MEXICO

In southern Mexico, where mountains fold into fertile valleys and ancient traditions continue to shape everyday life, the state of Oaxaca offers a journey that feels both deeply rooted and endlessly alive. Known as one of Mexico’s cultural hearts, Oaxaca is a place where Indigenous heritage, vibrant markets, and centuries-old rituals blend seamlessly with colourful colonial streets and contemporary creativity. Every corner tells a story — woven textiles, hand-carved alebrijes, and the rich aromas of kitchens where recipes have been passed down through generations.

Beyond Oaxaca City, the landscape unfolds into dramatic contrasts: rugged mountain villages, ancient Zapotec and Mixtec ruins, and a wild Pacific coastline where golden light meets untamed ocean. Food and community sit at the centre of life here, from complex moles layered with history to smoky mezcal shared slowly among friends.

Oaxaca is not simply a destination to visit but a place to experience with intention — where culture feels lived rather than performed, and where travellers are invited to slow down, connect, and witness a Mexico that is deeply authentic and profoundly inspiring.

Along Oaxaca’s Pacific coastline, small beach towns offer a completely different rhythm of life — warm ocean water, quiet bays, and sunsets that seem to linger forever.

My travels along the coast began in Huatulco, where nine beautiful bays and dozens of beaches create one of Mexico’s most relaxed seaside destinations.

If you’re planning a visit, these guides will help you get started:

• My complete guide to Huatulco
• 20 beautiful beaches in Huatulco you shouldn’t miss
• What to eat, drink, and bring home from Oaxaca
• Take a traditional Mexican cooking class

More coastal destinations like Puerto Escondido and Mazunte will be coming soon.

At the very edge of North America lies a place where desert meets ocean and time seems to slow — the wild and remote Baja California Peninsula. Stretching nearly 1,100 miles south from the border of San Diego, California, this narrow ribbon of land averages just 50–75 miles wide, yet holds an astonishing diversity of landscapes and wildlife within its rugged embrace.

To the east, the Sea of Cortez comes alive with one of the greatest gatherings of marine life on Earth, attracting an extraordinary variety of whales, including endangered finback and blue whales — the largest animals ever to exist. Along the Pacific coast, protected lagoons serve as sacred nurseries for gray whales, where each year they return to mate, give birth, and begin the cycle anew.

With only a single two-lane highway running its length and a handful of small international airports connecting it to the outside world, Baja remains one of North America’s last true frontiers. Here, vast open spaces, untamed coastlines, and strong conservation efforts combine to preserve a fragile ecosystem that continues to inspire adventure, wonder, and deep respect for the natural world.

Stretching into warm Caribbean waters, the Yucatán Peninsula feels like a world shaped by both ancient memory and natural wonder. Beneath the jungle canopy lies a hidden universe of underground rivers and cenotes — crystal-clear pools once considered sacred by the Maya — while above ground, towering pyramids and archaeological sites stand as powerful reminders of a civilization that continues to influence the region today.

Though known for its white-sand beaches and turquoise seas, the true magic of the Yucatán reveals itself beyond the shoreline. Colourful colonial cities, quiet villages, and protected biospheres offer glimpses into a slower rhythm of life, where Mayan traditions remain deeply woven into daily culture. Wildlife thrives in mangroves and jungles, and each journey inland uncovers layers of history waiting to be explored.

Both accessible and mysterious, the Yucatán invites travellers to move beyond the surface and discover a landscape where nature, culture, and spirituality intertwine — a place that rewards curiosity, respect, and a spirit of adventure.