Secret Romantic Getaways: Zihuatanejo, Mexico

People are always on the lookout for those secretThe second great little hotel in the area is The Tides
romantic getaways - those hidden, beautiful spots thatZihuatanejo hotel. Formerly known as the Hotel Villa
haven't yet been discovered by the masses.del Sol, the Tides is simply the best hotel in the region,
One such place is Zihuatanejo, a small, artsy village setand quite possibly the best small hotel in all of Mexico.
on a picture-perfect bay on Mexico's southern PacificWith wonderfully romantic bungalows and hotel rooms,
coast, about 140 miles north of Acapulco.each decorated in its own unique style, the hotel has
Zihuatanejo was a sleepy fishing village right up untilwonderful services, a beautiful pool, and a lush, tropical
the 1970s, and while art galleries, ceramics shops, andwaterfront setting.
upscale restaurants have moved in, the town stillJust 3 miles away from the downtown area of
retains its quaint charm, from its stone streets toZihuatanejo are the large luxury resorts of Ixtapa.
authentic local architecture.Ixtapa is home to two incredible golf courses, the new
Activities in town range from excellent sport fishing toMarina Ixtapa Golf Course and the Palma Real Golf
sailing, beach combing, water sports of all kinds, andand Tennis Club, whose renowned golf course was
golfing.designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
There are only a handful of hotels in town, none ofThere are also some wonderful day trips available
them particularly large. But there are two small hotelsfrom Zihuatanejo, including to the famous Colonial city
with world-class service that make a wonderful spotof Taxco, with its beautiful classic architecture, and to
for a romantic getaway or honeymoon destination.Acapulco, with its renowned beaches, hotels, and
The first of these small hotels is La Casa Que Canta.nightclubs.
Built into a hillside above Zihuantanejo Bay, this beautifulZihuatanejo is blessed with natural beauty, great shops,
little hotel has simply amazing ocean views and a angalleries, and restaurants, and an authentic, laid-back
away-from-it-all feel -- perfect for a romantic vacation.Mexican culture. If you are looking for that
With just 24 rooms, it's intimate too. All in all, it's a greatstill-undiscovered tropical paradise, far from the tourist
place for a honeymoon or getaway.crowds, then Zihuatanejo, Mexico is the place for you.