Clementine Home Floral Gift
March 2025
Huatulco, Mexico: A Last-Minute Escape to Our Favorite Secret Spot
We almost hesitate to tell people about Huatulco—it’s small, cozy, safe, and so welcoming that it feels like one of those places you want to keep all to yourself.
But after our most recent trip, we figured we’d let you in on the secret... just a little.
Tucked along the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Huatulco is made up of nine bays and over 30 beaches, each one more breathtaking than the last.
Unlike the busier tourist hubs, it still feels peaceful and authentic, with a slower pace that invites you to unwind and stay a while.
The town itself is vibrant yet calm, full of warm-hearted locals, colorful markets, and charming cafés.
If you’ve never been, it’s one of those places that instantly makes you feel like you belong—and keeps calling you back.
One of the things we love most about Huatulco is how walkable and easygoing it is.
There’s a strong sense of community, and the streets are lined with friendly faces, open-air eateries, and family-run shops.
It's also one of the cleanest and most environmentally conscious areas we've visited in Mexico—Huatulco was actually the first destination in the Americas to receive EarthCheck Gold Certification for sustainable tourism.
That love and care for the land is something you can feel everywhere.
Getting to town was a breeze from our resort—just a $10'ish (100 peso) cab ride each way, which made it super easy to pop back and forth whenever we wanted.
Just a quick tip: locals prefer to be paid in pesos, so be sure to have some cash on hand when you land.
There are local ATMs available in town, and most restaurants do accept credit cards, but it’s always helpful to have a little local currency for cabs, tips, and markets.
Booking a last-minute, all-inclusive vacation for eight days at Barcelo felt both spontaneous and slightly out of character for us.
Normally, we prefer to fend for ourselves—Airbnbs, market-fresh food, afternoon cocktails at whichever patio looks good that day.
But with time slipping away, we thought, why not?
While the resort was beautiful, most afternoons and evenings were spent wandering through town, sitting on patios, eating at local cafés, and soaking in the warmth of Huatulco’s streets.
The town is as charming as ever, but with new buildings and fresh energy since the last time we visited—a solid 12 years ago.
We even did a quick city tour through the resort, just to get our bearings again, and it was well worth it.
In hindsight, we probably would have been just as happy (if not happier) at a smaller boutique hotel with a breakfast-only plan, giving us even more reason to explore local restaurants throughout the day.
Packing Light & Keeping It Casual
This trip, I packed extra light. Knowing we’d be lounging the majority of the time, I kept things minimal:
1 dress
3 bathing suits
1 pair jean shorts
1 biker short onesie
3 button-up linen and cotton shirts (doubling as bathing suit cover-ups or daytime tops)
1 tank top
sunglasses
sneakers
Sandals
Things were definitely kept casual this holiday—easy, breezy, and exactly the way a warm-weather escape should be.
Sun, Salt, and a Little Too Much Sun
The weather? Absolutely perfect.
Days averaged 35°C, nights dipped to a comfortable 22°C, and every breeze carried that signature salty, sun-drenched scent of the ocean.
We spent entire days stretched out under the sun, slipping into the shade of our palapa when the heat got too intense—though, not soon enough for me, apparently.
I am usually very sun cautious, but somehow, I still managed to get a pretty bad burn.
Even under a palapa, the sun will find you—so if you’re visiting, bring the SPF and reapply often.
It ended up being the fastest tan of my life, and the most sun-filled vacation I’ve had in ages.
While Devin caught up with some familiar faces (small world, running into a friend’s parents from home), I was back at the room, slathered in aloe vera and regretting my life choices.
Ocean Swims & Slow Afternoons
Huatulco’s beaches are always a dream.
With nine bays and over 30 unique beaches, you’re guaranteed to find one that suits your vibe—whether that’s quiet and secluded, lively and social, or something in between.
We noticed the ocean felt a little rougher and cooler this year, but it was still the perfect reset.
Nothing beats the feeling of stepping into that deep blue water, waves rolling in as the sun sets behind you.
When we weren’t floating in the sea, we wandered through the local artisan market, taking in the sights and sounds of the town square, listening to the easy hum of shopkeepers, musicians, and slow-moving afternoons.
We’re not huge shoppers on holiday, but there’s something about watching a place move at its own rhythm that makes you feel right at home.
We love that Huatulco still feels relaxed and untouched by overdevelopment.
Even the nightlife reflects the laid-back vibe—think sunset cocktails on the beach, a late dinner at a local patio, and the distant sound of live music drifting from a nearby café.
You won’t find big crowds or loud clubs here, just easy moments and authentic charm.
And if you're coming from the prairies like us, you'll be happy to know it's a 5.5 to 6 hour direct flight from Calgary—easy and totally worth it.
Whether you’re a beach lover, a foodie, or just someone looking to recharge away from the crowds, Huatulco offers something special.
There’s a calmness here that you can’t quite put into words, but you feel it the second you arrive.
And once you do, you won’t want to leave.
Would We Go All-Inclusive Again?
The real question:
Would we book an all-inclusive again?
While it was nice to have the ease of a resort, we found ourselves craving the town, the people, the local flavors.
Our best meals weren’t at the buffet but at hidden cafés and patios tucked between sun-washed buildings.
We spent more time exploring than lounging, more time walking the streets than sitting poolside.
So maybe next time, we’ll go back to our old ways—Airbnb, fresh market groceries, and that perfect local bar we always seem to find.
We could have gotten away with findng a local smaller hotel with a Breakfast plan.
But one thing’s for sure:
Huatulco still holds a piece of our hearts.
And whether we stay in a resort, a rental, or under the stars, we’ll always find our way back to this little corner of Mexico.
Until next time, Huatulco. We’ll be back.
xo Christa
Have Any Questions?
We are here to answer all of your queries
