R&R in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

People Watching at Playa Zicatela - If Silverlake had a beach, it will be in Puerto Escondido. Grab a seat at one of the handful beach bars and take it all in.

Take a surf lesson - As one of Mexico's top surf destinations there is plethora of places to grab a quick lesson. It's fun, exciting, and trying something new is always a sure wake to make some memories.

Explore Rinconada - Surrounded by more of a residential area, this place offers access to the stunning beach coves of playas Coral, Carrizalillo, and Puerto Angelito. These are a bit more protected from the surf making it one of the best places to swim. These coves can get crowded so head over early to grab a good spot!

Explore Mazunte - A little over an hour down the Oaxacan coast is Mazunte and its nearby nude beach of Zipolite, which can be reached by bus ($200-500 MXN, depending on which service you use) or car. Besides appreciating the lovely beaches, this peculiar town has an easy way of life, always leaving me rejuvenated.

Visit the Bioluminescent Lagoon of Manialtepec - Most tours leave in the afternoon, seeing the lagoon by day and learning about its community and culture is fascinating. Grab some lunch beachside where the lagoon and the ocean meet, the seafood does not get any fresher than this. Once the sun sets head back to check out the main attraction the incomparable bioluminesence lagoon, dive in to this unique experience! The conditions have to be right to get the best experience so ask before you go and give your self a few days to reschedule if needed.

DO NOTHING - It's part of the appeal of this trip, sit by the beach or the pool with a good book (must leave your phone in your room) and just take in the sun. Relaxing and tune-ing back into your self is important and much needed.

Hit the Spa - Hotel Escondido and Casona Sforza both offer reinvigorating spa services on site.

Hit the Town - Puerto Escondido is a young town, get ready for a few drinks and some dancing. After dinner, grab yourself a caguama and a mezcal and keep the night going.

Food Market La Punta - Food truck park for a quick, easy and low key lunch or dinner. They have about 4-5 diffrent restaurants on site and a lovley patio for al fresco dinning.

Café Olé - Perfect for breakfast or brunch before hitting the beach. The crepes and fresh juices will bring you back to life after a late night.

Agua Salá - Beachfront restaurant on Zicatela has some of the freshest seafood. I find myself coming back for a sunset mezcalita and the excellent tuna tartare tossed in a chile aioli and topped with black sesame seeds.

Cobarde - Small bar in the Punta Pajaros area specializing in weird, small batches of mezcal.

Chicama - Not to miss Peruvian ceviche spot. Bar scene is strong and the food is even better, terrific dinner spot to set you up for a fun night ahead.

Comedor Tere - Local Puerto Escondido Restaurant. Daily rotating menu, unassuming but solid everyday Oaxaca cooking.

Xina - If you are looking for a fine dinning experience, this is the spot! Offering a tasting menu designed to bring transport you through the Oaxaca region. Each course is paired with fermented beverages such as pulque, tepache, kombucha, and mead. Only open during the week and you must make reservations so plan ahead.

Almoraduz - Located in Rinconada this spot focuses on contemporary Oaxacan cuisine. The space and the food are chic and delicious.

El Cafecito - Another breakfast staple in town! There is likely a bit of a wait but trust me the chilaquiles in green sauce are totally worth it.