Best Resort in La Paz Mexico: GranSueño Resort & Beach Club
Why you should stay at this resort in La Paz Mexico
The Sea of Cortez has been the site of many dreams, famously inspiring John Steinbeck to pen “The Pearl,” a novella about the discovery of a giant pearl. The sea’s tranquility sets the stage for moments of peace and reflection, drawing travelers in search of treasure or an escape. Why you need to stay at Gran Sueno Resort, one of the best resorts in La Paz, Mexico.
My interview with Gran Sueño Resort & Beach Club Managing Director, Mark Azoff
GranSueño is located on the ‘Bay of Dreams’ near La Paz, Mexico. When did this destination open and what is the resort’s style?
Mark Azoff: GranSueño was originally built as a private second estate residence of the founder of the Bahia de los Suenos development. The original footprint of GranSueño covers some 30 acres of the 4,300-plus acres of ‘the Bay’ development, located in a relatively remote oasis on the Sea of Cortez. It was designed to showcase the possibilities of what (others) could build as their own dream. In addition to his dreams and vision for a spectacular seaside resort community resonating a classic Mexican/European village, the founder also brought paved roads to the property edge and brought in electricity, water and Wi-Fi technology.
As a resort, GranSueño took the private home feel and in late 2006, evolved as a collection of villas and casitas now totaling 23 rooms. As its buildings are generously positioned throughout the 30 acres laid out against the sea, whether it’s sold out for a large private group event or occupied with a mix of couples and families, GranSueño always feels private. There are several common gathering places on the grounds, including the spectacular white sand beach, Trenes restaurant, the fabulous Establo (stable) and several so-called public pools. GranSueño is truly a dream unto itself and can provide the backdrop of personal dreams and special memories of each of our guests.
Located on the Sea of Cortez, what excursions are within reach of GranSueño?
Azoff: GranSueño is just 36 miles southeast of the Baja Sur capital city of La Paz and 75 miles northeast of Los Cabos. Both vibrant cities have their own wonderful culture, restaurants and tourist attractions. Also within an hour’s drive is the artist village — and surfers’ mecca — of Todos Santos on the Pacific Coast. GranSueño is located at what is locally known as a sport fisherman’s paradise, where the Dorado, marlin, yellow fin and the like are in abundance throughout the year. We are also close to spectacular diving and snorkeling in what Jacque Cousteau referred to as ‘the aquarium of the world.’
What is available to guests looking to enjoy a spa getaway?
Azoff: Presently, all spa treatments are done on-demand by appointment. Services come locally from La Paz and can be performed either in a treatment room on site, a private location on our spectacular grounds, or in-suite.
FINE: The Sea of Cortez adds to the allure of GranSueño. What kind of pampering can a guest expect at the resort?
Azoff: Our pool and beach service are similar to those provided in other world luxury destinations. Our staff-to-guest ratio is more than one-to-one. Our team is trained to be able to react to guests’ needs and communicate swiftly to meet their needs. Beach and pool service in particular include cabana reserve (on availability) chaise lounge set with towels, iced cold waters, snorkel gear and an attendant onsite for food and libation service throughout the sunny day.
FINE: La Capilla Del Cielo, ‘The Chapel of the Sky,’ looks like an enchanting place for a wedding. What kind of experience could a bride and groom expect here?
Azoff: We have had the honor to serve many weddings over the years. While our Capilla is a truly uplifting, magical and spiritual place of GranSueño, there have been several venues on the property that have been host to the traditional and not-so-traditional ceremonies. We custom design all of our weddings, preferring not to label or price packages as it limits guests’ creativity in planning their special day. As we are a destination, weddings are destination events typically encompassing three or more nights. There are no limits to what our professional event management company won’t go to achieve our guests desire to make their lifelong weddings dreams come true. Remember, we are GranSueño — a ‘grand dream.’
Many people in the U.S. are still hesitant about traveling to Mexico. Is the La Paz area safe compared to other cities in Mexico?
Azoff: This particular question does come up, and we liken it to a geography lesson. First of all, La Paz is one of the safest cities not only in Mexico, but the entire world. That being said, guests anywhere should demonstrate respect and intelligent behavior no matter where they travel. The issues about Mexico in general that are purported in the media, actually happen closer to where we live in the U.S. than where travelers are in Baja California Sur. We are proud of our security and safety record at GranSueño, where we have similar systems to other resorts in the world. La Paz is a modern city of more than 300,000 residents — a kind, generous people who welcome the opportunity to host tourists from around the world. Tourism is a key ingredient to the economy in La Paz, and the community is passionate to nurture and grow it.
