Food + Drink by Maggie Downs | Mar 26 the executive chef and visionary behind Angustina Mezcal y Cocina in Zihuatanejo this was an opportunity to share a story through food His ability to weave ancestral techniques with contemporary flair has not only defined his culinary philosophy but also secured his place in the 2024 and 2025 Guía México Gastronómico (a prestigious guide celebrating Mexico’s top 250 restaurants) he worked at a demonstration table with practiced precision layering flavors that spoke of Ixtapa’s vibrant culture and culinary traditions the dishes for the guests were prepared by Lulu Catering and Events with the assistance of students from the Café Academy at Rancho Mirage High School the chef married rustic comfort with refined technique: The terrine rested atop a bed of earthy peasant lentils This paired with a citrusy Ni Muy Muy Tan Tan mezcal cocktail offering a playful and unexpected contrast to the hearty dish As the final notes drifted into the breeze and the last sip of mezcal lingered on the palate it was clear this brunch was more than a fleeting indulgence Pelayo had done what he does best — brought people together through food bridging communities with flavors that resonated long after the plates were cleared Serve in a rocks glass over ice with a watermelon garnish and music plays a large part in the celebrations throughout the candlelit evening In addition to holding onto traditional celebrations appear more commercial than I have witnessed over the past 30 years living at least part-time in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo What used to be more about honouring the dead while visiting the graves of loved ones has now included three and four day celebrations the gravesite gatherings are certainly prevalent and mostly away from foreign visitors’ eyes but Dia de Muertos has become more full-blown over the years and the lines between Halloween and the traditional Mexican ceremonies of remembrance have become blurred I have noticed the prevalence of huge numbers of trick-or-treaters that swarm what was once a small village in Zihuatanejo Seeing these adorable children dressed as little goblins and last year’s most popular character has become the highlight of the year for my friends and me We park ourselves outside the Barracuda Bar and hand out goodies and take photos — which everyone happily poses for The festivities begin with the unveiling of a giant Catrina on October 31 at 6:30 pm at a major landmark in Zihuatanejo known as Plaza Kioto named after one of Zihuantanejo’s sister cities the location of all of Zihuantanejo’s most memorable activities located downtown on the shores of Zihuatanejo Bay they can enjoy an exhibition and taste traditional pan de muerto and other tasty treats from local bakeries and Restaurante Carnivac Following is a lighted parade of boats in the bay of Zihuatanejo known as the Desfile de la Lanchas Illuminadas there will be a host of activities and celebrations in Zihuatanejo and nearby Ixtapa a popular area not far from Centro Zihuatanejo and famous for its many restaurants and boutique hotels you can dine and dance in the streets a mere few steps from Playa Madera the fun continues with the “Pasarela de Textile — Catrinas de mi tierra” fashion show which is held in the Commercial Zone of the resort area There is also an Exhibition de Ofrendos (El Lugar de los Muertos which means the place of the dead) at several restaurants The traditional Day of the Dead altars can also be viewed and admired by visiting the many hotels along the main strip The Parade of the Catrinas on November 2 is an event not to be missed as the costumes are elaborate and breathtaking It starts at Plaza Kioto at 7:30 pm and winds through the town streets including the length of Cinco de Mayo to the Cancha Municipal People line the streets for glimpses of the magical parade and can often take photos with their favourite Catrinas at the end of the line On November 3, everything wraps up with the Concurso de Catrinas de Zihuatanejo another spectacular event as the participants are judged and crowned when I have no doubt that plans are already in place to top this year’s festivities The writer divides her time between Canada and Zihuatanejo ADVERTISE WITH MND COMMUNITY GUIDELINES Subscription FAQ's Privacy Policy Mexico News Daily - Property of Tavana LLC Search More results... While several major tourist cities in Mexico are listed at Level 1 and 2 The U.S. State Department updated their travel warnings for Mexico last month and revised their recommendations for the states of Chiapas and Durango after a review period Chiapas is rated Level 3 – Reconsider Travel while Durango is rated Level 2 – Exercise Increase Caution Both states are so rated by the State Department based on reports of crime violent crime and gang activities are the concerns cited While visitors are not typically the target of violent crime there have been reports of bystanders being injured or killed in crossfire that neither state is particularly popular with U.S and the State Department warnings vary widely from state to state and sometimes within regions in the same state Two Mexican states are currently