Nine huge bays, some 26 sandy beaches, quiet inlets for fine swimming or snorkelling or sometimes even good surf: wrap this up in tropical dry forest - some of which is a national park - backed by some of the lofty peaks in the Sierras, a warm but not excessively hot climate when northerners are shivering in winter, and you get an idea of the raw natural beauty of the Bahias de Huatulco.
The extensive resort of Huatulco is essentially divided into three main areas: Santa Cruz, the original port area with shops, small hotels, and beach restaurants; Crucecita, the little town serving the needs of the area with small shops, friendly hotels and lots of eateries, and Tangolunda, where most of the larger hotels are situated. Between, there is Chahué with its marina and, further away, Arrocito, a small beach and residential area. Conejos, beyond Tangolunda, is essentially a residential area.
It's true the village and resort are modern and it's true that much has been constructed in the last two decades but you wouldn't get such good roads, shady sidewalks, clean drinking water, constant security or even excellent internet if it had developed ad hoc over the decades. Plus, it is often pleasant to walk around, join the locals on the regular buses between Crucecita, Santa Cruz and Tangolunda or grab one of the vast number of friendly and very inexpensive taxis cruising the area.
But what it lacks in history it makes up for in friendliness, tranquillity and safety: you can walk to the restos, to the beaches, back into the small town of Crucecita or through the National Park with peace of mind.
There are a couple of Mexican supermarkets in the area, Crucecita has its traditional covered market and the new Farmers' Market in Santa Cruz brings fresh, chemical free fruit and veg to the neighbourhood on Saturdays.
Huatulco a resort that is spread out over many kilometres of coast into different residential and commercial areas so you never have the feeling of being crowded.
The nearby marina sees a constant flux of maritime visitors while Santa Cruz hosts some of the beautiful cruise ships on their discovery of the Central American countries.
Santa Cruz - where we are - is a mix of local Mexican and foreign homes, of smaller hotels and shops, Mexican eateries and... best of all, a clutch of sandy beaches and their seaside cafés and restaurants. It is low key, has charm, it has atmosphere and it is very comfortable.
The harbour is a focal point and it is from here that you can hire skiffs and cruisers to see the coast, watch whales, head out for some game fishing, go diving or just visit a secluded beach. The are also regular departures on larger boats that go along the coast and show off the sights of this area.
Copalita is another place to visit if you want to see some local archaeology and a small but great museum. There is a lovely walk through the forest and it comes out on the cliffs overlooking the sea and the Copalita River. It's worth getting a taxi there - ask the driver to wait while you explore the grounds.
More virgin territory lies inland with the waterfalls and ecological ranch at Hagia Sophia. Then there are the coffee growing villages up in the mountains where the cooler air helps produce fine arabica coffee. A trip to Pluma de Hidalgo on a Sunday is unforgettable.
If you fancy a bit of five star luxury - and we all do from time to time - then the hotel area at Tangolunda, will give you more restaurants, bars, spas and and the golf course. But, hey! You can catch a cheap taxi there if you'd a day or evening out and still be able to stroll through the streets at midnight back into the heart of Santa Cruz. As we see it, it's the best of both worlds.
Of course, you might get itchy feet. We do from time to time. Rental cars and local buses give you the chance to discover other parts of Mexico. Probably, the two favourite destinations are Oaxaca, the state capital and a wonderful former colonial city in the middle of the Sierra (think gorgeous churches, arts, restaurants, street cafés and good music) and San Cristobal de las Casas, up in the Chiapas highlands. This too has a great colonial history but it is in an ara where the local folk are still tied to their traditions, their costumes and their customs. In the other direction, Puerto Angel and Puerto Escondido are two small ports and tourist centres that provide more Mexico, that authentic Mexico that so characterises this southeastern Pacific coastline.
We've got most of the options covered in 'Our Book' which is in the apartment. But sometimes folk just want to relax, hang out at the pool, swim a lap, laze under the palapa. That's great too. After all, it's your vacation and the choice is yours.
