I was happy I didn't have to fly Sunwing as well. I did wonder after we booked whether WestJet would charge for luggage as they seem to nickel and dime to death now (my gut said they would even though it was an International flight - and they did, $30 per bag). Sunwing includes luggage though the weight limit is less than regular airlines. We both really enjoyed this time of year last visit just before busy season gets in full swing. We didn't have all-inclusive and that was fine for us. We booked Expedia for this trip.
For us, that price was definitely in our budget and direct flights were awesome. We could have got this cheaper if we took 2 flights each way. I converted $1200 CAD to MXN at a foreign exchange office and got $16,200.00 pesos. It took me an hour to sort/divide/budget and put into daily amounts, lol. Felt good when I finished though and I had a WAD of cash it looked like... 😊
Sunday, November 10th:
I always drive my son to work on Sundays as transit isn't running here for when his shift starts. That means, I did today and was home at 6am, ready and waiting for my friend to share the taxi to the airport. I was expecting her for 6:30. She was on time and away we went. Westjet was super busy, 3 flights going to Mexico all within minutes of each other. Security was busy, getting a coffee impossible and then we were delayed almost an hour due to passengers from Alberta being late because of snow storm there. We departed about 10am and flight was 5 hours and 40 minutes long. We were last off the plane too as the front and back were open and we were right in the middle.
At least we got green lights from customs when we had our turn, we were fully expecting to get red. It was dark though when we exited. Tough travel day. We were zapped from it as both of us only got 3 hours sleep the night before. Taxi cost $450 pesos ($31 CAD) directly from airport. We tipped him with $100 pesos. My crap weighed a ton, it seemed...
Check in was fine and they upgraded us to pool view rooms for free. 3rd floor, no elevator but some kind gent did take our luggage up. I tipped him $50 pesos for mine. Room was HUGE! Full living room and dining area, 2 double beds upstairs. She had same room as I, one door away. She was 305 (right beside stairwell) and I 307.
We requested mini-fridges. I tipped him the same as the gent who carried my bags. He was huffing and puffing when he arrived at my door with the fridge on his shoulder. Poor guy. My friend and I agreed to meet for dinner in a short time after settling in a little. She said she had showered so I asked how it worked. She made me laugh out loud when she replied with, "Well, you gotta run around to try and get wet", meaning the water pressure was bad. With no plans, we just stopped at a hotel (Alikar) on Chahue that had a restaurant. In hindsight, we should have just ate at our own hotel but there was not a sole person in there so it didn't occur to me they were open for dinner.
Complimentary chips and salsa (HOT!) Below is my friend's margarita
Beef Tlayuda which had lettuce, tomato, avocado, Oaxaca cheese and beef in it. It was huge!
Above, the tortilla soup was the texture of porridge, so it was a little off putting. Flavor was good, but one note only.
Beef tacos - very good
I had a Victoria beer. Total was about $300 pesos ($21 CAD) before tip. Really can't complain and we couldn't finish the meal. Way too much food for us. No English was spoken here, but we managed okay. We love that, it's like constant charades.
Unfortunately those beautiful flowers didn't have any scent. We went back to the hotel. We saw a bar by the pool. Just hard alcohol and soda mixers. We got a drink, asked how much and he said free but nodded to his tip basket. So, we gave $20 pesos each.
The pool stays open till 11pm they said. We sat by it and then retired to bed for the evening.
Monday, November 11th:
We were up early and our plan was to walk over to the "Super Che". First I stopped and filled my water bottle. It was by the ice machine. They give you 1 litre of water and then tell you to refill it here. Good idea but it was hot when it came out and I was not crazy for the taste after the first few sips either.
We were looking forward to getting our "shop on".
And we did, mine was $2351.72 or $161.16 CAD. Not bad for having 3 bottles of wine, 3 bottles of sparkling wine, 1 bottle of tequila and a 6 pack of beer. Got random toiletries I had forgot. Also had enough food for the week that would fit in the mini fridge, water bottles and fried chicken! (Below). AND, lots of dried chilies and spices to take home. Really great shop.
