Hola,

I just placed on the masthead of the "Home" page a link for people to
get by a couple clicks to the newsletter published by the "Hurricane
Divers" in Santa Cruz because it contains a lot of useful information
and nice pictures for us tourist types like us.  The operation is run
by Roberto who is a member of this club and has been very helpful to
us recently.  When you are on the beach in Santa Cruz, make sure you
stop by and introduce yourself.  Perhaps you can move from the "non-
diver" class of people into the "diver" class a lot quicker than you
thought!

Roberto, what is the motto of divers??
"We do it . . . . .???"  "Divers have
more . . . .???"  "Underwater . . . . ????"

Make sure you check out their "previous newsletter" section on the
upper right hand side of their Home Page for previous informative
info.

Also, Charlie, I couln't get the link to your website to work on the
Hurricane Divers page.  Could you or somebody check it out??

Our special thanks to Jessie, the owner of this group, who noticed
the new? website of Los Portales.  I missed it myself today.  I
noticed that this group is noted as a "link" on the "contact" page.
We thank Luis for "putting us out there" for others to see.  We are
also on Linda's <www.moosemountain.com/huatulco.htm> website.

I think if all of us cooperate like this, the word will get out and
Huatulco will have just the right amount of tourists for everybody to
be "happy touri"   ;-)

Adios

Stephen

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we have been at that hotel last winter and the food was all right. i am
bringing all of my staff for a week each this winter and i think we will go
all inclusive for the price.i think i will book them at the castillo or
costa club???? we are staying in huatulco for 3 months haven't found a place
yet. so any suggestions would be great. we are looking for a condo near the
beach. mike and faye

>From: "Howard Stanley" <lhstanley@...>
>Reply-To: huatulco@yahoogroups.com
>To: huatulco@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [Huatulco] Hotel Castillo
>Date: Mon, 29 Nov 2004 03:28:42 -0000
>
>
>
>
>Hola,
>
>Thanks Stephen for the invitation to join this group.  My wife and I
>are looking forward to this trip to Huatulco in February so much!  We
>just love Mexico, having been to Puerto Vallarta several times.  I
>will post questions as I think of them, if people don't mind and are
>able to answer them.  We will be at the Castillo in Santa Cruz and
>are wondering how good the food there is.
>
>Linda & Howard
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>"Loose Lips Grow the Group" -- Tell Other People About It Says Silversard
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Hola,

Thanks Stephen for the invitation to join this group.  My wife and I
are looking forward to this trip to Huatulco in February so much!  We
just love Mexico, having been to Puerto Vallarta several times.  I
will post questions as I think of them, if people don't mind and are
able to answer them.  We will be at the Castillo in Santa Cruz and
are wondering how good the food there is.

Linda & Howard

Hi Stephen,

I´ll have a look at the posting you´re talking about (when I´m a bit
less busy), out of the top of my head I think the info is still
pretty much up to date.......

Snorkeling, skin diving and scuba diving are three different things.
I enjoy all three, but I have to say that if you´re half way
interested you should give the scuba diving a shot. It´s something
else down there, floating weightless and effortlessly amongst the
fishes!

We would obviously be more than happy to introduce you to this
wonderfull activity in a safe and enjoyable manner.

