Dear Phil and Diane,

Thank you for the opportunity to stay in your lovely condo. Both Shelley and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The views from 133 were beautiful and the chance to have that amount of privacy within a top resort was special. We will tell our traveling friends about it and we hope to return in January 2004.

A few words about Mario Cobos. Like the good guides we have had in other places around the world, such as East Africa and the Galapagos, he is thoroughly knowledgeable, provides a sense of security and confidence, and, like the best of them, leavens all that with real warmth and humor. He was a pleasure to be with. The trip to the remote bays for snorkeling was the highlight of our stay and my massage was the work of a true professional. Mario and 133 are a winning combination.

Best regards,
Neil
January 27, 2002

Dear Phil and Diane,

We had an absolutely fabulous time in Huatulco!! Thank you so much! The condo/hotel was wonderful. We couldn't believe how great the service was. We had great weather almost the entire time. It was only overcast a couple of mornings but still so warm. The kids loved the beach and that's where we spent most of our time.

We met Mario and he took us on a tour of the bays. He was so much fun!! Everything about the trip was just wonderful! We can't wait to go back. Next time we'd like to go in the off season, maybe the end of November.

We left some juice, beer and a little Tequila in the fridge for the next guests. We also left a small stroller. Mexicana airlines had damaged our old umbrella stroller we had brought along when we arrived in Huatulco and they insisted on buying us a new one. It was too much trouble to bring back so we thought we'd leave it for other families to use. I forgot to tell Mario so hopefully the hotel didnt' take it. Not a big deal if they did.

Thanks again and we will definitely be in touch for another trip!

Happy New Year!!

Lisa, Rob, Bridget and Jack Butler
January 1, 2002

Dear Diane and Phil,

Thank you for sharing your wonderful condo with us! What a view! Your suggestions wee great and wee a real help in making our stay in Camino Real & Huatulco a very pleasurable one for our family.

Dinner on the beach in Santa Crecz (donna Celia), dinning at Giardino Del Papa, the view from Casa Del Mar were all you said they would be.

Mario is a great guy and a very helpful tour guide. We really enjoyed his company. The bay cruise and lunch at St Augustine with snorkeling was a highlight.

Thanks again! Carl & Caroline Giufurta
Reno, Nevada
May 1-8, 2001

Dear Diane and Phil,

This was the most peaceful, relaxing vacation we have ever experienced. We feel very fortunate to have discovered your slice of heaven!

Thank you for all the suggestions & information. Mario has become a good friend. We truly enjoyed meeting him and getting to know him and his beautiful wife, Carnilla.

Same time next year?

Matt & Jenai Pfeffer
Chicago, IL
May 10-19, 2001

Three weeks is not too long to stay in this great condo! We so enjoyed having the space and in particular the outstanding views! (We also read the many guest comments and learned from them.)

Mario is indeed a fine young man and came 3 or 4 times for massages. He also arranged and took us to St. Augustin playa to snokel and fabulous red snapper lunch. Great outing!!

On our own we took the bus to St. Maria Huatulco which was lots of fun. We had been advised to have lunch at Aye Caramba, a darling garden restaurant sort of behind the Old Church. A lady cooks whatever you order over a wood fire...very authentic, reasonable & tasty. We learned that St. Maria Huatulco is home for many of the hotel staff. It´s a long way for them at nite. We were so glad we made the trip.

On the beach here, there is a lovely lady with a red parasol who sells gorgeous pearls. Her name is Naomi and she is far above (we think) the other ladies who work the beaches. Last year and this as well, I bought some grey pearls and peachy pink ones. A good tip!

We really enjoyed dinner at Oasis, the small one and had great huachinango veracruz at the Oasis on the corner. Dinner at Casa del Mar up the hill is devine...fab. view. Dinner at Jardino del Papa is great too!

BUT..one of the best things we did was to buy gorgeous fresh pineapple from a lady who has a store across the street from the back of the peoples market. She uses her machete to hack off & clean it for you. We had pena every morning. Also at the end of that block there is a freezer case with about 20 different varieties of popsicles, all absolutely delicious and costing .25 or so.