rated Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions: Campeche and Yucatan on the western edge of the Yucatan Peninsula Campeche and Mérida are popular destinations in those states is rated Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution Consular officials advise visitors to these areas to be particularly vigilant after dark and to remain in well-lit pedestrian areas and tourist zones Several other states are rated Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution mostly after reports of similar types of crime These states include Baja California Sur (the resort areas of Los Cabos and La Paz) Nayarit (the resort areas of Punta Mita and Riviera Nayarit) Several major international tourist destinations are at Level 2, including France and Italy Jalisco is rated Level 3 – Reconsider Travel although it’s worth noting that the warning primarily concerns the city of Guadalajara outside of tourist areas The State Department issues warnings against employee travel in areas considered to have particular risk potential and the Department does not advise against employee travel in Guadalajara’s tourist areas The State Department advises against travel to the following states: Colima Colima is home to the resort area of Manzanillo where the State Department does not recommend against employee travel in resort areas The State Department strongly warns against all travel–including employee travel–to the state of Guerrero The department notes that “crime and violence are widespread Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence toward travelers.” travel is not advised because “violent crime is widespread.” U.S government employees may only arrive in Mazatlan by air or sea and are restricted to the Zona Dorada (hotel zone) and historic town center and the most direct routes between them and the airport or seaport The states of Tamaulipas and Zacatecas do not have any significant resort or tourism areas The Government of Canada also issues regional advisories for Mexico that largely mirror those issued by the U.S Canada notably does not advise travelers to avoid non-essential travel to Manzanillo (if arriving by air) The British Foreign Office doesn’t advise against essential travel anywhere in Mexico and has advice for other resort areas that roughly mirrors those issued by the Government of Canada Regardless of where U.S. travelers are planning to travel in Mexico, they should register with the State Department via the STEP program Embassy or Consulate in the area they’re visiting In 1995, Canadian Nick Dubeski took a bus to Mexico on the first of three occasions and instantly fell in love with the country. On one of his visits to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo under a palm tree on a beach on a star-studded night and decided to stay indefinitely It was a love story that unfolded under the Mexican stars I vividly remember watching Nick and Nancy’s romance blossom from the beginning they still celebrate their anniversary on the 23rd of every month planned to run the prestigious 1999 42.2 km marathon in Athens Dubeski decided to train and enter alongside her for the very first time Dubeski has completed 40 marathons while Nancy retired from competitive running due to knee issues he made a bold decision to switch to half marathons a testament to his perseverance and dedication to the sport Dubeski had to find an alternative way to keep up his momentum he meticulously logged every time and distance he had ever run His record-keeping would work to his advantage because it was then that he learned about the virtual marathon movement and it was during this time that he decided to set a goal for himself “I already knew that I had run 35,000 km and so I began to research what landmark I could run to I realized that running to the sun would be impossible but I saw that I only had 5,075 km left to go to completely run around the equator.” but running around the equator takes stamina and perseverance and is not for the faint-hearted Despite this sheer toll on his body and the dedication and discipline it would take to accomplish such a feat — Dubeski completed what he set out to do four years ago and ran around the equator and supporters at Deborah’s restaurant in Ixtapa When asked how it felt to run around the middle of the world “It feels wonderful to complete what I set out to do.” So what’s next “Well I figure that I have only 10,190 kms left to run to the moon,” Nick says I anticipate I’ll be 77 or 78 years old by that time Elisabeth Ashe is a Canadian who has lived and worked in Mexico for many years Although lying on a beach soaking up the sun and drinking margaritas can appeal to some boredom can quickly set in if you’re not engaging in activities and fishing are most popular when it comes to water adventure December through the end of March are the prime months for catching sight of one of the largest mammals in the world which come to the region’s lagoons to birth their calves you may even witness a live birth on an excursion the most commonly sighted whale is the humpback whale I searched for a reputable company to guide me There are many options for whale-watching tours in and around