classes in this beautiful studio by the pool. You can also arrange to have a massage on property.
If you enjoy cooking and would like to learn some new techniques while learning about the agriculture and history of the area, I would highly recommend you take a cooking class!! Our talented Chef Ismene Venegas, was so insightful and warm.
Produce fresh from the Villas garden. Picked that morning by our chef! Can't get anymore farm to table then that!
We made these! Well mostly...
There is something about sunsets in a place so quiet and secluded. It was so nice to have no agenda other then to enjoy our time, recharge and connect amongst this beautiful landscape.
Saying goodbye to our friend... Till next time Valle, thank you for the memories and for quieting the mind even if just for three perfect days!