Rustic Luxury Retreat Near Historic Zacatlan

There is so much to like about this place! If you're looking for an experience you'll remember for a lifetime, you need to stay at Casa Zacafe in Zacatlán. This is a charming hacienda in a part of Mexico that is authentic and beautiful and away from the tourist destinations. We stayed here for a week and found it to be relaxing, adventurous and exciting. You walk into Casa Zacafe and are met with a beautiful courtyard that is blooming with all sorts of plants and flowers. The rooms of the estate surround this courtyard and include a living area, a kitchen and the three bedrooms. They all maintain the old true authentic feel but with modern amenities. They are clean, open and very comfortable. Part of this unique experience includes the attentiveness of the owner, who was very helpful and enthusiastic for us to have the best time, and the kindness of the family and staff onsite. They are amazing and very sweet. Not to mention outstanding cooks. Finally, the hacienda has the perfect outdoor space where you can dine, lounge, play games, or like us, put up a pinata for the kids...and let's not lie, also for the adults! Next there is the town right down the road - Zacatlán. What a beautiful city in Mexico. At the town square, our kids played on the playground with the local children while we photographed the stunning architecture. Then we ventured through the market tasting the cuisine and buying all sorts of unique gifts - including the aforementioned pinata! We always felt safe there both during the day and in the evening. If you're feeling more adventurous, there are plenty of activities nearby like hiking to the waterfalls at San Joaquin Tomatlan where you can also zipline and do archery. There are adorable towns to visit like Chignahuapan and just outside Chignahuapan, you can find sulphuric hot springs where you can spend the day.

While the drive to and from the airport is long, it's an opportunity to see a side of Mexico most tourists sadly miss and the drive is worth the overall experience at Casa Zacafe. The downside of the long ride is that myself and my oldest son both get motion sickness. My suggestion is, if you get car sick, pop a dramamine and do your best to stay awake and enjoy the scenery.