“I’ll tell you where I’d go. Zihuatanejo. It’s in Mexico. A little place on the Pacific Ocean…..It’s where I want to live the rest of my life.” So said Tim Robbins’ character “Alex” to Morgan Freeman’s “Ellis Boyd” in the 1994 screen classic, The Shawshank Redemption.
SPOILER ALERT: Eventually, Alex and Ellis are reunited in Mexico following a lengthy incarceration (watch the movie for more detail) and the fishing village is as beautiful as described by Alex.
After spending a week in Zihuatanejo and sister city Ixtapa I believe Alex was on to something. I could spend the rest of my life in this town and be a happily retired guy.
Present day Zihuatanejo (referred to as “Zihua” by locals) is no longer a “sleepy” fishing village but is, in fact, the 3rd leading tourist destination in Mexico behind Cancun and Puerto Vallarta.
Although cruise ships now dock here on a regular basis, Zihua retains a high level of Mexico charm with cultural attractions and several drop-dead gorgeous beaches.
There is a daily thriving market, enough seafood restaurants to last a lifetime and a “Malecon” with strolling mariachis at night.
Mornings are particularly memorable in El Centro as the fishing boats return early in the morning loaded with the fresh catch of the day which ranges from tuna to red snapper to clams and oysters.
Get there early (before 8 am) for the best selection of fresh fish.
Whereas, Zihuatanejo is old Mexico charming and a delightful place to walk around and spend the day, Ixtapa, 20 minutes down the road, has a “luxury resort” relaxing feel.
Our THIRDHOME for the week was Casa Cuatro located in Punta Ixtapa, a gated community that we never wanted to leave.
The home, as I’ve come to expect from staying in THIRDHOME properties, was spacious, beautifully decorated, and had a terrace you could hang out in all day and night.
The Punta Ixtapa community features 6 stunning private beaches, 3 beach clubhouses with restaurants, several pools that stayed empty during most of our stay, a fitness center and tennis courts. Since Casa Cuatro was located right on Don Rodrigo Beach shoes were an optional accessory much of the week.
There were many highlights of our week in Paraiso (Spanish for Paradise) but here are my personal favorites:
Martina, our cocinera (chef), preparing authentic Mexican breakfast specialties and great seafood dinners each evening.
The “Pelican and Sunrise” movie we got to watch every morning as literally hundreds of pelicans danced and dove for breakfast in the ocean directly in front of us while the sun rose over the mountains.
Hanging out at the Don Rodrigo Club restaurant drinking margaritas while watching the NFL playoffs and explaining American football to David and Jose, our waiters.
Watching the 4 Mexican Pole Flyers (Voldadores) climb and descend from a 100-foot pole upside down hanging from ropes while the 5th “Flyer plays Mayan tunes with a flute standing at the top of the pole. Wow!!!
Renting a bicycle and pedaling the Ixtapa Cicloplista, 7.5 miles of bike path winding through Ixtapa’s lush forest. Somewhat hilly but a beautiful ride.
Experiencing releasing baby sea turtles to the ocean at sunset from the beach in Zihuatanejo.
Despite the tremendous experiences I have when traveling around this beautiful country I read the travel advisories and I know there is trepidation about visiting any number of places in Mexico at this time. According to a recent survey conducted by the Mexican Tourism Board, 94% of visitors indicated that their vacation “exceeded their expectations” and 86% said they plan on returning in the following 6 months. I am happy to report that this THIRDHOME trip exceeded my expectations and I look forward to returning to Mexico.
Click here to see where Larry stayed, Casa Cuatro. Or, view homes located in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo.
More photos from Larry’s trip:
Nearly 12 million international tourists visited Mexico last year, reflecting former president Vicente Fox’s vision to make tourism, “…a top priority activity for federal government, which is why [Mexico] invests millions of dollars a year in…projects that promote Mexico’s culture and natural attractions.” This cultural investment has obviously paid off in making Mexico the go-to beach resort location of North American tourists and many others around the world. Luxury Travel Mexico.
But now that the word is out on Mexico’s beautiful destinations, where does one go for luxury travel in Mexico? Avoiding crowded beaches and hand-picking a special experience is vital to a luxurious Mexico trip, and THIRDHOME has compiled the best destinations and properties to help you feel less like one in 12 million, and more like the unique member that you are.
