In Destination with Transat: Uncovering the draw of Huatulco

When Huatulco first opened its doors to the tourism industry in the 1980s, its debut advertisement encapsulated the mentality of all who discovered its shores: a shot of a golden sand beach framed by the rich royal blue Pacific waters and a glass bottle washed ashore. The message in the bottle? “Don't come looking for me, I'm in Huatulco.”

As our tour guide tells us this story while we stroll through the archeological site and ecological wonder of Copalita, he recounts that when he first came to Huatulco, he had no intentions of staying. Nine years later, he and so many of the Mexican residents plus the growing number of foreign nomads who call the Oaxaca state their home are as lured to its treasures as scores of pirates were five centuries ago.

Speaking with Felisa Padilla, Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa's director of sales, she informs me that nearly 50 per cent of the resort's guests are Canadians, many of whom are repeat visitors. One couple has even gone so far as to book with them up to five times a year – a testament not only to the location but also the property's spectacular amenities and accommodations.

With the destination's growing popularity, it is no wonder why Air Transat and Transat Holidays decided to relaunch their Huatulco flights and hotel packages for Canadians two years ago.

So, what is the draw besides the area's nine pristine Pacific bays and 36 golden-hued beaches carved into magnificent mountain range? Perhaps it's the low-key and laid back vibe of the counter-culture that converges in the area's legendary surf spots. As one of our California-born tour guides put it, “This is where the good life is.”

Nowhere was this more evident than at Zipolite beach. Given that it's the State's only nude beach, the crowd there was a vibrant mix of seasoned surfers, dreadlock-clad soccer players, and the occasional free spirit bold enough to bake in their birthday suit.

For nature lovers, the draw is in the tremendous preservation of the region's rich ecology. A panga boat ride through the mangrove lagoons of the Ventanilla conservatory had the wildlife enthusiast in me photographing the most brilliantly coloured iguanas and white tailed deer, not to mention getting an up-close and personal show with our guide feeding the lagoon's monstrous (but thank goodness, docile!) crocodiles just steps away.

Organic devotees will find great appreciation for the local communities' natural cultivation of its flora. Visiting The Garden of Medicinal Plants in the small town of Piedra de Moros was not only an informative scope into the many native holistic uses for the country's herbs, but also a chance to taste stone crowned corn tortillas prepared before our eyes. The Mazunte Natural Cosmetics shop is also a great place to stop by for aromatic shampoos, creams, sunscreens and much more, all made from local organic ingredients.

A ride up the mountain top town of Pluma Hidalgo revealed an unusual treat in the visit to the home of a local woman who transformed her home into a florist's dream, with more than 100 varieties of orchids and an unbelievable wealth of other plant species. Adding to the charm is her wildly creative variety of recycled containers, some even made from soccer balls.

Pluma Hidalgo's main attraction is a tasting at Cafe Fila Diamante – a locally-produced, and family owned organic coffee house. The beans are harvested in the fields by the father, roasted in shop by the son, and served fresh out of the bag by a pair of giggling granddaughters.

Adding to the character of it all is the unprecedented authenticity of a culture well-preserved.

The more I uncover of this secret gem, the more I feel the spellbinding draw to make the return to the Huatulco bays. Someday, somehow, this feels inevitable.

Check out our first blog post from Huatulco at this link.