If you have read this blog for a while you know I am obsessed with Mexico but have been particularly fond of Zihuatanejo ever since Shawshank Redemption put it on the map. And since I'm a travel magazine and book junkie when - La Casa Que Canta - came on the scene through Travel and Leisure magazine's top resorts (at one time even naming it the #1 resort in Mexico) I knew I had to visit Zihuatanejo before it was over developed and over crowded with tourists. We didn't think we could take a honeymoon right after the wedding b/c of Keith's travel schedule so when we found out three weeks before that we could take a quick honeymoon it was an easy decision - Zihuatanejo!
Zihuatanejo is a charming low-key fishing village on the sheltered Zihuatanejo Bay surrounded by rolling hills and the Pacific Ocean. I would say it would be most appropriate for folks that want a really laid back and relaxing vacation at a luxury boutique hotel vs the mega all-inclusive resort. There are plenty of outdoor activities including deep-sea fishing, scuba diving and other watersports but if you'd rather take a panga to a remote beach and have a picnic lunch that's probably more the speed of this sleepy beach town. We didn't spend much time in El Centro (the main downtown area) but they had plenty of smaller restaurants with authentic Mexican cuisine and your typical flea market shopping you would find in most Mexican cities - I really wish I would have hit those up more!
Drinking a beer beachside
At The Tides Hotel for dinner - right in the sand
We are typically pretty active travelers but didn't do a thing this trip and I think that's exactly how a honeymoon should be after all the planning and chaos from the wedding week. And I don't know about other folks but I had to catch up on my sleep and couldn't wait to eat! We really just lounged by our amazing pool sipping cocktails (more to come on that tomorrow), walked to the beach to swim in the ocean and tried to eat dinner at different resorts every night just to check them out. The Tides Hotel in the picture above was quite nice and one of the only hotels that is directly on the beach with great restaurant seating right in the sand. Personally I wouldn't stay there b/c the dramatic views from the hotels up on the cliff offer something unique as well as more privacy.
From the pool deck at La Casa Que Canta
The "jump shot" this is totally our M.O.
You'll see more of this in our wedding pics!
From the pool deck at Amuleto
Another great spot for dinner and would be my second choice for place to stay
Bottom line - a perfect honeymoon option for those considering a Mexican getaway. We loved our time there and were really able to relax, unwind and reflect on our amazing wedding and all the things ahead of us.
