Mexico (Pacific Beaches)

Los Cabos | Puerto Vallarta | Manzanillo | Ixtapa | Acapulco   

Central Pacific

Also known as the "Mexican Riviera", this region has warm tropical weather year round. This coastal area to the north of Manzanillo up to Mazatlán has some of Mexico's great undiscovered treasures. This secluded area is sprinkled with some of Mexico's loveliest beaches, bays and towns such as Puerto Vallarta, Costa Careyes and Barra de Navidad.

South Pacific

For today's "culture & comfort" vacationers searching for that destination that offers high-rise luxury along with seaside village charm, this region delivers the best of both worlds. This region encompasses Acapulco, Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo, down to Huatulco and up through Oaxaca.

Baja Peninsula

The magnificent Baja California peninsula is divided into the two states of Baja California and Baja California Sur - north and south. It includes the resort areas of Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, La Paz, Loreto, Rosarito, San Felipe, San Jose Del Cabo, and Buena Vista - to name a few of the larger ones.

This unique region is one of the most interesting and diverse geographical areas of the world and is still very much a frontier. The peninsula is home to some of the earth's most beautiful deserts, along with semi-tropical and mountainous regions, pine forests, and hundreds of miles of untouched beaches and coastline.

Los Cabos

This fast-growing resort area near the US and a sea away from mainland Mexico is one of a kind. Not only for its cultural duality, but for having two towns with contrasting personalities and two major bodies of water that merge serendipitously right here.

When nature blends sky blue with navy blue, sculptures from the bottom of the sea come up to observe the spectacle and stay there for centuries, admiring the magnificent scenery. Los Cabos keeps watch over this gorgeous paradise that does everything in its power to help visitors enjoy the wonders of nature. The most popular stretch of the nearly 33 km. tourist and nautical corridor lies between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, an area regarded as one of the country’s major tourist complexes.

In addition to being one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the country, Los Cabos is renowned for its sports fishing, since the junction between the Sea of Cortés and the Pacific Ocean produces an abundance of fish such as grouper, dorado, amberjack, marlin and sailfish, among others. Finally, you can’t leave without seeing the wonderful, unusually shaped Punta Balandra, one of Los Cabos’ distinctive landmarks.

Las Ventanas Al Paraiso - 5 Star

Location:

The home of Las Ventanas al Paraiso can be found at the tip of Mexico’s stunning Baja Peninsula, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean in a heady mix of water, mountains and desert. This supremely luxurious resort has exquisite accommodation with superb hospitality. An oasis of tranquillity and beauty, Las Ventanas al Paraiso (windows to paradise) features a panoramic flower-filled garden.

Accommodation:

Expansive and richly appointed, all suites have marble showers and Conchuela limestone floors. At the end of the day share the warmth of a seaside fire, and be lulled to rest by the rhythm of gently washing waves. Or, turn your personal telescope toward the heavens to gaze at the shimmering stars.

In-suite amenmities include: dual telephone line for modem/phone, air-conditioning, satellite TV & music, terracotta wood-burning fireplace, in-room tequila welcome, DVD & CD players, hair dryer and safety deposit box.

Facilities:

• Outdoor pool
• Spa
• Massage treatments
• Fitness centre
• 24 Hour room service
• Live entertainment
• Tennis courts
• Horseback riding
• Watersports
• Whale watching (seasonal)
• Sport fishing charters
• Golf
• Weddings

Dining:

• La Cava
• The Restaurant (overlooking Sea of Cortez)
• The Sea Grill
• Tequila & Ceviche Bar
• In-suite dining
• Beach dining

Casa del Mar Golf Resort & Spa - 4 Star

Location:

Casa del Mar Beach Golf & Spa Resort is located in Los Cabos 1,000 miles south of San Diego on the tip of the Baja California Sur peninsula. It is halfway between the quiet desert town of San Jose del Cabo, known for its old Mexican town ambience with charming plazas, and Cabo San Lucas, a bustling tourist community famous for its nightlife.

Accommodation:

With 56 rooms and suites all with ocean view and two staff members per room, Casa del Mar ensures that you receive the highest level of personal service and the smiling welcome and pampering care that is a hallmark of Mexico.

Stay cool with ceiling fans and air conditioning while you enjoy all the luxuries of home - a sofa, desk, and television with cable service. Every bathroom has its own Jacuzzi and separate shower.

Other amenities include: satellite TV, telephones with voicemail, dataport, mini-bar, air-conditioning, sofa & desk area, robes/slippers and safety deposit box.

