OAXACA, MEXICO

The hideout: Laid-back Punta Placer, a collection of four beachfront bungalows in the tiny fishing village of San Agustinillo, on Mexico's southern Pacific coast.

Low-tech lowdown: For a long time, life in San Agustinillo really did operate at a tortoise's pace. The local fishermen made their living by hunting turtles until the Mexican government banned the practice in 1990. Now it's a great place to retreat into your shell. There are no televisions, no phones, no wireless connections—and no walls or corners in the eight circular rooms. Air-conditioning comes from Pacific breezes that blow in through bamboo windows. A mirror ensures you don't totally forget yourself.

Your new "to do" list:
• Surf San Agustinillo's waves or swim with the protected sea turtles
• Hike the Oaxaca rain forest
• Daydream about Mexican residency during an aromatherapy massage

The road less traveled: Book a flight to Oaxaca and drive six hours through the Mexican countryside, or connect from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido and take a one-hour taxi ride to San Agustinillo.

Don't forget: An audio recorder. Capture the sound of waves crashing right outside your bungalow so you can remember how soothing it was once you return to civilization.

Punta Placer
info@puntaplacer.com (no telephone)
Doubles $90

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