this coastal town, including those in Barra De Potosi, 30 minutes away. A total of 60 certified whale operators in the area belong to an organization called Whales Of Guerrero These operators are highly trained and knowledgeable in the whale-watching tour industry many independent tours often lack the correct permits or training to join this important organization They are usually referred to as “pirates” by those who are I urge everyone to do their homework when choosing a whale-watching tour; if in doubt check out the Whales of Guerrero website to obtain a list of certified guides that comply with the strict laws of conduct required when whale-watching I ultimately selected a tour with The Zihuatanejo Dive Center located across from the pier in downtown Zihuatanejo The centre is owned and operated by Luis Manuel Pelayo The couple has been hosting whale tours on their dive boat for seven years and has garnered an excellent reputation for safety They are also a part of Whales Of Guerrero You can choose morning or afternoon tours for 1,200 pesos we set out from the pier on Playa Municipal in downtown Zihuatanejo Along for the ride was volunteer Jennifer Wilson-Salazar owner of Kaleidoscope Tours and Canadian native who married a local three years ago in what I can only describe as romantic fate Salazar and Poto imparted tidbits of interesting whale facts as we glided smoothly across the ocean given that I knew next to nothing about these magnificent creatures I learned that female whales mate with several whales simultaneously I also learned that whales weigh five tons at birth and can grow up to 40 tons and live from 80 to 90 years Humpback whales travel great distances from Alaska and Canada to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo to birth their young which they love,” Wilson-Salazar told me The waters were extremely calm on the morning we set out which Poto told us was ideal for whale watching we glimpsed luxurious villas and homes perched on rocky hillsides to the right and left of us We passed notable beaches La Ropa and Madera well known for their excellent swimming and extensive choice of restaurants a seafood lover delight and popular reefs that boasts excellent snorkelling off its shores Our guides informed us we would be going towards Barra De Potosi which he said was the area where we would more likely catch sight of whales although rare sightings can also occur inside Zihua Bay itself this area is also known for tours operated by other members of Whales of Guerero who are highly trained and certified in the do’s and don’ts of whale watching Poto explained some of the specific rules they must adhere to when they go whale watching including keeping a safe distance from the whales Other regulations are that a maximum of four boats can be present when a whale is spotted in the vicinity while others remain in a queue a respectful distance away the boats must depart to allow others to take their turn we must not separate the mother from their offspring as is permitted in northern parts of Mexico.”  spotted boats in the distance and a distinct spray in the air Chava idled the engine while Poto lowered a waterproof microphone into the water the air filled with hauntingly beautiful whale songs we watched the backs of a mother whale and her offspring appear several times before diving out of sight Poto said they might stay submerged for ten to 40 minutes we reclaimed the microphone and set off again catching glimpses but never seeing whales breaching as we had hoped for so you must be prepared for it or choose to go out another time I still found it thrilling to be in such close vicinity to the whales listening to their songs from above their watery depths around the bend from the bay of Zihuatanejo It was a delightful end to a beautiful morning swimming in pristine clear waters among many species of tropical fish and marine life before heading home After weekend visits to México state, Puebla, Hidalgo and Morelos to distribute pension cards to women aged 63 and 64 President Claudia Sheinbaum was back at the National Palace in Mexico City on Monday to preside over her first morning press conference of the week A reporter asked Sheinbaum about the announcement by the state-owned, army-operated airline Mexicana that it would discontinue routes between the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) near Mexico City and airports in eight cities: Acapulco The airline, which began operations in late 2023 said on Sunday that flights between AIFA and those destinations would cease from this Monday Sheinbaum told reporters that Mexicana is carrying out a “review” of its operations like any other company “Some of the planes are leased so they have to renew the lease, the new planes are going to arrive and they’re doing a review like at any company — which are the routes that had the most passengers which are the routes that had the least,” she said “This week they’re going to present the company’s master plan to me and Mexicana will continue being the company of the people of Mexico It’s nothing more than a review of their strategic plan for 2025,” Sheinbaum said explaining the reduction in the number of