We had to taxi back. Fare was $35 pesos this year. It was $30 last visit. Still a steal! We would always give $50, 60 or 70 pesos depending on the driver or if we had items they helped with. Again some nice gent carried my groceries up for me and they were heavy. I tipped him $50 pesos. We made lunch in my room as it was cool in there. P.S. The WiFi worked fine in our rooms, we had no issues with it at all. We decided, as hot and humid as it was to walk down to the Castillo and have a walk around the shops by the marina. Didn't see anyone we recognized at the Castillo so we continued on. I was beet red, sweaty and our clothes were sticky now.
I bought my son a T-shirt and got suckered into buying some cinnamon chocolates for $150 pesos ($10 CAD). My friend bought a silver ring that she loved and that shop owner remembered us. Asked us why we didn't come last year. It was so hot it was time to go have a drink. We got escorted by someone as soon as hit the beach area. Below is the view from our table.
We remarked how we never went to this beach once when we stayed at the Castillo. But of course, we did all-inclusive so we went to their beach club as everything was included. It was lovely here and we ordered margaritas.
$150 pesos or $10.30 CAD
A couple got engaged on the beach. He dropped to one knee and proposed. Great audience for it and it was fun to watch. No pictures of it though.
It was too hot to walk back so $35 peso cab it was. My friend said she was heading to the pool. I elected to sit and have a drink in my cool room instead. I looked at my pool view from the balcony while she was down there, she had the whole pool to herself - waved hello to her.
We had dinner plans at 7pm for Terra Cotta in La Crucecita. $35 peso taxi and we were there. They have A/C which was very welcome. We ordered Sangrita, but liked the way the Castillo served them much better - shot of Resposado. Tomato & orange juice with Tabasco in another shot glass. This one was like a Caesar drink...and they put way too much Worcestershire sauce in my friends. Hers was black! Mine is below and hers was twice as dark as mine. We explained to the waiter as best we could. He finally said "too much mix?". Told the bartenders but didn't bring her a new drink. Oh well, we tried.
I ordered an appy of shrimp cups. They were very tasty, but before one was gone, dinner was served. I like it when service waits until you finish before setting the next course down.
220 grams beef tenderloin seared with Oaxacan coffee and chili ancho crust covered in creamy brandy sauce ($279 pesos or $19 CAD)
Dorado fish fillet covered with creamy mushroom sauce with spinach, bacon and Parmesan cheese ($249 pesos or $17 CAD)
We were both very pleased with our meals. I had the Dorado. While very good, I just didn't like that it smelled fishy but it tasted fine. We couldn't finish so packed it to go. We headed over to Alfredo's and had a drink. Not much going on there. Was hoping for live music but no. Pretty quiet around town actually. We stopped at his wife's place and got a small gelato.
Delish. I got pistachio. My friend got "Ferrero Rocher" and I think it was $50 pesos ($3.40) for both of them. It was just the right amount and a nice way to finish dinner.
$35 peso cab back to our hotel. We went to my room for some drinks. This is the last picture I took...
Ummmm, a couple of those and much more drinks later, we called it a night about 3am...
Tuesday, November 12th:
Well this day was a write off for me. I was nauseous as hell. My friend said she was going to the pool. She kindly brought a Bailey's coffee to my door. I drank that, had a piece of chicken and a Pacifico beer. Then I went directly back to bed with the DND on my door. I didn't mind the bed, I've slept in worse...a little firm but my bones didn't ache from it when I woke up.
About 4pm, I heard my phone beep with a message. It was from her, checking in. I told her I'd be ready for dinner at 6pm. Shower made me feel almost human again, but I was still very much under the weather. I didn't get up till 5:30 so made it to her room about 6:20 or so. She had got lots of sun and said she spent the whole day at the pool and had crashed for a while there. We had a glass of wine and then walked over to Rocoto restaurant for dinner. Just a short 5 minute walk from our hotel. Reservations are a must here as it is very small and always busy.
Love the salsas here. One Habanero and the other Chile de Arbol.
Margarita
Below, I had carpaccio as my first course. It was very good - $10 CAD.
My friend said her poke was swimming in soy sauce and therefore way too salty. $9 CAD.
The tortilla soup was my favorite item of the night. It had shrimp in it too. Sooo tasty. Highly recommend.
We only had a few bites of entrees and then got them packed up to go. I had the chop - $14 CAD. Both of us found our dishes seasoned well, but heavy on the salt.
My friend actually ordered the crab last time we dined here and had it again tonight because she remembered it fondly. However, this time she said there were tiny bits of shell throughout which didn't make it pleasant.