Facilities:

• Pool
• Jacuzzi
• Spa
• Body treatments
• Watersports
• Golf (2 championship courses)
• Tennis courts

Dining:

• El Tapanco
• Mezquite Grill
• The Beach Club
• Pool bar
• El Maguey bar

Puerto Vallarta

Cobblestoned and whitewashed Puerto Vallarta is one of the central Pacific coast's best-known beach resorts. Nestled between palm-covered mountains next to a river and an azure bay, the city boasts a setting as ridiculously picturesque as its white-sand beaches and red-tiled houses of white adobe.

The city has mutated from a sleepy seaside village into an international resort so quickly that it is fashionable to deride its spoilt charms, but it's almost impossible to dislike its lively bars, romantic restaurants, mushrooming gallery scene and bustling marine life. 

Four Seasons Hotel Punta Mita - 5 Star

Location:

Luxurious seclusion on a private isthmus edged in miles of pristine sand and turquoise ocean, 42 kilometres (26 miles) from Puerto Vallarta airport. Exclusive Mexican casitas, many with plunge pools, embrace stunning ocean views. Jack Nicklaus golf with an island green, played beside the waves. Beachfront dining. A unique spa, designed for renewal.

Accommodation:

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita offers 140 guest rooms, including 26 suites, in tile-roofed Mexican-style casitas set along the Pacific Coast. Most guest rooms and suites enjoy outstanding views of the white sand beaches, clear blue waters and beautiful mountains surrounding this exclusive resort.

Casitas
All casita rooms are exceptionally spacious and feature a comfortable sitting area and a walk-out balcony or terrace. On the first floor of the casitas, Partial Ocean View and Ocean View rooms enjoy views of the sparkling ocean, surrounded by lush tropical landscapes. Ocean View Premium rooms, on the second and third floors, provide improved views from their hillside location. Oceanfront rooms, in casitas perched on the cliff, feature spectacular views of the Pacific, while Beachfront rooms open directly onto the beach.

Suites
One-Bedroom Partial Ocean View, One-Bedroom Ocean View and One-Bedroom Oceanfront Suites, all similarly appointed, offer a luxurious king-sized bedroom and ensuite bath separated from the spacious living area by beautiful wooden doors. In addition to expansive furnished terraces, each suite features a private plunge pool.

Facilities:

• Outdoor infinity pool
• Apuane Spa
• Body treatments
• Stunning golf course
• Fitness centre
• 4 Tennis courts
• Beach volleyball
• Scuba Diving
• Sailing
• Kids for all Seasons Club
• Room service
• Resort water purification system

Dining:

• Aramara (latin American & Asian)
• Ketsi (Alfresco dining)
• Tail of the Whale
• Lobby lounge
• In-Casita dining

Hotelito Desconocido - 3 Star

Location:

Along Mexico's Pacific coast, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre Mountains, an enchanted paradise beckons those with an appreciation for nature and an affinity for the unique. Hotelito uses solar energy only for energy needs of the hotel. At night, hundreds of candles light the rooms and restaurant. Luminaries light the pathways that meander throughout the resort. Hotelito is located 60 miles South of Puerto Vallarta, and 3 miles from Cruz de Loreto, along the Costa Alegre in Jalisco, Mexico.This uncommon resort has been constructed in the style of an old Mexican fishing village. The estimated drive time from the airport to Hotelito is 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Accommodation:

Hotelito combines nature with luxury, with just 29 individual accommodation units dotted around two of the total 40 hectares of grounds, providing a certain amount of privacy. There is a virtually unobstructed view of the outdoors from the shower/WC, and vice versa. There are hundreds of species of birds to see and the occaisonal armadillo wandering around the dwellings. True luxury however, lies in there being no telephones, no TV, even electric light is banned in favour of candelabra and candles. Only the fan above the mosquito net is powered by electricity.

Facilities:

• Spa
• Swimming pool
• Massage treatments
• Jacuzzi
• Mud bath
• Horseback riding
• Mountain biking
• Windsurfing
• Beach volleyball

Dining:

• 2 Ocean view restaurants

Verana - 3 Star

Location:

The Verana has an unparalleled ability to inspire immediate relaxation and a deep connection with the natural beauty of the spectacular coast. Although Yelapa is 30 minutes by water taxi from town, even those unfamiliar with the village should consider it. Management helps arrange transportation from Puerto Vallarta to Boca, where a private boat runs to Yelapa; from there, Verana is a gentle hike or mule ride.

