Ann Gillett has achieved the perfect balance. This is a very comfortable place to stay on a part of the Oaxaca coast unspoilt by development. Most of the accomodation around here is of the beach-cabana type. There are those of us of a certain age who are happy with that, but appreciate a little more comfort sometimes; and can afford it. Casa PandeMiel is for us.
You should not come here if you are not prepared for a steep tricky descent to a series of fabulous beaches; nor if you do not like eating lunch of the morning's fish catch in distinctly unsmart beach restaurants. If you can handle living without resort nightlife, but want cool, stylish rooms set on the edge of the forest, looking out over the Pacific, then come and support this fabulous venture. You will also be supporting the local community, who are determined to maintain a low-profile, sustainable and sensitive tourist economy.

In the 1993 film "Groundhog Day" the character played by Bill Murray finds himself caught in a loop, whereby he lives the same day over and over again. I could ask for nothing more if I could choose for this to happen at Anne Gillet's enchanting Casa Pan de Miel. Nestled on a clifftop, overlooking the azure sea, her small hotel -- 4 rooms in total (all ocean facing) -- is the perfect mix of style and unpretentiousness. Anne's laid-back approach is infectious. The rooms are quiet and breezy. The turquoise infinity pool is addictive. And Anne (a seasoned French chef) offers great breakfasts under her humongous palapa. The hotel is situated hallway between -- and only a short walk away -- from the small beachfront towns of Mazunte and San Agustinillo -- both perfect places to share authentic meals with locals or to enjoy the wide, mostly empty beaches. Everywhere we went we felt safe and welcomed. I've travelled a great deal, but when it comes to relaxation and peace and quiet, I'll be heading back to Casa Pan de Miel.

The surf rolling onto the beach below you creates a constant lull. The house high over the shore catches cooling breezes; pelicans and frigate birds soar by at the height of the terrace. From the pool set into the bluff, you can view the wide curve of the beach below, a cluster of offshore rocks with the timelessness of Ryoanji garden and the endless tropic sea.
It is not really a hotel. Nor a bed and breakfast. It feels as though you are a welcomed guest in Anne Gillet's house. Anne has achieved a remarkable balance of serene taste and comfort. This is important not only for the experience of the stay, but for preserving the character of the locale -- its simplicity. Anne has brought to the area a new standard of comfort without the threat of gentrification. She would shrug it off, but her sensitivity to the area is implicit in everything she does.
I would give five star rating to Casa Pan de Miel without hesitation to those who are receptive to its charms. It may not be for those unwilling to walk to the beach, or meet the local Mexicans on their own terms with even a few words of Spanish, or simply settle into the natural rhythm of area. For the rest of us, a stay at Casa Pan de Miel is an experience of extraordinary beauty and richness.

Had a wonderful stay at Casa Pan de Miel in early February. Peaceful, quiet, small, convenient, great owners and magnificent food.

One of the best experiences in more than 50 years of travel. I'll go there again, and again.

Don