Meagan Drillinger
From Puerto Vallarta to Cancun, Los Cabos to Riviera Maya, Mexico’s greatest-hits list will always top the charts, and for good reason. But it’s time to clear the way for a few new Mexican destinations to take a turn in the spotlight.
Here are a few to have on the radar for the coming year, and why.
Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
Mexico’s southern state of Oaxaca, known for its cuisine and markets, is also home to Puerto Escondido, a beach destination that has been the rage with locals for many years and only now is getting the attention of foreign travelers.
Puerto Escondido is built around a bay lined with massive rock formations. Bacocho Beach to the north has the most variety of hotels and a laid-back attitude. The middle Playa Principal has a wonderful beach with boats that can be hired for fishing or sightseeing. On the southern end is Zicatela, where all the action can be found. With its buzzing cosmopolitan atmosphere, it is where you will find surfers and tourists catching some rays and riding the waves.
Where to stay: Consider Hotel Escondido, a Grupo Habita hotel that opened in 2013. The hotel embodies the spirit of Puerto Escondido, with a breezy, open-air backpacker feel, only with private plunge pools and gourmet cuisine.
Valley de Guadalupe
Twenty-seven miles from Ensenada in Baja California, Mexico’s wine-growing region is attracting wine and food lovers from north of the border.
Though not typically thought of as the national beverage, Mexico’s wine industry continues to mature and the country is bottling some delicious products.
“Valle de Guadalupe in Baja is less than two hours from San Diego, and it’s a wonderful destination for people that are interested in wine,” says Hope Smith, founder of Born To Travel. “The farm-to-table movement is huge here. You can also find outdoor activities like horseback riding, hiking and, of course, the Ruta del Vino. Many chefs have opened their restaurants there, as well.”
Where to stay: For something on the luxury end, look into El Cielo. For more moderately priced accommodations try La Villa del Valle.
Holbox
One of Mexico’s lesser-known Caribbean islands, Holbox is one of the most untapped travel destinations in the country.
The island is part of the protected area of the Yum-Balam, Mexico’s largest ecological reserve, and its intentional lack of development means travelers are enjoying unspoiled nature. Boating is one of the top activities on Holbox and day trips skirt the coast and visit Pajaros Island, a bird sanctuary. Other highlights include the Yalahau lagoon, where dolphin sightings are common. From May to September swimming with whale sharks is a popular activity off the coast of Holbox.
Where to stay: Casa Las Tortugas is a family-run, eco-friendly hotel.