What accommodations are available at La Casa de Ensueño?
The two story property offers two separate and private living quarters.
The colorful second floor living quarter named “La Ventana” has a full kitchen with dishwasher, two large bedrooms with King Size beds, two bathrooms with showers, family room, living room, and dining room. La Ventana includes access to the large palapa covered front porch which includes authentic Mexican equipale table and chairs and comfortable lounge chairs. From La Ventana’s front palapa covered porch and from several of the interior living spaces, you will have stunning views of the Sea of Cortez and Isla Coronado and Isla Carmen hillsides and the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range.
The first floor living quarter named “El Jardin” has two bedrooms with Queen Size beds, one bathroom with shower, kitchen with breakfast bar and a family room. El Jardin includes access to a private palapa covered porch on the back of the property. El Jardin does not offer any views from the interior living quarters.
Our living quarters are perfect for travelers who are looking for a quiet, relaxing, peaceful vacation. Many of our guests enjoy sight-seeing, walks on the beach, hiking in the desert, exploring cave paintings and petroglyphs, shopping, dining at authentic Baja taco street vendors, fine dining, snorkeling, scuba diving, sea kayaking, horseback riding, whale watching, golfing, etc. The choices are endless!
Each of the two separate living quarters feature a private entrance, direct beach access and free use of sea kayaks and cruiser-style bicycles. La Casa de Ensueño, located in the quiet and peaceful Spanish colonial architectural community of Costa Loreto, is less than one mile from the Loreto town center.
Is there covered shelter for my vehicle?
Yes – there is a large covered palapa carport that has more than enough room for two vehicles (max 10 foot height). The property also has a 1200 sq ft garage for indoor boat and auto storage, that dependent upon availability, may be reserved in advance for an additional fee. Please note the maximum interior height is 9 1/2 feet.
Is there an ocean view from the property?
The second floor living quarter includes spectacular views of the Sea of Cortez and Isla Coronado and Isla Carmen hillsides and the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range from the palapa covered patio and from several of the interior living spaces.
The first floor living quarter does not offer any views. However, beach access is less than fifty strides directly off the property.
How do I get to Loreto Baja California Sur (BCS) and La Casa de Ensueño?
Loreto is one of the most historic and picturesque towns in Baja and can be easily reached by a 90 minute direct flight from Los Angeles on Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines or AeroMexico. NEW starting in June, 2007 Continental Airlines is going to start flying in direct from Houston, TX.
For the more adventuresome, you may choose to drive your personal vehicle to Loreto BCS. Loreto is located a mere 750 miles south of San Diego, California via Mexico Highway 1 out of Tijuana, Baja California Norte. You will enter the state of Baja California Sur at the city of Guerrero Negro (approx. driving time around ten hours). You’re not here yet. Another five hours south of Guerrero Negro you will turn left at the sign reading "Loreto" and continue to the waterfront or "malecon" on Avenida Salvatierra. At the waterfront, turn right and proceed one block to the “Loreto Solutions” office where you will contact Tere Muro for the Keys and directions to La Casa de Ensueño.
How do we get from the airport to La Casa de Ensueño?
There are taxis waiting at the airport upon your arrival. The Loreto International Airport (LTO) is very small and you will have no problem getting a ride. The cost should be no more than $25.00.
If you prefer, you can rent a car or off road vehicle. Rental cars are available through Budget, Hertz, and now Europcar. Although the rental agencies are located in Loreto and at the airport, it is recommended that you contact your preferred rental agency ahead of your arrival to make a reservation. Some of our clients have reported they have gotten better rates over the internet. To visit the beautiful, pristine beaches on Bahia Concepcion, one hour north of town, the quaint town of Mulege, beaches south of Loreto or other places of interest, we suggest you rent a car for a few days.
Who do we contact for the Keys to the property and for any other special needs?
Tere and Enrique Muro with Loreto Solutions, a local family owned company, manages La Casa de Ensueño. The Loreto Solutions office is located on the south end of the malecon.
Directions to Loreto Solutions: Drive to the waterfront or "malecon" on Avenida Salvatierra. At the waterfront, turn right and proceed one block to “Loreto Solutions” where you will contact Tere Muro for the Keys and directions to La Casa de Ensueño. Tere Muro speaks English very well and can be reached by phoning her office number 613-135-1986, cell number 044-613-114-4950, or in the event of an emergency her house number 613-135-1168.
Loreto Solutions specializes in assisting you with all your needs. Whether you are in Loreto for a short term vacation, here to explore foreign investment opportunities or seeking long term residency, Loreto Solutions is your source! Services include FM3 filing, car and boat importation, fidecomisos, property sales and management, formation of a Mexican Corporation, preparing legal documents and translations.
Are there beaches nearby?
Beach access is less than 50 strides directly off the front steps of La Casa de Ensueño. The beach has semi-dark coarse sand and loads of sea shells. The onsite kayaks, included at no additional charge, are for short boating excursions only. Please do NOT attempt to reach the nearby islands with these Kayaks. After your personal use and enjoyment, we only ask that you rinse off the Kayaks, paddles and life preservers using the outside fresh water faucet and hose.
