Tag Archives: huatulco

Huatulco

Osta, Artist of the World (Borders are Lines on a Map)

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By José Palacios y Román

Andrew Osta is an artist of the world. Speaking Slavic languages like Ukrainian and Russian, and having to learn English as a third language to pursue a university degree in Canada, Andrew went on to teach English in South Korea. Here he learned to speak basic Korean and write its characters. As he began painting, destiny brought both challenges and opportunities such as delving into shamanism in Peru and later settling in Mexico to master Latin American Spanish. When Osta returned from Peru after experiencing medicine journeys with ayahuasca, he continued painting and was invited by the master Pablo Amaringo for an exhibition. It was this experience that marked a turning point and a milestone in his career.

The following year, he decided to settle in the picturesque and attractive town of San Miguel de Allende in the state of Guanajuato. He was struck by the neo-Gothic church of San Miguel Arcángel, which Osta has painted countless times. This parish is the city’s main symbol and a quintessential example of pink quarry stone and twin towers in Mexico. San Miguel de Allende welcomed Osta; he makes friends easily despite being introverted, and the art market has supported him in being a full-time artist. Osta frequently exhibits his work in San Miguel de Allende, where galleries and exhibition centers showcase his art. His presence is appreciated, recognized, and met with great affection.

Osta enjoys traveling to Oaxaca City, and from there to the San José del Pacífico area, where he has his spiritual brothers and sisters. He has spent many days in Huatulco recreating the beaches of this destination for over a decade.

In the Tangolunda hotel zone, at the Copalli Art Gallery, Andrew Osta held his first solo exhibition on January 12, 2024, featuring some twenty works in both large and small formats, which were enjoyed by the public. Several pieces have been purchased by Huatulco residents and now hang on their walls. Since then, Osta has been an exclusive artist with Copalli, and the gallery has exhibited his paintings for sale in boutique hotels and various exhibitions in the region.

Osta lives in a beautiful home at the foot of Cerro de San Felipe, very close to the city of Oaxaca. He frequently visits Huatulco because he loves the sun, the sea, and the surrounding nature, which inspire him to continue painting. It continues to be a true pleasure to spend time with his family: his ever-smiling wife, Ninfa, and their two children, Nicolas (Niko) and Elenita, who inherited his creativity and sweet nature.

Andrew Osta’s work is on permanent display at Copalli Art Gallery, open daily from 10 am to 7 pm. Of note, his work is also featured in San Miguel de Allende, where, through synergy, we are building bridges of understanding and creation thanks to the successful initiatives of Jane Bauer and the expansion of The Eye magazine.

Huatulco

Preventive Health in Our Community: Small Actions That Make a Big Difference

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By Dalia López

In recent weeks, different neighborhoods across Huatulco have seen something simple but meaningful: tables set up early in the morning, people stopping by out of curiosity, and neighbors encouraging each other to “go check your pressure.” Free blood pressure and glucose screenings were carried out in La Crucecita and Sector U2 in Bahías de Huatulco, and Santa María Huatulco. Most recently, the initiative also reached pilgrims arriving from San José del Alto.

“What may seem like a quick and routine test can actually make a significant difference.” – Karen Palma, CEO of Clinica Hospitalaria San Miguel.

Many people who approached the screening tables mentioned that they had not checked their blood pressure or glucose levels in months, and in some cases, years. Some came because a family member insisted. Others stopped by simply because they were passing through. A few admitted they were nervous about what the numbers might show.

These small interactions highlight an important reality: conditions such as hypertension and diabetes often develop silently. A person can feel completely fine while their blood pressure is elevated or their blood sugar levels are higher than normal. Without regular monitoring, these conditions can progress unnoticed and eventually lead to serious complications.

High blood pressure places constant strain on the heart and blood vessels. Over time, it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. The challenge is that it rarely causes obvious symptoms in its early stages. That is why a simple measurement, which takes only a few minutes, can be so valuable.

Glucose testing is equally important. Elevated blood sugar levels may indicate prediabetes or diabetes, conditions that affect thousands of families across the country. When left untreated, high glucose levels can damage blood vessels, nerves, vision, and vital organs. However, when detected early, individuals have the opportunity to make adjustments in diet, physical activity, and medical follow-up that can greatly improve long-term outcomes.

During these recent outreach efforts, some participants were relieved to see normal readings. Others discovered elevated numbers and were advised to seek further evaluation. In both situations, the screenings provided something essential: awareness.

