Mexico’s Surfing Safari

Puerto Escondido

UNLESS YOU’RE AN AVID SURFER, YOU MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH PUERTO ESCONDIDO, A TOWN LOCATED IN THE STATE OF OAXACA ALONG THE COAST OF SOUTHERN MEXICO. Besides its obvious allure to beach lovers, the region pulls in the pros for the world-renowned annual surf contest, the Puerto Escondido Cup, held at Zicatela Beach. With a stunning shoreline, surf camps, paddle boarding, bikini contests and an array of ocean-centric activities, Puerto Escondido should be the aspiration of any sea-loving traveler.

Puerto Escondido’s eclectic vibe takes visitors back to the 1970s as local beachcombers don tie-dyed shirts and Birkenstocks and head to the waves with surfboards held overhead. Surf shops set in tiny bungalows line the dusty roads along the sand and visitors and natives seem to know each other well. Pedestrians, as well as the shop-owners relaxing outdoors on beach chairs, seem to be both friendly and free-spirited. In addition to surfing, there’s plenty to do in this region. Since Oaxaca is known for its Mole, chocolate, and coffee, there are plantation tours, quaint cafés, and eateries that feature local fare generally offering panoramic views.

Walking tours with groups like Puerto Food Tours give visitors an overview of the culture, history and local cuisine and is recommended for foodies of any age. And since Puerto Escondido is set against Sierra Madre del Sur, a mountain range that winds through Oaxaca and drops to the Pacific Ocean, hiking, horseback riding and backpacking are also popular. There are no malls or fancy department stores here. The locals shop in town at Mercado Benito Juarez. This large, indoor bazaar features a collection of vendors who sell everything from household goods to fresh meats, produce, dairy and handmade tortillas. Shoppers stroll the aisles to examine a variety of cheeses, unpack-aged fish and indigenous fruit and vegetables. The small shops are primarily family-run and it’s common to pass the businesses down through the generations.

Puerto Escondido is off the commercial travel radar partly because there are no direct flights from most airports in the U.S. and no large chain hotel brands exist in the area. This, of course, is part of the town’s appeal. But Vivo Resorts, about six miles outside of the city by means of a road lined with Parrota palm trees and lush topography, is probably the best-kept secret in the State of Oaxaca. The oceanfront hotel and residential community was developed by two-time Olympian downhill skier and World Cup champion Cary Mullen who, upon experiencing Puerto Escondido’s laid-back Oaxacan ambiance, decided a condominium/hotel suites property in this surf capital would be a wise investment. It has proven to be so, given that there are no other lodging options that even come close to Vivo’s appeal, and the condos are selling as rapidly as they’re constructed.

The secluded town of just 45,000 lacks the hordes of tourists that most other Mexican resorts face, thereby attracting savvy investors who see the potential for growth. Mullen and his team also established the Vivo Foundation, an organization that invests in environmental initiatives, youth programs, orphanage donations and agricultural improvements in the area. Vivo Resorts & Residences is a $200 million dollar, 75-acre gated beachfront community of luxury condominiums and private homes situated within 10 miles of downtown Puerto Escondido. While much of the complex is complete, construction continues. At full build-out, the planned community will feature 115 private homesites and up to 600 condos. The property currently consists of a 53,000 square-foot clubhouse, the open-air Senses Spa, an ocean-view fitness center, a conference and event space, a general store and a Kids’ Club. There are four restaurants on the property, including Ernesto’s, which offers farm-to-table Oaxacan cuisine, and Coco Thai which offers an Asian fusion menu.

Vivo Resorts handles the rental program for homeowners who wish to rent out their one or two-bedroom condo residences and guests can opt for a mountain or ocean view. There are 4-bedroom oceanfront master condo residences as well for large groups and families who vacation together. The year-round warm climate helps to make Puerto Escondido a desirable vacation destination anytime. Although there may be short spurts of rain throughout the summer months, the weather in Puerto Escondido is consistently warm and sunny throughout the year. Travelers who appreciate nature and a destination void of the touristic rat-race will enjoy Puerto Escondido’s tranquil setting beyond measure.


Orbitz

AVENIDA VIVO 46
PLAYA PALMARITO, BAJOS DE CHILA,
PUERTO ESCONDIDO,
OAXACA, MÉXICO 71996

For ownership opportunities or to book a visit:
www.vivoresorts.com

FOLLOW

P.O. Box 1435 | Thousand Oaks | CA | 91360

805-849-7014

© Escapes & Escapades is

Published by Elysian Media Group, LLC

CONTACT US

14 + 8 =