La Valise Mazunte

Beautiful, beautiful, absolutely stunning hotel! The service was also really great, they were super nice and responsive on whatsapp. The hotel has very few rooms and a lot of different areas with pools + the beach so in most occasions we had the amenities to ourselves. As others have mentioned you do need to get around in an atv which is interesting and probably not for everyone but hey it’s the tradeoff for having the hotel on such a rugged cliffside. My only negative feedback having eaten now in other places in oaxaca (valise was our first stop) is that the food was just ok. It wasn’t bad per se but definitely nothing impressed us and a lot of the food we’ve had since has, so i do think this is an area for improvement. Aside from this, the hotel is an amazing experience and i do highly recommend it

10/10 – highly recommend! This hotel had been on my bucket list for a long time and it did not disappoint. It is absolutely beautiful! The setting in the jungle overlooking the ocean is breathtaking (especially during sunset), and the design of the hotel is truly one of a kind. As it used to be separate houses for rent, there are different areas throughout the property with four pools (three in houses and one by the beach). This gives you plenty of places to relax and makes it feel very private, as there are not many rooms and guests can spread out. There are 250 steps that lead you down to a “private” beach, which is also beautiful. The rooms have a gorgeous minimalist design and are very spacious. We stayed in the Chicatana room, which I can highly recommend. The service was great and the staff super nice. We were unhappy with our initial room, as it was far away from the main house and had no view, and they were very accommodating and offered us several alternative options. You communicate with staff via WhatsApp, which is very convenient, and they are quick to bring you whatever you need. The food is delicious (especially breakfast). For dinner, it would be nice to have a few more options, as it can get a bit repetitive if you’re staying multiple nights. The selection of activities is also great. I highly recommend the sunrise dolphin tour—we got to swim with dolphins and see some whales, which was very special. Now for the “negatives” (or things to keep in mind): this hotel is set on the side of a cliff in the jungle. To get around, you either have to walk through steep paths or ride on the back of an ATV. We didn’t mind this, but it could definitely be a challenge for older guests or anyone with mobility issues. For this reason, I would also recommend requesting a room in the main building, as you won’t have to go far to reach reception or the restaurant. The ocean can get very strong, and you can hear the waves crashing against the cliffs, which light sleepers should keep in mind. Since the hotel is surrounded by nature, there will be insects around and some may occasionally enter the rooms. Overall, I would still highly recommend this place. i loved it and would definitely come back.

We stayed 3 nights and had a phenomenal time. La Valise has a great staff, gorgeous location and unique accommodations with beautiful views. It's quiet and relaxing with delicious food. We're excited to return!

La Valise Mazunte is a beautiful and very special property, but it’s not a place you simply “arrive” at — it’s more of an initiation. The arrival experience is a bit cumbersome. Due to the lack of cell service and the nature of the property, accessing the gate requires connecting to Wi-Fi to request entry. To be fair, the hotel does provide a very detailed arrival guide that explains all the steps clearly. Still, I would have appreciated a more seamless process. That said, once you get through the gate, everything improves dramatically. You’re guided to a parking area and then transferred to the property by ATV. The first ride feels a bit sketchy, but you quickly get used to it. We visited during the dry season; I imagine the experience could be more challenging during the rainy months. Upon arrival at the hotel itself, the experience becomes excellent. You’re welcomed by the concierge, who does a great job explaining how everything works and setting the tone for the stay. The hotel was originally a private home, which makes it ideal for a couples getaway. It’s adults-only, and the atmosphere is intimate and calm. There are only a few rooms, and meals are served at a communal table. This creates a great dynamic where you naturally get to know the other guests — something we genuinely enjoyed. The rooms are well suited to the property: simple, tasteful, and comfortable. A small but memorable highlight was the scent used in the rooms — subtle and very pleasant. One of the absolute highlights of the experience is the beach area. Be prepared for about 120 steps down… and 120 steps back up. It’s a workout, but absolutely worth it. Once you’re there, you’ll find another pool, lounge chairs, and even a hammock. Spending time there was the highlight of the hotel for us. That said, we felt this area was somewhat under-exploited by the hotel, as there was no food or beverage service available, which would have elevated the experience even further. The only other weak point for us was the food and beverage service at the main property. To be clear, the quality and taste are excellent. However, the speed of service is extremely slow. While we understand and appreciate the philosophy of slowing down and enjoying the moment, in this case it felt excessive and detracted slightly from the overall experience. Overall, La Valise Mazunte is a stunning, intimate retreat with a strong sense of place. With a more streamlined arrival process, slightly faster service at meals, and some attention to the beach-area experience, it would be close to flawless.