The initiative was carried out by medical personnel from Clínica Hospitalaria San Miguel as part of a broader effort to promote preventive care and community education. Rather than waiting for illness to appear, the focus was on encouraging people to take proactive steps toward their health.

The response from the community was encouraging. In places like La Crucecita and Sector U2, neighbors shared information with each other, and conversations naturally formed around healthy habits—reducing salt and sugar intake, drinking more water in the heat, staying active, and scheduling regular check-ups. Among the pilgrims from San José del Alto, many expressed appreciation for the opportunity to pause and check their health during their journey.

Preventive care does not always require complex technology or long appointments. Sometimes it begins with a simple question: “When was the last time you checked your pressure?” These types of community-based screenings help remove barriers such as time, transportation, or hesitation. They bring health services closer to everyday life.

In regions like ours, where warm weather, busy routines, and changing lifestyles can influence health patterns, regular monitoring becomes even more important. Checking blood pressure and glucose levels should not be reserved for when someone feels unwell. In fact, it is most valuable when a person feels healthy.

The recent screenings across Huatulco serve as a reminder that prevention is a shared responsibility. When communities participate, ask questions, and take a few minutes to know their numbers, they are investing in their future well-being.

Sometimes, the simplest actions—like rolling up a sleeve for a quick measurement—can open the door to better health decisions. And in the long run, those small moments can make a lasting difference.

Huatulco

Chronic Silent Inflammation: The Real Enemy of Modern Aging

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For decades, aging was considered an inevitable process determined exclusively by genetics. Today we know that this vision is incomplete. One of the most decisive factors in the speed at which we age is not visible to the naked eye, does not always generate immediate pain, and is rarely detected in its early stages: chronic silent inflammation.

Unlike acute inflammation — a natural and protective response to injury or infection — chronic low-grade inflammation operates in a constant and subtle way within the body. It is a persistent inflammatory state that can be maintained for years, affecting tissues, metabolic systems, and cellular functions without obvious symptoms until the damage becomes significant.

In physiological terms, it represents prolonged activation of the immune system. Factors such as chronic stress, poor sleep quality, ultra-processed foods, exposure to environmental toxins, and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to keeping the body in a continuous state of alert. This phenomenon has been scientifically associated with cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, insulin resistance, metabolic disorders, autoimmune conditions, and degenerative processes related to aging.

At the cellular level, chronic inflammation directly impacts mitochondrial function. Mitochondria — known as the “power plants” of the cell — are essential for energy production and tissue repair. When exposed to a persistent inflammatory environment, cellular energy efficiency decreases, oxidative stress increases, and tissue wear accelerates. The result may be persistent fatigue, slower recovery, metabolic imbalance, and biological aging that progresses faster than chronological age.

Within integrative medicine, the concept of systemic detoxification does not refer to trends or temporary regimens, but to supporting the body’s natural elimination pathways. The liver, intestines, kidneys, and lymphatic system function in coordination to process and remove metabolic waste and inflammatory byproducts.

When these systems become overloaded — whether by diet, environmental pollutants, or sustained stress — the inflammatory state can become chronic.

Beyond calorie counting, cellular nutrition focuses on the biochemical quality of nutrients. Micronutrients, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and bioactive compounds play a central role in modulating inflammatory pathways. Regenerative medicine has explored therapeutic strategies aimed at improving cellular communication, reducing oxidative stress, and optimizing tissue repair capacity.

Ozone therapy, when applied under appropriate medical criteria, has been studied for its potential to modulate oxidative stress and stimulate endogenous antioxidant systems. In clinical practice, medical ozone — a controlled mixture of oxygen and ozone — may be administered in specific concentrations through techniques such as autohemotherapy, in which a small sample of the patient’s blood is exposed to ozone and then reintroduced, or through localized applications depending on the condition being treated. The objective is not to “detoxify” in a simplistic sense, but to encourage physiological balance and support the body’s regulatory mechanisms. As with any medical intervention, it should be performed by trained professionals within established safety protocols.

Healthy aging does not depend solely on the absence of disease, but on the preservation of cellular, metabolic, and immune function. Understanding chronic silent inflammation allows us to rethink prevention from a deeper and more personalized perspective. In a world characterized by constant stress and environmental overload, reducing chronic inflammation may be one of the most relevant strategies to extend not only lifespan, but healthspan — the quality of life during those years.

