Pronounced “wah-HAH-kah”, the name of both the state and city dates back to pre-Hispanic times when 15 different indigenous groups occupied the neighboring valleys and villages (even today Spanish is the second language in many households after the indigenous dialects).
“Mole and Mezcal” may allude to a couple key Oaxacan contributions to Mexican culture, but this place has so much more to offer that it’s become a well-known international destination and high on just about everybody’s lists of favorites.
Ranked #6 in Travel and Leisure’s “World’s Top 15 Cities” in 2017 and a UNESCO world heritage site, Oaxaca’s rich architecture, cultural traditions, the wide variety of its gastronomy, and its mild, temperate climate make it an excellent choice as an interesting and relaxing destination.
The Spanish were here 30 years after Colombus’ first trip, for the gold, including several tons that were sent back to Europe. They left a beautiful colonial city behind boasting some 28 churches, the most spectacular of which is the Temple of Santo Domingo, built between the mid 1500’s and mid-1600’s, some 400 years ago. The treasures of Monte Alban outside of the city are considered the second riches after that of Egypt’s Tutankhamun.
Much smaller than Mexico City and with a more provincial pace, Oaxaca is filled with fantastic museums, magical festivals, colorful handicrafts, indigenous ruins and baroque churches with intricate gold decoration. More importantly, it’s known by Mexicans as their country's culinary capital, packed with inexpensive markets as well as elegant five-star restaurants serving some of the tastiest food in the world.
Oaxaca remains one of the safest states in Mexico, with President Obama allowing daughter Malia to visit during spring break. Many festivals dot the calendar with the biggest fiesta being “Día de los Muertos”, or Day of the Dead, officially celebrated on November 2nd. The “Guelaguetza”, or Mondays on the Hill, is celebrated throughout July with exhibitions of Oaxaca State’s traditional dances. And Christmas is a huge extravaganza. The festivities run from mid-December to January 6th, with events including Night of the Radishes, the world’s foremost radish-carving competition.
And for a weekend getaway to the beach, the state of Oaxaca has over 300 miles of shoreline with beautiful beaches and resort towns including the surf town of Puerto Escondido and the glitzy resort of Huatulco, just 45 minute flights away.
Handpicked for you, our instructors are among the most professional and experienced in the field. Private lessons take place daily—one-on-one, two hours per day—in the location of your choice. We don’t use classrooms! Your personal instructor focuses on conversation, introducing grammar only as needed for natural communication.
Enjoy two hours per day of guided cultural activities: unique walking tours, site visits, and tastings—all led by your instructor. No English-speaking groups! Learn while on the move, practicing conversation for one week, a month, or longer—you decide. Experience authentic interaction as you practice with your local neighbors.
Choose from our carefully selected four- and five-star boutique hotels, or luxury houses and apartments in prime locations—or select your own lodging. Either way, your Language & Luxury Tour promises an unforgettable cultural experience.
Your private chauffeur awaits! We arrange transfers to and from the local international airport, with optional VIP expedite service for arrival, departure, or tight connections.
Your Language & Luxury Tour is fully managed from the moment you inquire until the moment you return home. We coordinate every step—your consultations, your instructor match, your private lessons, cultural activities, schedules, and optional excursions—so your experience flows smoothly and effortlessly.
Explore on your own—or enjoy half-day and full-day exclusive experiences tailored to your interests! Choose from private wine excursions, cooking classes, food tours, truffle hunting, pasta making, or tapas walks—each designed to deepen your cultural connection. You can also enrich your week with wellness sessions, artist-led workshops, golf outings, or family ancestry explorations.
My experience in Oaxaca, Mexico with Language & Luxury was stellar. The two sister language teachers took me to markets, art museums, park benches, a private art studio and shopping so I could learn and practice over coffee, meals, art and more - immersed in the culture. I also stayed at a wonderful hotel with warm and welcoming staff. I would use this company in other countries as well to brush up on my language skills knowing that I am in good, safe hands with teachers and places carefully vetted by Richard Phelps. ¡Andale!
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I just returned from an incredible week in Paris, thanks to Language & Luxury. I was immersed in the culture and the language, with a very talented instructor, who not only improved my French language skills, but also provided me with personalized tours and insights that I could not have acquired elsewhere.
There is so much to see and do in Paris, and Language & Luxury provided all the arrangements - and the instructor - to make sure that my time in Paris was as personally fulfilling and rewarding as possible. It's an incredible program for anyone looking to improve their language skills and explore Paris on a deeper level.
Every Language & Luxury™ experience is a hand-tailored private journey to learn a foreign language, with a Personal Language Instructor, one on one, in some of the world’s most beautiful cities and towns. If you ever have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
No classrooms. No groups. No strangers.
Just you—or your trusted friends and family—guided through a fully coordinated, luxury immersion experience.