2 Best Hotels in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

Imagine staying at the stylish beach home of good friends, and you’ll get a sense of the vibe at this small adults-only hotel near the tidal pools of Agua Blanca, the only place to stay near the turtle sanctuary at La Escobilla Beach. Owned by a young couple—he’s American and she’s Kiwi—the property offers a collection of four cheerful casitas, each equipped with a king-size bed and rooftop palapa with ocean views. All meals are included (you preorder from a menu featuring American, Thai, and Mexican cuisine before you arrive) and are served alfresco overlooking the free-form swimming pool. Finish your meal with a chilled shot of coconut-infused mezcal from Los Cántaros mezcaleria. Wi-Fi is free. Time your visit for a turtle arribada or release at La Escobilla, one of the world's most important nesting beaches for olive ridley turtles.

Perfect for those in search of a little solitude, these private, tile-roofed villas cling to a cliff above the gorgeous beach for which they were named; you descend to the idyllic shoreline via a very steep staircase. The villas range in size from a small studio to a three-bedroom apartment with a private terrace. All have a/c, and most have kitchenettes. A favorite, called the Puebla, has bay-view balconies. The road to the secluded property is dark, so you'll need to taxi out. Or, you can just stay in and enjoy the stunning views from the terrace bar.