IXTAPA / ZIHUATANEJO

WHERE TO STAY:

• DORADO PACIFICO: Ixtapa. 285 Rooms. One of the glittering hotels along the Ixtapa Hotel Zone it manages to extend personal service with low key panache. Deluxe, ocean front rooms, a choice of restaurants, and a laid back lifestyle. Address: PO Box 15 Ixtapa | Tel: 3-2505 | Fax: 3-0126 | USA: (800) 876-5278
  
  
• LA CASA QUE CANTA: Zihuatanejo. 23 Suites. Sensual barefoot place high above Playa La Ropa with European style and flavor. Steps down to the water. Two pools, the dining area, and everything else has an exclusive look and feel. Seven suites have their own pools. Address: Camino Escenico, Playa La Ropa Tel: 4-7030 Fax: 4-7040 | USA: (800) 525-4800
  
  
• VILLA DEL SOL: Zihuatanejo. 36 suites. Sensual barefoot place on Playa La Ropa that has the atmosphere of a friendly international private club with European style and flavor. Duplex suites near the beach have tropical gauze canopied beds upstairs, sitting rooms and terraces with hammocks downstairs. You feel as if you're on an exotic Pacific island. Pool and beach club are tops. Opt for a duplex beach suite with Jacuzzi. Address: Playa La Ropa, PO Box 84 Tel: 4-2239 Fax: 4-2758 | USA: (800) 223-6610
  
  
• WESTIN BRISAS: Zihuatanejo. 428 rooms. Nestled into a hillside with its own moonshaped bay, Playa Hermosa, this hotel has a large scale architectural style that creates an intimate feeling. Unusual rooms are ultra romantic. Each has a terrace as large as the room where you can share a hammock and wish on stars at night or sunbathe during the day. Junior suites also have Jacuzzis. Shaded gardens link rooms to the pool and tennis courts. An elevator whisks you to the beach. Address: PO Box 97 Tel: 3-2121 Fax: 3-0751 | USA: (800) 228-3000

HONEYMOON TRAVEL TIPS:

• Average year round temperature: 78 degrees F
  
  
• Distance from the airport: 13 miles
  
  
• City code: 755
• Ride the bus. Busses link major hotels in Ixtapa's Hotel Zone. Some operate to Zihuatanejo.
  
  
• Some of the prettiest beaches - Play La Madera and Playa La Ropa - are beyond downtown Zihuatanejo. Taxis will take you there and pick you up at an appointed hour.
  
  
• Also explore beyond the Ixtapa Hotel Zone to see beaches with dramatic rock formations like Playa Las Cuatas.
  

DON’T MISS:

• An afternoon on IXTAPA ISLAND. Lunch at rustic El Marlin Restaurant on Varadero Beach.
  
  
• A day on PLAYA LA ROPA with lunch at Rosi's or Villa del Sol.
  
  
• Plan your SUNSET in a new romantic spot every day. Make it an event. A few good places--the Westin lobby bar; the seaside promenade in Zihuatanejo, the tiny bar at Puerto Mio hotel in Zihuatanejo, your own hotel balcony, etc..
  
  
• Lunch or a late breakfast along one of the SEASIDE PROMENADE RESTAURANTS such as La Sirena Gorda.

ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:

• BOGART'S: Ixtapa. An outrageous Moroccan decor puts you in a Bogart/Bacall mood in a Casa Blanca setting. Indoor fountains, piano music add to the scene.
  
  
• BECCO FINO: Ixtapa. Indoor/outdoor Mediterranean style cafe overlooking the water. Opt for dining on the canopied deck and you'll be glad you did.
  
  
• KAI-KAN: Playa La Madera. Tucked away on the corner of La Madera Beach. As romantic as you can get. Dine next to the beach on linen table cloths with sparkling silver and crystal, candlelight and fresh flowers. Waves provide the music. Meals have French flavors.
  
  
• VILLA DE LA SELVA: Zihuatanejo. A refined camera ready place with a sleek decor and a romantic candlelit ambience. Beautiful views and gardens add to the romance.
  
  
• VILLA DEL SOL: Zihuatanejo. The dining room has a thatched roof. Soft classical music is background to meals with Mexican and European flavors. Begin with a drink at the rustic bar, then go to the open air dining room that is just a few steps from the beach. Real tropical romance.
  

DESTINATION WEDDINGS:

• Coming Soon!