Hotel Hotspot: Hotel Escondido

Nestled in Puerto Escondido, a charming surf town in Oaxaca, Mexico, this luxury design hotel more than lives up to its name (escondido translates to ‘hidden’ in English). Whether you're a hardcore surfer or just looking for a quiet getaway, Hotel Escondido, located on an isolated beach, should serve as the perfect vacation spot. The remote property houses sixteen cabanas, called palapas, each with a private terrace and pool. There’s also a spa onsite as well as a 50-metre-long pool that runs parallel to the ocean. Sounds like heaven.

The ocean-facing side of our bungalow, shot from a private path leading to the beach. Hammock, check. Chaise lounge, check. Private soaking pool, check.

TYPE

An isolated, low-key, luxury boutique hotel surrounded by nature. 

VIBE

Low-key luxury. You are lost in a nature-meets-luxury experience that is amenity rich, yet not distractingly so. A perfect combination of attentive service and complete isolation and privacy.

The bungalows from the beach.

LOCATION

Located on a stretch of completely isolated beach, miles away from anything.

ROOMS

16 thatched roof beach bungalows, all identical.

Inside of our bungalow. Super comfy bed. Note the flashlight, portable Bose bluetooth speaker, and deco analog alarm clock on the bedside table. Also note the sombrero. Wear the sombrero.

MUSIC

I didn’t notice music in the restaurant/bar area. There is a “night club,” but it was closed while we were there. Every room is equipped with a Bose portable bluetooth speaker, which is a great touch because you can take it anywhere on the premises. Bring it to the restaurant/bar area after the kitchen closes to imbibe with newfound friends over a card game and mezcal.

The poolside bar. Respite from the incredibly hot Southern Mexico sun.

YEAR OPENED

2013

DESIGNED BY

Grupo Habita. One of my favorite things about this hotel is how GH took inspiration from the natural landscape surrounding the hotel and humbly and tastefully incorporated it into the design of their hotel experience. It was authentic, well executed and, most importantly: made sense.

The bar and restaurant. The huge lantern above the bar is made of palm fronds. A lively vibe kicks off around 9pm each night as couples finish dinner and the mezcal starts to flow.

POOL/GYM

Every bungalow has a private patio with a soaking pool for two. There is also a large, sunken pool on the beach next to the hotel’s bar and restaurant. A very nice touch considering the waves here are so big (up to 18 ft.), swimming in the ocean is not very enjoyable. No gym.

RESTAURANT

Delicious, but stick to the basics: fresh fish, shrimp tacos, ceviches.

The BEST guacamole, shrimp tacos, and margaritas I have ever had... right by Hotel Escondido's signature sunken beach pool.

BAR

Great atmosphere and lighting at night. Puerto Escondido is in the heart of mezcal country and the hotel’s Mexican guests WILL remind you of this. Stick with tequila in the frozen margaritas, but it’s all about mezcal after dinner. Drink it straight. Drink the house bottle. And take it with orange slices and chili powder on the side. Don’t fall into a cactus patch on the walk back to your bungalow.

The lounge located directly across from reception. Great reading material and obviously the design is on point. 

MINIBAR

Moet, plenty of liquor, beer, sodas, coconut water, juices, sparkling water, chocolates, cigarettes, chips and snacks. No qualms here.

WIFI

Only around the reception, bar, and restaurant, which was frustrating for only about two seconds. This is the type of place to disconnect entirely.

Taking in the waves and sunset.

CHILDREN

The safe environment would allow for kids to explore on their own, but this is the type of place you go to completely relax and unwind. Every bungalow only has one queen bed… it’s very romantic. I’d leave the kids at home if I were you….

PRICE

Totally fair. Let’s just say, it’s easy to spend more in NYC in a single weekend.

Courtesy of: A Hotel Life

SHOP MEXICO CITY >