I had only managed to drink half of my margarita, so I had a coffee. We both ordered dessert. I did not like my chocolate cup thingy below. She had coconut rice pudding and I think that may have been her favorite course of them all, but I forgot to take a picture.
She enjoyed her 2 Pisco Sour drinks. I figured it out that before tip, it worked out to $47 CAD each. Very reasonable. We walked back to the hotel. We were going to have a drink in the bar, but it was muggy and humid and I wasn't feeling it.
We retired to our rooms and I went right back to bed.
Wednesday, November 13th:
Today we were up early and I felt 100% better. At 9:30 we got a taxi to Playa Maguey. That was $70 pesos ($4.80 CAD) before tip. We were first spotted and escorted down the flights of stairs by "Nino" from "El Costeno". He set us up with loungers. The water was very rough on this side of the beach...it was very quiet though - hardly any people at this time of the morning.
I got face planted coming out of the water here. I walked to the other side and it was much much calmer, so we decided to move. Nino understood and walked us over to our new base camp "El Pescador" and made sure we got looked after. We had a visitor beside us for a while so shared our water with him.
The ocean was so much gentler here. Just divine and the odd fish or two would swim by.
By noon this beach was packed.
Boats started coming and dropping hoards of people as well. The gal beside me had a coconut drink.
It was time to order lunch.
My friend ordered tuna salad and I, campechana (seafood cocktail).
Everything was delicious and we were hungry, but barely made a dent in it. Later, I did buy some mango slices from a vendor. $30 pesos I think? I got them with chili. Very good.
A full brass band entertained the masses as well.
The water was rising and we couldn't sit in the loungers any longer, waves were splashing up. We had a full day of sun and fun so we departed. Staff gave us their business card and asked us to return tomorrow. Probably because we had a $1,000.00 peso tab. 😉 We got fantastic service here and enjoyed our day immensely! If we looked at any staff, they noticed and came running over to us. We felt like royalty and so spoiled.
We walked over to Nino's place to see if there was a cleaner bathroom and to have one final drink before departing. Nino took me over to the baño and paid for my paper - $5 pesos. I walked back and ordered a Don Julio "Sangrita".
A couple watching me have my first sip of the tequila broke out laughing and imitated me. I guess I did the "shiver me timbers" face and head shake, lol. Nino asked us to return tomorrow too. We said maybe, and we meant it. We climbed the stairs up and taxis were lined up waiting for people.
We went and showered. Oh, I bought a fan for $70 pesos ($4.83 CAD) from a beach vendor today and it worked like a hot damn! Loved it!
We walked back over to "Super Che" and had another look around and my friend needed a couple of things. I saw the Bailey's below and contemplated buying it for my son. Didn't this time but the week wasn't over...
We walked back and had dinner in the hotel. We were started with some pico and guacamole that was very good.
I started with Caesar salad and my friend had shrimp bisque. The salad would have been great if not for the dressing which dominate flavor was mustard. That wasn't enjoyable. On the other hand, the bisque was excellent.
For entrees my friend chose some weird "Brie cheese, cabbage salad". I went with one of the "catch of the days" which was red snapper and I chose garlic & butter as the prep for it. My friend admitted the salad was indeed strange but I loved mine. It was simplicity at its best. Service was fantastic and we had a nice bottle of Californian wine as well for about $1,000.00 pesos ($70 CAD) and tipped our server $300 pesos ($20). Nowhere would do separate checks for us. At the most they'd manually separate them. But it was just as easy for me to do that, so I carried my pen with me so we could divide our totals up. Never saw tax on any of the bills so that made it easier...
They had live music playing tonight too.
They had a big tip jar that was empty. They were talented, she had a lovely voice, so we left them a little something, $100 pesos. And with that we went to my room for some more wine, then went our separate ways and went off to sleep.
Thursday, November 14th:
I woke up and wanted breakfast, my friend did not. I looked at the buffet at the hotel, but for $250 pesos ($17 CAD), I wasn't feeling it, I just wanted a simple plate. One of the servers recommended I go over to L'Echalote, which we went to last visit for fondue.
It was just behind our hotel. I was seated in the A/C and had the whole restaurant to myself with great 80's music playing.
Below is what I got with coffee and fresh squeezed O.J. for $135 pesos ($9.30 CAD) before tip. Wow and it was delicious. I ordered Chorizo Chilaquiles.