destinations served by the airline Mexicana was operating 18 routes in Mexico meaning that almost half have been discontinued Sheinbaum suggested that new routes could replace some of those that have been scrapped The El Financiero newspaper reported in December that Mexicana incurred losses of more than 932 million pesos (US $45.8 million) between January and September 2024 Asked about a study that raised concerns about the staging of Mexico’s first-ever judicial elections due to the reduction to the National Electoral Institute’s budget and the limited amount of time to organize them Sheinbaum declared that “there is no risk.” “The people of Mexico will participate Electoral Tribunal judges,” she said together we’ll elect the judicial power,” Sheinbaum said “I don’t see any risk,” she reiterated “This week I’m meeting with the National Electoral Institute [councilors] They already approved the budget [for the elections] they even already have proposals for the ballots and for how they will organize the election,” Sheinbaum said “… It will be a good election.” Citizens will elect a total of 881 federal judges on June 1, including nine Supreme Court justices. The elections are going ahead as a result of the controversial judicial reform approved by Congress last September After she was asked about her high approval rating according to an El Financiero newspaper poll Sheinbaum reminded reporters that when she was a candidate for president she “essentially” committed to “two things”: Subsequently asked whether her first 100 days in office could be defined with the phrase “what was promised is being fulfilled,” Sheinbaum said that was an accurate assessment commitments are fulfilled,” said the president who will reach the 100-day milestone this Thursday She said that she will outline the government’s achievements to date in a “brief” address at Mexico City’s central square By Mexico News Daily chief staff writer Peter Davies ([email protected]) The reasons foreigners embark on a new chapter in Mexico are as diverse as the constellations in the sky The intriguing tale of Carol and Doug Romain is a testament to this as they embarked on a journey filled with new experiences and unexpected turns The Romains lived for many years in British Columbia an integrated special needs center that offered children before- and after-school care her husband Doug worked in the marketing division for MacMillan Bloedel Carol joined him for Christmas and said she nearly froze to death It was also in Durango where they experienced their first taste of what life would be like in Mexico as an expat it was also here that Doug learned how easy it was to help people in his position; he came across a benefit for the company’s employees which allowed them to upgrade their education for free “The problem was that no one knew about it until Doug came along as the manager spoke only English.” However the position only lasted three months when the parent company It was during a casual conversation with one of Doug’s clients that the Romains first heard about the beachside paradise of Zihuatanejo who owned a vacation home in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo spoke so passionately about the area that the Romains were intrigued they decided to explore Zihuatanejo as a potential new home They purchased a motor home and set off on a journey that would lead them to this charming coastal town “We checked out everything from San Carlos to Mazatlán Barra de Navidad and Manzanillo before finally landing in Zihuatanejo on January 3 everything we needed and nothing we didn’t plenty to do and a great mix of expats and locals It was like having an instant family when we arrived.” After several attempts to contact someone in the organization bestowed the title of “Donations Chairman” during a fly-by the encounter “in a grocery store no less,” Carol said She became the Sailfest Chairperson a year later Carol’s dedication to her community did not go unnoticed she was awarded the prestigious Immigrant of the Year status for Guerrero state a testament to her commitment and the impact of her work Carol took on a new role as the administrator of Por Los Niños a position she held until a few years ago when she became the organization’s president Her leadership was instrumental in overseeing important fundraisers which significantly increased the organization’s annual funds Her dedication and hard work have been truly inspiring raising from approximately 70,000 pesos a year in its inception to an unprecedented six million in 2023 combined with the support of the local mayor had a transformative effect on the community The mayor’s donation of 50% of the construction cost needed to build schools was a significant boost to their fundraising efforts fully entrenched in the lifestyle and culture Carol felt it was important to change her immigration status from permanent resident to full-on citizen Carol’s remarkable contributions were recognized when she was awarded the prestigious Woman Of The Year title for the city of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo This accolade is a testament to the positive impact she has made in her community When asked if