We had such a happy time and are grateful to Diane and Phil for sharing their condo.

Hasta Luego, Sandy & Dru Reynolds
Healdsburg, Calif. USA
February 4-24, 2001

We just got back. We had condo 622 from 1/22 to 2/1. We found the condo in great shape with everything as you advised. Really love Bahias de Huatulco. We will be going back for sure. Compared to other places that we have visited in Mexico this is the best without a doubt. I was very impressed with the infrastructure that Fonatur put in place prior to development of the area. I was able to drink the water, brush my teeth, etc. without getting Montezuma's revenge. In fact I got clearer ice cubes there than I get here in San Diego. We were impressed by the cleanliness of the area. I feel that I must tell all my friends that would possibly take a trip there that is was terrible. I don't want it destroyed by tourism like Cabo, Cancun, Matzatlán, etc.. I'd rather keep it a secret!

The condo was very clean and well equipped. The maid service was excellent. They changed the towels twice a day. Turned down the bed and put candy on the pillows. First rate and not over done. The hotel facilities were excellent. While we were there we chanced to tour the other hotels available immediately next door. They were the Barcelo and Gala. The Zaashila had these two beat in many ways. We spoke to people who were staying at those two hotels and also overheard comments from others. The Barcelo and Gala are all inclusive and were overcrowded in our opinion. Some guests complained that they had to get up at 7 am to reserve a lounge chair by the pool because of the overcrowding. The pools were packed, noisy, and peppered with loud speaker announcements of guests' events. Didn't see many pool waiters, I think they were hiding from the throngs of people. Meals appeared to be served in open air style buffets. Some of the all inclusive guest complained of mediocre food. We heard no positive comments about the Barcelo or Gala; and, we can't give any.

The Zaashila was not overcrowded, plenty of room in the restaurants and pool side; no problem getting a pool chair. Excellent towel service; thought about stealing some - they were huge and top quality. Plenty of hotel servants and pool waiters - no waiting. All hotel personnel were very pleasant and helpful. Quiet, and serene with hidden outdoor speakers playing low soft music. Plenty of grass area between pool and sand beach. Palm trees with hammocks available from the towel booth. They set up the hammock where you want it. Plenty of palapas and chairs on the beach for shade; they were adding more to both the huge grass area and beach. Seemed like there were a lot of grounds keepers keeping the place looking sharp. Because it is not an "all-inclusive" we didn't feel obligated to eat all of our meals in the hotel; which was a plus. We tried a new restaurant in town every day and found it to be much better than being nailed down.

Two bucks, American. was the fee for a cab ride into town at the foot of the drive way. Three from the bellman's desk. Actually I wished I had taken your advice and converted dollars into pesos. Most places I have been in Mexico are so corrupt by tourism Mexicans don't want pesos, they prefer the more stable US dollar. But, there in Huatulco, I felt out of place using dollars. They preferred pesos. The cab ride was 20 pesos, but they settled for $2 and took the loss of approx. 10 pesos in the exchange difference.

My wife has only one complaint. She wishes you would have put "binoculars" on the list of things to take. I know; you can't pack for us! She, in fact, ask me if we should take some and I told her no (my mistake). The views and things to see from the room are spectacular.

I could go on and on about the Zaashila and the towns of Santa Cruz and La Crucecita, but you already know about them. All comments are positive

If you want, you can use us for references to future guests. Have them email us and we will make contact.

Thanks again

Bob, Angela, and Jessica
krtek@pacbell.net
2/3/01

Hello Phil & Diane:

Just got back to the snow and cold from our week at your #133 condo. Thank you so much! It is truly wonderful, fully equipped, and as you know a beautiful view. As great as everything was our vacation would not have been as good if we would not have met Mario. He is truly a gem.

I first found out about your condo about 4 years ago from an ad in the USA Today and had been trying to get there for a long time. Huatulco was everything I had hoped it to be, beautiful weather, beautiful beaches, and wonderful people. I will recommend to anyone your condo and Huatulco, Just fantastic.

