Puerto Escondido and the AD Magazine article.

Our Hammock Pergola, ideal for a lazy afternoon nap or a slow-burning cigar..

Earlier this month, a message popped up on my WhatsApp — a link sent by a dear friend, the very one who sold us our magical hideaway, Casa Descalza. The message read: “The 11 Most Beautiful Coastal Cities in the World” — an article from Architectural Digest. And just below, a cheerful: “Congrats!! :)”

I replied with a sincere thank you. But truthfully, my gratitude went beyond the article. I’m thankful to him not just for sharing it — but for passing along this slice of paradise in the first place. I really must remember to tell him that next time we meet. He still owns a second home just a few doors down, where he plans to retire... if that ever truly happens.

Back to the article — I clicked the link and began reading. The first featured destination was Camogli, Italy. But just a few lines in, a paywall popped up: Subscribe to continue reading. I hesitated. Another subscription on my credit card? Before giving in, I did a quick search: the article’s title, the author (Maya Chawla), and the publication date (April 4, 2025). Bingo — the French edition of AD Magazine had it available without a subscription. I silently thanked my university "sejour" in one of the countries I admire most.

As I read through the piece — short yet detailed, with each destination captured in just a paragraph — I was struck by how well the author captured the soul of each place. I could vouch for Puerto Escondido, of course, but also two other cities I’ve had the joy of visiting. For all my wanderlust, I admit I’d only heard of eight out of the eleven — and I’ve now added a few of the unknown ones to my travel wish list for next year.

For those who want to read it (en français), here’s the link:👉 https://www.admagazine.fr/galerie/plus-belles-villes-cotieres No subscription required — just five minutes and a little daydreaming. You may find yourself reaching for your suitcase.

I have to agree with Maya: Puerto does have “charme tropical et décontracté.”