Mexico has many hidden gems—some more hidden than others—but few shine as brightly as Huatulco, home to myriad bays and dozens of idyllic beaches in the state of Oaxaca (Wah-HA-ka). This Pacific paradise is a tranquil destination coupling primitive charm and natural beauty with amenities such as upscale resorts, shopping (don’t miss the Museum of Oaxacan Art and La Probadita in La Crucecita), restaurants, golf, and excursions that take in the ecological diversity of the area. The stunning bays of Huatulco have been on the Mexican government’s short list of big-time tourism destinations since the early 1970’s. FONATUR, which is the National Trust for Tourism Development (Fondo Nacional del Fomento al Turismo) and responsible for the blockbuster resorts of Los Cabos and Cancun, among other lesser-known communities, was also the founder of the Bays of Huatulco. Fortunately, the latter managed to keep a low profile—which is exactly what makes it so special. 
Huatulco is far different from its high profile companions. Considered and developed as an “ecotourism” resort, 70% of Huatulco is made up of ecological preserves. In 1988, then President Ernesto Zedillo converted most of Huatulco’s preserves into a giant national park. They pride themselves in being a totally “green” resort area and FONATUR still controls all local land sales within the development to ensure that all new projects meet certain standards in order to maintain its Green Globe status. At the center of it all are a series of nine spectacular bays notched into 21 miles of shoreline with 36 beaches, countless inlets and coves, and some of the most extraordinary coastline on the Pacific. The crystal clear water and usually isolated golden-sand beaches somehow feel more secluded and private than most of Mexico’s known beach resort areas. And since some of the bays and beaches are only accessible by boat, everything remains as nature intended. 
There is just enough development here to give you anything and everything you want in a beach resort, but just enough off-the-beaten-path remoteness keep it off most tourists’ radar. Of the nine bays that were slated for development, only six have “visitor facilities.” The main areas include Tangolunda Bay, home to the big resorts, an 18-hole golf course, a smattering of nightlife and a little resort shopping; the bay of Santa Cruz, with a good-sized marina, an intimate little village with beachside restaurants and bars, plenty of shops and an often-deserted cruise ship dock; and Chahue Bay (CHAH-way), located between the two above, with another marina, lots of new high-end condo projects and a public beach. About a mile inland, the charming little town of La Crucecita is Mexico at its best. It has a colorful and quaint town square, plenty of inviting restaurants and bars, a few excellent fresh seafood stalls to pick up the daily catch and a very well-stocked grocery store (the Súper Che) that takes U.S. dollars and gives change in pesos at a great rate. 
Such an amazing destination deserves amazing accommodations—and Las Palmas is precisely that. An exceptional collection of villas with a view, Las Palmas offers the Huatulco experience in all its 5-star glory. The experience begins even before you set foot on the plane, with your private consultation with the Las Palmas incredibly efficient manager, Courtney Glassman. Her title, Director of Escapes, is very appropriate, as she makes sure everything is in perfect order before you arrive. Perched on a cliff with incomparable views of Violin Bay on one side and Santa Cruz on the other, Las Palmas is just five minutes from La Crucecita and 15 minutes from the Tangolunda Golf Club—meaning you won’t spend more than $6 USD on a taxi anywhere you want to go. 
With a total of five casitas and three villas, Las Palmas has the look and feel of a bespoke Mexican estate, which was exactly what owners Ron and Jackie Williams had in mind. Evolved from an inspiration that came to them in 2001 when they first saw the cliff from the road by Violin Bay, construction was finalized eight years later with every detail created with the future guests in mind. The doors opened to the Turtle Bay and Dolphin Cove Villas in 2007, the casitas followed in 2008 and the House of the Rising Sun villa was done in 2009. “We have so many repeat guests that are like family to us now,” Jackie says. “The same five couples come every year and we arrange our big bookings around our regulars,” Ron boasts with a smile. “It’s just soulful here and we do our best to make it unforgettable for everyone.” Breathtaking from the moment you walk in, the open-air dining room and living room flow seamlessly to the negative edge pool that seemw to connect to the Pacific horizon and a simply flawless view. Guests are treated to a private concierge ready to help with anything: excursions, private massages, restaurant reservations, golf reservations, etc. 
All three of the villas are gigantic and everything is wide open. Each has four suites, making them ideal for both couples and families. Daily housekeeping service and the option of having meals prepared daily add just the right touch of pampering. There are few things more decadent that waking up to freshly squeezed orange juice, a steaming hot cup of coffee and fresh fruit waiting and served with a stunning side of Pacific Ocean view. Though the villas are not beachfront, the walk to Violin Bay is short and not difficult, but worth every step. The shore is usually deserted and the snorkeling is absolutely wonderful. A second beach perfect for swimming and snorkeling, La Entrega, is another easy walk from the villas. Here you’ll find a number of beachside restaurants and avid snorkelers can pick up bay tours to remote beaches only accessible by boat. And while Las Palmas is the perfect place to disconnect, you’ll be happy to know it has very good (and free) WiFi to keep you in touch with the world you left behind. However, the icy margaritas on the terrace, homemade guacamole, fresh fish dishes and superb service will hopefully keep you from spending too much time on the Internet. 
At Las Palmas all five casitas have one-bedroom suites with ocean views and share a pool and a cozy common area with tables where everyone meets, greets and enjoys breakfast and afternoon snacks. Many people are repeat guests—and, after one visit, you’re sure to become one, too! (This is, by the way, the perfect venue for a destination wedding of the most unforgettable kind.) Should you feel the need to leave your villa—not that there aren’t other things to see in the nearby bays—take a taxi to Tangolunda. Home to a thriving community of expats, one of their favorite spots (and soon to become yours) is the exquisite Café Viena, located on Benito Juárez street. Owned by Austrians Manfred and Helmut, their menu is a delectable fusion of Asian, Mexican and European cuisine—with, of course, a beautifully prepared schnitzel as the specialty! Huatulco’s high season extends from mid-November through mid-April. Airlines flying out to this seaside resort area include Air Canada, Aeromexico, Frontier Airlines and United Airlines, among others. There are also a variety of smaller domestic carriers that can fly you in directly from Mexico City. Please check with your travel consultant for the best options from your gateway… and plan your trip to heaven on earth today! Mexico is part of the SkyMed UNIVERSE—don’t forget to tuck your membership in along with your sunscreen! Images courtesy of Las Palmas
