Palapas Ventana

English and Spanish are spoken by the hotel team, so you can deal with the useful things without resorting to hand signals after a long day outdoors. Palapas Ventana is a small ocean-adventure resort in La Ventana Bay, built around the sea, water sports and an easygoing stay rather than a formal hotel routine.

The setting works particularly well if your ideal afternoon involves a swim, a drink, a stretch of beach and very little else. There is a sea view from the accommodation, an infinity pool, outdoor seating and a lounge with a television area. The atmosphere is informal and coastal, with an outdoor fireplace for the evening when you have finished pretending that one more activity is a good idea.

You also have direct access to the beachfront and a private beach area. That gives the resort its own rhythm: you can stay close to the water, use the hotel as your base for wind and sea activities, or simply sit down and let the day wind itself down.

You are in La Ventana, in Baja Mexico, on the shore of La Ventana Bay and between La Ventana and El Sargento. The resort sits directly by the sea, with La Ventana Beach only a short walk away. This is not a town-centre address with a row of shops outside the door; it is a beachfront base with the coast doing most of the talking.

For an evening away from the hotel restaurant, Radaroma is about 0.1 miles away, Deep Blue about 0.3 miles, and Playa Central about 0.6 miles. La Herradura Bar & Grill is roughly 0.9 miles away, while Joess Garage is about 1 mile away. Those distances are manageable by car, although the supplied information gives driving times rather than a walking route for most of them.

Manuel Márquez de León International Airport is about 31 miles away by road, with a journey of around 55 minutes. La Paz is roughly 35 minutes away to the northwest, placing the resort beyond the capital's immediate bustle and firmly on the La Ventana side of the bay.

The casitas are set up for straightforward seaside living rather than elaborate indoor entertaining. Both categories have air conditioning and a fan, useful after heat, salt and wind have done their work, while the sea view keeps the coast present even when you are indoors. Private entrances and tiled floors add to the simple, easy-to-clean feel.

For a couple, the Casita Regular keeps things compact, with an extra-large double bed and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower. If you are travelling as a small family or trio, the Casita Especial is the sensible choice: it adds a single bed alongside the extra-large double bed, giving everyone a proper sleeping place rather than asking somebody to negotiate with a sofa.

The practical details are there for the end of the day: fresh towels and linen, complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer, a socket near the bed and daily housekeeping. A safety deposit box is also available. You can close the door on the outside world, cool the room with the air conditioning, and still wake up with the sea view rather than a corridor as your first sight.

El Anzuelo is the main table, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner on a terrace. Its cooking covers fresh seafood, traditional Mexican dishes and international food, which is a useful spread when you are hungry enough for fish but your companion has other plans. Freshly caught fish can be served grilled, fried, sashimi-style or as ceviche.

Breakfast is included and is served à la carte, with vegetarian and vegan choices. Fresh pastries, fruit and champagne are also part of the food-and-drink offer, so the morning can be as restrained or celebratory as the day requires. There is no stated breakfast time, so early departures are worth checking directly before you book around them.

A bar and an on-site coffee house cover the straightforward need for something cold, hot or stronger after the beach. Packed lunches are available, and outdoor dining gives you the option of eating in the open air rather than treating every meal as an indoor appointment.

The infinity pool, sun terrace and private beach area make it easy to spend a non-diving day without planning a military operation. You can move between the sea and the pool, settle into the outdoor furniture, or use the hot tub when the muscles have had enough of carrying you around. The hotel also has wellness facilities with massage, full-body massage, manicures, pedicures and beauty services.

For a more active afternoon, bicycles are available for use, with bike tours and walking tours also offered. On the water, the resort provides facilities for water sports, snorkelling and windsurfing, while the wider programme includes kitesurfing, fishing and boat excursions. Wildlife observation, island trips, market visits and snorkelling excursions are part of the activities offered around the resort.

You can also choose the distinctly less strenuous options: yoga, table tennis, the games room, board games and film nights. A cooking class gives you something to do with your hands that does not involve assembling dive equipment, and an outdoor fireplace provides a natural place to finish the evening.

The airport shuttle is available, and the hotel also provides a shuttle service. Arrange your airport transfer with the property before travelling. If you are driving, free private parking is available on site without advance reservation, which removes one small piece of logistics from the arrival day.

Check-in runs from 2 pm to 6.30 pm, and you need to tell the property your expected arrival time in advance. Check-out is from 7 am to 11 am. That morning window is workable for an early start, but it is worth matching it to your transport plans rather than discovering the issue while still looking for coffee.

WiFi is available throughout the property, daily housekeeping is included, and laundry is available as a service. Cash is an accepted payment method. Children of all ages are welcome; cots can be requested for young children, and extra beds are available for older children subject to the accommodation selected. Pets are not allowed.