We decided to go back to Playa Santa Cruz this morning. Took a taxi as it was another warm day. This time we walked along until we saw where we wanted to sit first. That was near the right end, where the ground was flat and we wouldn't have to be sitting slanted which is really painful in those plastic chairs after days. My tailbone always aches when visiting places with bad chairs. It was called "Frente Al Mar". Our server Isaac set up some loungers for us in front of our table. He told us that was $100 pesos ($6.70 CAD) more. We asked him why the U.S. Coast Guard was here and he said "looking for drug smuggling bandidos". He said the Canada Coast Guard also comes for the same reason.
The water was beautiful and calm today. We ordered wine by the bottle and got some snacks later. The pico de gallo was good.
We were entertained by more live music. Below, these guys were great. They collected tips after their performance.
We bought flan from one of the vendors on the beach, and it was delicious. Caramelized top, cold and refreshing. And it wasn't salty. My oh my, did we ever notice how everything was over salted on our food journey this trip! I've probably gained at least 5 lbs in water retention.
I thought Cafe Huatulco came over and I bought beans for my son. We went there every day when we stayed at the Castillo and loved the place and its coffee. However, now that I'm home and I notice it wasn't from them. 😥 Anyway, the beans smell good anyway so we'll see if he enjoys them. $20 CAD for the bag below which I'm guessing is at least 908 grams?
Another vendor came over selling boat trips. We decided we'd do it and go to San Agustin, and that would be on Saturday, our final day here. I was feeling no pain at this point, so even when he showed me his boat was exactly like "Captain Bruno's" who we chose last visit, I ignored that fact. I would regret that...
Paco told us to meet at this restaurant at 10am. With that we settled up the tab, which was about $1000 pesos again and tipped Issac well. We asked him about Paco and he said he was fine. He said he just didn't have very good English. With that we invited him to go on our trip Saturday as he had better English than Paco and he agreed. He was smirking though so I didn't think he would, and then he pushed us to come early and have breakfast first so I thought he was drumming up more business...Another glorious beach day was in the books.
Dinner tonight was in La Crucecita. I had read this guy did Mexico City street food, so was interested.
The setting looked like it had a good vibe too, and it did. My term would be "funky".
We ordered a bottle of wine (vino tinto - we requested that a lot this week. The funny thing is that everywhere always served it cold and the beaches even iced it down before they brought it to us! So strange, but we got used to it and it even helped if the wine was bad.) and then let the owner (Otto) decide our meal. He was a character. His English was excellent and he was full of stories. He served us Mushroom Quesadillas, below.
He also served us some kind of pork sandwich below. I can't remember how he said it though, so unfortunately don't know the name for it. He did say this was exactly what you would get for street food in Mexico city...
We stopped after these 2 dishes. My friend liked the pork dish best while I liked the mushroom one. Bill was only around $500 pesos ($34 CAD) before tip. Very pleasant dining experience.
We strolled around town for a bit, bought vanilla for our friends at home, but that sun and beach were knackering us so we didn't stay too long. Took taxi from main square back to hotel...
Friday, November 15th:
Today was beach club day, but with an infinity pool. This showed a 6 minute walk on google maps. Asking best way to walk there was another matter, however....
The map showed it was behind "Elektra" which is really close to the hotel, but hotel staff sent me the other way towards Rocoto. It was a scorcher outside today too. So, we stopped and asked at different hotels, shops, etc. and finally found our way there. We were trying for 10am but got there at 10:30! We took the looooong way there...
We struggled to find the entrance as well. The owner, Darren came out and said he saw us on the security camera. Thank goodness he did! We paid $500 pesos ($34 CAD) for the day each. That included a $200 pesos credit to Clio's restaurant each. Darren gave us towels, showed us around and WOW, we had the place to ourselves pretty much. Pool overlooked Playa Chahue which was rough with red flag as it was last time we visited. He did show us how to get there if we wanted though...
The pool was cold and refreshing. Only a couple of others were around us the whole day so it was pretty special. It was also my friend's first time being in an infinity pool so I was happy I found this place. They put up an umbrella for us, got us drinks (mimosas) and we were in heaven. The facility itself was immaculate. Beautiful clean bathrooms, showers, all kinds of exercise equipment and gyms around, like a high end health spa. They even do cooking classes too along with yoga, exercise classes in the pool, etc. Below is penis cacti for your viewing pleasure too 😉
We went inside for lunch as it was quite breezy by the pool. Breeze was welcome but not for eating.
