Bahias de Huatulco, Oaxaca
A low-key resort destination without the hustle and bustle of Mexico’s biggest vacation spots, Bahías de Huatulco, a region on the southern tip of Oaxaca and the Sierra Madre, allows Royal Holiday members to experience Mexico’s astounding natural beauty. Unofficially known as “Huatulco,” the “Bahías” of its name refers to the nine bays constituting the city’s coastline. Any Royal Holiday member interested in discovering Mexico firsthand will do well to start their journey at this unforgettable resort.
Royal Holiday maintains two affiliate resorts in Huatulco, both just a few miles east of the nearby community of La Crucecita. The Crown Pacific Huatulco on Tangolunda Bay is one of the city’s landmark hotels, as well as one of Royal Holiday’s most popular destinations, and its suites all feature a comprehensive array of luxury amenities, as well as private terraces and access to restaurants, swimming pools, tennis courts, and a golf course. Those looking for an added dose of luxury can book a stay at Las Brisas Huatulco, another Tangolunda Bay resort that offers private beaches, 24-hour room service, a full spa and gym, and in-house rentals for those looking to kayak, sail, or windsurf.
Regardless of the choice of lodging, Huatulco provides endless opportunities for relaxation and exhilarating adventure. Those interested in the former will find 36 beaches, ranging from bustling public extravaganzas to hidden streches of sand accessible only by water taxi. The region also boasts several world-class spas, and Royal Holiday members looking for an indulgent experience will find it at the Zapoteca mud baths, a unique and affordable option provided by The Women of La Bocana Cooperative. The Mexican government’s commitment to preserving the area’s unique ecosytems has left crystal-clear bays and dramatic vistas of thick green jungles, Those interested in seeing the scenery can hire a boat tour of Huatulco’s famous bahías. Those looking for something a bit more adventurous will find endless opportunities for fun, whether it’s mountain climbing, kayaking or rafting on the Copalita River, or bathing under the Cascadas Magicas de Copalita.
Aside from the area’s natural attractions, visitors can explore Huatulco’s four charming districts. While Tangolunda offers all the resort-centric fun that any Royal Holiday member could ask for, as well as excellent golfing and fishing, the district of Santa Cruz is where snorkelers and divers congregate, as well as participants in the Sailfish Fishing Tournament. Chahue, another area with several resorts clustered around a bay, attracts surfers. Those looking for some urban relaxation can tour La Crucecita, where the zocalo, or central park, invites picnics and quiet reflection, while its restaurants serve the finest in Oaxacan cuisine. History buffs will enjoy a trip to nearby Santa Maria Huatulco, a city dating to the 1600s that features colonial architecture as well as weekend markets and bakeries with sweet treats and local delicacies.