Price Band: $$$
Tags: Beach, ecological, family friendly, secluded
Camino Real Zaashila
Huatulco
Camino Real Zaashila
Huatulco
Camino Real Zaashila
Huatulco
Camino Real Zaashila
Huatulco
Rates, availability and more…
In a nutshell:
Located on the nicest part of pretty Tangolunda Bay, the Camino Real Zaashila is an architectural gem, reminiscent of a Mediterranean village. The stunning free form swimming pool is a major attraction. Good choice for families.
The Camino Real Zaashila is a tropical delight for both families and couples. We love the huge swimming pool, surely one of the most inviting on this coast. Zaashila also boasts a great beach, virtually private and with beautiful soft sand.
Although the hotel is fairly large, construction is limited to three or occasionally four stories, so it is far from a “high-rise” resort. As it is built on a hillside around the bay there can be flights of steps involved to reach some of the larger accommodations, but most standard rooms are easily accessed.
At Camino Real Zaashila we usually opt for the Deluxe Rooms unless traveling in a group. These are spacious quarters, easily sufficient for two adults and two small children who don’t mind sharing two double beds and one bathroom. Deluxe rooms are slightly elevated and have good views over the bay, but are also close to all the amenities. Camino Real Club Rooms feature a pretty plunge pool, but with the fabulous main pool so close we were rarely tempted.
The one and two bedroom suites have two or three bathrooms respectively, and so make a good choice for families with older children or small groups. The private kitchen and dining facilities are useful for catering for children or babies. Note that these larger accommodations are usually further from the main facilities and often accessed by steps; however they are also a little more private.
The resort of Huatulco consists of a series of beautiful bays, a natural paradise only recently being developed for tourists. Tangolunda Bay is home to most of the larger hotels, plus a few developments of shops and small restaurants. The nearby towns of La Crucecita and Santa Cruz de Huatulco offer more shopping facilities plus other reasonably priced bars and restaurants; they are easily accessed by taxi and are well worth a visit. Of course, a trip to Huatulco wouldn’t be complete without an excursion by boat to observe the true beauty of this incredible stretch of coast.
Every room at Zaashila has a wonderful view of the ocean, and all have a private terrace or balcony on which to enjoy this serene outlook. A clever layout means that guests won’t have to walk too far to the main facilities, even though the grounds are expansive. All of the Deluxe and Club Rooms are by the pool and beach. The one and two bedroom suites enjoy elevated views a little further up the hillside, with steps leading down to the restaurant and pool.
Although the accommodations are built in blocks of three stories, the grounds are terraced so that you generally only have to climb up or down one flight of stairs to reach your room. Camino Real Club Rooms are on the lower level and have a private plunge pool accessed from their terrace. Deluxe Rooms are on the upper two levels, with ocean view balconies.
The temptations of the huge swimming pool and beautiful beach mean that you’ll probably spend very little time in your room. Still, it is nice to know that your quarters will be very spacious and airy, with cool tile floors and very efficient air conditioning.
All rooms are well equipped with satellite televisions, minibars and hair dryers. Bathrooms are very generously sized, with large double vanity unit and tub with shower unit above. The excellent lighting and abundance of large mirrors makes getting ready for magical Mexican evenings all the more inviting.
We’re usually more than satisfied with the Deluxe and Club Rooms, though we’d recommend the one and two bedroom suites for families seeking apartment style accommodations.
Summary of room facilities
All rooms
Air-conditioning, ceiling fans, room safe, minibar, telephone.
Deluxe room
King bed or two doubles, balcony or terrace, most have sea views
One bedroom suite
Bedroom with king bed, sitting room, dining area, balcony or terrace, most with plunge pool, two bathrooms
Two bedroom suite
Master Bedroom with king bed, second bedroom with 2 beds, sitting room, dining area, balcony or terrace, most with plunge pool, two bathrooms
Deluxe rooms have either one king or two double beds and are very spacious. There is ample room for young children to share with their parents. Every room has a good sized balcony with views of the ocean.
The marble effect bathrooms are also roomy and include a tub with shower above. Hair dryers are fitted in all the bathrooms at Zaashila, and there is also good lighting and large mirrors nearby.
Camino Real Club Rooms have either one king or two double beds and have all the amenities of the Deluxe Rooms. In addition, they have a terrace and a private plunge pool, with views of the ocean. These rooms are all on the ground floor level (although there may be steps down to the room from the walkways of the hotel).
The Club Rooms have the same marble effect bathrooms as the Deluxe Rooms, featuring a small tub with an overhead shower.
The one and two bedroom suites at Zaashila are ideal for families looking for more space. Each has an airy living room, with dining area and compact but well equipped kitchen. Both the sofas in the living room convert to beds.
These suites are available either with or without a plunge pool, which is accessed from the living room. Bedrooms (and living rooms in suites without plunge pools) have a private balcony with sea views.
Most of the suites are located higher up the hillside, with a few close to the main restaurant and bar. Suites without pools are on the upper levels and are accessed by stairs. Although further from the pool and beach, these rooms generally have more privacy and some great views.
The master bedroom in both suites has a king bed, and in the two bedroom suite the second bedroom has two beds. Each bedroom has a balcony, and the elevated position of these accommodations means that the views are stunning. A spacious bathroom adjoins each bedroom, with a third bathroom opening from the living room. The bedrooms each have a satellite television and direct dial telephone.
Chez Binni is the resort’s main and centrally located restaurant. It features a wide range of international and Oaxacan cuisine.
The restaurant is tiered so that all tables can enjoy the views, and any size of party can be accommodated from small to large.
Breakfast and dinner are served here, with lunch usually offered at the oceanfront Bel-La Grill.
The Beach Club Restaurant is a favorite choice for lunch. This breezy restaurant offers open air dining beneath a shady palapa roof. It overlooks the beach and has an enticing swimming pool with sun loungers available on an adjacent terrace. Dress is casual, with cover-ups over swimming gear accepted.
A mix of international and Mexican dishes are offered, and seafood is a specialty. The Ceviche Trio is highly recommended, whilst the “Taste of Mexico” offers a mild introduction to local cuisine. The Beach Club Restaurant serves dishes from snacks to full meals from mid-day to early afternoon.
Zaashila’s pristine beach is virtually private, nestled in one of the peaceful coves of Tangolunda Bay. The clear blue water is always enticing, though there can sometimes be a strong undertow. A red flag warns when conditions aren’t favorable for swimmers.
Snorkeling is possible when the sea is calm, with very good visibility. Excursions are also offered by boat or kayak, with snorkeling equipment available for rent at the hotel. Other water-based activities include deep sea fishing, tours of the bays by yacht and diving excursions.
This fabulous 400-foot long pool is the focus of the resort. It features islands, bridges and even built-in sun loungers, yet there is also plenty of space for some serious swimming. Even at full occupancy, this pool is never crowded.
The surrounding palm trees and lush lawns add a very tropical air. There’s not a lot of shade in the pool itself, but there are plenty of cooler spots around the perimeter when the sun gets too high.
How to get here
By air
The closest airport is Huatulco (HUX), about 15 miles away, and the journey by car takes about 25 minutes.
Driving directions
Tangolunda Bay is signposted from the coastal Highway #200. Follow signs to the Hotel Zone. Zaashila is at the far eastern side of the bay.
