La Paz, Mexico – It’s a game I play when I play a round of golf at a new course. I call it, “Guess The Signature Hole.” Golf courses generally have one hole that is the most picturesque – or toughest to play – that players remember it by. And I like guessing which one it is.
As I made the turn at El Cortes Golf Club, the first Gary Player designed golf club in all of Mexico, I was debating on this course’s signature hole. Was it #7 with the spectacular 65-foot drop from the landing area to the green as you look out towards the Sea of Cortez (I birdied it, for the record)? Or perhaps the 167-yard, par 3 eighth hole requiring a moon drop landing over a lunar-sized pond (birdie again!)?
Those lush green layouts were breathtaking but I deemed Mr. Player’s evil-minded 14th tract as the spot that golfers will most remember here. For better or worse.
The South African hall-of-famer must laugh at duffers as they stand on the tee box looking out on this beautiful, nerve-racking view he presents. Scary is the best term I can use to describe before taking my driver out of the bag. It’s not the daunting 615 yards to the green – one of the longest holes in Mexico at sea level. But rather the 165-foot drop to the fairway below. Acrophobia be damned.
This hole plays top-to-bottom. Then right-to-left. But very much top-to-bottom starting from an elevated cliff. I would suggest having a spotter or two follow the ball flight to ensure the landing spot in the canyon below. Should it rest in or near the fairway consider this a hole a win.
The weather was magnificent this May morning with a slight breeze coming in from the marina, just beyond Puerta Cortes. Residents and guests of this resort destination have access to the par-72, 7,082-yard golf course via a short golf cart drive. Though not a large clubhouse, the view offers a panoramic shot of the deep blue water dotted with small islands in the distance.
Clubhouse personnel told me that only about two dozen golfers come through each day. That was probably the reason I enjoyed a brisk round in less than 3 hours. My kind of golf.
I can’t remember enjoying myself more on a course. The weather, the scenery and the solitude made for a perfect morning. My score could have been a bit lower but I can always blame the set of rental clubs I used due to my laziness of not schlepping my own sticks to Mexico.
But my Saturday was only just beginning. Lunch with my girlfriend was waiting at Blue Cortes, the signature beach club at Puerta Cortes. She had staked out a table on the white, sandy shore with two frothy, handmade margaritas glistening in the sun. She had spent her morning on a massage table in a nearby palapa with nothing on her mind other than the soothing sounds of the wind and water.
Between both our morning activities we did not need the margaritas to already be relaxed.
The next few hours found us in-and-out of the infinity pool, jacuzzi and the warm, Mexico sun. A fully-stocked bar was never more than a few yards away yet we found the poolside waitstaff was even a more convenient process of getting drinks throughout the day.
Our weekend stay was a fun escape albeit a quick one. The VistaMar condominiums offered a perfect and easy place to post up for a few days or even a few weeks. 60 oceanfront units are positioned to capture the views of the Sea of Cortez. These residences offer eight floorplan designs ranging from two bedrooms with two-and-a-half baths, up to three bedrooms plus studio, three-and-a-half baths, and two-floor penthouses. All of the units have large, marble-tiled terraces.
Most of these units are second or third residences owned by people around the world who come to La Paz to relax like we were doing. When these owners aren’t lounging here at the beach club or marina, many put their spaces in the vacation rental program. Square footage begins at 2,600 square feet ranging up to more than 5,000 square feet. Prices start at $500,000 up to $1,400,000.
For those who prefer scenery with a little less water, the Las Colinas Hillside comprises 72 contemporary, rustic architecture residences located in the middle of the golf course. Four styles are available ranging from two-bedroom plus den, two-bath floor plans, to three-bedroom plus den with whirlpool, three-bath arrangements.
Homeowners can choose to place their property in the vacation rental programs. Unit sizes begin at 2,000 square feet up to more than 3,300 square feet and prices start at $400,000 ranging to $750,000.
Though we could have stayed at Puerta Cortes the entire weekend with all the fun, food and entertainment to be had, I always enjoy exploring cities. Downtown La Paz is a quick 5-minute drive south of the resort. We grabbed a bite alongside the Malecon, the beachside street offering views of the palm tree-lined beach dotted with shops and restaurants.
The evening ended back on the resort property walking along Pueblito Marinero. Considered one of the best in the Americas, this marina has a capacity for 250 vessels. The moonlit area offered a nice photo opp for the docked fishing boats and mega yachts waiting to launch in the early morning hours.
I can imagine having a place here and opting for a boat instead of a car. After all, that deep blue water is inviting and you’ll never know what you will see in the Sea of Cortez. We just missed whale watching season (December through April) but sea lions could be heard barking from hundreds of yards away.
A 2-hour excursion led by Captain Mike of Go Baja Sailing brought us to within a few feet of the loud creatures lounging on a small rock formation. We also set our cameras to quick-focus in hopes of spotting the elusive flying mantas that randomly pop up and seemingly hover a few feet over the water.
As we drove out of the 24-hour secured gates of the large property to head back home, we passed the tee box of that signature hole #14 of El Cortes Golf Club. I tried to think of the signature moment of my stay at Puerta Cortes but couldn’t think of just one.
That signature moment may just be when I log online to make my next reservation to this beautiful place on the Baja Peninsula. -MG
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