Destination has nine bays, four of which are off-limits to developers
The general manager of the Association of Huatulco Hotels can clearly state that her Pacific-coast destination isn’t lacking when it comes to ocean-fronting bays. Jessica Garcia Moro notes that Huatulco has nine of the water bodies, all open to tourists, but four of which are off-limits to developers.
“That’s what makes us different,” Garcia Moro says of Huatulco’s multiple bays, including four that are located in a marine park shielded from development. “They cannot be touched by the hand of man. We’re proud of our bays. They make us different.”
Garcia Moro adds that some of the bays have waves that attract surfers while others are calm. Ocean water temperature tends to hover around 26 degrees throughout the year.
Huatulco has made inroads in the Canadian market, seeing winter season charters from the likes of Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg and Toronto. There is also a year-round Canadian expatriate community.
The Association of Huatulco Hotels represents 24 properties, some of them independent, others of which are chain properties. Properties range from 2-to-5 stars and visitors can choose between all-inclusives and European Plan hotels. Some hotels have convention space and Huatulco is eager to host weddings.
Garcia Moro says Huatulco is a noticeably Mexican destination that particularly appeals to those seeking a quieter vacation, with the town having bars and restaurants, but not having the raucous nightlife that is found in some other Mexican beach destinations.
Community residents are proud of their dozens of beaches, cleaning them regularly and believing in sustainability, proud that Huatulco earned weighty Master Certification from EarthCheck, which describes itself as the “world’s leading certification, consulting and advisory group for sustainable destinations.”
Garcia Moro says the forested area around Huatulco and the ocean itself offer plenty of opportunities for adventure-seekers, including rafting, rappelling, ziplining and kayaking at sunrise. Waterfalls can be viewed, as can coffee plantations that produce specialty coffees.
The city of Oaxaca – which has earned a reputation as a cultural showcase – is about 3.5 hours away, as is the prominent archeological site of Monte Alban.
An Huatulco-area community is Zipolite, which Garcia Moro describes as a “very hippie place” and includes a nudist beach among its claims to fame.