The property is on a hillside overlooking the ocean, with a panoramic view of the mountains deep in the Valle del Sierra Oriental, carved out of the lush Mexican jungle.  It is remote and secluded but still offers all the amenities for a comfortable and relaxing stay.

Accommodation:

Verana has six rustic yet sophisticated suites, set into a hillside with sweeping views of the mountains and ocean. Each is a work of art, hand-crafted with care and creativity by owners Heinz Leger, a former film production designer, and prop stylist Veronique Lieve. Each has a private terrace and two beds -- but you won't find TVs, telephones, stereos, or other distractions.

The whole property was designed with it's own character and feel, to blend in the landscape and environment. The houses have their own garden and terraces for privacy, but are still close enough that you don't feel alone in the jungle.

Facilities:

• Outdoor swimming pool
• Spa
• Massage services
• Tours/excursions
• Library

Dining:

Restaurant/bar (International cuisine with a touch of Mexico)

Manzanillo

Manzanillo is a small city tucked at the southern corner of a large bay, so broad that it has room for a pair of five-mile-wide junior bays. From the north spreads the Bahía de Santiago, separated by the jutting Peninsula de Santiago from its twin Bahía de Manzanillo on the south. Manzanillo's importance as a port has continued since the conquest. Even its name comes from its fortunate harbor front location, where manzanillo-trees whose poisonous yellowish-red fruit resembles a small apple, or manzanillo-flourished beside the original wharves.

Splendid local fishing led to an unexpected bonus: flocks of visitors, drawn by Manzanillo's annual International Sailfish Tournament. During three days in 1957, for example, tournament participants brought in 336 sailfish. The world soon got around. The balmy winters and the golden sand beaches drew even more visitors. By the 1980's a string of small hotels, condos, and resort lined Manzanillo's long, soft strands, providing jobs and opportunities in the previously sleepy bay side communities of Santiago and Salagua.There are two different areas of Manzanillo, "El Centro," the downtown area, and the "Zona Hotelera," or hotel zone. The downtown area of Manzanillo consists of a Malecon, or boardwalk, about a mile long.

You can walk along the harbor, enjoying the view of anchored fishing boats, from the motorcruisers chartered for tourist sailfishing, to small pangas, used by local fishermen. Along the way there are numerous benches, shaded by palm trees, and sculptures done by local artists. An old ship's anchor (a cargo ship sunk in the hurricane of 1959) is an interesting conversation piece, and a good background for a photo.

El Tamarindo - 5 Star Deluxe

Location:

El Tamarindo is an exclusive Pacific coast beach resort on the sun-drenched Costa Alegre. Tucked away amid 2000 acres of tropical rainforest, the 27 luxurious bungalows enjoy exclusive access to 15 kilometres of cliffs and rocky headlands, 3 palm-fringed beaches and a beautifully landscaped championship golf course.

Accommodation:

The Resort features Beachfront villas, Garden Villas, one-bedroom Palm tree Villas, 2-bedroom Palm tree Villas and 10 one-bedroom Mountain Villas. The Villas have palapa roofs hidden from view by the density of the forest. Each one features a dipping pool. A private butler takes care of every single detail of your stay to assure a marvelous experience.

The villas are designed to render full privacy and are equipped to provide the maximum comfort among the tropical surroundings such as air conditioning, ceiling fan, direct dial phones and minibar.

All Villas have one king bed. The Mountain and Garden Villas have a sitting area which can be turned into an additional bed.
Over 2000 acre nature reserve includes 3 unspoiled beaches, coves, cliffs and reefs. Designed to blend as unobtrusively as possible with its natural surroundings, the resort features simple, undulating lines, indigenous building materials and earthy colors.

Facilities:

• Free form swimming pool
• 18 Hole championship golf course
• Tennis courts
• Watersports
• Spa facilities
• Library

Dining:

• Restaurant & Bar Terrace

Los Careyes - 5 Star

Location:

The luxurious Los Careyes is a romantic hideaway located on Mexico's central Pacific coast famed for its fine beaches and rugged tropical scenery. Set on a secluded private beach and surrounded by forested hills and dramatic cliffs, the resort offers spectacular views over the Pacific Ocean.

Accommodation:

The resort is Mediterranean in style, comprising elegant whitewashed buildings with red tiled roofs surrounding an attractive landscaped garden and pool. The interior décor is regionally influenced with bright ochre walls and Mexican tiles.

All 48 rooms have air-conditioning, TV and private bathroom, and most have a view over the ocean. Ocean front junior suites offer fabulous views of the Pacific, whilst deluxe rooms offer at least a partial ocean view. Junior suites have an indoor or outdoor Jacuzzi or plunge pool. One and two bedroom suites have a small kitchenette and a terrace or balcony.

