Those dreaming about living in a warm, sunny paradise overlooking the sea or mountains - with easy access to the United States - may just want to take a serious look at Loreto Bay in Mexico.

Loreto is located in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Although its middle name is "California," it is actually in lower Mexico. However, 300 years ago it was part of California and was its capital. The town was founded by the Jesuits in 1697.

Loreto has managed to retain its idyllic old-world Mexican charm since its early days as a mission town. Located a short 90-minute flight from Los Angeles on the Baja peninsula, it is only beginning to be discovered by North Americans.

Laurel trees, meticulously shaped into a series of graceful archways that frame both the mountains and the sea, grace downtown. These also provide shade during hot summer months and respite for colorful birds that seem to sing the praises of the town.

Fonataur, Mexico's tourism development agency is undertaking an ambitious project over the next decade developing Loreto Bay, a community within the town of Loreto. Eventually it will become a small city with homes, restaurants, a bank, a supermarket and small shops. Having purchased 8,000 acres, developers have set aside 5,000 as a natural preserve. Approximately one percent of the home's sales will go to aid the local community. Fonataur also successfully helped develop Cancun, Los Cabos, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and Huatulco.

The development has almost sold out the first of a nine-phase master-planned sustainable community. Loreto Bay eventually will feature 6,000 homes, resort hotels, a golf and beach club, spas, and commercial retail establishments.

Prospective homeowners have the option of choosing their views, with or without rooftop terraces, of either the spectacular Sierra de la Giganta Mountains or the Sea of Cortéz. Unlike other similar projects, Loreto Bay has taken a unique approach to development, incorporating sustainability as its core emphasis. This includes making on-site compressed earth adobe blocks that will help regulate temperature, reduce solid waste materials, and water conservation. Loreto Bay's motto, in fact, says it best: Live fully, tread lightly.

Design options for the homes include courtyard casitas, beachfront and golf course villas, haciendas, and condominiums- all with Spanish colonial style architecture.

The focal point of the new community is the Mission De Nuestra Senora De Loreto The bell tower still rings in the faithful to worship as it has since its origins. The 17th and 18th century artwork that normally adorns the walls is currently being renovated.

Already, by last month, 39 homes have been sold. Children are already riding bicycles and tourists are already lingering over cold beers at sidewalk restaurants.

Most of the people bought as a vacation residence or as an investment, confident it the community's future growth and demand. For those who love hiking, nature, kayaking, swimming, or the lure of Baja's sea and mountains, this may be your spot in the sun. For more information, visit their website at www.loretobay.com.

Stern is a Colorado-based author, writer, photographer and columnist and can be reached at travelwriter01@comcast.net.