Roberto



--- In huatulco@yahoogroups.com, "Stephen" <silversard@y...> wrote:
>
> Hola,
>
> Sharon, I noticed you found the info in the "Files" section about
> cost and Roberto also responded personally to personalize and
update
> it a bit.  Roberto, you may not know that in the "Files" sections
of
> this group in the "Things To Do" folder is a "general letter" you
> wrote in 2003 in which you attempt to answer a lot of questions
about
> fishing, snorkeling, scuba etc. including costs. It starts like
this -
> -
> "08-24-03 – Snorkeling, Fishing, and Pangas, etc.
>
> Author • Autor: Hurricane Divers (---.prodigy.net.mx)
> Date • Fecha: 02-24-03 17:05
>
> Since messages are posted frequently on this board asking for the
> same info on fishing, snorkeling and renting "pangas", I thought
it
> might be an idea to answer (hopefully) all these questions in one
> posting (yes, not without selfinterest). I´ll try to give an idea
of
> the prices as well, please keep in mind that they are an
> aproximation . . . . "
>
> Perhaps you could look at it and "re-publish" it on both this site
> and Tom's site, if it needs any updating.  Nevertheless, we
appeciate
> your immediate and personal response to Sharon's inquiry.
>
> Tamara and Markus -- may your plans for moving back to Huatulco
soon
> go well.  We all hope you and the Britannia arrive safe and sound,
> and we can "hook up" with you on our trips this vacation season.
> Luis and Elva, owners of the Los Portales (and memers of this
Yahoo
> group) are gracious hosts so make sure you all check out their
place
> when you are shopping in La Cruceita.  Last year on Nov. 29th we
had
> our anniversary party at Los Portales.  They prepared a marvelous
> formal supper for us and many of our tourist and local friends.
>
> I guess I should get some formal lessons from Roberto!  I think
maybe
> I am just a wannabe scuba diver instead of an actual snorkel
person.
> I seem to spend more time under the water than floating above it
so I
> guess air tanks would be good :-).
>
> Adios Amigos
>
> Stephen

Hola!
Two questions for everyone:

1. My wife is having a birthday during our stay in Huatulco, I would
love to make it a very special occasion for her! She loves sea food.
Her favorite is Alaska King Crab legs, which most likely will not be
available, however, she also loves giant prawns and lobster. Can
anyone suggest a lovely romantic restaurant (perhaps on or
overlooking the ocean) close by the Gala? If so, can you send me a
link to the restaurant if they have one? I'd like to email the
owners and plan for this special occasion.

2. We live in Vancouver, BC Canada. Does anyone know of any
Vancouverites living either full or part time in Hualtulco?

Thank you in advance for any help or information!

every good wish
Huatulco Dreamer Wyatt

Hola Keith (the Legend of the Barcelo ;-)

Thanks for keeping us updated on plane tickets . . . that's your job
from now own, OK?

Also, I am glad to hear you have been able to add more to your
group.  Anybody going this year that I would know?  I was told that
my aunt and first cousins (Alms) went to Huatuclo recently because it
was said, "it was the same place Keith goes."  I guess I should ask
them but you probably know something about it.

My wife and I are going out to eat tonight for our anniversary, and
IT IS SNOWING!  Last year at this time, we were about to sit down to
a wonderful dinner (or supper) at the Los Portales in La Crucecita ;-)

How we wish we were going to be there in December or January ;-(

Keep us posted, please.

Stephen


--- In huatulco@yahoogroups.com, keith ingwell
<kingwellemergency@y...> wrote:
> Stephen, just added 4 more to our group for Jan. 6
> travel at $512.US for 10 day travel. Best right now is
> on Travelocity. Keith

Stephen, just added 4 more to our group for Jan. 6
travel at $512.US for 10 day travel. Best right now is
on Travelocity. Keith
--- Stephen <silversard@...> wrote:

>
> Hola,
>
> Sharon, I noticed you found the info in the "Files"
> section about
> cost and Roberto also responded personally to
> personalize and update
> it a bit.  Roberto, you may not know that in the
> "Files" sections of
> this group in the "Things To Do" folder is a
> "general letter" you
> wrote in 2003 in which you attempt to answer a lot
> of questions about
> fishing, snorkeling, scuba etc. including costs. It
> starts like this -
> -
> "08-24-03 – Snorkeling, Fishing, and Pangas, etc.
>
> Author • Autor: Hurricane Divers
> (---.prodigy.net.mx)
> Date • Fecha: 02-24-03 17:05
>
> Since messages are posted frequently on this board
> asking for the
> same info on fishing, snorkeling and renting
> "pangas", I thought it
> might be an idea to answer (hopefully) all these
> questions in one
> posting (yes, not without selfinterest). I´ll try to
> give an idea of
> the prices as well, please keep in mind that they
> are an
> aproximation . . . . "
>
> Perhaps you could look at it and "re-publish" it on
> both this site
> and Tom's site, if it needs any updating.
> Nevertheless, we appeciate
> your immediate and personal response to Sharon's
> inquiry.
>
> Tamara and Markus -- may your plans for moving back
> to Huatulco soon
> go well.  We all hope you and the Britannia arrive
> safe and sound,
> and we can "hook up" with you on our trips this
> vacation season.
> Luis and Elva, owners of the Los Portales (and
> memers of this Yahoo
> group) are gracious hosts so make sure you all check
> out their place
> when you are shopping in La Cruceita.  Last year on
> Nov. 29th we had
> our anniversary party at Los Portales.  They
> prepared a marvelous
> formal supper for us and many of our tourist and
> local friends.
>
> I guess I should get some formal lessons from
> Roberto!  I think maybe
> I am just a wannabe scuba diver instead of an actual
> snorkel person.
> I seem to spend more time under the water than
> floating above it so I
> guess air tanks would be good :-).
>
> Adios Amigos
>
> Stephen
>
>
>
>
>
>
>





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Yahoo! Mail - You care about security. So do we.
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This board is really fantastic... everyone is so helpful my biggest
problem will be fitting everything into one little week... good
reason to return though :)

Appreciate all advice... love the photos... makes me want to get
there even sooner... looking forward to running into at least a few
familiar names.


If everyone there is half as helpful and friendly as those on this
board it will be an awesome place to visit.

Sharon

Hola!
I, along with my wife Joan wish to first express our deepest thanks
to all who have responded to our posts. In a very short time we have
been made to feel welcome and a part of this on-line community.
Thanks to you Stephen for your conscientious effort and help with
all of your incredible information, you truly have a heart for the
folks on this forum and for "Huatulco Paradise".

To Tamara & Markus: I love the name of your boat "Britania", of
course, having British heritage makes one a little partial. Joan and
I would love to see it. Her father became a master shipwright after
leaving the Navy and over his lifetime built beautiful sailing and
motor yacht vessels. He also built his family a beautiful sailing
vessel, her name was the "Pamela Joan".

To Kathy: Gorgeous...gorgeous photos!! You are quite the Huatulco
photo journalist!

Our first couple of days at the Gala will initially be getting
aclimatized and oriented to our new home for two weeks, but we do
intend to leave the property frequently. We especially want to meet
with those of you who know the area and can indroduce us to your
lovely Huatulco amigos and amigas. We've arranged to meet with
already a developer of a new condo property, but also want to spend
time in the company of you folks relaxing. So for now I'll say adios
one and all. We do not know our room number yet at the Gala, but I
will leave a message at the front desk letting them know to give out
our room number should anyone stop by. I will also send a quick post
from their internet room, that is if they have one, to let you know
how to contact us. You can also leave us a message at the front desk
on how we can contact you. Bye for now.

every good wish...

Wyatt & Joan

Hola,

Sharon, I noticed you found the info in the "Files" section about
cost and Roberto also responded personally to personalize and update
it a bit.  Roberto, you may not know that in the "Files" sections of
this group in the "Things To Do" folder is a "general letter" you
wrote in 2003 in which you attempt to answer a lot of questions about
fishing, snorkeling, scuba etc. including costs. It starts like this -
-
"08-24-03 – Snorkeling, Fishing, and Pangas, etc.

Author • Autor: Hurricane Divers (---.prodigy.net.mx)
Date • Fecha: 02-24-03 17:05

Since messages are posted frequently on this board asking for the
same info on fishing, snorkeling and renting "pangas", I thought it
might be an idea to answer (hopefully) all these questions in one
posting (yes, not without selfinterest). I´ll try to give an idea of
the prices as well, please keep in mind that they are an
aproximation . . . . "

Perhaps you could look at it and "re-publish" it on both this site
and Tom's site, if it needs any updating.  Nevertheless, we appeciate
your immediate and personal response to Sharon's inquiry.