Facilities:

• Fully equipped air-conditioned gym
• Spa centre
• Sauna/steam room
• Conference room
• Watersports
• Tennis courts
• Dive shop

Dining:

• La Lantana (Mexican & Intnerational cuisine)
• Poolside bar
• Delicatessen
• Terrace restaurant

Las Alamandas - 5 Star

Location:

Las Alamandas is an intimate retreat within a 1500-acre private paradise of exotic trees, palms, flowers, wild birds, lagoons and endless white-sand beaches. Situated on a private one-kilometer stretch of beach, this hideaway is managed like an elegant, private estate where guests are accorded the highest standards of hospitality. Located on the Mexican Rivera, south of Puerto Vallarta and north of Manzanillo. Driving is one and 1/2 hours from Manzanillo airport and two hours from Puerto Vallarta.

Accommodation:

The six-villa hideaway, which has only 14 guests suites to accommodate a maximum of 28 people, is managed like an elegant, private estate where guests may feel completely at home. The villas have high-pitched tile roofs, shaded terraces and white ceramic floors. Walkways decorated with stone mosaic, wind through lush gardens.

Each room is decorated in the jewel-like colors chosen by owner/developer Goldsmith. Furnishings are a pleasing mix of designs, fabrics and arts & crafts selected from all over Mexico. Mexican folk-art and hand-painted artifacts were personally selected by Ms. Goldsmith to enliven each room.

Accommodations include large, hand-painted Mexican tile baths featuring oversized tub and shower, bidet, double sinks and a large open shelving, as well as private terrace and full-sized living-dining area. In addition, each villa features a mini-bar.

Facilities:

• Swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Health & beauty treatments
• Tennis court
• Conference room
• Watersports
• Golf nearby
• La Palapa Beach Club
• Room service

Dining:

• Oasis
• La Pergola (beachside private dining)
• Bar Oasis

Ixtapa

Ixtapa was developed by the Mexican government in 1968 on a two-mile stretch of beach with golden sands. Here you will find the splendid buildings of some of the most prestigious hotel chains in the world. But Ixtapa was also planned as an ecological development and half of its territory has been preserved as a natural conservation area.

Marina Ixtapa, with slips for 622 boats, is one of the best in the country. The golf course designed by Robert Von Hagge is situated at this lovely marina.  With 300 sunny days a year, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo enjoys a semi-tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 73-93F. The rainy season begins at the end of June and lasts until the middle of October. Even then, mornings are usually sunny and the rain, falling usually at night, turns the tropical vegetation surrounding the town a fresh vibrant green.

Villa Del Sol - 5 Star

Location:

Villa del Sol is no hotel in the usual sense, mind you. It is a magical place. Although the hotel lies right on the fine white sands of Zihuatanejo's Playa La Ropa - by many accounts one of Mexico's most beautiful beaches - if you look towards it from the ocean you will hardly know it is there. As if by a miracle, Villa del Sol disappears in the lush vegetation, and it seems that only if you squint real hard, you will see a few terracotta-tiled and thatched "palapa" roof tops peeking out of the green sea of rustling coconut palms.  Villa del Sol is a peaceful tropical paradise within easy reach. Convenient direct flights from many cities in the U.S. arrive daily at the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport, just 12 minutes from the hotel. Flights from Europe and other parts of the world connect to six 40-minute jet flights daily from Mexico City.

Accommodation:

The hotel’s 35 rooms and 35 suites are located in beautiful adobe-like villas amidst luxuriant tropical gardens. No two of them are alike, here some twisted tree trunks are holding up a little tile roof, there a private terrace is framed by the fringes of its palm-thatched roof.  Direct dial phones that let you stay in touch with the outside world, adjustable air conditioning and ceiling fans for a cool head, big fluffy towels for a fun day on the beach and deluxe soaps and shampoos. Comfortable bathrobes and hairdryers help you get ready for dinner in style. Satellite television will bring the world to you; only if you really want it, and an electronic safe will protect your passport and crown jewels. There are also DVD players available on request and a film library.  The property has won various awards from Conde Nast Traveller over the years.

Facilities:

• Spa centre
• 4 pools including 60ft lap pool & spectacular infinity edge pool
• Watersports centre
• Floodlit tennis courts
• Fitness centre
• Meeting facilities
• Room service
• Art gallery
• Tour desk

Dining:

• Purpose built wine cellar
• Main restaurant (Pacific/Mexican cuisine)
• La Cantina Bar & Grill (Mediterranean & Mexican)
• Orlando's Bar

Acapulco

Maybe it's the romantic history of spice ships and pirates; maybe it's the golden beaches, tropical jungles and lagoons; or perhaps it's the high-rise hotels, glittery nightlife and famous daredevil cliff-divers that have made Acapulco the first and foremost resort town in Mexico.

