Your Guide to a Luxe Weekend Getaway in Oaxaca: The Must-Visit Spot of 2023

Let's go to Oaxaca, the buzzing cultural hub of Mexico, which has just bagged the title of top travel destination of 2023 by Travel + Leisure! This vibrant city, with its deep-rooted indigenous heritage, grand colonial architecture, lively art scene and oh-so-delicious cuisine, is a must-visit.

Getting to Oaxaca City is easy - currently Xoxocotlán International Airport (OAX) offers direct flights from LA, Houston and Dallas. You can also just fly through Mexico City. Once you're in the city, you can wander around on foot or hire a cab for longer trips.

I recommend making Hotel Sin Nombre home during your stay. Tucked in a 17th-century colonial building, this boutique hotel radiates luxury. Spend the afternoon lounging by the rooftop pool, grabbing a bite at the restaurant or enjoying local cocktails and mezcals at Cantinita while people watching on the street level. Hotel Sin Nombre also offers each guest a welcome cocktail and a free breakfast!

Later, get a taste of Oaxaca's street food at Chefinita, a taco cart just two blocks away. Their tacos al vapor and pozole are fantastic, but watch out - the salsa is fiery!

Kick off your day with a private tour of Monte Alban, an ancient Zapotec capital. Here, you'll get a taste of pre-Columbian life and learn about the site's rich history and archeology.

On your way back downtown, stop by The Hall of Smoke in the Mercado 20 de Noviembre. It's a chaotic, smoky corridor with various Oaxaca meats, grilled to order over charcoal fires and served with salsas, charred veggies and tortillas. Cheap, delicious and oh-so-Oaxaca.

Round off your day with a reserved spot at Mezcaloteca for an exclusive mezcal tasting. Learn about traditional production methods and sample a selection of artisanal mezcals.

For dinner, head to Crudo, where Chef and Owner Ricardo Arellano (you might've seen him on Netflix!) blends Japanese and Mexican culinary traditions in an unforgettable omakase dinner. And yes, the fish is super fresh and flown in daily from Baja.

Oaxaca's shopping scene is a treat, from unique textiles and pottery at Mercado Benito Juarez to trendy clothing stores. Check out Marchanta, a high-end clothing boutique with a hidden bar and café in the back. Perfect for a quick coffee or cocktail break in between shopping.

Next, wander through the Mercados for unique textiles and trinkets. These markets are a treasure trove of handcrafted goods that make for great souvenirs or gifts.

For your final dinner, reserve a table at Criollo by Chef Enrique Olvera. Using Oaxaca's freshest produce and traditional cooking techniques, Criollo offers a menu that changes with the seasons, serving up the best of Oaxacan cuisine.