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Looking for romantic things to do in Puerto Escondido, Mexico? This beach town’s magical combination of Pacific Coast scenery, delicious regional cuisine and intimate size makes it the perfect beach destination for couples.
And while its sultry nights and swaying palms trees are naturally romantic, if you’re planning a honeymoon, date night or celebrating a special occasion like Valentine’s Day (known as día del amor y la amistad in Mexico), there are some extra-special ways to create an unforgettable experience for two.
1. Dine by Candlelight
Is there anything more primordial than fire? Dining at Hotel Santa Fe is very romantic at night when the flickering lanterns cast shadows on the burnished pastel walls of this classic Grand Dame.
The candlelight, the lapping of waves and attentive service will create the perfect romantic backdrop for an unforgettable evening for two.
Live music on weekends and special occasions adds to the intimate ambiance. If you’re looking for a romantic hotel for couples in Puerto Escondido, consider the Santa Fe.
2. Escape to a Nude Beach
Lose your inhibitions (and maybe even your clothing) on a secluded stretch of sand. Top spots include Aragon and Zipolite beaches near Mazunte, a short jaunt from Puerto Escondido and Huatulco.
You can take the Sur bus to Pochutla (or get dropped off on Highway 200) and then take a taxi to Zipolite.
Plan ahead and you can even take place in the annual Festival Nudista Zipolite (early February) as a pre-Valentine’s Day celebration.
This festival celebrates the natural human form in all of its many variations. Activities include nude morning yoga, volleyball tournaments and even surfing. So mark your calendars for next year!
While Zipolite is Mexico’s most legendary nude beach and only official playa nudista, it’s worth remembering that the clothing optional policy is confined to the beach. So don’t try prancing in your birthday suit through town!
And plan to stay awhile if you can. There’s even a Nude Hotel (Casa Nudista) — featuring a bar, music and swimming pool — within easy walking distance to Love Beach. Just be sure to pack the sunscreen!
Its clothing-optional stretch of sand is just one of the many reasons to fall in love with Mazunte, Zipolite and San Agustinillo.
Check rates and availability at Casa Nudista (Nude Hotel) at Zipolite Beach on Booking.com
Check rates and availability at Hotel Estrella de Mar directly on Love Beach in Zipolite on Booking.com
3. Slurp Some Fresh Oysters
Believed to help boost libido and lust, oysters have long been considered to be a natural aphrodisiac. So why not ramp up the romance factor and indulge in a platter of fresh-from-the-sea raw oysters and see if the legends are true?
At both Playa Manzanillo and Playa Carrizalillo you’ll often see fisherman diving for oysters. Order the oysters by the dozen and enjoy them served with fresh-squeezed lime juice and hot sauce.
Another top spot to enjoy fresh oysters is at Agua Blanca beach, where you can indulge in a platter of fresh oysters by the sea.
Learn more about taking a day trip to Agua Blanca in our guide to Food & Drink in Puerto Escondido.
4. Unwind with a Couples Massage
Feeling stressed? Unwind with a couples massage and soak in a bath of milk and honey at Temazcalli Spa, located above HWY 200 in the Lázaro Cárdenas neighbourhood.
In addition to offering therapeutic and hot stone massages, reiki and facials their spa facility also features an authentic temazcal, where you can experience a ceremonial spa ritual (minimum two people).
Or, visit the indoor-outdoor spa complete with a temazcal steam bath at Vivo Resorts, nine miles from Puerto Escondido. Or, head further afield to Oaxaca City where you can experience an authentic temazcal ceremony led by a shaman.
Learn more about massage therapy in our Travel Guide to Puerto Escondido.
5. Go Horseback Riding
Spice it up with a horse back ride along Puerto Suelo Beach.
Or head inland with a day trip to Atotonilco Hot Springs where you’ll meander your way through the foothills of the Sierra Madre Sur mountains and forge cool rivers with an experienced guide.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the thermal waters for the ultimate couples escape.
Check prices and availability of a horseback riding tour to the thermal waters on Viator.com.
6. Sip Cocktails at Sunset
Sunsets make the perfect setting for romantic cocktails, dinners or strolls along the beach. One of the most romantic things to do in Puerto Escondido is enjoy a fabulous Pacific Coast sunset.