What makes me laugh is my friend ordered Eggs Benedict and I ordered Huevos Benedictinos, the Spanish one. When served, we both got the same thing - it was then I realized that one side of the menu was English and the other side Spanish, LOL. Eggs Benny sounds better in Spanish, just sayin'. 😊
I thought Cafe Huatulco came over and I bought beans for my son. We went there every day when we stayed at the Castillo and loved the place and its coffee. However, now that I'm home and I notice it wasn't from them. 😥 Anyway, the beans smell good anyway so we'll see if he enjoys them. $20 CAD for the bag below which I'm guessing is at least 908 grams?
Another vendor came over selling boat trips. We decided we'd do it and go to San Agustin, and that would be on Saturday, our final day here. I was feeling no pain at this point, so even when he showed me his boat was exactly like "Captain Bruno's" who we chose last visit, I ignored that fact. I would regret that...
Paco told us to meet at this restaurant at 10am. With that we settled up the tab, which was about $1000 pesos again and tipped Issac well. We asked him about Paco and he said he was fine. He said he just didn't have very good English. With that we invited him to go on our trip Saturday as he had better English than Paco and he agreed. He was smirking though so I didn't think he would, and then he pushed us to come early and have breakfast first so I thought he was drumming up more business...Another glorious beach day was in the books.
Dinner tonight was in La Crucecita. I had read this guy did Mexico City street food, so was interested.
The setting looked like it had a good vibe too, and it did. My term would be "funky".
We ordered a bottle of wine (vino tinto - we requested that a lot this week. The funny thing is that everywhere always served it cold and the beaches even iced it down before they brought it to us! So strange, but we got used to it and it even helped if the wine was bad.) and then let the owner (Otto) decide our meal. He was a character. His English was excellent and he was full of stories. He served us Mushroom Quesadillas, below.
He also served us some kind of pork sandwich below. I can't remember how he said it though, so unfortunately don't know the name for it. He did say this was exactly what you would get for street food in Mexico city...
We stopped after these 2 dishes. My friend liked the pork dish best while I liked the mushroom one. Bill was only around $500 pesos ($34 CAD) before tip. Very pleasant dining experience.
We strolled around town for a bit, bought vanilla for our friends at home, but that sun and beach were knackering us so we didn't stay too long. Took taxi from main square back to hotel...
Friday, November 15th:
Today was beach club day, but with an infinity pool. This showed a 6 minute walk on google maps. Asking best way to walk there was another matter, however....
The map showed it was behind "Elektra" which is really close to the hotel, but hotel staff sent me the other way towards Rocoto. It was a scorcher outside today too. So, we stopped and asked at different hotels, shops, etc. and finally found our way there. We were trying for 10am but got there at 10:30! We took the looooong way there...
We struggled to find the entrance as well. The owner, Darren came out and said he saw us on the security camera. Thank goodness he did! We paid $500 pesos ($34 CAD) for the day each. That included a $200 pesos credit to Clio's restaurant each. Darren gave us towels, showed us around and WOW, we had the place to ourselves pretty much. Pool overlooked Playa Chahue which was rough with red flag as it was last time we visited. He did show us how to get there if we wanted though...
The pool was cold and refreshing. Only a couple of others were around us the whole day so it was pretty special. It was also my friend's first time being in an infinity pool so I was happy I found this place. They put up an umbrella for us, got us drinks (mimosas) and we were in heaven. The facility itself was immaculate. Beautiful clean bathrooms, showers, all kinds of exercise equipment and gyms around, like a high end health spa. They even do cooking classes too along with yoga, exercise classes in the pool, etc. Below is penis cacti for your viewing pleasure too 😉
We went inside for lunch as it was quite breezy by the pool. Breeze was welcome but not for eating.
What makes me laugh is my friend ordered Eggs Benedict and I ordered Huevos Benedictinos, the Spanish one. When served, we both got the same thing - it was then I realized that one side of the menu was English and the other side Spanish, LOL. Eggs Benny sounds better in Spanish, just sayin'. 😊
Some kind of sweet corn bread cake and watermelon/papaya skewers
Mine was with ham, below hers is with bacon
Eggs were poached perfectly as we asked. Faultless dish. However, they did run out of Champagne at this point. We asked what a bottle of red wine cost? They showed us a bottle - wasn't great looking wine (we tried it last visit) and then said they didn't know. They phoned Darren but he was busy, and then came back after we had finished brunch and were in the pool saying it was $754 pesos ($52 CAD)! We declined and stuck to the $80 peso ($5.50 CAD) glasses of it. The most we have paid for a bottle dining out at restaurants and beach clubs is $450 pesos ($31 CAD).