Valentina Arline is an integrative medicine practitioner with international experience in regenerative therapies and inflammatory modulation approaches. Her work focuses on longevity and cellular health strategies from a scientific and holistic perspective.

Huatulco

Marihuana in Mexico

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By Julie Etra—

The history of marijuana—known in Mexico as marihuana or colloquially as mota—its cultivation, regulation, and use as a drug, became indelibly tied to its neighbor to the north, the United States of America.

Origins in New Spain
Cannabis seeds were first introduced to Chile, Peru, and Mexico in the 16th century by the Spanish, most notably Hernán Cortés, who promoted its cultivation for fiber production. What we now call hemp was then known as cáñamo. Its use was already widespread in Spain, a legacy of Moorish agricultural practices dating back to the early medieval period.

Although hemp and marijuana share the scientific name Cannabis sativa, hemp contains very low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—typically less than 1%—and therefore has no intoxicating effects. Marijuana, by contrast, has been selectively bred for decades to enhance psychoactive properties.

Cáñamo has long had multiple commercial uses, including textiles, rope, and soap. It is easily distinguished from marijuana plants: hemp grows taller, often reaching up to five meters, and expends its nutrients on vegetative growth rather than seed production. In marijuana cultivation, male plants are removed to prevent pollination of the females, which increases the potency of the flowering tops.

Early Uses in Mexico
In Mexico, cannabis use evolved from medicinal and religious applications into recreational use. At the time of the Spanish conquest, Indigenous peoples were already familiar with a variety of psychoactive plants, including psilocybin mushrooms, peyote (a mescaline-containing cactus), tolóache (Datura species), and picietl, a form of wild tobacco.

By the 16th century, cannabis preparations were reportedly used to treat gonorrhea, regulate menstrual cycles, and relieve muscle and dental pain.

One of the earliest prohibitions came on July 4, 1882, when President Porfirio Díaz issued a decree banning the sale of the plant known as “Rosa María,” identified as marijuana.

Marijuana as a Drug
By the early 20th century, marijuana use had become common in Mexico, including among revolutionary troops. Its presence in popular culture is reflected in the Mexican version of the folk song La Cucaracha, popularized during the Revolution (1910–1920). The well-known chorus humorously refers to a cockroach unable to walk because it lacks marijuana to smoke.

Regulation and U.S. Influence
Marijuana was first officially prohibited nationwide in Mexico in 1920 under President Venustiano Carranza through regulations targeting substances considered harmful to the population. At the time, opium—introduced largely by Chinese immigrants—was viewed as the more pressing concern.

Cannabis consumption migrated northward as Mexican laborers crossed into the United States in the early 20th century. Combined with alcohol Prohibition (1920–1933) and the economic hardships of the Great Depression, this contributed to a thriving illicit border economy and rising anti-Mexican sentiment.

In the United States, sensationalist propaganda portrayed marijuana as a dangerous drug associated with crime, violence, and moral decay. The so-called “Reefer Madness” era stigmatized both the plant and Mexican immigrants, helping to justify strict criminalization.

Restrictions on cannabis began appearing in some U.S. states as early as the late 19th century. A major nationwide campaign was launched in the 1930s by Harry J. Anslinger, the first commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, whose efforts culminated in federal prohibition. The Spanish term “marihuana” itself was deliberately emphasized to reinforce its association with Mexico.

The Counterculture Era and Rising Demand
Demand increased dramatically in the 1960s and 1970s, fueled by the counterculture movement. Marijuana became associated with antiwar protests, civil rights activism, sexual liberation, and a rapidly changing music scene. Much of the cannabis consumed in the United States originated in Mexico, particularly from the states of Chiapas, Guerrero, Nayarit, Michoacán, Oaxaca, and Sinaloa.

Tensions between the two countries escalated. In 1969, President Richard Nixon launched Operation Intercept, imposing intensive inspections on vehicles crossing the border from Mexico. In 1971, he formally declared the “War on Drugs.”
Aerial herbicide spraying campaigns in the late 1970s aimed to eradicate marijuana crops. Instead, production shifted toward larger, more organized operations increasingly controlled by criminal groups.

Rise of Cartels
The 1980s saw the emergence of powerful drug cartels, notably the Guadalajara cartel led by Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo. The organization expanded into cocaine trafficking from Colombia. The 1985 kidnapping and murder of U.S. DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena triggered a major crackdown but also ushered in decades of violence as competing groups fought for control of territory and trafficking routes.

