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A Jonathon Hawes Guide to Oaxaca: Huatulco & Beyond

If you’re looking for sun-drenched coastlines, untouched beaches, and some of the best food in Mexico, let me introduce you to Huatulco, Oaxaca’s best-kept secret. Unlike the crowded resorts of Cancun or the overhyped Tulum scene, Huatulco is safe, incredibly affordable, and filled with warm, welcoming locals. It’s where you can sip mezcal on the beach, charter a boat to a secluded bay, and feast on freshly caught seafood—all without the crowds, pretentiousness, or, heaven forbid, an all-inclusive wristband.

And let’s talk about Oaxacan food for a moment. This region isn’t just home to some of the best cuisine in Mexico—it’s one of the world’s greatest culinary destinations. Handmade tortillas, rich moles, smoky tlayudas, fresh ceviche, and mezcal straight from the source—this is the kind of food that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about Mexican cuisine.If you want luxury that feels effortless, beachfront homes with private chefs, and hotels that feel more like intimate retreats, here’s how to do Huatulco the right way.

Where to Stay: The Best Luxury Beachside Homes & Boutique Hotels in Huatulco

Luxury Beachside Home Rentals

  1. Villa Escondida – A secluded, oceanfront villa with panoramic views, a private infinity pool, and a full staff. If you want to wake up to the sound of waves and have someone bring you fresh fruit and coffee before you’ve even lifted a finger, this is it.
  2. Casa Mixteca – A hilltop villa with floor-to-ceiling ocean views, beautifully curated interiors, and a private chef who can cook you the best Oaxacan meals of your life.
  3. Casa Ceiba – A modern but warm beach house, perfect for lazy days by the pool, mezcal cocktails at sunset, and long seafood feasts under the stars.

Boutique Non-All-Inclusive Hotels

  1. Celeste Beach Residences & Spa – Tucked into a private, swimmable cove, this intimate beach retreat has spacious suites, a spa, and a beach club with the best seafood ceviche and mezcal margaritas in town.
  2. Casa Bocana – A bohemian-chic boutique hotel that feels more like an exclusive beach club than a hotel. Minimalist design, impeccable service, and a rooftop pool you’ll never want to leave.
  3. Hotel Escondido (Puerto Escondido) – If you don’t mind the drive, this ultra-private, design-forward beachfront hotel is worth the trip. Expect stunning architecture, infinity pools, and the kind of service that makes you feel like you own the place.
Where to Eat: The Best Restaurants & Local Eats in Huatulco & Oaxaca

Elevated Oaxacan Cuisine & Chic Beachfront Dining

  1. Almoraduz (Huatulco) – Modern Oaxacan cuisine at its absolute finest. Think handmade moles, fresh seafood, and local flavors executed with serious finesse.
  2. Criollo (Oaxaca City) – From the team behind Pujol, Criollo is a laid-back but elevated take on Oaxacan gastronomy with a seasonally driven tasting menu that changes daily.
  3. Tierra del Sol (Oaxaca City) – A rooftop restaurant with spectacular views, a strong wine list, and a slow-food approach to classic Oaxacan dishes like tlayudas and mole negro.
  4. La Brújula (Huatulco) – A hidden gem of a garden restaurant with a mezcal selection that will make you rethink your entire home bar.

Seafood & Beachfront Spots

  1. Los Güeros (Huatulco) – The best seafood spot in town. Grilled red snapper, shrimp tacos, ceviche so fresh it could still swim—this is where you go for a perfect beachside meal.
  2. Terra-Cotta (Huatulco) – A charming café-meets-bistro with an incredible breakfast spread and the best fresh-baked bread in town.
  3. El Sabor de Oaxaca (Huatulco) – Authentic, family-run, and famous for its mole.

Local Street Food You Can’t Miss

  1. Tlayudas at Tlayudas Libres (Oaxaca City) – The Oaxacan version of pizza, but better. A massive, crispy corn tortilla piled with beans, cheese, and whatever toppings you want.
  2. Memelas at Doña Vale (Mercado Central de Abastos, Oaxaca City) – Thick handmade tortillas topped with asiento (pork fat), beans, cheese, and salsa. Simple, but perfect.
  3. Tacos de Pescado at La Terraza (Huatulco) – Simple, perfect fish tacos with a cold beer and an ocean breeze.
Jonathon’s Tips

Boat Charters & Hidden Beaches

  • Bahía de Cacaluta – A secluded, untouched bay that’s only accessible by boat. It’s the kind of place you imagine in your wildest “I need to escape” dreams.
  • Bahía San Agustín – One of the most beautiful and least crowded beaches in Huatulco.
  • Private Boat Charters – The best way to experience Huatulco’s coastline is by boat, stopping at hidden beaches for snorkeling, fresh seafood, and mezcal cocktails at sunset.

Cultural & Outdoor Adventures

  • Copalita Eco-Archaeological Park – Ancient Zapotec ruins with panoramic views of the ocean.
  • Turtle Watching in Mazunte – A quiet, bohemian beach town where you can watch baby sea turtles hatch and make their way to the ocean.
  • Day Trip to Oaxaca City – One of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in Mexico, perfect for a night or two.
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A Jonathon Hawes Guide to London, England (not Ontario, hunny)
Travel
A Jonathon Hawes Guide to London, England (not Ontario, hunny)
London is a city I’ve been lucky enough to visit many times, but one of my most cherished trips was spending Christmas here a couple of years ago with Triet and his parents. There’s something about London during the holidays—the twinkling lights down Bond Street, the perfectly wrapped parcels from Fortnum & Mason, the scent of mulled wine in the air—that makes it feel like stepping into a Dickens novel, only with better tailoring and excellent cocktails. Whether you're after classic British refinement or something a little more modern, here’s my take on the very best London has to offer.