Nearby Coronado Island has a beautiful white sand beach as well as numerous coves found around Carmen Island. You should hire a "panga boat" and captain to take you on the Coronado tour or to show you other "secret spots". South of Loreto is Juncalito Beach ( approx 20 min) and Ensenada Blanca (approx 30 min). There is also a very nice beach located in Nopolo at the Camino Real Hotel and the site of the Villages of Loreto Bay sustainable development.
Are there restaurants and food stores nearby?
Yes, there are numerous wonderful restaurants within walking and bicycling distance of La Casa de Ensueño. The closest of many neighborhood markets is located less than half a mile and the main market, El Pescador, is located on the main street (Ave.Salvatierra) at the stop light-about a five minute drive from La Casa de Ensueño.
What about internet service?
Yes – bring your own laptop set up for wireless access! Although La Casa de Ensueño does not have dedicated internet service, the Costa Loreto development is a Wi-Fi hotspot. You will also find numerous internet cafes within Loreto. Our favorite is located within the Rivera Del Mar Café which is within walking distance of the property. Cafe Ole' near the main square also has Wi-Fi for laptops.
What about telephone service?
La Casa de Ensueño does not have dedicated telephone service. We suggest you purchase a phone card for your long distance and local calls to use from the public telephones. Make sure you get the plastic card from "Telmex". You can purchase them from many stores starting at 50 pesos.
Do the living quarters have TV?
Each of the two living quarters has a TV/DVD/Stereo entertainment center. You are welcome to bring your own favorite music and movie DVDs. There are also a few DVD video rental stores in the area. We currently do not have a satellite dish service or reliable local Mexican TV access.
Is smoking allowed?
We respectfully ask that there be no smoking in La Casa de Ensueño living quarters or on the premise.
Do you allow pets?
Occasionally, we allow small dogs but our canine "guests" will be approved upon an individual basis. If you are traveling with your pet, let us know at the time of your inquiry.
Does the town of Loreto have walking paths?
Loreto has a beautiful malecon (water front walk) that is tranquil and peaceful. The malecon, which is less than one mile from La Casa de Ensueño, does draw both tourists and local residents and fisherman. On Friday and Saturday nights, the local pastime is to "cruise the malecon" in cars, playing music and having a few cervezas. Festivals at the marina, team championships, and Carnivals throughout town are vigorously celebrated by the Loretanos and foreign residents alike that enjoy participating in these traditional events. The malecon and side streets features many shops, restaurants, coffee houses, bars, art galleries and plenty of places to just sit and relax.
Is it necessary to exchange currency? Are credit cards accepted?
US dollars are accepted everywhere in town. We suggest you exchange some dollars for Pesos at the bank. The exchange rate at the bank will be better than some of the local establishments. The ATM will also give you Pesos when you make a withdrawal with your ATM card from your home bank. There are numerous restaurants and shops that do not accept credit cards.
What are the kitchens like?
Both of the living quarters in La Casa de Ensueño have a kitchen with full sized refrigerator, gas stove with oven, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, and of course a blender (for mixing your favorite beverage). La Ventana’s kitchen even has a dishwasher!
Please do not put any food scrapes or other waste in the dishwasher or down the kitchen sink plumbing. For your convenience, a small waste basket is located under the kitchen sink. Additional small trash bags can be found in the kitchen drawer.
Both of La Casa de Ensueño dining areas feature authentic Mexican stoneware bought in Guadalajara, drinking glasses, eating and cooking utensils and pots/pans – all provided for you use. We just ask that you wash and store your cooking tools, dishes and utensils prior to your departure.
Do you provide maid service?
If you wish, for an additional charge, we can arrange to have your living quarters tidied up everyday. The additional charge will include trash take out, making of your bed, dish washing, sweep and mop the floor as needed and change of bed sheets on the fourth day of a week stay.
Do you supply sheets/towels and hairdryers?
Yes, we provide bath towels and bed sheets. Please bring your own beach towels and hairdryers.
Can the plumbing system process toilet paper?
The Casa is connected to the Loreto city sewer system. However, we do request that you minimize the amount of toilet paper being flushed down the system. A common practice in various part of Mexico is to place the bulk of your toilet paper waste in the trash can located next to the toilet . For your convenience, you will find a small waste basket located in each bathroom. Additional small trash bags can be found in the kitchen drawer. As a general rule, the best practice in Mexico is not to flush anything down the toilet system that did not go through your system first.
What is the electrical current?
It is 110V, same as in the United States.
Do you have a pool?
There is no fresh water pool onsite. However, feel free to take a plunge into Mother Nature’s pool (the Sea of Cortez) which is less than 50 strides from your front porch!
Is there a golf course or tennis court nearby?
Yes, both are in Nopolo, at the Camino Real Resort. It is about a 15- minute drive to the south on Mexico Highway 1.
Is the water safe to drink?
The city water is safe and many residents drink right from the tap. We use it for cooking, bathing and brushing teeth. However, you may prefer bottled water for drinking and ice. Most restaurants and food stores have bottled water available.
What time zone is Loreto In?
Loreto is located in Baja California Sur, which is in Mountain Standard Time (one hour ahead of California).
