Alegria Villas

Three rustic, delightful and comfortable thatch-roofed villas for 2-6, overlooking the shimmering lagoon and the Pacific

Privacy, serenity and an ocean view, a mile from arty Todos Santos. At the end of a dusty track, a short walk from a spectacular lagoon and a long pristine beach, is a trio of adjacent villas whose comforts are considerable and whose lovely high palapa thatch ceilings keep you cool.

Wander the sands, dip your toes in the waves - the current's too strong for swimmers - or sit back on your patio with a nice cool beer and listen to the wildlife: it's abundant. La Poza is a wonder of nature: not just dolphins and whales but frigatebirds, osprey, turtles and exotic vegetation play against that limpid lagoon, those white sands and sunsets of pink and gold. The villas are rather lovely too, their expressive adobe walls hugging the gated hillside. You get cathedral ceilings and comfortable double beds; there are sofabeds for children too. Adobe is large, Villa Palma gets good views, and both have patios for dining al fresco. Beside them lies spacious Casa del Lago, a former artist's studio with two bedrooms over two storeys plus terraces and a private dock with canoe. No wonder they call it Alegria - Spanish for 'joy'.

Highs

• Location, location, location!
• Charming adobe and palm-thatch architecture
• Thoughtful staff - efficient and delightful
• Close to the delights of historic Todos Santos, brimful of galleries, arty shops and places to eat
• You are serenaded by crickets and birds; fall asleep to the sound of the sea

Lows

• It is a very bumpy ride from town on a long dusty track
• Proximity of the villas - a plus if you're renting with friends
• No pool - but at some times of year you could swim in the freshwater lagoon
• No TV or music player (but WiFi)