• The Barceló Resort is a contemporary Mexican resort built around a landscaped pool complex. Fine beach, tennis, nine-hole practice golf course, fitness center, aquatic sports center, children's program. All-inclusive format from $300. Blvd. Benito Juárez S/N, Bahías de Huatulco, Oaxaca

• The Mision de los Arcos is a boutique hotel that appeals to business travelers and thrifty vacationers. Simple, clean and comfortable rooms, many with private balconies; some garden suites. In-town location near plaza. From $35. Gardenia 902, Bahías de Huatulco, Oaxaca.

• The Quinta Real is Huatulco's most luxurious resort with just 28 exquisitely furnished villa suites. Top-drawer services and La Cuija, one of Huatulco's best restaurants. Fanciful, romantic and tasteful Moorish-inspired design, with two infinity pools. From $160, plus 19 percent tax. Paseo Benito Juarez Lote 2, Huatulco, Oaxaca.

• The Camino Real Zaashila Mediterranean design and Mexican colors. Palm-lined, quarter-mile beach plus 500-foot, free-form pool. Also, a second pool, tennis, three restaurants, two bars, fitness center and children's program. All 120 rooms have a private balcony or terrace, 41 with a private plunge pool. From $150. Blvd. Benito Juárez Lote 5, Bahías de Huatulco, Oaxaca.

• The Crown Pacific houses ten buildings on a hillside with a unique funicular providing optional transportation between floors. Upper pool deck with stunning views of Tangolunda Bay. All-inclusive format. Three pools, three restaurants, four bars and activity programs. From $69. Blvd. Benito Juárez no. 8, Bahías de Huatulco, Oaxaca.

• The Huatulco "Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa" has an unlimited Luxury program includes meals, facilities access and unlimited alcoholic beverages. Deluxe, amenity filled suites with restocked mini-bar, seven restaurants, seven bars, pools, fitness center, spa and children's center. Blvd. Benito Juárez 4, Bahías de Huatulco, Oaxaca.

GOING TO HUATULCO

• Getting there: Huatulco's airport is served by year-round scheduled Mexicana Interjet service from Mexico City, seasonal non-stop service from Houston via Continental Express, charter flights from the United States and Canada, Aerotucán and Aerovega commuter flights and luxury buses from the state capital of Oaxaca. Travel from Miami takes at least 6-7 hours, with a stop in Houston or Mexico City.

• Getting around: In addition to hotel shuttles and taxis, public transportation ranges from barebones local buses to luxurious, air-conditioned buses that serve Oaxaca (seven hours away).