Located in La Paz, Mexico, Paraiso del Mar is a 1,700-acre, mixed-use resort development, which completed phase one of construction last year. When the 10-year project is completed, it will include Mexico’s first Audubon-certified golf course, a boat club and marina, miles of hiking trails and a variety of condo units for vacation rental — which will become available for rent in April. John Fair, who also helped develop Los Cabos’ Esperanza, An Auberge Resort, recently spoke to TravelAge West about his secluded peninsula development in the Bay of La Paz.
Why is nearly half, more than 800 acres, of this new development set aside for open space?
For two reasons — first, because it’s the right thing to do and, second, because there are some unique environmental attributes to the property. There are about 300-arcres of mangrove lagoons, which is very precious in the desert. We also have a nature corridor, with unique species — and the peninsula is the only known place in the world where the desert plum tree produces asexually. We have 30,000 desert plum trees on the property, and they all have identical DNA. And we even go as far as having reptile crossings underneath the cart paths at the golf course.
What other kinds of wildlife might guests spot when they walk around the grounds?
Besides lizards, there are jackrabbits and lots of great birds.
The grounds sound great. What can you tell us about the units for vacation rental?
They are beautiful, with marble, granite and high ceilings. Each one has a gorgeous view of the beach and a beautiful pool with a swim-up bar.
And of course, there is the marina. Is there anything particularly interesting to see within boating distance from the property?
Yes, we have a number of islands that are within 30 minutes to a day away by boat, and they’re just spectacular. All the islands are either owned by the nature conservancy or they are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Are guests allowed to set foot on the islands?
Absolutely. You can even spend the night, if you get a permit, which costs about $4. Around the islands, you can see eight species of whale that live out there, at least on a seasonal basis, as well as whale sharks, giant Pacific manta rays and coral reefs.