Tamara and Markus -- may your plans for moving back to Huatulco soon
go well.  We all hope you and the Britannia arrive safe and sound,
and we can "hook up" with you on our trips this vacation season.
Luis and Elva, owners of the Los Portales (and memers of this Yahoo
group) are gracious hosts so make sure you all check out their place
when you are shopping in La Cruceita.  Last year on Nov. 29th we had
our anniversary party at Los Portales.  They prepared a marvelous
formal supper for us and many of our tourist and local friends.

I guess I should get some formal lessons from Roberto!  I think maybe
I am just a wannabe scuba diver instead of an actual snorkel person.
I seem to spend more time under the water than floating above it so I
guess air tanks would be good :-).

Adios Amigos

Stephen

I thought I had better pass this correction on -- Silversard

Re: Airfare Deal!
Author • Autor: Stewart Broadley (---.cpe.net.cable.rogers.com)
Date • Fecha:   11-26-04 19:50

Guess I got a little excited here prematurely. It now appears, as of
this evening, all Canadian travel websites are pricing the Kelowna
Air flight departing YYZ on 01/29/05 at CDN$ 730.00 taxes and fees
included. Thought I had stumbled onto a unique price offer for a
moment there. Glad I waited until now to purchase flight, saved CDN$
440.00 vs. what I would have paid for 2 tickets had I booked just
yesterday!


Stew.

Hi Sharon,

Without wanting to sound like used cars salesman: it sounds to me
that we offer exactly the service you´re looking for. We offer
various snorkel tours in various formats, for beginners, "nervous"
snorkelers and experienced snorkelers. We provide all the equipment
you need and have life jackets on our boat that you can use for
snorkeling. Furthermore you are always accompanied by a professional
guide who will not only look after you and assist you when
necessary, but also show you all the neat underwater stuff. All our
guides are professional Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Instructors and
are well trained in the fields of Medic First Aid and in-water
rescue. We actually offer skin diving courses as well if you would
like to learn how to "leave your life jacket at the surface and dive
down".

If you´re not a strong swimmer and an inexperienced snorkeler, I
would definitely not go out with just anybody............

Please have a look at our website for all the info on our dive
center and our services: www.hurricanedivers.com

For deep sea fishing you have two options: go with a bigger,
especially designed deep sea fishing yacht or with a little "panga".
There are several panga owners who provide a pretty professional
service. The first option will cost you aroun $350 to $400 USD for a
4 to 5 hour fishing trip and the pangas go for around $35 USD per
hour. I could help set it up for you if you would like me to.

Hope this helps,

Roberto



--- In huatulco@yahoogroups.com, "Sharon" <Sharon_G@r...> wrote:
>
>
> We have traveled a fair bit but decided to try the Pacific coast
of
> Mexico for a change when searching the resort areas I came across
> Huatulco and it sounded like just what we needed.  Lots of heat
and
> sunshine but not super comercialized.  We will be staying at the
> Barcelo from Jan 24th to the 31st the reviews I've read on the
resort
> seem for the most part to be good with the only downfall being
supper
> selection.  We plan on doing the cocoa plantation tour and might
take
> in some fishing or the bay tour.  I would like to snorkle but very
> inexperienced at it... does anyone know if there are life jackets
> available at the hotel or with the bay tour... I'm not a super
strong
> swimmer and the ocean makes me more then a little nervous.  Also
any
> idea on the cost of the fishing excursions?
>
> Looking forward to reading everyones reports... Hola amigos!!!

Hola & Greetings!