As an executive chef at a luxury hotel in NYC, I tend to walk into properties with a trained eye and high expectations, and La Valise Mazunte far exceeded them. The grounds are dramatically set on a steep hillside, which adds to the sense of seclusion and discovery. It’s not the easiest terrain, but it’s absolutely stunning. Every turn feels intentional and beautifully curated. The design blends effortlessly into the natural surroundings. The staff were genuinely warm and welcoming. Service is attentive, though not rushed, you’re on Mazunte time here. If you’re expecting big-city speed, adjust accordingly. Once you settle into the pace, it feels perfectly aligned with the setting. Our room was fantastic, thoughtfully designed, comfortable, and luxurious. The only minor issue we encountered was that the AC in the bedroom couldn’t quite get cold enough during the heat of the day. That said, it was perfect overnight for sleeping, so it didn’t impact our overall comfort. The pools are incredible, and the beach access is truly special; serene, beautiful, and exactly what you hope for when escaping to the Oaxacan coast. Overall, an exceptional stay. As someone in the hospitality industry, I left impressed which says a lot.

The most BEAUTIFUL hotel and experience. We had the best few days. The rooms are just out of this world, unique and so incredible! The bed is the comfiest cloud and the views are WOW!! The staff were so kind and friendly, which made our stay even more special. Thank you We saw whales from the pool, from our bed, from the balcony - everywhere - such an amazing experience! The private beach is just beyond words. So peaceful!

A magical slice of serenity in Mazunte. La Valise's property is extraordinarily beautiful and private. We stayed in the villa which boasts the most spectacular views. The definition of relaxation: falling asleep and waking to the ocean waves of Oaxaca. Mica and her team (also, excellent service from Miriam, Manuel and Axel) cater to your every need with professionalism and grace. They were so helpful in arranging taxi rides, meal preparation and delivery, transfers to the airport, recommendations for excursions, etc. The hotel's excellent menu is traditional Oaxacan with modern touches, and the drinks, particularly the mezcalitas, are addictive! We ventured into town (13 minutes by taxi) on a Sunday to visit the Mercado Organico which offers handmade crafts, casual outdoor eateries, fresh produce, bakeries, etc. We strolled down the streets to visit shops selling textiles, pottery, clothing, and found the locals to be incredibly kind and welcoming. After celebrating our birthdays and anniversary over 4 days at La Valise, I begged my husband to return next month. It is truly a tranquil treasure on the Oaxacan coast. Muchas, muchas gracias, La Valise.

La Valise Mazunte is such a gorgeous property - all the suites and common areas (especially the multiple infinity pools!) were perfect for enjoying the views and sounds of the sea. The architecture and design of the hotel is beautiful. Traveling throughout the property was interesting, given that it’s situated alongside a cliff, but there was ATV service to assist with that (otherwise you’ll definitely get your steps in for the day!). Concierge was very intentionally attentive and easy to contact. They were also helpful in arranging excursions - I highly recommend a massage and the turtle release. Cuisine was well-flavored, but would have loved more or rotating options, especially being there for several days. Overall had a very relaxing and rejuvenating experience, and would absolutely stay again!