Oaxaca City Mexico - 5 Spots You Don't Want to Miss

Riva G Yoga April 17, 2019

I first fell in love with Mexico a few years back, long before I ever stepped foot in Oaxaca. It all began on the soft sand of Sayulita alongside it’s charming streets and picturesque shops. Then Tulum took things to the next level last summer, while swimming through a cave in a crystal-clear cenote, and discovering a small island with a single tree growing inside. I guess I shouldn’t have been too surprised to find myself swooning over Mexico’s unique beauty once again, but that’s exactly what happened within moments of arriving in Oaxaca City.

Although my trip here lasted only a few days (I could have easily stayed much longer,) it was packed with incredible sights and experiences. I’ve put together a list of my favorites, as well as a few of Oaxaca’s must-see spots. One thing I can say with certainty, is that this beautiful part of Mexico holds no shortage of memorable places to discover and explore.

1. Indoor & Outdoor Markets

Oaxaca has a wide variety of markets, each with it’s own unique vibe, that wonderfully represent the local culture and traditional foods. Mercado Benito Juarez (named after one of Mexico's most beloved leaders), is a popular indoor market located one block south of the city's main plaza. Inside is a maze of booths offering everything from the freshest produce to colorful clothing and beautiful handcrafted objects. The Mercado 20 de Noviembre is another notable market just two blocks further, and is best known for its vast selection of small restaurants, bakeries, and specialty food stalls. The Central de Abastos is Oaxaca’s largest market - with over 2000 stands spread over 810 acres! - and sells the widest array of goods in the entire state. It’s said that if you can’t find something in the Abastos market, you most likely won’t be able to find it in all of Oaxaca. One word of warning though - because this massive market is so crowded, it’s been known to have pickpockets. Make sure to take a few extra safety precautions before heading there (such as removing visible jewelry, putting your smartphone and wallet safely away, and not carrying anything too valuable with you).

2. Walking Tour of Oaxaca

If this is your first time in Oaxaca City, one great way to familiarize yourself with the area is with a walking tour. There are a few free options offered by local tour companies and some hotels (the guides are knowledgeable and tipping them is expected), but if you’re willing to shell out a few extra pesos, you can book a specialized tour (such as a food or history oriented one) for a more unique city experience.

3. Hierve el Agua

Also known as The Petrified Waterfalls, Hierve El Agua is a must-see for anyone visiting Oaxaca. It’s a short drive from the city, but this special spot is well worth the trip and is relatively easy to get to (there are tour buses that go daily, or you can rent a private taxi). Once there you can hike to either of the two ‘waterfalls’ (i.e. natural mineral formations resemble cascading water), or enjoy a refreshing dip in one of the pools set among the beautiful mountain views. There are changing rooms and snack stands in the area, which make staying and relaxing here easy, but take note that it can get pretty crowded throughout the day, especially on weekends.

4. Monte Albán

This UNESCO World Heritage is said to be the most important archaeological site in the Valley of Oaxaca. The impressive remains found at Monte Albán include terraces, pyramids, underground passageways, and canals, and tombs. The site extends over four miles and and dates back to as early as the 1st Century. Getting there requires a short drive from Oaxaca City, but is very accessible either by one of the many local tour buses, or with a private taxi.

5. Ethnobotanical Garden

The Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca Oaxaca City is an Ethnobotanical Garden in Oaxaca City designed by famed Oaxacan artist Francisco Toledo. The public garden sits on 2.32 acres of a former sixteenth-century monastery, and has hundreds of flora all native to Oaxaca. Visits to the garden are allowed by guided tours only and require a small entrance fee. English tours are offered 3 days a week (and are two hours long), while Spanish tours run daily from Monday through Saturday (and are one hour long).

Montego Bay, a Perfect 3-Days in Paradise

Riva G Yoga May 23, 2018

Sunrise Beach at Half Moon Resort in Jamaica

I'm not really sure what took me this long to book a trip to Jamaica. It's got all the things I dream about on the dreariest of New York winter days - endless crystal blue beaches, reggae music, Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, and the friendliest locals. The best part? Its all just a short 3.5 hour flight from NYC.

