There are not many places I’ve travelled to on vacation and felt immediately comfortable and relaxed, but Estella Del Mar (EDM) is one of those places. It’s special, and for me has a calming quality that is quite unique. I’ve now visited three times, just to make sure what I was feeling wasn’t a fluke, and it wasn’t.

I flew there from Denver on a direct flight with Frontier Airlines, and who are always putting great flight deals together. It was less than a 3 hour flight, and equally as enjoyable, less than a 15 minute transfer to the resort. You can literally be on the golf course by 1PM on the day of your flight.

For me, an immediate sense of peace, calm and serenity courses through my body upon entering the pristine grounds of the resort. One is welcomed by palm trees, green grass, lakes, and of course, the ocean. This is a place to relax, unwind, find some solitude, but also enjoy some great golf if you’re that way inclined.

Lodging is either in the form of a condo, or a room in the hotel. I’ve stayed in a condo each time, so don’t know what the hotel is like, but I do know they’ve been building a bunch of new rooms as part of a major expansion. The condos are being built in phases, each phase is in what I call a tiered horseshoe shape, and surrounds its own private pool (incorporating a children’s pool), with surrounding palm trees and gardens. My condo was wonderfully furnished and had everything you would need, especially a great deck offering views of the pool and ocean beyond.

The staff at EDM are extremely friendly and go out of their way to help – from the cart guys at the clubhouse, to drivers, bell-boys and pretty much anyone you’re likely to meet. Someone will even offer to do your grocery shopping for you, which is a real convenience as Mazatlan is a 25 minute drive away. Best thing to do is go armed with a list and hand it to whoever asks you when you get there.

Twice I have been to EDM to golf with a friend, and quite literally had the most fun anywhere on any golf course. We played uninterrupted golf, and quite often only stopped because it was well beyond sunset. The course is a Robert Trent Jones Jr designed course, and is challenging enough to make it a real test, but not too much to make it daunting. There are plenty of water hazards and some great ocean holes. The last 4 holes, late in the afternoon and into the wind, can easily ruin any good round you’ve got going. Every hole is a real beauty and unlike any other. Put an order for lunch, or breakfast, at the turn, and they’ll cook it and bring it out to you on the course.

In Kim Anders, Director of Golf at EDM, they have a real ambassador for the resort. Formerly the Head Pro at Pole Creek Golf Course in Winter Park, Colorado, Kim is just about the friendliest, laid-back and personable individual you’re ever likely to meet. Extremely welcoming, he is always interested in where you are from, and that you have a good time.

Away from the golf course, your time will likely be spent either by the pool, or on the beach. And the beach is private and 3½ miles long. I repeat, 3½ miles long! It is clean, cleared each morning of anything that might be washed ashore with the tide, and it is deserted! The reason for this is that the resort does not adjoin any other resort, and partly because of the golf course and layout for development. Consequently, no pesky beach traders trying to sell you bananas, or timeshare, or both! Perfectly relaxing.

The Ocean serves up some pretty decent surf, great for body surfing or boogie boarding. Temperature is ideal for swimming, and you’ll likely share the water with schools of fish or visiting dolphins.

All in all, EDM is the perfect resort for a quick escape, or a prolonged period of contemplation. Ideal for couples, golfing friends and groups, you’ll experience great weather, stunning sunsets, and friendly hospitality. As good a fillip for the soul as I’ve ever experienced! Can’t wait to go back.