there were any challenges or anything she didn’t like about living in her adopted country I came here and embraced the culture and even learned to accept their tardiness I love everything about living in Mexico.” Sailing into the sunset is appealing to many people and is often on the must-do list of adventures to experience while in Mexico The Picante — a Fountaine Pajot Tahiti to those in the know — is a 75-foot sailing catamaran with a mast height over the water of over 100′ Built specifically for the day charter business it is the perfect choice for the adventurous sea lover It all began when the late Captain Tony Piazza and his wife Claire came to Zihuatanejo at the urgings of Apple Vacations with whom they had a business arrangement to sail charters in Cancun from 1985 The tour company assured them that this part of Mexico was the place to be Their first boat in Zihuatanejo was The Tristar they made an agreement with the owners of another boat and the Piazzas searched for another boat to continue which Piazza and three partners bought in the Caribbean in 2004 sailing through the Panama Canal to Zihuatanejo With the passing of Tony Piazza in April 2023 Claire was in the unenviable position of deciding whether to continue with the business Luckily for the thousands of tourists and locals alike when we met on the pier across the bay from the main beach where the boat docks You can see it nearly everywhere on Playa Municipal with a mixture of foreigners and Mexican tourists One young woman was celebrating her birthday with a fairly large group of friends and there were a couple of local families I recognized as well he went over the customary safety guidelines I chose to sit on the comfortable net where I could be on the lookout for sea life Rios pointed out Bara de Potosi and the white Islands of Potosi — white because of bird poop — and spoke about the bird-watching sanctuary located there and began an interesting narrative starting from the rim of the bay at the Faro Viaje As the high investment in Punta Garrobo’s development came into view he mentioned the infamous Kau Kan Restaurant which had moved there from Ixtapa a few years ago The Picante headed west now towards Ixtapa passing by a beautiful beach known as Playa Majahua and the Caves of the Majahua “It’s too risky and we could get sucked into the rocks.” The sun began a slow but spectacular descent to the music of Andres Botticelli’s “Perfect Symphony.” As the rays dipped below the horizon to appreciative cheers from everyone aboard the energetic and very entertaining staff sprang into action offering a meal service consisting of a light dinner of chicken along with an open bar serving a variety of drinks The Picante quickly turned inside the Bay of Ixtapa and headed straight to the islands and Cormorants swooped in and around Torrecillas Island and where we were able to witness the phenomenon of one of two blow holes in Mexico (a blow hole is formed as sea caves grow landward and upward into a vertical shaft which can result in hydraulic compression of seawater that then releases through a port from the top of the blowhole) the ever-changing music changed to upbeat Latin pop and requisite tequila bottles the crew was pouring tequila straight from the bottle into the open mouths of willing participants and encouraged by onlookers to chant the costumes donned by the staff and the tequila all added to the festive atmosphere of the cruise “We want to make sure you have a great time on The Picante we want to make sure it is a special experience for you.” In addition to the breathtaking sunset tours The Picante also offers snorkelling and whale-watching tours you can try their Spinnaker Flying Adventure a unique experience where you get into a harness connected to an A-line and the spinnaker fills up with wind and pulls you up about 25 to 30 feet high you shimmy to the end of the line to a waiting crew in the water below It’s an adventure that’s sure to get your heart racing The Picante offers several other options of interest is perfect for private charters for weddings “It has been used by the city of Zihuatanejo for promotional events and even rented by people spreading the ashes of loved ones.” said Piazza “We participate in two of the city’s known charity events as well the annual Sailfest and Guitarfest held annually in Zihuatanejo in the months of February and March respectively.” Information on the sunset cruise, as well as everything else they offer, can be found on their website The writer divides her time between Canada and Zihuatanejo When Canadian businessman and entrepreneur John Goloni first came to Mexico in October 2020 his life in his home country was rewarding Goloni and his son had started a healthcare charity that supplied CAD $15 million (US $11.1 million) of hearing aids to underprivileged people in Canada when the Canadian government discontinued the program after several successful years Goloni knew it was time to concentrate on his health issues and decided to move to Mexico He chose the beautiful beach towns of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo in the state of Guererro “The change in my life’s circumstances caused me to