Traveler photographer Ralph Lee Hopkins, who shot the images in our current feature, "Is Baja on the Block?" emailed us the other day with some frustrating news.
In the Nov/Dec issue of Traveler, the Danzante Resort was mentioned in James Conaway's article, "Is Baja on the Block?" as the closest thing to a sustainable resort in Baja Californa. Sadly, I learned after the story went to press that this solar-powered nine-room eco-friendly resort south of Loreto has been sold.
Owners Lauren and Michael Farley ended a long and expensive battle with developers that bought up the land around them and wanted their beachfront. The fight is now over. Danzante has been swallowed by a mega-resort that will include high-rise hotels and a championship golf course. The small fishing town nearby has also been purchased. Rumor has it that the Mexican government has granted the necessary environmental permits to begin construction. Another pristine stretch of waterfront and wetlands along the Sea of Cortez will soon be changed and a way of life lost forever. Danzante is a prime example of what is being lost in Baja California.
Read More: Conaway recently noted that several organizations are working to help preserve the marine heritage in Baja. See his recent blog post for ways to help support them.
In the Nov/Dec issue of Traveler, the Danzante Resort was mentioned in James Conaway's article, "Is Baja on the Block?" as the closest thing to a sustainable resort in Baja Californa. Sadly, I learned after the story went to press that this solar-powered nine-room eco-friendly resort south of Loreto has been sold. Owners Lauren and Michael Farley ended a long and expensive battle with developers that bought up the land around them and wanted their beachfront. The fight is now over. Danzante has been swallowed by a mega-resort that will include high-rise hotels and a championship golf course. The small fishing town nearby has also been purchased. Rumor has it that the Mexican government has granted the necessary environmental permits to begin construction. Another pristine stretch of waterfront and wetlands along the Sea of Cortez will soon be changed and a way of life lost forever. Danzante is a prime example of what is being lost in Baja California.
Read More: Conaway recently noted that several organizations are working to help preserve the marine heritage in Baja. See his recent blog post for ways to help support them.
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Great, so now the reason people are traveling to Baja is being corrupted with high rises and sun lounger rentals?! Where does one go for some peace, quiet, and blue seas anymore?
What these people will be doing is creating an environental nightmare. I have just returned from an extensive Baja trip and it was easy to see that not many people were there compared to many previous ones. In this economy, these developers are creating something that nobody will want nor be able to afford. Danzante and it's owners were some special, it makes me feel sad and disgusted just to think about there demise and that of the whole area.
Is this true - Danzante Eco Resort is comprised of only 9 solar powered suites and there are no phones or Internet, nobody from the outside world will be able to track you down??
- Sujan P
I stayed at Danzante with my University of San Diego research group in June/July 2007 and WE LOVED IT! It was a wonderfully well-kept eco-resort with astonishing views... we kayaked to the nearby islands and snorkeled in pristine waters. The scenery while hiking the adjacent mountains was breathtaking - and we all slept on the patios amidst the perfect stars and relaxing waves. When we swam at night, there was enough bioluminescent plankton to light up the waters brightly. It was a magical experience and I am very hurt to see it go; I wanted to have my honeymoon at Danzante. It inspired me to save money to build an eco-resort one day. It will be missed.
Boo! Hoo! What a loss! Lauren and Michael provided me with one of the few "old Baja" experiences I have had since my trips of 30 years ago. What will happen to the villagers? Shame on rich developers. Shame on the Mexican government.