Luxury Travel Guide: Oaxaca
J.L. Rocha Collections
Oaxaca: The Land of Mezcal
Luxury Suggestions
The rugged and fertile terrain of Oaxaca rests 5,085 feet above sea level with a year round temperate climate that has allowed rich crops and culture to flourish for centuries. Inhabited since 11,000 B.C. the region’s earliest civilizations (the Zapotec and Mixtec people) were the first peoples to make crops of domesticated corn (maize) and squash. Now a booming gastronomic mecca (known for mezcal, mole, and hot chocolate) Oaxaca has grown to provide luxurious offerings far beyond its historic UNESCO world heritage sites. For men of exquisite taste, this blog post will provide a range of options for you to experience while you visit the most ethnically and linguistically diverse state in Mexico: Oaxaca.
Stay, Taste, and Enjoy: Oaxaca
Photo by Abraham De La Cruz of Herve El Agua Waterfall
Luxurious Places to Stay in Oaxaca
The praise-worthy option: Quinta Real Oaxaca
A camino real hotel with a cacophony of architectural wonder. Housed within the Santa Catalina Siena Ex-Convent int he heart of Oaxaca, this 16th century building was declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity site by Unesco. The stunning gardens, stonework, and Refectorio restaurant/bar are worth the visit if only for the day.
Minimalist Sheik: Escondido Oaxaca
Designed by Alberto Kalach of “Taller de Arquitectura X”, this hotel by Grupo Habita is emblematic of the way Oaxaca grows while honoring its’ roots. The space is enveloped in blended textures, from original stonework to warm wooden features, it feels like a hidden oasis amongst the vibrant downtown community. We recommend the Top Suite, where you can easily access the Escondido terrace, a swimming pool and a solarium, inviting silence and relaxation.
Tride and True: The Grand Fiesta Americana Oaxaca
This dog friendly winner of the Forbes Award has all the amenities you love from a luxury vacation with the architectural richness of Oaxaca blended in. A balance of design and timeless charm, each space contains it’s own unique artistry from the elegant pool alongside the lobby bar and La Distral Restaurant. We recommend the Master Suite or the Honeymoon Suite to fully enjoy this hotel where the previously exceptional Oaxaca film festival once held events.
Luxurious Things to Taste in Oaxaca
Enjoy a Delicious Mezcal:
In a town known for this elixer, you cannot leave Oaxaca without having a sip of Mezcal. For a smaller, more intimate take on the experience: try the Mezcaloteca known for its library-like collection of mezcal or take a scenic drive to the Real Minero for a three hour guided tour and tasting.
Taste the Rich History:
We highly recommend booking a table at many restaurants around Oaxaca, most notably, Levadura de Olla where chef Thalia Barros Garcia serves traditional creations with award winning style. Indulge your senses at the table of chef Alejandro Ruiz who crafts gastronomic homages in Casa Oaxaca. For more traditional fare, visit Los Danzantes to try your fill of mole and enjoy the notable exploits of Criollo, initially created by Enrique Olvera of the award winning Pujol.
Wrap up with a Gorgeous Cocktail:
Simply trying Mezcal is a joy, but you’ll certainly want to try the mixology in Oaxaca as well. Enjoy local favorites like Sabina Sabe for creative concoction, Selva for artistically designed art deco drinks, and take in the terrace of Amá Terraza for a relaxing decanter of Mexican wine alongside the company of hummingbirds.
Things to Experience in Oaxaca:
Take in and enjoy the art the Centro de las Artes San Agustin (CASA) where you can also sit in and enjoy a workshop.
Amble through the landscapes of the Oaxaca Botanical Garden.
Shop for your special someone or view the textile art of the Marchanta Store. You can also visit the Vida Nueva Co-Op giving indigenous women a platform for their craft.
Drive 40 miles off the beaten path to the much praised Hierve el Agua, where two waterfall-like rock formations were formed when mineral-rich water spilled over the cliffs and trickled down the mountainside. You can take a dip in the man-made pools while enjoying awe-inspiring views at the top, but for this we encourage you to book a private tour to stay away from the crowds.
Closing Notes:
Oaxaca is the perfect getaway for all seasons, with spring and autumn being characterized as slow seasons for tourism. If you want a culturally packed festival, visit in July for the Guelaguetza (Dance Festival) to experience street processions rich in history. Regardless of when you visit: the architecture, history, gastronomy, and culture are sure to incite joy within you. We would love to know your recommendations or suggested spots in the comments, but above all - we hope you enjoy any time you can with your family, doing things you believe are worth while.
Thank you/Gracias.