I'd been excited for my tropical getaway from the moment the tickets were booked, but upon landing in Montego Bay I quickly realized I was in for a real treat. I was greeted at the airport by one of the Club Mobay VIP hosts, a hospitality service that escorted me through immigration & customs, expediting the whole process down to mere minutes. Before I knew it, I found myself sitting in a shuttle that was headed straight to my hotel, the beautiful Half Moon Resort.

Just 15 minutes later I was already at the hotel, being warmly welcomed by the staff and given a brief tour of the grounds. It's easy to see why Half Moon is one of Jamaica’s most luxurious resorts. Some of the countless amenities on its sprawling 400-acres include over 50 pools, 3 restaurants, a cafe, 5 bars (including a swim-up option), 2 miles of private beaches, a stunning Spa, 11 tennis courts, 4 squash courts, basketball & volleyball courts, an 18-hole golf course, an equestrian center for rescued racehorses, and a standalone children’s village.

I spent my first two days in Jamaica taking full advantage of the hotel's many on-site activities and relaxation opportunities. Long walks on the beach, Hobie Wave sailing, paddle-boarding, and practicing yoga in the outdoor cabana were just some of the ways I was able to stay active while enjoying the sights and sounds of the ocean. Down-time meant reading on my balcony, chatting with other guests in the swim-up bar, or indulging in a 90-minute massage at the tranquil Fern Tree Spa.

Every evening the hotel slips a piece of paper under each of the guests' doors listing a variety of both on and off site activities available the following day. Some of the options included tennis lessons, scuba diving, a hike to a local waterfall, and zip-lining through the jungle. I decided to treat myself to one of the off-site excursions on my last full day in Jamaica: Rafting on the Martha Brae River.

The hotel arranged for transportation to and from Rafter’s Village (about a 30-minute drive in each direction). Once there, I had a short wait until a raft was available, but the time passed quickly as I enjoyed a complimentary fruit punch while listening to some live music by the outdoor bar. The raft ride itself was one of my favorite Jamaican experiences. Each bamboo raft is poled by a local guide as you peacefully drift down 5 kilometers of lush, jungle-lined river. The friendly guides make the ride even more enjoyable, as many like to talk about their beautiful country, of its local flora & fauna, or the meaning behind the colors of its flag. Other guides enjoy serenading their riders with a few reggae songs, and some, I found out firsthand, may even let you have a go at poling the raft down the river, should you decide its something you'd like to try (tip: you should, it was fun!)

My time in Jamaica included everything I had hoped for and more: sun-filled activities, plenty of time for relaxation, new experiences, and fun adventures. The only thing I would change about it for the next time, would be to schedule a trip that is much longer than just 3 days.

* I was welcomed as a guest of Half Moon Resort. As always, all opinions are my own.

All photography by Renee Choi Photography

Costa Rica Calling... Pura Vida in Peninsula Papagayo

Riva G Yoga March 21, 2018

Winters on the east coast can feel impossibly long, especially by the time March rolls around. This year the season seemed almost endless. In addition to the usual snowstorms and frigid temps, we also skipped our annual trip to Florida and instead made two arctic expeditions (one to Iceland and another to Norway). Now I'm not complaining - I enjoyed every moment wandering through snow-capped Scandinavia. But let's just say that when the opportunity arose to visit Costa Rica's sunshine-filled "Gold Coast", there wasn't a moment of hesitation in my Vitamin-D deprived mind.

This trip to Peninsula Papagayo was special for a couple of reasons. I was travelling with my sister (a fellow yogi & beach lover who I don't get to see often enough), and we'd be visiting the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. I'd visited the southern coast a few years ago, and found it so extraordinary that I couldn't wait to explore the northern region.