For fine cuisine and sunsets too, head to Caña Brava restaurant on Zicatela Beach. The Bali beds on the sand are very romantic.
The stretch of Zicatela beach in front of Hotel Santa Fe is another favourite spot to watch the sun drop below the horizon.
7. Get Serenaded with Love Ballads
Create the perfect setting for romance by requesting your favourite love song or a classic Mexican love ballad from one of the roving troubadours who stroll the beaches of Puerto Escondido.
You can most often find them on Manzanillo Beach and Playa Principal on the weekends.
Not sure what songs to request? Check out our post with a playlist of love ballads to request from mariachis in Mexico.
Love music? Check out our Couples’ Guide to New Orleans, Louisiana!
8. Shower Yourselves with Roses
Nothing says “I love you” like a bouquet of romantic flowers. You don’t need to skimp on roses in Puerto Escondido.
You can splurge on an armful of fragrant roses for a fraction of the price you’d pay at home. They’re also fresher and will last much longer than roses you buy anywhere else in North America.
To kick off your romantic getaway in Puerto Escondido with a flurry of blooms, just head to the Benito Juarez Market where there’s a special flower section.
In the market, you’ll see flower vendors offering a wide variety of roses as well as paper white calla lilies, bird of paradise and brilliant red anthuriums.
For 200 MXN (around $11 USD) you can get a truly spectacular bouquet of flowers.
9. Get a Taste of Paris – in Mexico
While Paris may claim to be the most romantic city in the world, it doesn’t have palm trees! In Puerto Escondido you can dine on French-inspired dishes at both le Bistrot du Marché at Zicatela Market.
Indulge in a dessert trio of mousse de chocolate, profiteroles and crème brûlée at le Bistrot du Marché.
Another romantic thing to do in Puerto Escondido is to begin your day with a memorable breakfast for two.
La Julia Coffee, Market & Gallery is not only one of our top choices for breakfast in Puerto Escondido but it features a dreamy Parisian flea market decor that’s both lovely and inspiring.
You can listen to French love ballads while dining on Oaxacan breakfast specialities at La Julia.
10. Choose a Romantic Hotel
An extra-special hotel is a key ingredient for a romantic getaway in Puerto Escondido. You don’t want screaming kids, traffic or construction noise to interrupt your time together.
Try to pair seclusion with some pampering, add some fine food and drink and you’ve created the perfect backdrop for romance.
Some of the most romantic hotels in Puerto Escondido include:
- Casa Joseph Zicatela is the only luxury boutique hotel located ON the beach in Puerto Escondido. It’s adult-only and barefoot luxury.
- Hotel Santa Fe,
- Villas Carrizalillo,
- Hotel Escondido (ages 16+ guests only)
- Or further afield, Secrets Resort & Spa (Huatulco) adults-only.
Check our Ultimate List of the Most Romantic Hotels in Mexico for more ideas of great hotels for couples.
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Honeymoon in Puerto Escondido
With the addition of new boutique hotels such as Casa Joseph Zicatela, Puerto Escondido is becoming increasingly popular for honeymoons, vow renewals and destination weddings.
If you’re honeymooning in the summer, opting for a Pacific Coast beach destination like Puerto is a good way to avoid the sargassum seaweed problem in Cancun, Tulum and Riviera Maya.
Zicatela beach is a top spot for weddings at sunset. There are several restaurants suitable for holding events for up to 100 people.
The beach town of Mazunte is another option for a honeymoon in Oaxaca. Designated one of the country’s Pueblos Mágicos by the Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism due to its unique personality and special qualities, Mazunte is smaller and more intimate than Puerto Escondido.
Check rates and availability at the ultra-romantic, boutique-sized Zoa Hotel in Mazunte on Booking.com
Dividing her time between Canada, Guatemala and Mexico (or the nearest tropical beach), Michele Peterson is the founder of A Taste for Travel. Her award-winning travel and food writing has appeared in Lonely Planet’s cookbook Mexico: From the Source, National Geographic Traveler, Fodor’s and 100+ other publications.
Read more about Michele Peterson.
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