Lately, it feels like every stylish traveler I know is geotagging the same destination: Puerto Escondido. Tucked along the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico, this once-sleepy surf village is becoming the go-to escape for fashion insiders, creatives, and anyone craving a slice of slow, sun-drenched paradise—with just enough style and sophistication to keep things interesting.
It’s not hard to understand the appeal. Think: endless golden beaches, boutique hotels with soul, a flourishing culinary scene, and a creative energy that feels both laid-back and inspired. But unlike its more commercial cousins—Cancún or Cabo—Puerto Escondido remains disarmingly low-key. There’s no overdevelopment here, no mega-resorts rising out of the sand. Instead, what you’ll find are thoughtfully designed spaces, world-class surf, and a cultural richness that runs deep.
Here’s your inside track on the Mexican beach town that manages to feel like a secret, even when everyone is talking about it.
Where to Stay: Design Meets Tranquility
Let’s start with the hotels—because in Puerto Escondido, they’re not just places to sleep. They’re experiences in themselves.
Casa TO might be the most photogenic of the bunch. Picture brutalist curves carved from raw concrete, semicircular pools, and lush tropical landscaping. Architect Ludwig Godefroy’s vision blurs the line between nature and design, and with just nine suites and one serene bar (the charmingly named Glou Glou), this retreat invites stillness and introspection.
Just down the coast, Casona Sforza brings a different flavor of elegance. Arched walkways and a neutral-toned palette evoke a bohemian dream. Awarded a Michelin Key in 2024, it’s a standout for more than just looks. It’s about the rhythm of life here—slow mornings on your terrace, afternoons in the pool, and mezcal under a blanket of stars. It’s personal, not polished.
Then there’s Terrestre, a solar-powered sanctuary that redefines what it means to go off-grid. Fourteen villas, each with their own plunge pool, are designed to help you disconnect—from your devices, your schedule, even your expectations. If you’re craving a wellness reset wrapped in cutting-edge design, this is the place.
Where to Dine: A Culinary Scene Worth Traveling For
Puerto Escondido might be known for surfing, but its food scene is making waves too.
Start with Cobarde, a bar-turned-restaurant that proves minimalism doesn’t mean boring. Behind its rustic façade lies a culinary experience brimming with creativity. Expect traditional Mexican flavors reimagined with precision and care—paired with rare mezcals you won’t find back home. Come for the drinks, stay for the unexpectedly elevated dinner, and linger into the night.
For something more unexpected, Kakurega Omakase delivers Japanese fine dining in the middle of the Oaxacan jungle. Chef Keisuke Harada serves hyper-local seafood beneath a palapa roof next to Hotel Escondido, creating a setting as memorable as the cuisine itself. Pro tip: Stop by the neighboring mezcal distillery beforehand for a little pre-dinner ritual.
And then there’s Chicama, the Peruvian restaurant that has quickly become a local favorite. The ceviche is the star, but everything—from fried plantains to passionfruit margaritas—delivers. It’s the kind of place where dinner spills into drinks and where you might just stay until the music kicks in.
What to Do: The Art of Doing Very Little (and Loving It)
This isn’t a place for packed itineraries. In Puerto Escondido, the best days are often the least planned.
Still, there are a few can’t-miss experiences. Casa Wabi, an art and cultural foundation, is one of them. Set along a dirt road miles from town, the space itself—designed by architect Tadao Ando—is a minimalist masterpiece. It hosts rotating artist residencies and installations that are deeply inspired by the surrounding land. Even the drive there feels like part of the art.
Of course, you can’t talk about Puerto Escondido without mentioning surfing. Whether you’re a pro or a total beginner, this is the spot to dive in—quite literally. Oasis Surf and Spanish School offers lessons paired with photography sessions that double as keepsakes and learning tools. If you’re new to the sport, start at Playa Carrizalillo, a gentler break. For more seasoned surfers, La Punta Zicatela is the place.
Not into catching waves? Try sunset horseback riding. Local vaqueros often offer impromptu rides along the untouched coastline where rivers meet the sea. It’s spontaneous, romantic, and—let’s be honest—perfect Instagram material.
Final Thoughts: A Place to Be, Not Just to Visit
What sets Puerto Escondido apart is its soul. This is a place that draws people who want to linger, not just check in and check out. Artists, surfers, architects, chefs—many come for a visit and end up staying for good. And even if you’re just passing through, you’ll feel it: that slow, sunlit magic that makes you want to stretch each day out just a little bit longer.
Whether you’re craving barefoot luxury, creative inspiration, or just a break from the noise, Puerto Escondido is waiting—quietly, beautifully, and more ready than ever.