We flew into the Liberia Airport, which was an easy 20 minute drive from our hotel - the beautiful Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo. The exceptional staff greeted us with fresh fruit drinks and gave us a tour of the grounds. The luxury resort is large - there are two pools, three restaurants (all of which offer vegetarian options), two beaches, a fitness center, and a spa all on site. There's also a third beach and a fourth restaurant at their Beach House property - a short 10 minute shuttle ride from the main hotel.

Between all of the relaxation opportunities and the local water activities (kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling, just to name a few) there was almost no reason to venture off the hotel grounds. But we couldn't pass up a trip to Rincon de La Vieja National Park. The incredible hotel staff not only arranged a private car to drive us, but also packed a picnic basket filled with fruits, veggie wraps, water, and juice for our little adventure.

Rincon de La Vieja was about an hour drive away. The beautiful 35,000 acre National Park is centered around two volcanoes (one dormant and one active), and is home to tropical dry forests, waterfalls, and local flora & fauna. There's an array of trails and activities to choose from once inside the park (there's a small entrance fee). Some of the more popular options include a scenic 10-km hike (great for spotting local wildlife like monkeys, armadillos, & tropical birds), relaxing in the Rio Negro natural hot springs & volcanic mud baths, and an exhilarating flight through the treetops on a series of zip lines. We decided on a shorter hike that would take us straight to the stunning Oropendola Waterfall. The 20-minute trail led us through the woods, down a swinging narrow staircase, and to a platform that sits by the base of the 82-foot high waterfall. We were amply rewarded with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pool, surrounded by lush scenery in every direction.

One of our favorite experiences at Andaz was taking the Barista Class offered at the hotel. The hour-long lesson is devoted entirely to coffee (one of Costa Rica's primary crops and natural treasures), and was given by Luis Herrera, the hotel's skilled barista and a passionate expert. Luis explained everything from ideal bean growing elevation to the preferred grind, and described the many different techniques used to brew coffee. He demonstrated how each manner affects the flavor & caffeine level of its cup. It was really interesting to learn so much about a drink I enjoy every morning, and of course even more fun getting to sample some of the best coffee I've ever had.

I left Costa Rica feeling both rested and rejuvenated. Perhaps it was the incredible massage at the Onda Spa, or maybe it was the swimming and daily yoga on the beach, but somehow this trip turned out to be the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and fun. Until next time Costa Rica, Pura Vida.

* I was welcomed as a guest of Andaz Costa Rica Resort. As always, all opinions are my own.

Lisbon: A Perfect Portuguese Stopover

Riva G Yoga December 15, 2017

I often find, when planning a trip, that deciding on a destination is my biggest challenge. There are so many incredible locations that I have yet to see, and my wish-list only seems to get longer with each passing year. So when I learned about TAP Air Portugal's Stopover Program, where you can spend up to 5 days in Lisbon or Porto on the way to a final destination (150+ to choose from), it felt as though my travel prayers had been answered. I would finally have the chance to explore Lisbon, a city that’s been on my list forever, as a complimentary stopover on my way to Paris.

Getting to Lisbon was easier than I anticipated, thanks to TAP Air Portugal. I took a non-stop overnight flight that seemed to go much faster than its 7 hours. The crew was accommodating and friendly, and dinner on board was delicious (I ordered a yummy vegetarian meal). There was also plenty of in-flight entertainment options to choose from, I decided on this year's blockbuster 'Wonder Woman’ before falling asleep for a few hours. I woke up just in time to catch a gorgeous sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean right as we began our descent into Portugal.

