Alegria Villas

Three rustic, delightful and comfortable thatch-roofed villas for 2-6, overlooking a 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 the spectacular lagoon and long pristine beach of La Poza, 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 swimming - or sit back on your patio with a nice cool beer and listen to the abundant wildlife. La Poza is a wonder of nature: not just dolphins and whales but also frigatebirds, osprey, turtles and exotic vegetation play against that limpid lagoon, those white sands and the 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. Villa 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 2 bedrooms over 2 storeys, plus terraces and a private dock with a canoe. No wonder they call it Alegria - Spanish for 'joy'.

Highs

• Location, location, location!
• The adobe and palm-thatch architecture is charming
• The thoughtful staff are efficient and delightful
• The villas are close to the delights of historic Todos Santos, which is brimming with galleries, arty shops and places to eat
• You're serenaded by crickets and birds, and fall asleep to the sound of the sea

Lows

• It's a very bumpy ride from town on a long dusty track
• The villas are set close together - though that's a plus if you're renting with friends
• There's no pool, but at some times of the year you can swim in the freshwater lagoon
• There's no TV or music player (but there is WiFi)