Where to Eat: Via Del Valle, Baja Mexico

“Perched on a hilltop in the heart of the Mexican Wine Country, La Villa del Valle is a small, new luxury inn for the discerning traveler This secluded relaxing sanctuary lies in the beautiful Guadalupe Valley with commanding panoramic views of vineyards, olive groves, rows of fragrant lavender and mountains on all sides.” 

With six private rooms, each with a cozy balcony that welcomes visitors with white cushioned lounge chairs, a small terracotta chimenea and gorgeous views of the valley, this hacienda defines personalized service and attention to detail. 

The property boasts a giant organic garden, from which each meal’s ingredients are harvested daily, and prepared by extraordinary on-site chefs. The sounds of the hacienda and surrounding properties are of roosters crowing, lizards scurrying, and breeze blowing through the grape leaves of the surrounding vineyards; the feeling is that of ultimate relaxation. There is a pool surrounded by shaded Morrocan beds, a meditation maze, yoga studio, on-site massage and spa services, wine cellar with local (and delicious) wine selections, and a large relaxing shared living room complete with an extensively stocked library. 

And, of course, there is the food- the delectable organic gourmet food.  Included in the cost of the room is breakfast, which offers fresh squeezed juices, baked muffins, fruits, yogurt, home-made granola, and a plate of prepared breakfast, like huevos rancheros. “Botana” is served around 5, which includes a small appetizer, like our yellowtail stuffed roasted pasilla chile with fruit salsa over fried nori, and glass of house vino. Dinner, a 45 dollar four course delight, makes well worth staying in for the evening. Fresh baked rolls, watermelon gazpacho, roasted beets and heirloom tomatoes with arugula, roasted vegetable risotto with seared halibut, and a trio of sorbets made up our meal- which, in its entirety was perfect, and impressed two very critical chefs whole heartedly. 

The second evening, we ate at Laja, a very upscale restaurant with a rustic feel, also offering gourmet cuisine made from their own organic garden. Although also very good, we preferred the food at the B&B. Wine tasting around the valley was adventuresome, and educational too. Many of the tasting rooms offer locally grown organic treats, healing herbs, honey, olive oils, and other edible goodies. 

For a relaxing getaway that’s close enough to home to go for the weekend, and far enough away to feel the impact of a vacation, where the views are great and the food is better, visit Villa del Valle.www.lavilladelvalle.com