Gradual Decriminalization
Beginning in the early 2000s, Mexico embarked on a slow path toward decriminalization. President Vicente Fox initially supported strict enforcement but later advocated reform as a strategy to weaken organized crime. In 2009, possession of small quantities for personal use was decriminalized.

Medical cannabis was legalized nationwide in 2017, influenced in part by the case of an eight-year-old girl, Graciela Elizalde, whose severe epilepsy responded to cannabis-derived treatment.

In 2021, Mexico’s Supreme Court declared the prohibition of recreational cannabis unconstitutional, effectively legalizing personal use. However, a comprehensive regulatory framework for commercial production and sales has yet to be fully implemented.

Current Policies in Mexico
Adults over 18 may possess up to 28 grams of cannabis in public for personal use. Smoking in public spaces remains restricted, and legal commercial sales—such as dispensaries common in parts of the United States—have not yet been fully established nationwide.

Edibles and cannabis products may circulate informally in some tourist areas, but their legal status remains uncertain. Commercial sale to tourists is illegal.

As of January 2026, Mexico has also banned the importation, sale, and marketing of vaping devices and e-cigarettes, though enforcement varies widely.

Travelers should carry prescription medications in original labeled containers. Some medications that require prescriptions in the United States are available over the counter in Mexico, including high-dose ibuprofen and certain antibiotics.

Cannabis Laws in Mexico:
What Visitors Should Know (2026)

Mexico has decriminalized personal cannabis use, but the legal framework remains complex and enforcement can vary. Visitors should exercise caution and discretion.

✔ Possession (Personal Use)
Adults 18 and over may possess up to 28 grams (about one ounce) of cannabis for personal use. Possession above this amount can result in fines or criminal charges.

✔ Private Use
Consumption is generally permitted in private residences. Property owners, hotels, and rental hosts may prohibit smoking on their premises.

✖ Public Consumption
Smoking cannabis in public places is illegal, including streets, beaches, parks, restaurants, and hotel common areas. Enforcement varies by location, but fines or detention are possible.

✖ Commercial Sales
Legal retail dispensaries like those in parts of the United States or Canada do not yet operate nationwide. Buying cannabis remains legally ambiguous and may expose buyers to illegal markets.

✖ Sales to Tourists
Selling cannabis to tourists is illegal.

✔ Medical Use
Medical cannabis is legal with proper authorization, though access remains limited.

✖ Importing Cannabis
Bringing cannabis into Mexico — even small amounts — is illegal, regardless of whether it was legally purchased elsewhere.

✖ Vapes and e-Cigarettes
As of January 2026, the importation, sale, and marketing of vaping devices and e-cigarettes are prohibited in Mexico.

✔ Prescription Medications
Travelers should carry medications in original labeled containers. Some drugs that require prescriptions in other countries may be available over the counter in Mexico, but regulations differ.

 

Huatulco

Why Oaxaca Is One of the Most Fascinating Cuisines in the World

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By Alicia Flores—

Travelers often arrive in Oaxaca, Mexico expecting tacos and margaritas. What they discover instead is one of the most intricate and culturally rich cuisines on earth.

Oaxacan cooking is not simply a collection of recipes; it is a living expression of geography, agriculture, and tradition. Corn, chile, cacao, herbs, seeds, and seasonal ingredients combine in ways that have evolved over centuries. Many techniques still used today predate the arrival of the Spanish.

At the heart of this cuisine is corn.

For thousands of years, Indigenous communities across Mexico have cultivated and refined maize varieties adapted to different climates and soils. The process of nixtamalization—soaking corn in an alkaline solution before grinding it into masa—is a technological achievement that transformed corn into a nutritionally complete food.

From this simple ingredient comes the tortilla, the foundation of daily life throughout Mexico.

Visitors are often surprised by how different a handmade tortilla tastes compared with the versions they may know from supermarkets. Fresh masa, pressed and cooked on a hot comal, produces tortillas that puff slightly as they cook, releasing a warm aroma of toasted corn.

It is a small moment that reveals just how deeply food and culture are intertwined.

Another hallmark of Oaxacan cuisine is mole. These complex sauces can contain dozens of ingredients—various chiles, seeds, spices, chocolate, and nuts—slowly toasted and blended into a deeply layered flavor profile. Every region and family has its own variation, and recipes are often passed down through generations.

