Huatulco, the way Mexico use to be. Located in the state of Oaxaca, this gem on the Pacific has no Wal-Mart, and the local folks still speak Spanish. Huatulco is somewhat remote and exceptionally beautiful. The Sierra Madre Mountains stop short to make way for soft beaches of white and light golden sands that stretch out to greet turquoise and light green crystal waters; in some places sharp rock formations from the mountain’s edges plunge into the Pacific Ocean below.
The Camino Real Zaashila, located in Tangolunda Bay, has been our home away from home for many years. It has its own private beach, a large pool and three fine restaurants. With only 120 rooms, it’s small enough to enjoy the whole property rather than getting lost in a “mega” resort. Of the hotel’s 120 air conditioned rooms, 41 come with a private pool and all come with ocean view and balcony or terrace. I recommend the splash pool as it’s great after the beach and also for a late night dip to view the crystal clear night sky with stars abounding.
Quiet is the word that best describes the Camino Real, so if you are looking for beach volleyball, a swim up bar with Jimmy Buffet music or water aerobics, pick another hotel. There is a spa at the hotel, and the prices are right in line with other facilities in the area. If you elect to use this service, they can accommodate you the same day you book an appointment.
The staff seem more like family than, well, staff and make you feel right at home the moment you arrive until your departure. The Camino Real is not all-inclusive; therefore, if you so desire, there are a number of those resorts in the area. The newest is Secrets which just opened in January of this year. Other all-inclusive properties are Dreams, Las Brisas and the Barceló.
For a taste of small town Mexican life, there is La Crucecita, which serves as a support community for the area and has a more genuine Mexican atmosphere. It has many restaurants and shops built around a typical Mexican zócalo (town square) - the focal point of the community enjoyed by residents and tourists alike. Yes, there are jewelry stores also, and I can attest to that. The beach vendors have everything from dresses, wood carvings, fishing trips and yes, jewelry. I can attest to that also. They offer their wares, and if you decline, they don’t bug you. We’ve actually become friends with a number of these fine folks.
Activities like fishing and golf are available and can be shared by husband and wife or he can be sent off so she can have some quiet time on the beach, catch up on reading, or just simply close your eyes and listen to the surf and sea birds harmonize.
Some travelers are nervous about visiting Mexico, but Huatulco is very safe, and we felt comfortable walking around town even after a late dinner. All of the taxis are safe to ride in, but if you are so inclined, you can request that the restaurant or shop call the driver that drove you to town from the resort with the number that is on his business card.
United Airlines has one flight daily from Bush International Airport direct to Huatulco so travel is not a problem, and once on the ground, clearing immigration and customs only takes about 30 minutes. You can get a local cab or request for a driver from the hotel. The cost is approximately $40.00 to your resort. This was our sixth trip, and the good Lord willing, we will be back in 2013. ¡Viva la Mexico!
