Blame it on the beautiful landscapes, delectable cuisine, intriguing cultural sites or simply the sunny weather, but sometimes it seems that Mexico is just a little too popular. That said, a honeymoon there does not have to mean booking into an enormous resort or sunbathing on a crowded beach.
Puerto Escondido
In Oaxaca, set between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains, the small town of Puerto Escondido (“hidden port,” also known as “puerto” to the locals) is a fishing village and top surf- ing destination that exudes a chill, laid- back, beachy charm.
What to Do: Head just 10 miles north of the town of Puerto Escondido, rent a kayak and explore the coastal lagoon of Laguna de Manialtepec and its surrounding mangroves, home to numerous bird species including ibis, pelicans and parrots. At certain times of the year, a type of plankton arrives in the water, creating a bioluminescent glow at night.
Where to Eat: Owned by a French-Mexican couple, Pascale serves Mediterranean and regional Mexican cuisine that highlights the village’s bounty of fresh seafood. Candlelit tables are set under palm trees overlooking the bay.
Photo Credit: Undine Pröhl
Where to Stay: Tucked away on pristine private beachfront, Hotel Escondido is composed of 16 rustic-chic bungalows with thatched palapa roofs. private plunge pools and sundecks offer a hidden sanctuary during the day, while at night guests can party at the underground nightclub (rooms start at $300 a night; hotelescondido.com).
Photo Credit: Undine Pröhl