The beaches are the big drawcard at Acapulco, and most are content to limit their sightseeing to a view of the sun slowly traversing the blue yonder. For variety there are musuems, aquariums, a fun park, and the famous divers of La Quebrada, who plunge into the ocean swell from vertiginous heights.

Hotel Quinta Real - 5 Stars

Location:

Perfectly located overlooking the Pacific Ocean, on prestigious Punta Diamante, 15 minutes from all the activity of the Golden Zone of Acapulco. Acapulco Int'l. Airport: 6 miles/10 km, 10 minutes.

Accommodation:

74 guest rooms, of which 74 are suite(s), featuring Master and Grand Class Suites with marble floors and color satellite TV. 6 Governor Suites and one Presidential Suite available, each with jacuzzi and its own private pool.

Facilities:

• Exclusive Beach Club
• Infinty pool
• Spa
• Fitness centre
• Watersports
• Acapulco's finest beach
• Meeting rooms

Dining:

• Hilltop restaurant (serves Mexican & Internatuional)
• Poolside bar

Villas of Acapulco - Luxury Villas

Location:

Featured on The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, The Villas of Acapulco is the ultimate in luxury for those coming to Acapulco! The villas boast the best views of Acapulco Bay.

Accommodation:

Each of the The Villas of Acapulco can house up to 10 people, and despite the incredible opulence, is a fantastic value when compared to renting separate hotel rooms.

The Enchanted Villa - The Enchanted Villa is a luxurious home nestled in secluded, lush green Mexican jungle overlooking the Pacific Ocean!

With its four bedrooms, all with private baths and air conditioning, it has a bed capacity for eight people or four couples. At this villa, whether you are immersed in the refreshing blue waters of its gorgeous pool or in the warm waters of its Jacuzzi enjoying Margaritas and the famous Mexican sunsets, you will realize a complete sense of well being and relaxation. Located next to Frank Sinatra's one time Acapulco villa and canopied by one of the largest rubber trees in Mexico, the Enchanted Villa's setting will overwhelm you with its deep peace and solitude.

The Villa Deanna - With an occupancy of up to ten people, the Villa Deanna is perched at the top of a mountain giving it a spectacular, panoramic view of Acapulco, Acapulco Bay and the beautiful Sierra Madre mountains. From within its pool or at its bar overlooking the bay, you can enjoy one of the most stupendous views in all of Mexico.

The Villa Vista Grande - As its name implies, the Villa Vista Grande has the most breathtaking, panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, Acapulco and Acapulco Bay of any villa in the Las Brisas area.

Years ago Prince Phillip sailed from England to Acapulco on the Britannia and spent the afternoon at Villa Vista Grande having cocktails. This is also where President Johnson's wife "Ladybird" spent her winter vacations for sixteen years. It's five air conditioned bedrooms and baths can accommodate ten people or five couples.

Facilities:

• Swimming pools
• Breathtaking views

Dining:

• Restaurant & Bar (authentic Mexican)  

Las Brisas Hotel - 5 Star

Location:

Las Brisas is located at the top of a hill on the Bay of Acapulco, situated in the coasts of the Mexican Pacific. The hotel is located halfway between the international airport and Acapulco’s downtown, which is only a few minutes away from both.  Due to this privileged location, at Las Brisas Acapulco guests can enjoy a fresher weather than the zone of Acapulco that is at sea level.

Accommodation:

Nested over 40 acres of exuberant vegetation, 263 charming casitas (bungalow style rooms), with over 210 swimming pools, which overlook the spectacular Acapulco bay.

Each of the casitas is independent and includes a private or semi-private pool, their own terrace and its assorted mini-bar.  The property is equipped with a total of 92 casitas with a semi-private pool, 93 with private pools, 48 Brisas Beach Club casitas, 21 Junior Suites, 5 suites with a bedroom and 3 (2 bedroom) suites. All rooms/suites have air-conditioning, private bathroom, hairdryer, internet connection and safe deposit box.

Facilities:

• Swimming pool
• Tennis courts
• Spa
• Purified water system
• Meeting facilities
• 24 Hour room service
• Laundry service

Dining:

• Bellavista Terrace
• La Concha
• Deli Shop
• In-room dining
  

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