Sleepy Zihuatanejo, or Zihua, as the locals and regulars call it, is a seaside paradise on Mexico’s Costa Grande, nestled into its own protected bay lined with a soft, white sandy beach. This is a classic spot for a beachside break, or a romantic escape, and some of the best places to stay in Zihuatanejo are perfectly geared up for honeymooners, and similar, with wonderful restaurants, cooking classes, excellent spas, and plenty of privacy. We've discovered a good range of properties from boutique boltholes to medium sized resorts that cater for all.

Zihuatanejo’s spot on a protected bay means the water, and weather, is fairly warm year-round. Around the bay are four wide white, sandy beaches, and all this has helped to make it a popular beach escape for those-in-the-know since the 1970s, when those-in-the-know included Elizabeth Taylor, Andy Warhol, Mick Jagger and John Wayne. The town has always had a playful appeal too, centred around its boardwalk, the Paseo del Pescador, or Fishermen’s Passage, which is the town’s social hub, and where the fishermen still meet daily to sell their catch.

As well as romantic appeals, like intimate restaurants, cute boutiques, artist’s studios and bars with breathtaking sunset views, Zihuatanejo has much to offer keen deepsea fishermen who may be here for the sail-fish, marlin and tuna. It is also the perfect destination for snorkelling, sunset tours, dolphin and turtle spotting, and learning to sail, if you can tear yourself away from the chic beaches and historic downtown area of trendy bars and market shopping. Some of the best places to stay in Zihuatanejo line one of the four beaches of the pretty, cobbled town, but our Gurus have also discovered hotels on the cliffs and jungles surrounding town.

The Best Places to Stay in Zihuatanejo

For the Views

• Cala de Mar is a five-star resort hotel, with incredible ocean views from almost every angle. The 54 rooms and suites offer all sorts of charms, including private plunge pools and dining areas, and each one has a wonderful private balcony or terrace overlooking the sea. The excellent restaurant also spills out onto an ocean-view terrace, plus there’s a yoga deck and an open-air spa.
• Perched on the side of a cliff, with spectacular bay views, La Casa Que Canta is a luxurious, and romantic adults-only, choice. There are just 25 rooms and suites, all spacious, but our favourites have private balconies or terraces, with hammocks, and private plunge pools. The hotel offers yoga sessions, and there’s a spa and gym, as well as a chic bar and restaurant.

For Beachside Chic

• Positioned with only palm trees between the pool terrace and one of the best swimming beaches on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Thompson Zihuatanejo is a sleek, sophisticated pick. Accommodation is in a collection of rooms, suites, and private villas, all shaded by palm trees, and decorated with minimalist decor and Mexican artworks. There’s plenty of opportunity for romantic musings, and the two excellent restaurants offer waterfront privacy if required. If you enjoy the food, try a cooking class, or a tequila and ceviche tasting, or a market tour. Children, and pets, are welcome too, and this is also a great honeymoon choice.

For a Romantic Escape

• Amuleto is a five room, adults-only hideaway, overlooking the lush jungle and Zihuatanejo’s bay. The decor is traditionally Mexican, but with all the trimmings of luxury, and features bespoke fabrics and furnishings, with plenty of romantic touches: floaty draped mosquito nets, strewn rose petals anyone? The suites have thatched roofs, private plunge pools and serene sea views. The restaurant prepares swoon-worthy food, and there are all sorts of extras you can add.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Zihuatanejo has its own airport, Zihuatanejo Airport, located on the National Highway to Acapulco. The airport is about ten minutes from town by car or taxi, or about half an hour on the bus. Acapulco Airport is the next closest airport, and a larger hub, and it’s about three and a half hours drive away, or close to five hours travel by bus.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Zihuatanejo is far enough north from the equator to have four seasons, but they’re comparatively mild, with average temperatures in summer around 30℃, and in winter around 20℃. You can swim in the sea all year round, though there’s also the chance of rain. The heat of summer is still the most popular time to visit Zihuatanejo — it’s fun when it bustles — but if you’d prefer to avoid the crowds we recommend visiting between December and May, when it’s light and sunny, and not too humid, with even less rain than in the summer months. If you’re travelling to Zihuatanejo for the sports fishing you should plan your trip between February and April.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Guerrero
• Consider heading along the coast to check out the best places to stay in Acapulco
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.