Villa Mozart y Macondo

Modestly set on a wide quiet street, Villa Mozart y Macondo greets guests with a quaint, tropical garden scene. Dense hanging vines, a jumble of terra-cotta pot plants, and palms of all species and sizes invite meandering through it all. Sandy grounds underfoot are swept flawlessly smooth each morning; and carved wood sculptures scattered throughout add artistic flair. The bungalows are set on one side of the garden, and on the other, “El Tololote,” is the open-air restaurant which doubles as an ever-so-casual check-in. Named after the once grand tree at its center, the little restaurant spills into a thatched-roof palapa behind it which adds an authentic Mexican coastal touch to the setting. Cute, colorfully dressed wooden tables garnished with mini floral bouquets overlook the lush gardens all around. Manfred and Angie, husband and wife owners of 20 years, are typically on-site during the breakfast shift, and guests frequently comment on their kindness.The setting, food, and hosts are so delightful, that friendly locals roll in each morning and give the place a vibrant social buzz. From midday on, the property evolves into a sanctuary of calm -- there’s no one else on-site besides bungalow guests (and visiting birds), and no TVs, phones, or radios, equals no noise. The idea here is to unplug.  

This property is well located, seven minutes drive from the international airport, and about five minutes' walk to gorgeous Carrizalillo Beach. The trip to the beach requires a serious hike up and down steep stairs, so it’s certainly not suited to anyone with mobility issues, but the exertion is well worth it for everyone else. Unlike many Puerto Escondido beaches, Carrizalillo is safe for swimming and learning to surf, plus there’s a beachfront bar and restaurant, and plenty of deck chairs, umbrellas, and paddle boards for hire. Villas Mozart y Macondo is also around 15 minutes on foot to Puerto Angelito and Manzanillo Beaches, and there’s a calm strip of restaurants, bars, and cafes right around the corner -- about a one-minute walk from the property. Puerto Escondo's touristy hub, Zicatela, is about a 10-minute drive from the property.

The property offers just two bungalows -- “Bruno Filno” and “Vista Jardin.” Bruno Filno is the most popular as it’s incredibly spacious and includes an indoor sitting area, an outdoor kitchen, and a wraparound patio; while the other is more compact. Both bungalows feature breezy high ceilings, terra-cotta floors, and crisp white walls populated with bold contemporary artworks curated by Manfred, the art collecting owner. Floaty white curtains drape windows framing garden views. In Bruno Filno, custom wrought-iron security bars (in place of glass), are shaped as blue waves and yellow sunrays. Other random sculptural items like quartz crystal balls or a rainforest bird suspended overhead, give each bungalow its own colorful persona. Bathrooms are spacious and vibrant, dressed in sunny hues with bold tiling detail, and creative touches like a shell mosaic mirror or floating ceramic wash basin. Both bungalows are equipped with open wardrobe hanging space, a handful of books, and mini safes for valuables. Windows are fitted with bug screens and ceiling fans are provided -- while they satisfy some guests, lack of air-conditioning doesn’t cut it for others given the very warm local temperatures.

Villa Mozart y Macondo isn't chockfull of features -- it's notably missing a pool -- but what it does offer adds to its personality and charm. The creative tropical gardens are indeed a highlight, with hammocks and Acapulco chairs that invite restful timeout. Another pro is “El Tololote,” the open-air restaurant which only serves breakfast, but it’s arguably one of Puerto Escondido’s best. Although the menu isn’t huge, it’s all fresh, vibrant, and delicious local fare featuring fresh-squeezed juices, espresso coffee, rainbow-bright fruit salad, house-made tropical marmalades, and a mix of traditional staples like Chilaquiles. Rates inclusive of breakfast don’t extend to the whole menu, so guests must pay extra for certain dishes -- but it’s worth it. Aside from breakfast, guests are pretty much left to their own devices. Free Wi-Fi is provided, and on-site massages from outside vendors can be arranged by the staff, with a little notice.