My Lisbon adventure began moments after checking into my hotel, the posh Pestana CR7. The hotel is a perfect blend of old & new, in a beautiful historic building that’s been renovated with every modern amenity. It’s conveniently located just around the corner from the the Praça do Comércio, where I sampled some snacks at the festive Christmas Market. Also within walking distance was the colorful Pink Street in Cais do Sodré, which was even prettier in person (so much so that I couldn’t resist taking a quick yoga photo right in middle of the street!) From there I made my way to the popular shopping boulevard Avenida da Liberdade, (I always seem to make my way to the shopping area!) and enjoyed a tasty Pastéis de Nata - a popular Portuguese pastry - at a local bakery. Afterward, I went for a stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets of Alfama. This is really where I began to fall in love with Lisbon, its charm and beauty so apparent in this historic district. A friendly local suggested I head over to Cacilhas, on the other side of the bridge, for dinner and sunset. I don't think I could have asked for a more perfect way to end my first day in Lisbon.

The next couple of days included more exploration of the city as well as a road trip out west to the delightful town of Sintra. Getting lost in Sintra's scenic roads was the ideal way to discover some of the renowned landmarks that lie in this region. Nestled among lush hills were extravagant mansions, hidden towns, and Disney-style castles; it’s no surprise that this is where Portuguese nobility would spend their summers. It would be hard to choose a favorite spot in Sintra, but some serious highlights of my visit there include the Pena Palance, the Quinta da Regalaria, the Palace of Monserrate, and the Centro Historico (just outside of the Sintra National Palace). Each place was truly more beautiful than then next, but one magical moment that will forever stay etched in my mind was watching the sunset from high above the oceanside cliffs of Cabo da Roca.

From the pastry shops of Lisbon to the Sintra mountain range, my heart is full from this incredible adventure. Many thanks to TAP Air Portugal for the opportunity to explore this beautiful part of the world before heading to Paris, my final destination. It feels as though I've only just begun to discover all that Portugal has to offer, but I know in my heart that I will be back again.

Until next time, Portugal... Xx

Exploring the beautiful Palace of Monserrate

* In cooperation with TAP Air Portugal

All photography by Nathan Rose Photography

Mykonos and Santorini, a Magical Summer Getaway

Riva G Yoga October 15, 2017

Although it had been on my bucket list for a few years, this summer was the first time I had the opportunity to visit the gorgeous Greek Islands of Mykonos and Santorini. My excitement to finally travel to this picturesque part of the world was high. Of course I'd seen photos of these stunning locations online, and while I was a bit skeptical about whether they'd be as beautiful in person, they in fact, did not dissapoint.

San Marco Luxury Hotel & Villas in Mykonos

Our trip began in Mykonos, where we stayed at the photogenic San Marco Hotel. Our room - a Junior Suite with a sea view - was open, light, airy, and very comfortable. We even had a small balcony with a seating area facing the beautiful blue Aegean waters. The hotel also had a relaxing seawater pool, two restaurants, and a complimentary shuttle service to and from town numerous times a day.

We took one of these shuttles to town, where we walked around the charming cobbled streets with its pretty shops, watched the sunset with the famous Chora Windmills, and enjoyed drinks and a delicious dinner by the water.

After an incredible time in Mykonos, we headed to Santorini, just a short stop away by high-speed ferry. With almost 2 million visitors annually, Santorini is Greece's most popular island, and for good reason. Its beautiful beaches, spectacular scenery, stunning sunsets, and delicious food, make it one of the top vacation spots in the world.

One of our favorite places in Santorini was The Red Beach, located in Akrotiri village. It is truly an eye-catching sight, with its red volcanic rocks overlooking the blue sea, and shores made of colorful sand and pebbles. Another favorite (though very crowded) area was the picturesque village of Oia. Situated at the top of an impressive cliff, it offers a spectacular view of the island, with it's charming pastel-colored houses and famous blue-domes. There are plenty of shops and restaurants there, though if you're looking for a more lively crowd, head to Fira where you can find the island nightlife.

From their sapphire waters and whitewashed houses to their colorful sunsets and charming neighborhoods, the Greek Islands of Mykonos and Santorini are two of the most beautiful locations in the world. A visit to either of these islands is sure to be an incredible, memorable, and very rewarding experience.

Santorini's magical sunset (photography by Kimonas Ptiniotis)