Sourcing food play an essential role in the culinary landscape. A walk through the street of Huatulco reveals mountains of chiles, fresh herbs, cacao beans, cheeses, tropical fruits, and handmade tortillas. Cooking here begins with the ingredients themselves.

For travelers who want to understand these traditions more deeply, cooking classes can offer an extraordinary window into local culture. Learning how ingredients are prepared, how flavors are balanced, and how techniques have evolved over centuries brings the cuisine to life in a way that simply eating at restaurants cannot.

Food becomes a story.

In Huatulco,  cooking experiences give visitors the chance to explore this culinary heritage firsthand—preparing traditional dishes, learning about regional ingredients, and discovering why Oaxaca has earned a reputation as one of Mexico’s great gastronomic destinations.

Those curious to explore further can learn more about the experience offered by Chiles and Chocolate Cooking Classes, where guests dive into the history of Oaxacan cooking through hands-on preparation and discussion of the ingredients and traditions that define the cuisine.

Discover Oaxacan Cooking in Huatulco

For travelers who want to go beyond restaurant dining and truly understand the ingredients and traditions behind Oaxacan cuisine, hands-on cooking classes offer a unique perspective.

In Huatulco, Chiles and Chocolate Cooking Classes, led by Chef Jane Bauer, invite guests into the kitchen to explore the foundations of Mexican cooking. Participants learn about regional ingredients, traditional techniques, and the cultural stories that shape the cuisine of Oaxaca.

The cooking studio has eight stations which allows everyone to take part in the preparation of several dishes while discussing the role of corn, chiles, cacao, and other essential ingredients in Mexican food traditions.

By the end of the experience, guests leave not only with recipes but with a deeper understanding of why Oaxaca is considered one of the most important culinary regions in Mexico.

Classes run regularly in Huatulco and advance booking is recommended.

Learn more or reserve a spot here: http://www.huatulcofoodtours.com

Alicia Flores writes about food, culture, and travel in southern Mexico. She is particularly interested in traditional ingredients and the culinary heritage of Oaxaca.

Huatulco, San Miguel de Allende

Editor’s Letter

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By Jane Bauer—

“We are here to awaken from our illusion of separateness.”
Thích Nhat Hanh

When you rant or retort obnoxiously on social media, it is like holding a hot coal in your hand and expecting someone else to burn. Your comment affects everyone who reads it — including you. Cortisol rises. Stress follows.

I opened my phone this morning and within minutes my nervous system was lit up. News of a cartel shooting. Messages asking if I was okay. A fire in Xadani. Canadians ranting about Mexicans ripping them off. Mexicans ranting about Canadians being cheap and gentrifying their country.

Stress — the invisible toxin.
Every time we open our phones and consume outrage, our bodies release cortisol. Heart rate increases. Inflammation pathways activate. The nervous system does not distinguish well between physical danger and social conflict; it simply reacts. Living in a constant state of judgment is physiologically corrosive.

Yes, we are living longer than previous generations. Medicine has dramatically extended lifespan over the past century. But we are also surrounded by more environmental toxins than ever — pollutants in our water, plastics in our oceans, chemicals measurable in human blood. Chronic disease now dominates modern life. We have prolonged years, but have we protected vitality?

To be healthy is to be whole — regulated, connected, integrated. Healthcare, at its root, should mean caring for that wholeness.

We often talk about “coexisting,” as if we are separate entities sharing space. In reality, we are deeply interconnected. Like a tree that depends on the quality of the river from which it drinks, the tree and the river are one. Separation is an illusion.

Be more understanding. Be more open. Assume good intentions more often than not. Regulate your nervous system. Put the phone down. Cook something real. Hug a tree and a stranger. Sit across from someone different from you and listen.

Wholeness isn’t optional; it’s essential. And in a time like this, choosing calm may be one of the most radical health decisions we can make.

See you next month,

Jane

Huatulco

FOUR ACES: By carving shadows, stars are recovered.

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By José Palacios y Román—

Facing a blank sheet of paper, a canvas, metal, or stone to paint or sculpt is always a challenge. For millennia, humankind has expressed its experiences through diverse materials—some ephemeral, others that still endure in museums. It is about leaving traces and memories of the passage of time.

