Villas Carrizalillo

Relaxed resort of beautiful villa-apartments overlooking the loveliest bay in Puerto Escondido, with exclusive access to the beach below

Boy, this is a good-looking place. Surrounded by tall green palm trees, perched on cliffs above a cove of turquoise sea, Villas Carrizalillo is the belle of Puerto Escondido’s ball. Puerto (as locals call it) is known for its brash surfer beaches - the private steps down from these luxe villas lead to a tranquil bay of blue sea and golden sand, with a smattering of low-key bars and chilled-out sun-lovers; no pipelines here, dude.

Built by a Mexican engineer (so it’s picturesquely placed but not precariously balanced), the hotel was abandoned until a young American couple bought it, renovated the 10 neglected villas and added 2 more. Amy and Ed are still at the helm; their easygoing but adept management has created an enclave of loyal staff and devoted guests. Charming terraces and immaculate gardens with bubbling fountains, chairs and hammocks surround the open-sided restaurant. Sundowner margaritas at the bar are a ritual not to be missed - the company is convivial and the sunset views are fantastic, the best in town. Just like the hotel.

Highs

• Spacious, spotless 1-3 bedroom villas, comfortable enough for kids and for their parents’ wallet; half have ocean views
• Excellent restaurant with splendid views over the bay, or you can self-cater in your villa
• Outdoor pool with morning sun; chilled lounge/library with books, games and toys; elevated sun deck
• On top of glorious Playa Carrizalillo, slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of town and the busier surfer's beach
• Bikes to borrow, boards and snorkelling gear to rent

Lows

• The entrance to the hotel is on an uninspiring dirt road and can be a dusty pathway out of the hotel if you’re walking
• The private staircase down to the beach is secure but steep - leave some breathing room for the climb back up!
• Only Venecia has a twin bedroom; other beds are all doubles or kingsize doubles