3.19.2008

Our First (and not last) Visit to Huatulco

It seems like my computer problems are behind me and I can get back on task - finally!? Hardware problems quickly make you realize how completely dependent we are on technology. Kind of sad, really. Then again, it's technology that allows me to post on a blog like this.

We spent four days and three nights in Huatulco and absolutely loved it - what a refreshing change from Cancun. So laid back, so remote and really gorgeous. It was our first trip there and we would gladly go back. The people were great, the weather was ideal and the water was just pefect!

The Las Brisas Huatulco, seen below, was sprawling and offered plenty to keep us busy, particularly since we were taking a test run with the baby. As you can see from the picture, the 50 acre resort is broken up into four pueblos - each one with a name like mar or estrellas. We were located in Pueblo Mar, situated on the far left of the photo. Since everything is relatively spread apart, regular golf carts shuttle hotel guests around the resort. Foot paths also allow you to get around pretty easily although the resort is rather hilly. It didn't bother us.

Las Brisas Huatulco, as seen from our flight into Huatulco

The Pueblo Mar has quite a few suites with spacious terraces - highly recommended. In fact, I would spend the extra money for a room with a terrace - makes all the difference! The views over Tangolunda Bay were stunning, particularly at sunrise and sunset. Rooms, whether renovated or not, tend to have white themes with marble floors. Bathrooms are roomy with double sinks and a big shower.

Sunrise over Tangolunda Bay with the Sierra Madres in the background

The resort has four beaches that can only be accessed from within the resort. The snorkeling beach, seen below. was right below our puelbo. Just a few feet from shore is a nice coral reef with an overwhelming abundance of sea life... all sorts of tropical fish. Guests commented on spotting turtles, rays and even an octopus. The variety is amazing. Looking at the photo, you can see the resort's larger beach (below the pool and restaurant area) just beyond the first set of rocks. An activities beach offers various watersports and a "secret" beach offers a quiet little cover that, while really nice, is not completely secret - not when it's on the resort map.

The clear waters of the Snorkeling Beach

From the Snorkeling Beach, you can pass the resort's Mexican restaurant and follow a foot-path ot the main beach. Here you will find a bar and a large lawn area. Above the lawn area is the resort's main restaurant as well as other restaurants like Kasbah (Moroccan). The main restaurant offers decent buffet food - mostly used by people on the all-inclusive plan. Depending on the number of nights of your stay, you will receive a certain amount of a la carte dinners, as well.
Passing the main beach to head to the pool area

Most visitors to Huatulco head off the resort to either La Crucecita or Santa Cruz. On Sunday, we took a taxi to La Crucecita for lunch. Quaint little town - there were very few tourists and mostly locals. We found a friendly vibe and a picturesque little town with a charming main square. The food we ate was excellent!

Traditional Oaxacan Cheese.... mmmm!

Given that Huatulco is waaay down south in Mexico, the weather can get awfully warm. We didn't find it too humid (what Houstonian would?) but the temperature did seem a little warm for our baby boy. The main square offers some a nice break from the ever-present sun.

Relaxing at the Plaza Principal

We wandered around for about an hour, checking out shops and the local market. There were quite a few restaurants and a handful of small hotels. Locals were busy going about their day.

Fresh mango for sales in La Crucecita

Overall, we had a great time. There's so much to do in Huatulco but, since we were with the baby, we weren't able to really venture out. That's why we picked Las Brisas - it had everything we needed. Next time, we'll definitely check out the remote beaches, go see some whales and probably go surfing. This was a great start and, as you can see, led to smiles all around :)

A Happy Family!


1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much. We are off to Las Brisas in Huatulco in two days for our first time. This is our 3rd trip to Mexico with kids and I am so happy to see your review.