Before the Renaissance, various human groups chose to destroy their precious objects in order to renew them. This was the case prior to the European invasion of Mesoamerica, where every 52 years a new count of time began and life was renewed.
With this in mind, Copalli Art Gallery, in its commitment to supporting and promoting new local talent, presents an exhibition featuring four promising artists. Three of them belong to the millennial generation and share the distinction of being natives of the Oaxacan coast. We are excited to present them and wish them a long and fruitful career in the arts.

They are:
Abisai GUMAG (Pochutla, 2002)
Life is a constant search that he unravels on the canvas. Every path Abisai has taken leads him back to painting: working as a sign painter, decorating mezcal bottles, photographing the sea, creating custom graphic design, and cooking—all to earn a living and be able to paint. He never begins with a preconceived idea. Instead, he observes the canvas, allowing stored emotions to emerge. From one stroke to the next, there is no turning back. He moves to the rhythm of life, absent from ordinary existence in order to create.

Javi VASHER (Bahías de Huatulco, 1999)
He has found his language in water, color, and emotion. Having grown up, lived, and loved Huatulco his entire life, he holds a degree in International Trade and Customs. Through art, he discovered form and expression by portraying both the delicacy and strength of the feminine. His work combines geometry and detail, balance and fluidity, reflecting a deep connection with nature. In each stroke, the flow of water on paper becomes a metaphor for life: unpredictable, luminous, and constantly transforming. He is devoted to watercolor.

Heriberto HERGON (Santa María, Huatulco, 1990)
His connection to nature gives meaning to his art. His life has unfolded entirely in the region. From early childhood, he became an artisan, creating unique and beautiful pieces from seeds, gourds, and wood. This practice bordered on painting and led him to develop skills through drawing and painting workshops. Detail-oriented and meticulous, with a steady hand and enormous patience, he has forged his own path without grand ambitions, simply reflecting his tranquil and transparent spirit through his canvases.

Alex TAPIA (Mexico City)
His art serves as a bridge between tradition and spiritual exploration. He settled in Pinotepa Nacional and has lived in Huatulco for thirty years. A master of martial arts, discipline flows through him as deeply as painting. Guided by mentors, he has developed his own visual language to express his worldview. His oil paintings capture serenity and beauty in the simple and the everyday.

Welcome.
This group exhibition reflects Copalli Art Gallery’s commitment to offering this magnificent space to emerging artists from the coastal region of Oaxaca.

The opening will take place on February 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in Tangolunda, Huatulco. Wine, snacks, and live music will be served. Admission is free.
Follow us on social media: http://www.instagram.com/copalliartgallery

Huatulco

The ALMA experience, chapter 3: Elevated Living

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An interview with the creators of ALMA,
Frédéric Baron and Noémie Bourdin-Habert—

We continue our sit-down with the founders of ALMA to talk about architecture, landscape, and the experience of living in a place designed with care and intention.

I’m curious, who are your clients ?

Frédéric: You know, that’s funny, but we don’t really have “a type” of client at ALMA. We have seven nationalities, ages ranging from 28 to 78, and all kinds of professions from doctors or bankers to retirees. What they all share is the desire to own and enjoy a place of timeless elegance, hidden in nature, and yet close to everyday comforts. That’s when you can tell a design is truly timeless: when it resonates with people of different ages, cultures, and backgrounds.

What is the motivation to purchase in ALMA ?

Noémie: First and foremost, they purchase in ALMA because they genuinely love the architecture. We have even welcomed into the community people who had never heard of Huatulco before discovering ALMA. They seek comfort, privacy, a deep integration into the landscape and a place that is climate-resilient, yet adapted to the way we live in the 21st century.

Of course, they are also buying an address. In real estate, we often say the three most important factors are location, location, and location. So naturally, oceanfront properties remain a strong and reassuring investment, and something that owners, their families, and their guests will always enjoy. With pristine ocean views and an existing fisherman’s trail leading to the beach, the setting speaks for itself.

There is also a great sense of peace of mind in investing in a safe city, in a neighborhood that cannot become over-densified, thanks to the 2023 extension of the National Park

that completely surrounded the property, and the presence of unspoiled beaches. It reassures buyers who seek both emotional value and long-term appreciation.

It finally comes down to rarity. This type of architecture, this level of quality in this landscape, with this low density and at this price point, is extremely uncommon in Oaxaca and in all of Mexico.

What is it exactly that you call “the ALMA experience” ?

