While the usual tourists to Mexico flock to Cancun and Cabo, there is a select group of Divas who head to a secret part of Mexico, hidden in the jungles and on the coast of the state of Oaxaca. This little place is called Huatulco (pronounced Wa-tool-co). It is a charming area that is rich in culture and boasts its own flavorful cuisine. A fabulous group of Divas flew south to enjoy some much-needed relaxation and spa time.

We chose to go all-inclusive, since dealing with splitting checks is like splitting hairs–just way too much work. Luckily, tucked away on the southern corner of Huatulco is Secrets Resort  & Spa. It is an upscale resort that combines exemplary personal service with casual, yet sophisticated style. Many of us were hard working moms, so it was a treat to be at an adults-only resort. There were no screaming children to be found–thank goodness! All we cared about was their concept called Unlimited-Luxury. What that means is that all our meals, room service dining, snacks, and cocktails are included. What’s more, our mini bar, pool service, beach service, access to the fitness center, and gratuities are also part of the package. So, no last minute shuffling, trying to find money to tip or carrying a credit card to the beach or signing a bill after a day by the pool.

The spa, Secrets Spa by Pavonia, is one of the best I have ever been to. They offer a treatment called Hydrotherapy. It is a multi-station experience where your body gets pampered by different water therapies. First, the feet get treated to a rock pool with bubbling cold water, then the lower back gets pampered with warm jets, then the feet again, upper back fountain, lower back waterfall, then full body bubbles, and finally the belly gets some love. Along with feeling great, the view is incredible.

For those Divas who want some adventure, the resort can set you up with different excursions through Amstar (additional costs apply). These include boat rides to remote bays, coffee plantations, city tours, and much more.

My favorite excursion was the boat ride to Maguey Bay, where we dined on the most wonderful Qaxacan seafood dishes, including baked shrimp in cheese, and fresh lobster at El Camaron Gigante. Another adventure we went on (which is not offered by the resort) was a mud wrap offered at Playa La Bocana. For $10 each, we got covered in sacred mud that was fermented with spices and mixed with basil. Our skin was so soft after that treatment! The cab ride there was $5 each way and it is minutes away from the resort.

Secrets Huatulco charges per room per night, the rate for 2 people starts at $366.

To get there: Fly into Huatulco, Mexico. Apple Vacations offers seasonal charter flights to Huatulco from St. Louis, Chicago and LAX. The fall 2013 flight schedule begins in November.