You were right, when we finally arrived at the Huatulco airport, there were very few people who looked like Jeff, and Mario met us with a sign with my name.

Thanks again.

Jeff Liptak
LAMARLAFONG@webtv.net
12/15/00

A short note to let you know that my parents and I very much enjoyed our stay in your apartment. It is well fitted out with no complaints whatsoever. You might nevertheless in the future consider a four-burner stove which you have space for and which would permit you and others some more time to cook the lovely fish one catches! I also was pleased to see the small but adequate book collection (including Atwood - a Canadian - and The Shipping News also with a Canadian theme).

We heard from Mario the day of our departure. This was not a problem as we managed on our own as I speak Spanish and am used to some fairly tough negotiation (fair but firm). It also meant good opportunities to interface with the people as well as with my parents.

In terms of activities we would highly recommended the deep sea fishing as well as snorkeling/diving. You should mention more strongly the recommendation to visit Entrega Bay as I loved that as well as the local flavour (there were mostly local tourists there which made for a better atmosphere). One can return to the hotel by boat cheaper than by taxi (20 versus 50 pesos) We also enjoyed Sta Maria Huatulco which was the closest thing in the area to local living. Chez Binni was very good though with a poor wine list (high prices with no good vintages) as well as the restaurant on the beach. Val del Mar (Sta Cruz) was pleasant but somewhat off-handed in service with prices which were equal to Canada. Taxis were odd as even when the hotel called one which was not air-conned we were charged the hotel rate (I ended up going down and hailing the official ones myself). Taxi service from the airport is now 600 pesos return (350 to the hotel and 250 pesos for the return portion - same price from the hotel using its car).

Other than that we ventured little and relaxed by the ocean, swam a lot and enjoyed the balconies.

You have an excellent property which I will recommend to others (including many friends in Mexico City) though I will warn that the service of the Camino Real does not consistently meet the standard of the accommodation (perhaps it was simply low season and everyone was on slow mode).

Many thanks again with kindest regards,

Orest Nowosad
onowosad@yahoo.com
Switzerland
12/7/00

Phil, Thanks, we had a great time. Perfect place for a honeymoon. Everything was so beautiful and peaceful. It was a well rested vacation. Every was so helpful and friendly.

We will definitely recommend the place to our friends and would like to return again next year.

Julissa
9/12/00

Hi Phil, Just a quick message to let you know that Denise and I really enjoyed the accommodations. Huatulco is a very beautiful location and the weather for our time there was excellent. This location and your accommodations are certainly worth recommendation.

We'll be developing our pictures over the next week or so and will send you something representative of our time there shortly. Thank you again!

Scott and Denise Machado
sm@ix.netcom.com
8/26/00

A Wonderful Honeymoon

My husband Ron and I recently returned from a wonderful honeymoon in Huatulco. We stayed in your condo at Zaashila for several days, and loved every minute of it - even with Hurricane Lester threatening off the coast for a while. The view was breathtaking and the atmosphere was perfect. I just wanted to say thank you and to let you know that everything was even better than we could have hoped for.

Sincerely,
Diana Tisnado
11-13-98

Thanks so much for the use of your fabulous condo. Our stay here in Huatulco was most relaxing, after the hectic week in Oaxaca. The food at Casa del Mar was superb and the staff a Zaashila most cordial. We will remember this trip for years to come!

Sandy & Charlie Mangan
San Antonio, Texas
November 24-December 1, 1998

We really enjoyed our 10 days of relaxation in your condo. Thank you so much for your suggestions, pictures, etc. We're very impressed by the staff at the Zaashila. They have been so helpful.

Roger & Pearl Lundborg
Long Grove, IL
January 18-28, 1998

This was our second time in Huatulco and renting your condo. It was, once again, a most relaxing & enjoyable vacation. The food and people are wonderful and we look forward to a return trip.

Deanna, John, Christy, Cadi Sutter
Winnetka, IL
March 17-27, 1998

This is our third trip to Huatulco. We LOVE the Zaashila and had a great time in your condo. Between snorkeling, fishing and sailing I actually read three books. We had a great time!

