Huatulco, Mexico

Huatulco, Oaxaca is on the Pacific Coast of southeastern Mexico, getting its start as a small fishing village and eventually becoming a tourist destination. A friend of mine has been going to Huatulco for decades; and trying to convince everyone she knows to go. So……..when ideas were tossed around……….why not….?

We stayed at the Barcelo Resort (formerly the Sheraton chain), an all-inclusive along Tangolunda Bay. Huatulaco has a small-town feel, centered on 9 bays and the town of La Crucecita. Some of us had never been to Huatulco and were pleasantly surprised to see the thatched roof on the airport. Interesting. Luckily no one pressed the ever-present button at Mexican Airports, red selecting who has their luggage searched and who doesn’t.

Maybe a 20-minute ride from the airport we arrive at Barcelo. The Premium Lounge is worth the extra daily charge. A nice little lounge, made to order drinks, and some even created for you!

The Barcelo is not the biggest resort, nor is it a party place. Family oriented, it is clean and right across the street from a little market and a couple restaurants.

After much discussion, preferred tips were Pesos, but all tips were appreciated. The nightly entertainment was oriented a bit differently than other resorts according to some. Early nights were on trend – up and at the pool or fitness room in the morning. Even though Huatulco itself encompasses a larger area of beaches and bays, it does not have the infrastructure for cycling or running outside. FYI.

Highly recommended were the Dreams Resort (family) and Secrets (adult only), also along Tangolunda Bay. The Buffet was pretty standard and premade at Barcelo, whereas Secrets has more made to order stations. Having said that there was lots of food to choose from. Cooked dishes, fresh fruits/vegetables/salads and local fish. The al a carte was really good; service and food at Barcelo. Hint: book al a carte a day ahead, even in the slower seasons.

Las Brisas looked to us to have a calmer beach area. But beware, it takes many steps up and down the hillside to access it. Don’t venture that far south in Mexico expecting Southwestern Tex Mex or nachos. English was not as common as in some of the more northern tourist destinations, but the staff was as happy to teach us some Spanish and we were to learn. Local shops were also very friendly, everyone making an effort to understand one another.

We took a snorkeling excursion through West Jet, arranged at the Hotel after arrival. West Jet partners with various companies and restaurants in the area. We weren’t sure if the winds and waves were seasonal or normal towards the end of April, but it was breezy (perfect to help with the heat – 34-35C). The waves took a couple people by surprise and tumbled them over and around for some good old-fashioned fun.

The snorkeling was fun and a nice break from the heat, it is not the Great Barrier Reef or the Red Sea, but fun was had by all on the excursion. And lots of beautiful fish, most going to “school”………colorful and just swimming about……..being fish…….doing fish things.

The swim up bar was interesting. The heavy waterfall started about noon, helping people cool off and maybe move along rather than staying too long. The pools were beautiful and open early morning into the evening.

The night skies were mostly clear and blue, although we missed some sunsets because of clouds. Palm trees, sandy beaches, the smell of the ocean and a bunch of friends laughing – telling stories – new and old.

Despite some mixed feelings about “Mexico”; the Mexican people we met were lovely. Not only those at work. Families………generations gathering for a vacation just as we were. Embracing life and one another.

How much fun and blessed we are.