In the afternoon we had to seek cover. The other 2 people who were there did as well. I was frying. I could feel my skin on fire! I used almost a full spray can of sunblock 30 and it felt like I had nothing on. I turned 10 shades darker today.
Anyway, our view changed. We settled our tab which with discount was about $700 pesos ($48 CAD) before tip. We tipped all restaurants, beach service or not 20%, minimum like we do at home. We tipped our maid $70 pesos ($4.80 CAD) each day. We left about 4pm and then got a taxi. We realized we were right beside the Castillo beach club and Quinta Bella. WOW, so easy but so hard to get there this morning. The cab drove us back for a couple blocks - right behind the Elektra. Oh well, it was better than walking in that sun at this point anyway... Another lovely day spent. For dinner this evening we went next door to the hotel to Mama Elsa Hamburguesas. What a darling place!
We had been craving burgers since we saw this place earlier in the week. I got mine with chorizo.
Wow, it was great, all you want in a burger! Service was nice and friendly, welcoming like you are family. With our vino tinto I think it was around $300 pesos ($21 CAD) for all. We walked over to "Super Che" for stuff for our boat cruise tomorrow and I got my son the limited Tres Leches Baileys. Then we retired as we wanted to feel good and rested for the day tomorrow. I was itchy and crispy and all my bones ached now...
Saturday, November 16th (a.ka. Last Day):
We met in the lobby at 9:45 and got taxi back to Santa Cruz marina. It was slow getting there today. We learned later because it was a National holiday and on Saturdays they also have the farmer's market as well. We were sorry we couldn't stroll through the market. We saw Isaac right away and he got Paco. I was honestly surprised that Issac was going but he said he was even though he was working today. I'll explain that later... Anyway, it took quite a while for Paco to run around and get snorkel gear, and ice. We left somewhere around close to 11am. As soon as I saw the boat and remembered last trip, I regretted my decision...
I like comfy seats and clean boats, lol. The life jacket I had to put on was really worn and pē-‘ū stinky. I could barely bring myself to put it on. I am kind of a princess in that way, judge me if you want, lol. My friend loves these boats and has no problem with it or the life jackets that live on the rusty boat floor. We are polar opposites in that way... We were finally off for our day!
It was really rough going out and after an hour or so I asked where our first stop was going to be? They took us to Playa la India. This was just a beer/pee in the ocean moment and to get off that boat. Sitting in it was killing my tail bone...so not what I wanted to do for that length of time... Issac mentioned that this beach used to be deserted but they now rented chairs (no loungers, no restaurants, no bathroom facilities) and umbrellas and charged $50 pesos a beer ($3.50), which was expensive compared to others...
Paco had caught a needle fish while we were on the water. Said he was going to make ceviche with it for us. Next stop was a small cove that for the life of me, I cannot remember the name of what they called it. They even spelled it for me. I should have wrote it down. Everything came off the boat and we were going to stay here a while and snorkel.
We all shared a bottle of champagne here. I had bought a rotisserie chicken from Super Che so we ate some of that as well. Issac had brought music through a blue tooth speaker so we had some 80's ballads as well. We did manage to find shade though there were tons of ants...ewwwww.....Paco reminded of a "Grizzly Adams" of the sea. He was comfortable in this environment and could definitely survive in it...
Issac found and gave me a piece of coral from the beach which I gave to my friend as I knew she would want it and she did.
Paco was missing for a bit, then we learned he was scrubbing the boat down so it would move faster.
Paco was missing for a bit, then we learned he was scrubbing the boat down so it would move faster.
I tried to take snorkeling pics, but I had trouble with my camera in the case I had bought for it. I thought I took many, but the only one I have is below and it was before I got under water. I guess when I thought I was pushing the photo button, I wasn't. Snorkeling was good here though the coral slightly grazed my knee when it got wavy and that freaked me out. I swam away after that. Anyway, I love the shot below.