Al and Caren Malmquist
Libertyville, IL
March 27-April 5, 1998

Violets are Blue,
Roses are Red,
We got in late and went straight to bed.

We petted a Blowfish,
with a guy named GUMI.
We loved the condo, it's nice and roomy!

But seriously, we liked it so much
That we'll stay in touch.

Sarah and Robert Ellsworth
Steamboat Springs, CO
May 3-14, 1998

Thanks for the memories. Thanks for the opportunity. We have been around pretty much, but never have we had a "habitation" of this kind. Sea, sun, calm, relaxation we were looking for and we got it. This is our 2nd time in Huatulco and we will be back. Thanks again.

Claire Poulin and Gaetan Lecourt
Montreal, Quebec, CANADA
May 28-June 11, 1998

Paul and I arrived and the first thing we did, after sitting on the beach under a palapa and drinking a strawberry margarita, was to call the airline and the Minch's to arrange to stay longer! We came here for our honeymoon. This is the perfect spot for romance and privacy. Our favorite activities included taking long walks, eating at our favorite restaurants and hanging out by the pool shooting the breeze with Gino.

The weather has been gorgeous during the day, and we have had several awesome electrical storms at night since our arrival. We did the "Tequila Boat Tour" of the bays and Paul went fishing twice .... only caught some little ones, but nearly caught a sailfish. He will try one last time tomorrow. So I will amend this if he gets something. He went with Pepe and Luis, very nice and English speaking. I tried to go the first time, but only lasted about an hour before the SEA got to me. They kindly returned me to shore and didn't even charge Paul for that hour! I'm sure you too will love Huatulco and staying in room 133 ... what's not to love?

Kristie and Paul Huber
Arlington, VA
June 15-27, 1998

This is our 13th visit to Huatulco, but our first to the Zaashila and this is "the best." This has been a very relaxing and peaceful vacation. The condo and the view are much better than you described. It was a wonderful experience to share this with our friends Susan and Rafael and their new baby, Mariana. We are already looking forward to our return in February of next year and hope #133 is available. Thank you, Diane and Phil, for sharing your home with us.

Tom and Konnie Brueck
LeSueur, MN
August 1-8, 1998

David picked the PERFECT place for our honeymoon in Huatulco, MEXICO. I could never have imagined a place more beautiful or nicer people to help us during our honeymoon. David and I agree that he chose the most beautiful accommodation in Huatulco, and we marveled each day at the tropical gardens throughout the hotel and the gorgeous views of the sea from every window.

Thank you Phil & Diane, for making our time here comfortable and for providing "Who's Who," pictures, and maps to help guide us on our adventure. We had a perfect time! Thanks,

David and Suzanne Rose
Cordova, Tennessee
September 21-28, 1998

An exquisite location, and luxurious accommodations. For tranquil, beautiful and restful environs, this place is not to be excelled.

It appears we are another in a long string of satisfied honeymooners, thanks to P & D Minch and to gracious Zaashila staff.

Ron & Diana Halbert
Los Angeles, CA 90034
October 12-18, 1998

Please, pinch us! We want to know if we're really here! Zaashila is paradise beyond our dreams! We're so grateful to be able to experience HUATULCO. Thank you GOD, thank you Phil and Diane!

Randy and Kitty Daly
Billings, Montana
October 25-Novermber 1, 1998

Not a cloud for 7 days,
Fixed the drinks in 7 ways,
Yesterday was a full moona,
Today we caught 7 tuna,
Laid around 'neath a palapa,
Acting more like mama & papa,
Wined and dined at casa del mar,
You can sense this time we got not far,
Read Carl fRane's book on travel,
Seems to relish the dust and gravel.

Sometime drive the road to Oaxaca
Then check your short's for the _ _ _ _ !
I'm watching the bay for signs of pesca,
Oh hell! I'll have another rum & fresca!

Diane & Mike Herriott
Northridge, CA
November 24, December 6, 1998

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