My husband and I have returned time and again to this enchanted spot. If you're looking for room service, air-conditioning, and gift shops, look elsewhere. But if you love to fall asleep to the soft sound of the tide, if you love to kayak and snorkel in a pristine bay in the beautiful Sea of Cortez, then this place is it! The owners have created a real retreat with respect for the environment and sensitivity to their guests' comfort. The food is fresh and healthy, and it's served in the relaxed kitchen-dining palapa where friendly, interesting people--both locals and visitors--mingle and chat and enjoy the moment. This is one of Baja's most special spots.

This is truly a sanctuary, a quiet corner of heaven far from the madding crowds. Set on the beautiful bay at Ensenada Blanca, about 25 miles south of Loreto, El Santuario is the perfect place to swim, snorkel, beachcomb, hike the mountains, walk the beach, or just cool your jets. Our little cabin (casita) was right on the beach. We started each day as the sun rose over the Sea of Cortez and ended it at "Baja Midnight" -- around 9 pm. The affordable tariff includes delicious meals made with local seafood & produce. The proprietors and their staff are very pleasant & helpful. This was our third trip to El Santuario, and we'll definitely go back again.

We loved this beautiful little resort. The little cabanas are right on the beach. They are nicely decorated. We were there for the big Halloween party. Great fun. We are coming back in spring for sure.
Ute and Andreas

My wife and I stayed for a week in December, 2005. Every aspect of our stay in this small eco-resort exceeded our expectations. El Santuario is located on a beautiful beach on a cove off the Gulf of California, about 30 miles south of Loreto in Baja. The resort is ecologically responsible and even has composting toilets and photovoltaic electricity. The king-size beds in the picturesque cabins are very comfortable. We found the family-style meals to be excellent, both delicious and healthful. Most dinners included fish caught that day. Another favorite item was homemade tortillas. There is plenty to do, such as kayaking, swimming, fishing, and hiking. We enjoyed the quiet and spent many pleasurable hours reading. If you fail to bring reading material, there are up-to-date books, plus DVD's, in the library. The owners, who came form California, are gracious, and intellectually alive. Denise is a veterinarian and Bill, a marriage and family therapist. Meals were especially fun because of the stimulating conversations with the hosts and the other guests. If you are environmentally responsible and love to be in nature, this is a place for you. On the other hand, if you need glitzy, artificial surroundings and want lots of noise and crowds, you should look at one of the resort cities. Most guests at El Santuario fly to Loreto. We drove from the central California coast, however, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We have wonderful memories of El Santuario and are so happy that we had the opportunity to visit this unique, enlightened place.