Frédéric: The ALMA experience starts very early. We like to think it begins with the discovery of the project. For example during a site visit, we always introduce potential buyers to a number of new birds and tree species, show them the whales or observe the milky way when coming back at night. When new to Huatulco, we take the time to show them the town, its neighborhoods, and some of its hidden gems. We love taking them to your village-to-table dinner in Zimatán, for example, because it reflects the passion behind some of the most inspiring local initiatives.

Now of course, the most meaningful experience will begin once their property is delivered. Noemie and I are both deeply inspired by unique hotel experiences, and ALMA was designed as a private, residential interpretation of that spirit.

Our clients are never numbers; they are people we get to know personally. Our relationship often goes beyond an investment, and that is the beauty of building a small community. In short, the ALMA experience is a journey we designed from discovery to delivery, and the care we put into every detail to make it both simple and beautiful.

Alright, so tell me, what will it feel like, once you live in ALMA?

Noémie: That’s an excellent question, and not always easy to describe because it is mostly sensorial.

Entering ALMA feels like entering a refined, low-density resort. The access gate is spacious and surrounded by trees and gardens. You hear insects and birds, you are in the shade, and everything feels calm. Unhurried. And instantly, you feel welcomed, not controlled. From that point on, all that you see, hear, and smell has been carefully considered.

You reach your home with your own car, driving sometimes at trunk height, sometimes at foliage height. You park under or next to your property, always in the shade. No golf carts, no valet, no waiting, and no long walks necessary. You simply drive home, easily and privately.

Entering your home, you step into a sophisticated place that combines high-end materials and a strong architectural signature. Steel structures bring a modern touch, while wooden ceilings add warmth and a tropical character. The natural scent of the wood immediately creates a feeling of comfort and belonging. And whether it is a two-bedroom apartment or a four-bedroom Villa, the only difference is in the size. The exact same attention to detail and the same materials are used throughout.

The properties open widely to nature, with green buffers on each side and ocean views framed by native trees, which gives the feeling of living in a nest among branches and birds. Protected, yet open. And you feel like it, just close it all and turn on the A/C to watch a movie.

When using the amenities you choose how social you want to be. You can meet people by one of the large lap pools, or enjoy complete privacy at the spa, which is privatized upon reservation and dedicated only to you and your guests.

When night comes, the lighting is kept to a minimum to respect the fauna and flora. So, you hear cicadas, see fireflies, and you can admire the stars. It is a rare privilege today, and one that quietly reminds you where you are.

To design this experience, we drew inspiration from the most refined hotel environments we know. For example, a concierge is available to arrange anything from a private chef to transportation or cultural experiences, so owners feel supported without ever losing their independence and privacy.

And finally, it is also about knowing us personally and trusting the level of care and standards we bring to every detail. We safeguard each moment of the experience and never rush it. Because just like good food never comes from a microwave, a truly meaningful place can only be created with time, care, and intention.

It is a philosophy that has naturally been recognized, with ALMA being nominated and awarded six times in 2025, including in the Residential Luxury category, alongside some of the most prestigious branded residences and resort properties in the world.

For more information: http://www.alma-huatulco.com

 

 

Huatulco

The Convention Centre – Huatulco’s Unfinished Promise

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By Randy Jackson—

In December 2025, formal notices of seizure were posted across the skeletal structure of the Huatulco Convention Center overlooking the Chahué Marina. Issued by the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office of Oaxaca, the notices designate the unfinished building as part of an ongoing criminal investigation, legally immobilizing the site. With that act, a project once promoted as a cornerstone of Huatulco’s future tourism economy entered a new phase, no longer merely incomplete, but formally frozen.

Projects like this are often referred to in Mexico as elefantes blancos: costly public works that never fully deliver on their promise. They are not unique to Oaxaca, nor to Mexico. What makes the Huatulco Convention Center distinctive is how its fate now sits at the intersection of ambitious planning, technical complexity, and a political transition that has left the structure and the community caught in prolonged limbo.

A PROMISE OF DEVELOPMENT

On October 5, 2019, the Oaxacan legislature authorized 3.5 billion pesos in financing for a broad portfolio of infrastructure projects across the state, intended to stimulate employment and reduce poverty. Among them was a proposed convention center for Huatulco. At the time, then-governor Alejandro Murat pledged that a special committee would closely monitor the use of public funds, and that all projects would be completed before the end of his term in 2022.

