Zihuatanejo is a great choice for travelers seeking an all inclusive Mexico beach vacation. It’s less touristy than many other Mexico beach towns, offers beautiful beaches (especially La Ropa Beach and Las Gatas), charming local mercados, delicious street tacos, nice Zihuatanejo hotels and more.
One of the best Zihuatanejo all inclusive resorts is Thompson Zihuatanejo, which sits on Playa la Ropa. This refined luxury beach resort is not your typical Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa hotel or resort experience, and it’s a perfect destination for a relaxing and sophisticated getaway.
Thompson Zihuatanejo
Thompson Zihuatanejo, formerly Villa del Sol and Viceroy, has been reimagined as a pristine beachfront resort with an all-inclusive experience. Set on the idyllic Playa La Ropa, it’s just two kilometers south of Zihuatanejo’s bustling city center and rivals cliffside Casa Que Canta for its status as one of Mexico’s top beachfront hotels.
The 56 guest suites and villas – all with private infinity plunge pools – are spread across a lush garden retreat, surrounded by a meandering lagoon and an emerald-blue beach. The contemporary interiors combine mid-century modern design with traditional Mexican artwork, handwoven rugs and mosaic tiling.
The spacious rooms come equipped with flatscreen TVs, iPhone docks and complimentary Wi-Fi Internet. Bathrooms, which are split-design and feature round stucco shower stalls with water-view windows, also include Body and Hair by Neil George luxury bath amenities.
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Resorts
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is home to a plethora of all inclusive resorts. These upscale beachfront hotels boast gorgeous beaches and pristine settings along the coast.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stay or a fun night out on the town, there’s something for everyone at an Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo all inclusive resort. These all-inclusive hotels offer a variety of restaurants and bars, and many are located directly on the beach.
In the heart of Ixtapa’s tourist district is Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa, a three-and-a-half-pearl hotel with a long list of amenities and a wide, clean beach. The 420 rooms are bright and simple, with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs.
While the pool can feel crowded at times, it’s still one of the best places to unwind in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. And the restaurant, with its wide selection of local and international dishes, is a great place to meet other guests for drinks or dinner. Lastly, the staff is friendly and helpful.
Things to Do in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
If you’re visiting Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo you’ll find plenty of things to do. This coastal paradise blends the amenities of a modern resort town with a laid-back atmosphere.
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo offers a variety of activities to enjoy including swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and even whale watching. If you want to experience these activities you can book a tour in advance.
In recent years, ecotourism has become popular in many parts of Mexico and this is no exception. One of the activities in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is a baby turtle release where visitors help dig up a nest and release the babies into the ocean.
There are also lots of tours to choose from to get to know the area better. You can take a guided orientation tour which will give you an overview of the city and some of its best restaurants and stores.
You can also bike through a nature trail to see the wild-life that calls Ixtapa home. This is an ideal way to relax and see a different side of Ixtapa.
Things to Do in Zihuatanejo
With its sweeping beaches, palm-lined streets, and galleries showcasing artisanal goods, Zihuatanejo is one of Mexico’s most laid back beach towns. Though it can get crowded at times, the mix of local and tourist life makes this small town a magical coastal gem that exudes charm and energy.
For a fun beach day, head to Playa Principal, which is right in the heart of Zihuatanejo, or Playa las Gatas, a secluded beach on the other side of the bay. Both have good swimming and snorkeling, plus the chance to see whales in season from November through March.
Another great beach option is La Madera, which is a residential area overlooking a swimmable beach. It’s a short walk from Downtown Zihuatanejo and is popular with locals.
There are also a few other less crowded beaches, including Playa El Palmar and Playa Quieta. They’re popular with locals and ideal for relaxing at a beach bar or enjoying some snorkeling.