A THIRDHOME membership allows access to homes in all of these fantastic destinations in Mexico below, and all over the world! Members of The Club book trips every day for a fraction of the price by using their THIRDHOME membership.
Luxury stays in these Handpicked Mexican destinations are available now! Plan your trip today!
Acapulco
What to do: Welcome to the original Mexican beach resort, graced by the likes of Elvis, Sinatra, and President Kennedy, this ‘Pearl of the Pacific’ drew plenty of crowds in the 1950’s. Acapulco is one of the older Mexico resort destinations, but it still retains an old-timey Golden Age charm. With beautiful cliff sides, delicious food and gorgeous views Acapulco is sure to deliver a serene getaway on your next Mexican holiday.
Click here to see all Acapulco properties
Bahias de Huatulco
What to do: Crucecita, in the state of Oaxaca, was once only home to one small fishing village. In the late 1980’s, development began on several resorts and golf courses. Development was heavily regulated, leaving large swaths of land untouched, and limiting the height of resorts. This left Crucecita with much of its original Southern Mexican charm. Bahias de Huatulco refers to the nine bays on the coast of Crucecita, around which many resorts were constructed. Due to limited air access, only about 20% of Huatulco’s tourism is foreign, making this a perfect getaway from the average coastal tourist city. Bahias de Huatulco has been praised for its sustainable practices in tourism and is gaining more popularity due to its coffee plantations, music and hiking routes. Although air access is limited there is a small airport about 20 minutes away from the resort area.
Click here to see all Bahias de Huatulco properties
Cabo San Lucas
What to do: On the tip of Big Sur, Cabo San Lucas has some gorgeous natural wonders. Hike out to El Arco, a gorgeous natural stone arch that dips into the sea. On your way, pick between visiting Lovers Beach or Divorce Beach, depending on the mood (choose wisely). Take a dive into Chileno Bay to snorkel among the tropical fish and sea turtles. If you are feeling a little wild, Cabo San Lucas does have the best nightlife variety out of any Big Sur city.
Click here to see all Cabo San Lucas properties
Cancún
What to do: Set on the edge of the Yucatán Peninsula is the world-famous tourist destination of Cancún. “The Glistening City” was established in 1970 and is located about an hour South of Playa Del Carmen. The area was a large gamble for the Mexican government who had to fund the first 9 hotels on its own due to hesitance on part of investors, but it has most certainly paid off for Mexico and tourists alike. Many modern, pyramid and tower-like resorts decorate the virgin beaches of Cancún.
Click here to see all Cancun properties
La Paz
What to do: In the southern region of Baja Sur, La Paz is an upbeat and international town. The quirky Baja settlement was first home to Neolithic cavemen, then to Hernan Cortez’s conquistadores in 1535, then to William Walker’s Republic of Sonora in 1854, and finally to Mexican citizens and foreign ex-patriots. Its remote location and rich history have made the city a fan favorite among international travelers. If you’re looking for an unforgettable stay on the Sea of Cortez, look no further. With one of the highest standards of living and quality of life in Mexico, La Paz lives up to the inherent luxury of other Baja resort destinations. You can also travel from La Paz to the UNESCO protected Isla Espíritu Santo, which features impeccable diving, snorkeling and kayaking.
Click here to see all La Paz properties
Manzanillo
What to do: The Jalisco-based city of Manzanillo faces the beautiful waters of the North Pacific. Unlike many of the cities on this list, tourism is not the mainstay of this city. Seaport trade is the real business in town, and recreational fishing is the primary tourist draw. Manzanillo is known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World” and hosts The Dorsey Fishing Tournament every year. Besides numerous fishing opportunities, the city also has a view of the optical phenomena known as the “Green Flash.” Appearing for only a second or two, these green lights occur as the light from the setting sun diverges into many colors, making for a magical sunset.
