Puerto Escondido has been evolving over the last few years. What was once a laid-back surfing town is now a top spot for travellers after world class waves and wellness retreats with a touch of boutique luxury.
If you’re looking for destinations that aren’t Bali or Costa Rico, Puerto Escondido and the wider Oaxacan coast are where you want to be.
Chasing Waves
Puerto Escondido has long been known as the Mexican Pipeline because of its powerful breaks.
Elite surfers from across the world head to this area every year, but you don’t need to be a pro to enjoy the waves.
There are now several luxury surf schools and boutique retreats that offer private coaching, small group tours, and surf tours. B Surfer Surf School and Casa de Olas are just two of the options you have to choose from.
Premium boards, expert instructors, and even private beachfront access are all available if surfing is on the cards for your next vacation or during a stopover when you book a luxury Mexico cruise.
Wellness and Rejuvenation Combinations
Puerto Escondido and the surrounding Pacific Coast might be best known for surfing, but they’ve fast become the go-to areas for wellness retreats, too. These days, travellers are taking the opportunity to combine surfing with the opportunity for relaxation.
Between the yoga retreats, meditation centres, and spas, there’s no shortage of luxury eco resorts if you feel like you need to rebalance your body and mind.
And it doesn’t just stop at massages. Organic menus, sound-healing sessions, and indigenous treatments are par for the course, so you can expect an all-round rejuvenation experience.
The Barbarenas Retreat Center and resorts like Hotel Terrestre and Casona Sforza are some of the most popular choices if it’s luxury you’re after. Venture up the coast and you’ll find Hotel Escondido, with a comprehensive range of massage and spa treatments on offer.
What makes this all work so beautifully is, of course, the setting. As part of the Mexican Riviera, Puerto Escondido ticks all the boxes if you want a vacation that puts nature front and centre.
The Wider Luxury of the Pacific Coast
The Oaxacan coast extends far beyond Puerto Escondido, so if you have some extra time to spare, you can add in a bit of variety, too.
If you head east to Mazunte, you’ll find one of the best coastal towns in this region. It’s all about holistic vibes, and eco-retreats like Zoa Hotel can offer you some of the most stunning views of the ocean. The coastal town of Zipolite, a little further along, is also definitely worth looking into.
For those who are keen to do some exploring offshore, private yacht charters, such as West Coast Multihulls, can take you to hidden coves, snorkelling spots, and beaches that tourists rarely visit.
Wildlife enthusiasts won’t be disappointed, either, with providers like Lagunas de Chacahua Tours taking you through the mangroves and to spot whales and dolphins.
And if you have a taste for fishing and diving, resorts like Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa can arrange everything you need, with some gourmet dining in between.
Riding a New Wave of Luxury
Puerto Escondido and the Oaxacan coast have moved beyond being prime destinations for thrill seekers, and are now more geared towards luxury and natural beauty.
This coastline is carving out its own identity as one of Mexico’s best high-end escapes, so if you’re looking to travel beyond the familiar, this stretch of the Pacific is worth exploring.
