Located on Mexico's sun-drenched Pacific Coast, with the striking Sierra Madre Mountains as the backdrop, Ixtapa is one of the country's most sought after vacation destinations, offering beautiful resorts, spas, dining and shopping. In addition to its many lovely beaches, the area offers large marinas to accommodate your sailing needs, as well as several championship golf courses.
Looking for something a little more low-key? Look no further than Ixtapa's sister city Zihuatanejo (zee-wah-tah-neh-ho) – or 'Zihua' as it is commonly known. Located just 10 minutes away, as a counter to Ixtapa's high-rise hotels, all-inclusive resorts and upscale shopping, Zihua, once a quaint fishing village, is a place of winding streets of galleries and folk art shops, boutique hotels and palapa-style seafood restaurants serving the catch of the day.
Tour the urban centres of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, learn about the local customs and traditions, and end the day with a trip out to the region's romantic countryside.
Sail around the romantic Zihuatanejo Bay by sunset. Cruise La Ropa beach all the way to Bahia del Palmar, while you relax with snacks and cocktails in hand.
Ixtapa offers venues for any size business event; from large conference capacity to small taverns ready to host an impromptu gathering. Beachfront convention centres on the Ixtapa hotel strip are highly favoured amongst international clientele for their modern facilities, upscale accommodations and special excursion planning.
Ixtapa also offers refreshing settings for elegant and romantic wedding experiences, be it on some idyllic beach, or even at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. The mountains are a ways out, however the atmosphere is unique and magical.
At a fine restaurant in Ixtapa, the romantic ambiance is only second to the delicious cuisine. Most upscale establishments choose to highlight their scenic views of either the ocean or the gorgeous mountain vista in the distance. The area offers many fine gastronomical choices in contemporary and traditional Mexican, American steakhouses, Caribbean/Mexican fusion, Italian and, of course, fresh-from-the-sea spicy seafood entrees.
Zihuatanejo offers a charismatic market in the centre of town that serves up fresh seafood and even hot stews. Just outside of town, approximately 35 minutes away, lies the coastal village of Barra de Patosi, a hidden gem for foodies. Nestled at the foot of Playa Larga beach, this municipality has some great seafood restaurants serving up traditional and innovative dishes.
The beach town of Playa Larga offers the most unique riding trails in the area; travel through lush tropical jungle, into verdant coconut groves and out onto the beach. Experience levels don't matter here as you'll be paired with a horse that suits you and will be guided by a professional.
The whole family will enjoy a day spent here! Located in Zihuatanejo, this eco-adventure water park and nature reserve offers thrilling biking trails and zip-lining thrills.
Ixtapa boasts two championship golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. These courses put this area on the map as a top Pacific vacation destination and they continue to draw in golf lovers year after year with their challenging holes, rolling hills, and scenic lagoon and ocean views.
This region, and particularly Zihuatanejo, is known for its sport fishing, so why not charter a boat and hit the high seas for a day of angling fun! If you happen to visit in May, be sure to check out the International Sailfish Tournament, which attracts hundreds of fisherman and boats into town in the hopes of winning one of the many prizes available.
Ixtapa/ Zihuatanejo is loved by travellers for its small town appeal with luxuries delivered in a quaint style. Proceedings never seem pompous in Zihuatanejo, yet you always receive the very best service, amenities and accommodations Mexico has to offer. Ixtapa is a very amiable place; friends will emerge quickly and memories will last a lifetime.