We will be vactioning in "Paradise" in just 36 more sleeps! We will
be at the Gala, arriving New Year's Eve afternoon and staying 2
weeks! We are looking forward to meeting new friends while at the
resort as well as off the property. Just a couple of questions. Does
anyone have any experience as to New Years Eve celebrations at the
Gala? What about New Years Eve celebrations off the resort, say in
La Cruceita (Sp) or? We have been reading about Huatulco for the
past 6 months. There exists a magical allure to this paradise. We
are dreaming about becoming part of this shared paradise and making
new and lasting friendships. For those ex-pats either from America
or Canada who now call Huatulco their home, we would love to hear
from you all. Seems to us, that it takes real courage to pull up
stakes and move to another country, we would enjoy hearing your
tales of inspiration. Perhaps it may act as a catylst, nudge, or
kick in the pants for us to "fledge" and leave our nest!

Best








"Loose Lips Grow the Group" -- Tell Other People About It Says Silversard

We have traveled a fair bit but decided to try the Pacific coast of
Mexico for a change when searching the resort areas I came across
Huatulco and it sounded like just what we needed.  Lots of heat and
sunshine but not super comercialized.  We will be staying at the
Barcelo from Jan 24th to the 31st the reviews I've read on the resort
seem for the most part to be good with the only downfall being supper
selection.  We plan on doing the cocoa plantation tour and might take
in some fishing or the bay tour.  I would like to snorkle but very
inexperienced at it... does anyone know if there are life jackets
available at the hotel or with the bay tour... I'm not a super strong
swimmer and the ocean makes me more then a little nervous.  Also any
idea on the cost of the fishing excursions?

Looking forward to reading everyones reports... Hola amigos!!!










"Loose Lips Grow the Group" -- Tell Other People About It Says Silversard

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Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
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Thanks for the reply Stephen... found the info on the fishing costs..
not bad at all.  Leanving life jacket at surface and dive down
further... oh boy... that make me taste salt water just thinking
about it :)  I'm really just a surface snorkler I think though in
time who knows... but even surface wise I know I feel more relaxed if
I have a life jacket on and can enjoy the experience better.  We have
good masks and snorkels which we bought a few years ago for a
previous visit to Mexico in the Mayan Rivera so will be bringing them
for sure.  Our life jackets however are the boating type and very
bulky to bring so would like to avoid that if at all possible.
    We also enjoy meeting the locals... though our spanish is very
limited... my hubby is fluent in French and we always manage to get
along. I usually bring assorted gifts to leave as tips along with
some cash... is this a welcome practice here as well??  Not much
seems to be said about poverty in Huatulco in compared to places like
the dominican where that often is a main theme of the boards.

Sharon

Hola Sharon,

You are correct that Huatulco is not commercialized like many other
mega resort areas.  It truly is a "secret" especially to USA people.
However, Canadians have apparently learned about it and are the most
frequent non-Mexican visitors.

We will see "cocoa plants" at the during the "coffee plantation"
tour.  I just though I would claify that a bit.  It is a long trip up
the mountain but I think worth it, especially if you stop in a
village or two along the way.

The boat tours will have life jackets, but most people "cast them
aside" once they get out of the view of the harbor master.  We bring
our own "slim ones" and wear them when we are snorkeling, although I
think you could use the ones on the boat.  If you float on top of the
water, you can keep them on, but, when I dive down, I am attached to
my life jacket by a 20 foot curly telephone cord that I attach to it
with brass clips so that I have something to float on when I get back
to the surface.

The first time I hit the salt water with a friend, the waves poured
into our months and down to the stomach.  I am afraid it is hard to
swim when you are BOTH choking.  Keep your mouth closed!  It was a
good thing we were wearing life jackets.  On the last trip, we took
inflatable ones designed for snorkeling which you blow up with a tube
near your mouth.  The advantage of bringing them is that they are
flat in your luggage and you inflate them if and when you need them.
Of course, they are not a 100% life jacket, but they were OK.

If you go to the "Files" section on the left hand side of the "Home
Page" of this group, you will find out a lot about renting "pangas"
to fish or snorkel or visit more isolated beaches.  Let me know if
you have trouble finding them.

Perhaps Robert, a scuba diver in this group down in Huatulco, would
care to "polish" my advise with his professional expertise?

