13 DEC 2017: Your clients still think they’re going to have room on their credit card in January after the shopping frenzy and want a holiday in the heat. They think all of the south is hot, hot, hot and you’re going to disappoint them.

Not though, if you send them to Puerto Escondido in Mexico. You can guarantee heat, and almost no rain. I asked the director of Tourism once when I was there, when it last rained. There was silence, and then she said, “I think it rained at noon, a month ago for about five minutes.”

Playa Escondido is the oldest tourist area in the state of Oaxaca, and one that can still be described as a “funky, cool destination,” perhaps because of its fame as one of the surfing capitals of the world. Every November, Zicatela Beach holds and international surfing tournament here.

The three-kilometre beach is not one where you’ll be going swimming, or even surfing if you’re not experienced, but there are lots of bars, bistros, and people-watching to keep you from missing a dip. We spent a happy afternoon meeting the “streeters” as stray dogs are called there. They begged very politely, with one eye on the waiters.

Taxis are very inexpensive so exploring is within most budgets.

This destination has lots of beaches and the locals proudly tell you why each beach is special. Principal beach for instance is the main beach, lively and lined with restaurants. This is the beach to get a water taxi.

Puerto Anglito is described as a true natural swimming pool and the place to take diving lessons. Marinero is for sunbathing and boogie boarding; Manzanillo, a shallow beach with lovely warm water, is perfect for snorkelling. And they go on, but you get the point. There are lots of beaches, even more boat taxis to deliver you.

This is where you make your own fun and there are plenty of options.

The Lagunas de Chacahua makes an ideal day trip if you love birding, and wildlife such as crocodiles, anteaters, opossums, iguanas and tropical otters. Boat trips most always include a special glimpse of dolphins and, this time of year, whales.

A coffee plantation tour is an interesting way to spend a morning.

And you’ll need a place to stay! Sunwing offers the Posada Real Puerto Escondido. This little property has a Mexican flavour built to resemble a hacienda. It’s located on a small plateau overlooking the majestic Pacific. And it feels like staying in a family hacienda as well, the staff treat you as a very special guest. Our waiter got very used to returning to me whatever I left behind at the table (shawls, glasses, purse, and notebook) always with a smile.

Breakfast was buffet-style, with made-to-order eggs, in a pretty dining room with one wall open beside an inviting pool.

Down a little hill was the Coco beach club with a very nice covered dining room and comfy bar beside another pool.

Steps away a great walking long beach beckons. Any time I’ve been there, there has been a huge surf, lovely to walk along but not to swim except for one quiet little corner. This is an unspoiled wide long beach with bar service. 10 minutes’ walk away is Carizzillilo Beach a calm, swimmable spot. The rocking chairs around the property are a huge hit.

A shuttle was available to take us back up the hill if we were too tired to climb the steps at the end of the day, and needed to hurry to get our drinks, and watch the main attraction … the sun setting over the Pacific.

On a cliff top overlooking the beach, the expanse of manicured lawn that backs this hotel is a popular spot – both times we’ve been there in January we’ve seen whales swimming by.

The rooms are petite and spotless, most don’t have balconies, but they’ve been adding some so there are seven on the ends of the buildings. If your clients haven’t been for a while tell them the rooms have been renovated. There are rooms with 1 king or 2 doubles, satellite TV, Wi-Fi is included, and there is a safety deposit box at the front desk.

Kids 2-3 years stay, play and eat free when sharing a room with 2 adults. Kids 4-12 pay a special price when sharing with 2 adults.

Tell your clients to try a Margarita … there are no horrible sugary ones in this destination.

Happy Holidays everyone.