According to early project documentation, the Huatulco Convention Center was initially budgeted at 70 million pesos (US $3.7 million). Even in retrospect, that figure now appears unrealistically low, reflecting a preliminary concept rather than a fully defined architectural or engineering plan.

Shortly thereafter, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted public works across Mexico. During that pause, however, the project was not merely postponed; it was substantially reimagined. State officials reframed it as a “strategic trigger” capable of elevating Huatulco into the international convention market alongside destinations such as Cancún or Los Cabos.

A VISION TAKES SHAPE

In December 2020, Governor Murat announced a dramatically upgraded project: an iconic waterfront convention center designed to attract international MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. To realize that vision, he appointed architect Enrique Norten, founder of TEN Arquitectos, a Mexican firm internationally recognized for contemporary civic and cultural projects characterized by glass, steel, and bold structural expression.

The proposed design called for an approximately 11,000-square-meter facility integrated into the Chahué Marina, including a 1,285-seat auditorium with advanced acoustics capable of hosting concerts, theatrical productions, and academic conferences. Public plazas and green spaces were incorporated to ensure the building functioned as a community asset rather than a sealed, single-purpose venue.

WHEN REALITY COLLIDES WITH VISION

As the project moved from concept to engineered design, costs escalated rapidly. Building a large-scale performance venue on reclaimed waterfront land introduced significant technical challenges. According to statements from state infrastructure officials at the time, the site required extensive geotechnical reinforcement, including deep foundation work and large-scale soil stabilization, to create a stable foundation before vertical construction could even begin.

As planning advanced and architectural designs were finalized, cost estimates were revised upward. By the time construction formally began in 2022, official figures placed the project at over 320 million pesos. While that amount represented a dramatic increase over early estimates, it more closely reflected the market realities of constructing a specialized, architecturally complex facility in a marine environment. What had begun as a modest line item had evolved into a technically sophisticated public landmark.

A PROJECT IN POLITICAL LIMBO

On November 29, 2022, just forty-eight hours before his term ended, Governor Murat formally inaugurated the Huatulco Convention Center in its unfinished state. Without lighting, equipment, or connection to the electrical grid, the structure nonetheless stood complete enough for a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

For the incoming state administration, the building quickly became a focal point, symbolizing unfinished business and, potentially, deeper irregularities. Rather than advancing construction, authorities shifted their attention to investigation.

Transitions between political administrations in Mexico often involve heightened scrutiny of major public works, particularly those left incomplete. Supporters see this as accountability; critics argue that prolonged investigations can indefinitely freeze projects, regardless of their potential public benefit. In Huatulco, the result has been paralysis: a completed shell, neither advanced nor dismantled, sitting idle on one of the town’s most prominent waterfront sites.

JUSTICE OR POLITICAL THEATER?

The seizure notices posted on the convention center walls are tied to a broader investigation into the 2019 infrastructure program. In late 2023, the Oaxacan Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office arrested Javier Lazcano Vargas, charging him with illicit enrichment and misuse of public funds related to those projects.

Meanwhile, former governor Alejandro Murat has followed a surprisingly different political trajectory. After leaving office, he joined the ruling MORENA party and secured a seat in the Senate, thereby obtaining fuero, the constitutional immunity afforded to high-ranking legislators. The contrast has not gone unnoticed locally. For many in Huatulco, the stalled convention center has become less a symbol of justice pursued than of accountability deferred.

None of this is to suggest that investigations should be abandoned or that financial irregularities, if proven, should go unpunished. But when a criminal process indefinitely halts a project with clear public value, questions arise about balance: between enforcing accountability and fulfilling the state’s obligation to serve the community.

THE COST OF STANDSTILL

For local tourism operators, business owners, and residents, the convention center represents more than a political controversy. It was envisioned as an economic catalyst, one capable of extending the tourist season, supporting local employment, and anchoring complementary cultural and commercial activity around the marina. Its continued dormancy carries opportunity costs that compound with each passing year.

Justice and development need not be mutually exclusive. Yet as long as the Huatulco Convention Center remains sealed off as an immobilized site, it stands as a reminder that infrastructure can become collateral damage in political struggles. The unfinished structure on the Chahué waterfront is no longer just an unrealized building; it is a test of whether governance in Oaxaca can reconcile accountability with the practical needs of the communities it serves.

Randy Jackson blends local reporting from the perspective of a seasonal Huatulco resident with explorations of life and change in Huatulco, Oaxaca and Mexico. Email, box95jackson@gmail.com