Adios Amiga,

Stephen

Here is the correct URL for Linda's pictures --

<http://www.moosemountain.com/huatulco.htm>

She does have a clever children's page (last page on her album) which
I think is about a mouse!





"Loose Lips Grow the Group" -- Tell Other People About It Says Silversard

We have traveled a fair bit but decided to try the Pacific coast of
Mexico for a change when searching the resort areas I came across
Huatulco and it sounded like just what we needed.  Lots of heat and
sunshine but not super comercialized.  We will be staying at the
Barcelo from Jan 24th to the 31st the reviews I've read on the resort
seem for the most part to be good with the only downfall being supper
selection.  We plan on doing the cocoa plantation tour and might take
in some fishing or the bay tour.  I would like to snorkle but very
inexperienced at it... does anyone know if there are life jackets
available at the hotel or with the bay tour... I'm not a super strong
swimmer and the ocean makes me more then a little nervous.  Also any
idea on the cost of the fishing excursions?

Looking forward to reading everyones reports... Hola amigos!!!

Hola,

This is the URL from the Cafe Dublin website.  Be patient, it takes
time to load or sometimes you have to try another time of day.  The
pictures are really good and worth the effort.

http://www.freewebs.com/cafe_dublin/aerialphotos.htm

Keep in mind that many beaches can be seen by taxi or rented boat.
For tips on how to rent boats, go to the "Files" section menu on the
left of the "Home Page" of this group and bring up the tips Linda
from Moose Mountain has written for you.

Adios,

Stephen

Here is the correct URL for Linda's pictures --

<http://www.moosemountain.com/huatulco.htm>

She does have a clever children's page (last page on her album) which
I think is about a mouse!

Hola Wyatt,

Thanks for jumping in and drawing on your other experiences in
Mexico.  I have just started monitoring Peurto Vallarta and Jessie,
the owner of this group, has a very close interest in and knowledge
of PV.  Huatulco is our favorite destination, however.  We are sorry
we will miss you in Huatulco.  We are arriving in Mexico on February
3rd.  We are waiting until the last minute to book our plane
reservations as I believe you have advocated in your post. We always
use to book flights way in advance but not this time. If you want to
see GREAT PICTURES of Huatulco and the Zaashila from a dedicated fan
whose family will also be there when you are go to --

<http://mousemountain.com/huatulco.htm>

Linda and her family are from Alberta, Canada, and they spend EVERY
Christmas AT THE ZAASHILA for about a month.  This year they will
be "in residence" from 12-09-04 thru 01-08-05 when YOU are there.
Her pictures on her web site are great!  She will answer your e-mails
if you e-mail her directly.  She will be back as a member of this
group after they return from Huatulco and give us a full report, I am
told.

Also, their are even better (if that is possible) pictures from a
plane of all the bays of Huatulco at the website of the Dublin Cafe.
Go to the link section on the left of the "Home Page" of this site
and then to the folder labeled restaurants and click on the Dublin
Cafe web site.  Sometimes the site is very slow to come up, so don't
get discouraged and try it again later.  The photos are very good.

Please let me know if this info is doing the job, and especially if
other group members were able to help you out.

Stephen

Hola Russell,

Two members of the group, Richard Rios (TX) and Kate Kane (IA), have
posted remarks about the Camino Real Zaashila.  Check messages number
639 and 643 for Richard and 625,628,637,638 for Kate.  Richard
recently returned from the Zaashila, and Kate and several of her
friends have reservations.  Maybe they can jump in and add a more
specific reply.  It looked to me like Kate was really checking out
the food and drink packages.  You could also e-mail her by clicking
on her e-mail address.

Carolos Ramos, a scuba diver in Huatulco, had something to say about
the splash pool at --


<http://www.tomzap.com/frm/read.php?f=3&i=6256&t=6256#reply_6256>

I guess one way to get a more favorable rate is just offer them less!
There are other resorts that are on the same beach and almost as
nice, although the Zaashila is very nice.  They have package deals.
If you are interested in a condo at the Zaashila, let me know, and I
will line you up with a property manager who will set you up.  If
others are going with you, it could be a good deal.