Click here to see all Manzanillo properties
Nuevo Vallarta
What to do: Founded in 1992, Nuevo Vallarta was built for the sole purpose of attracting tourists to its modern infrastructure and attractions. The resort sits about 15 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta and attracts mostly U.S. and Canadian tourists. Nuevo Vallarta stores typically accept pesos and USD making it an easy place to travel from the states. Home to a beautiful marina, a PADI Dive Center and many individual resorts Nuevo Vallarta is perfect for those looking to enjoy the beach and an array of watersports.
Click here to see all Nuevo Vallarta properties
Playa Del Carmen
What to do: Besides relaxing pool or beachside with a tropical drink in hand, Playa Del Carmen is full of exciting and unique activities. History lovers can step back in time and explore the mysteries surrounding the amazing Mayan ruins at Tulum and Chichen Itza. But, make sure you don’t miss your chance to see Rio Secreto! Very few places in the world boast the perfect conditions for an underground river, and Playa Del Carmen is one of them! Rio Secreto has carved out a massive system of caves underneath Riviera Maya over the years. Guests who are looking to stay on resort property can play the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course at Vidanta’s Riviera Maya.
Click here to see all Playa Del Carmen properties
Punta de Mita & Riviera Nayarit
What to do: This tiny fishing village is now home to several resorts, golf clubs and private beaches. The Pacific Coast offers pleasant breezes throughout the year and is home to a diverse ecology of marine life. Many old fishing ports have since been turned to upscale resorts that merge gracefully into the azure coastal waters. This region of Mexico is big with surfers but is still primarily known for its calm and luxurious accommodations.
Click here to see all Punta de Mita properties.
San José del Cabo
What to do: Some refer to San José del Cabo as the quieter version of Cabo San Lucas. The downtown area has nice shopping, adobe houses converted into restaurants and several golf courses. The area is also home to some very modern and avant-garde developments, redefining the Mexican beach resort and raising expectations for Cabo travel veterans. For peaceful relaxation, San José del Cabo is the Cabo for you.
Click here to see all San José del Cabo properties
San Miguel de Allende
What to do: This gem of a city was almost a ghost town by the end of the 20th Century, but when local artists recognized that the Baroque colonial architecture had potential, a number of initiatives were moved to the city to ensure its continued existence. Post World War II, many U.S. soldiers studying on the G.I. Bill would come learn art in San Miguel de Allende thanks to the city’s commitment to education and the arts. Founded in 1541, San Miguel is now a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its architecture and role during the fight for Mexican Independence. There are no beaches in San Miguel de Allende, but the lack of waterfront is made up by its rich history and artistic appeal. Festivals, such as The Day of the Dead, are celebrated with a special zeal in San Miguel, which is accentuated by the town’s Mexican fairy tale aesthetic. This city was just voted as Travel & Leisure’s Best City in Latin America, and Best City in The World.
Click here to see all San Miguel de Allende properties
Valle de Bravo
What to do: Surprisingly enough, Valle de Bravo is not a coastal resort town. On the shores of Lake Avandaro, Valle de Bravo is where the capital’s elite go to play. If you really want an authentic upscale Mexican experience, Valle de Bravo is the place to go. Historic temples, parishes and museums harken back to colonial times, and even to some Aztec heritage. In 2005, Valle de Bravo was dubbed Pueblo Mágico by Mexico’s Secretariat of Tourism, to recognize the city’s “…symbolism, legends, history…in other words, ‘magic’ in its social and cultural manifestation, with great opportunities for tourism.” The city has also hosted world-famous events including El Circuito Avandaro (auto racing) and La Festival de Rock y Reudas (rock music festival). Come live, play and eat like a local at Valle De Bravo today.
Click here to see all Valle de Bravo properties
Zihuatanejo
What to do: Far from the prototypical coastal party town, Zihuatanejo is a small-town getaway which had been relatively unheard of until Ixtapa was built next door and tourists flocked to the Pacific Coast of Mexico. It still retains much of that fisherman village charm with plenty of local shops, restaurants and cafes. Lounging on the beach, exploring the historic cobbled streets and enjoying the peaceful quiet of Zihua are some of the best ways to spend your vacation. It’s still a well-kept secret, so book your trip before the rest of the world finds out.
Click here to see all properties in Zihuatanejo
Want more information about THIRDHOME Luxury Property and Exchange Clubb? Click here to learn more!