reevaluate everything about my life in Canada Weighing all the pros and cons was a no-brainer for me I felt there was a much richer life and more beautiful people in Mexico With a background in research and a sincere desire to change Goloni stumbled across a YouTube video extolling the benefits of adding avocado seeds to one’s diet Although avocados are well known as a superfood for their fat content Goloni’s interest was piqued when he learned that the fruit’s seed packs its biggest health punch He decided to try it and started by going to several pozole restaurants in the area Goloni began experiencing benefits such as improved digestion a boosted immune system and reduced inflammation “The changes were incredible,” he says “and I experienced remarkable health benefits: My back pain and numbness in my right leg disappeared All my blood markers improved significantly and I even avoided taking prescribed statins and metformin My blood markers were better than ever during my last visit to the doctor in Canada I’ve lost over 70 pounds since I got here.” Goloni’s journey led him to a profound realization: “While avocados are recognized for their nutritional value packed with health benefits that are yet to be fully explored.” Several cities in the state of Michoacán have declared themselves the ‘avocado capital of the world’.” Mexico is the world’s largest producer of avocados with an annual production of 2.5 million metric tonnes representing around 30% of world production With Michoacán growers a few hours away from Zihuatanejo the proximity of supply was also a bonus to Golloni’s plans Turning avocado seeds into powder is a process in itself they must be dried in the sun at up to 45 F for four hours Goloni plans on installing solar beds and using solar dehydrators in the future The third step is to peel the husk and split the seed before placing it in the sun or dehydrator for eight to 12 hours “The husk in itself is very nutritious,” Goloni says Researchers at the University of California are testing it now as a cancer-fighting agent.” The final step before shipping out through a logistics company he is currently in talks with is to pulverize the seeds “I am selling out at the local eco-tianguis market and a small cafe in another local market,” says Goloni who does all the processing in his kitchen “Building a facility in Michoacán to handle the expansion will create jobs Videos of a crocodile wading in the surf and swimming near a beach in Ixtapa prompting local officials to issue a crocodile warning The videos were taken Wednesday at El Palmar Beach in Ixtapa’s main hotel zone, about 3 kilometers away from where an animal attack just off the shore killed one person and severely injured another two weeks earlier Authorities in the resort area of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo responded to the videos by warning about the presence of crocodiles who live in the area’s mangrove swamps and lagoons there is a small wildlife/crocodile reserve located near Quieta Beach where a Belgian tourist staying at the adjacent Club Med Ixtapa Pacific resort was killed Dec The type of animal that killed him has yet to be specified by local officials according to the husband of the woman who was severely injured in another attack moments later In a detailed email sent to Mexico News Daily that included grisly photos of his wife’s injuries Mark Maerowitz of California said he wanted to “put an end to what seems to be an effort to obscure the truth in favor of preserving revenue.” a nurse practitioner at the Veterans Administration in Los Angeles and estimated the shark’s size to be at least two meters.” The shark’s “razor-sharp teeth” cut through his “wife’s skin like a scalpel and you can see the radius of the bite,” he added noting that “this information was given to multiple emergency personnel.” which are often seen in this area of Guerrero The specimen Wednesday was reported to be 3 meters in length The municipality’s Ecology Department issued a six-point list of “General Recommendations for Crocodile Sightings.” One of them is to maintain a body-length distance from the crocodile “Do not approach or stay close if you notice the presence of a crocodile,” the warning states move calmly toward deeper water and leave the area.” It also warns to avoid “risky hours” at night or very early morning do not sleep or nap on beaches in crocodile areas and mind your pets was bitten — “which severed the femoral artery” in one of his legs “and by the time they dragged him to shore he had already died,” Maerowitz wrote — Quieta Beach in Ixtapa’s secondary hotel zone was closed for a few days but then reopened for the holiday period Zihuatanejo Mayor Jorge Sánchez Allec said an analysis would be conducted to determine if it was a shark or crocodile With reports from El Universal and EFE Canadians urged to be cautious when travelling in Mexico Canadians told to 'exercise a high degree of caution' in Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnappings Canadians told to “exercise a high degree of caution” in Mexico The Canadian government urges travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution” in Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnappings are high throughout Mexico,” according to travel advice provided by the Canadian government When the government tells travellers to exercise a high degree of caution it means there are certain safety and security concerns to consider monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities,” reads the government’s explanation of the risk level Petty crime, organized crime, including drug cartels, spiked food or drinks, armed robbery, carjackings, assault and police corruption, are some of the risks travellers could face when travelling in Mexico the Canadian government reports there have been violent clashes between rival armed groups in Culiacán “Armed groups have stopped vehicles on the highway from Culiácan to Mazatlán and other major roads,” the government’s travel advice reads Mazatlán or their surrounding areas you should exercise extreme caution monitor local media for the latest information and follow the instructions of local authorities Despite Mexican authorities’ efforts to protect major tourist destinations incidents of violent crime still occur in major cities – including popular tourist areas and resorts Fighting between criminal gangs and cartels has taken place in restaurants “Innocent bystanders have been injured or killed,” the Canadian government warns “You may be in the wrong place at the wrong time and become a victim of violent crime.” The Canadian government warns travellers to avoid non-essential travel to some areas in Mexico due to high levels of violence and organized crime If the Canadian government warns against non-essential travel to certain areas it means your safety and security could be at risk “You should think about your need to travel to this country territory or region based on family or business requirements knowledge of or familiarity with the region and other factors,” reads the government’s explanation of the risk level think about whether you really need to be there The Canadian government tells people to avoid non-essential travel to the following areas: Check out more information on travel advice and travel advisories concerning Mexico from the Canadian government Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Mexican low-cost airline Volaris and Spanish airline Iberia signed a codeshare agreement to expand air connectivity between Spain and Mexico This agreement marks the first time that Volaris partners with a European airline The partnership will expand the Spanish airline’s reach to 25 national destinations within the Volaris network “By signing this codeshare agreement with Iberia, we are providing passengers with a greater variety of options to explore Mexico,” Executive President of Volaris Holger Blankenstein said in a statement Iberia operates three daily flights to Mexico City The route is served exclusively by the fleet’s largest aircraft this plane is the most eco-efficient in Iberia’s fleet an Iberia code will apply on flights operated by Volaris between the aforementioned 25 destinations and Mexico City where passengers will connect with an Iberia flight to Europe This seeks to streamline the booking process ensuring operational efficiency simplifying processes and reducing complications for both parties we are reaffirming our commitment to Mexico one of our main markets,” said María Jesús López Solás we’ll offer better connectivity to all customers who travel to Mexico with Iberia while helping passengers from Mexico travel to Europe in a more comfortable and efficient way.”  The codeshare agreement will also allow for greater integration of schedules and more fluid connections ensuring minimal wait times and smooth transitions between flights The codeshare flights between the two airlines could start operating as early as July pending approval by authorities in Mexico and Spain Founded in 2005, Volaris is Mexico’s largest airline it transported 33.4 million passengers — 7.9% more than in 2022 Security has improved in the popular Guerrero tourist destination of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and the mayor wants the United States to know about it Mayor Jorge Sánchez announced that his administration plans to work on having a U.S He explained that coordinated efforts by the local state and federal governments have obtained good results in terms of security for the Pacific coast destination Department of State classifies Guerrero as a Level 4 destination which means “do not travel there” due to crime “Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero,” the warning reads “Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers government employees may not travel to the entire state of Guerrero Sánchez said no expense will be spared in achieving his goal including arranging meetings with officials at the United States embassy in Mexico City as well as with their counterparts in the Mexican embassy in Washington “We are planning a trip where the federal state and municipal governments will work hand-in-hand,” said the mayor adding that while insecurity is a nationwide problem there is good coordination among security forces in his municipality A special security operation is scheduled to start