Adios Amigos,

Stephen

Hola,

Stewart Broadley, a member of this group, just posted at another site
the following info. for travelers from Toronto to Huatulco.  Go to --

<http://www.tomzap.com/frm/read.php?f=3&i=9108&t=9108>

He also said the flight may work for travelers from Western New York
or Eastern Pennsylvania.

Thanks for the heads up.

Adios

Stephen

Hello,

My wife and I will be heading down
to Huatulco in early Jan. 2005.

We plan on staying at the Camino Real.  My question
is regarding prices:

1.  There seems to be a flucuation in prices.  What
is the best way to get the most favorable rate?

2.  Are there different types of options?  ie. includes
breakfast, all meals, etc.

3.  Are the rooms with a splash pool really worth the
extra 60 -70 dollars per night?

Any information would be greatly appreciated:)

Thanks,  Russell Nash

Hola Hautulco Dreamer and other recent additions to the group
including ---

Alisha Valentine
Ac Shaker
Craigh Marshall -- scuba diver
Hugo from Baja California,MEX
Russell Nash
and Canadian Rose from Ontario

You are just the most recent of many who have decided to look us over
in the past month or so.  We hope you find this group a useful place
to learn about Huatulco and post some of your own experiences after
your vacation.  We especially encourage "first timers" like "Hautulco
Dreamer" to give us a "trip report" about what was the best time(s)
of the vacation.

Unless you "searched" previous messages (the feature is near the
bottom of the "Home Page"), you may not now that part of the plan for
this winter is for as many of us as possible to vacation in Huatulco
the first and second week of February around Valentines Day.  You can
stay in any resort, private villa (home), or B&B that you like
because we will probably run into each other during the course of the
week(s) anyway.  We will try to rent the Luna Azual or Brittanica one
or two times (POSTED TIMES ON THIS SITE)for some of us to get
together for an afternoon or evening of sailing on or about
Valentines Day.  The rest of the time, you are encouraged to drop in
at the Los Portales Cafe and Iguana Bar for lunch or compare shopping
notes later in the day or early evening. I will have some "buttons"
that say "Yahoo -- Huatulco" to freely distribute to you so that you
can put on your hat or purse (which might help us find each other if
you are so inclined).

My spouse and I will arrive in Huatulco on Monday, February 7th, and
will be staying at Huatulco Bed and Breakfast (see web page in "Link"
section) until Saturday, February 12th.  We will then move to Hotel
Villas Coral (see "Link" section under B&B's) on Saturday, February
12th and stay thru February 17th or later.  Prior to our arrival in
Huatulco, we will be in Oaxaca City for several days, and we will
return to Oaxaca City for a few days before we fly back to Chicago.
We will be joined at the Hotel Villas Coral but 12 to 15 of our
relatives for the week of Valentines, many who are first timers to
Huatulco.

Both B&B's have double rooms available at a reasonable price for
others should you be interested in staying in them. Some of you might
want to use private Villas (See "Link" section).  If you want to keep
costs very predictable, there are also nice "all inclusive" packages
available for the resorts. Regardless of where you stay, make sure
you get "out and about" using the safe and inexpensive taxis to visit
the THREE neighboring communites (Santa Cruz, La Crucecita, and old
Santa Maries Huatlco) and many, many beaches along the coast.

Finally, I think you will find that advantage of this group is that
is is geared to "tourist" and "travelers" who want to keep a dream or
fantasy going about the "secret" place of Paradise, Huatulco, in
friendly southern Mexico.  However, we are appreciative of several in
the group who live in Huatulco who from time to time remind us of
some necesary factual information.

Lets hear from all of you over the next couple of months . .  and
check out our pictures in the sister group(s).  There is space for
your sample pictures in the sister group(s), and we ecourage you to
post a few upon your return.

Adios Amigos,

Stephen (Silversard)