HotelChatter

Just three hours from Los Angeles and considerably north of Cabo San Lucas (and a short 20-mile drive from the Loreto Airport), are the delights of Mexico's coasts and mountains without the bustle (or puking party-goers.)

The casitas sit atop a volcanic outcrop overlooking a nature refuge and private bay, with spectacular views of craggy islands that make up the Parque Nacional Bahia de Loreto.

The resort has ten private acres to explore: Walk down a private path to the beach for snorkeling and swimming (or whale-watching); hike up the mesa for a workout and a stunning panorama of the valley and bay; hire a local guide to reveal a hidden canyon pool for an afternoon dip; go horseback riding, or kayaking, do handstands in the pool... or opt to just swing in your hammocks and look out over the bay. Indeed the resort says "Hammocking is a competitive sport" down here.

This is a 100%-solar-powered eco-resort. In touch with nature, it's out of touch with modern communications. There are no TVs, phones, internet access, or faxes. If you must, you can fire up your cell phone or blackberry, but it will cost you. This ain't no party, this ain't no disco. Bring a good book to sink into -- the rooms come with book reading lights and flashlights, too.

And forget about your hair, too. According to the resort, their natural power system can't handle blow-dryers, so air-dry your tresses for one more change of pace.

About the guests in the other eight casitas: You'll only run into them at meals, when the hotel hosts its room-fee-included communal dining under a yurt-shaped palapa. Locals come in and cook up organic fare and fresh fish, empanadas, soups, and traditional Mexican delicacies.

The reviews on TripAdvisor are stellar. But someone in the know wonders how long it will last. One post recommends:

Go now because a big corporation has bought up most of the land around the bay, and plan to develop it, with large hotels and a golf course. It will completely ruin the character and beauty of the bay. But for now, it's a little piece of paradise.

Rates are between $225 and $269 per person double occupancy, including meals.