And then we were off to San Agustin as our last stop. It was beautiful here as well.
We were seated at a table in a restaurant called "Three Brothers" or Los 3 Hermanos. They brought out the catches of the day and I selected the large red snapper, grilled $400 pesos ($27.50 CAD). I ordered some Pico and Guac as well. Paco went off to make the ceviche after he got our wine from the boat.
My friend paid $20 pesos to pose with an iguana.
And then we feasted!
The pico was made with habanero and baby it had a kick! Whew! The guac was soooo salty
Snapper was done perfectly
For the ceviche, he did a nice job with the seasoning though I didn't love the fish itself. Everyone else did though.
The salad was covered in salt
Apparently Paco got this shrimp dish comped because he brought our business to the restaurant. Issac had said he works for free and gets commission for what he brings in. He said when we visited he made $250 pesos from our tab and the tip we left him which was about the same. I noticed throughout the day, but especially at this point, that the 2 hombres might have thought they were getting more than a paid day by us tourists - maybe a "happy ending"? There was much innuendo and I was beyond tired of it at this point. I seriously thought about taking a taxi back by myself. I didn't, but I told them all I wanted to leave soon. My friend wanted to snorkel still so I obliged...she said it was fantastic and saw fishes with blue dots that glowed. I insisted I wanted to be back before dark as there was no light on the boat. Issac held his phone up like a flashlight. That did make me laugh out loud.
My friend and I settled the tab - $700 pesos ($48 CAD) and we left $200. Finally we departed back to Santa Cruz and it was an excruciating loooooong hour back for me. Paco stopped when he caught 2 more fish, black tuna this time. I was in so much pain from sitting in that boat chair. My friend was loving it so at least one of us having fun still.
It was dark when we arrived at the marina. We went back to hotel and showered. We met at 8 for dinner. We went back to L'Echalote. Both of us were stiff and sore now and covered in aloe vera for our skin. We had a really nice bottle of wine for $380 pesos ($25 CAD). The amuse bouche was a piece of bread cut with a ring mold and cream cheese over top. Some fried beet strips as garnish.
Nicoise Salad - Tuna was SALTY, omg salty meaning inedible
Beef Bourguignon
Seafood Gratin
Both entrees were tasty but the gratin was ice cold. It had to go back to reheat and even after there will still cool spots. We went for dessert too. She had creme brulee and I had cheesecake.
I was so tired I don't even remember what the bill was. We both limped back to our rooms. They let us check out at 1pm tomorrow, so we agreed to meet then in the lobby. Zzzzzzzzz...
Sunday, November 17th:
We stowed our luggage and checked out. We took a taxi to Cafe Juanita at Marina Chahue.
It has a scenic setting on the water. Brunch was $200 pesos ($14 CAD) for 3 courses, coffee and mimosa!
Above was our view from the patio. I told my friend to take a good look at the boats and told her next time we come back, that was the type of boat we were getting on. 😉
It was so relaxing here, life is good. Food and service top notch.
At 3:30 we asked them to call a taxi for us. We went back to the hotel to grab luggage and then carried on to airport. It was $200 pesos ($13.75 CAD) this year. It was $170 pesos last visit.
At 3:30 we asked them to call a taxi for us. We went back to the hotel to grab luggage and then carried on to airport. It was $200 pesos ($13.75 CAD) this year. It was $170 pesos last visit.
My luggage was soooo heavy I was worried about weight, but with no brains obviously, I moved the vanilla I had bought for friends at home into my carry on. Well, I watched that go down into a big bin when we went through security. Lucky I could buy it in duty free again though. But that was a waste of $30 CAD.
I have only good things to say about Villablanca hotel and location, location, location is dynamite. Maid service was always consistent, staff were friendly and very accommodating. I saw no bugs in my room. Room was well worn but clean enough. We didn't pay for luxury so didn't expect it. I spent all the pesos I brought and came home with about 300 of them when all was said and done. It allowed us to do and indulge in whatever we wanted without thought, really lived well for the week.
Another great trip and we will be back!!! Still so much more to see and do. Everyone, everywhere we went was gracious and friendly. Love it here, sore body and all. With that I will say, adiós por ahora...
We're heading to the Villa Blanca in January. We did an AI in Huatulco in 2007. Always wanted to go back so thought we'd change it up a bit. Thanks for the info. Loved the pictures!
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