Friday for the two-week-long Easter vacation Source: ABC de Zihuatanejo (sp) ShareSaveCommentLifestyleTravelA Mexico Getaway That’s The Stuff Of DreamsByRebecca Deurlein Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights Rebecca Deurlein is an award-winning travel writer.Follow AuthorJun 19 08:00am EDTShareSaveCommentPanoramic view of the bay More Charles/AGF/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Remember in Shawshank Redemption when Tim Robbins talked about his fantasy of escaping to Zihuatanejo this hamlet in southern Mexico has been known as the town Morgan Freeman couldn’t pronounce but still would have been happy to run off to It turns out that the real Zihuatanejo is within reach and is even better than the fantasy and brimming with some truly outstanding food And unlike its heavily tourist-filled counterparts in Cancun Zihuatanejo still feels like an authentic Mexican small town fly directly into Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport it’s a 19-minute drive to the center of town and hub of activity If you prefer to head directly to the beach Public taxis are not allowed on airport grounds; instead find the taxis labeled Transporte Terrestre just outside Arrivals A private taxi will run you about $32 into town check with your hotel – many offer airport shuttles as part of your stay The open-air lobby of Thompson Zihuatanejo Do you want to be part of the action or are you looking to sip margaritas beachside this luxurious but unstuffy resort offers a little something for everyone You can choose a private lagoon suite with its own plunge pool a swim-up suite where you can take a refreshing dip right off your patio or a garden suite that feels like you are in the middle of a jungle Each swim-up suite offers an outdoor shower in that jungle The Thompson’s food is so good and so diverse that if you never left the resort you’d stay a week before duplicating a meal Special events like beach barbecues take it to the next level with freshly caught snapper grilled in banana leaves and the most succulent lobster tails you’ll ever taste There’s live music on the beach each night and dangling lights that reflect off the waves If you prefer your own place a bit away from it all, rent designer Betsey Johnson’s Airbnb. Betseyvilla is a 4-bedroom estate that can house your family color Johnson is known for make this stay entirely unique an on-call kitchen staff that can whip you up a gourmet dinner Mexico Guerrero Zihuatanejo View along the shoreline of Playa la Ropa lined with palm trees (Photo by: Eye Ubiquitous/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) The beach also offers endless activities – volleyball you’ll be entertained by the fishermen collecting clams and oysters to take home for dinner Beach Playa Principal in Zihuatanejo harbour where you’ll see sea turtles and manta rays and one of the best vantage points is on a kayak on the lagoon but they make a beautiful backdrop from your seat in the saddle Or delve into history at La Chole archeological site Much mystery surrounds this estimated 3,000-year-old site that is still being excavated Visit the pyramid here that was likely a ceremonial site and the museum that explores the history that is emerging as more of the structure is uncovered but people-watching in this fishing village is entertainment enough Travel tip: Bringing home a wet swimsuit, smelly workout clothes, and dirty laundry? Slip everything into a Stnky Bag a new washable sports bag that keeps dirties away from clean Sign In Register Canada continues to advise travellers not to visit certain regions of Mexico following a new U.S Level four advisories are issued when travellers are advised to avoid all travel to cities Consulate states that it is aware of "increasingly frequent gun battles in and around Reynosa." Additionally the Tamaulipas state issued a warning advising people not to touch improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and to avoid travelling on dirt roads Criminal organizations frequently use these devices in the region.  The American advisory also notes that "gun battles and sexual assault" are common in the state Criminal groups also target buses and vehicles Canada also advises travellers against all "non-essential" travel to the Tamaulipas state This warning is below the U.S.'s current advisory warning against all travel. Canada's highest security advisory is "avoid all travel."  The Canadian government has also issued the avoid all "non-essential" advisory to the following states and regions due to violence and organized crime:  Both Canada and the United States advise travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in the entire country due to the ongoing high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.  The Canadian government warns of increased violence and tensions on the borders of Mexico and the United States Confrontations between organized criminal groups and Mexican security forces can lead to shootouts, attacks and illegal roadblocks Travellers should travel by air instead of by vehicle to avoid being involved in a dangerous situation and only use official border crossings.  Canada has also recently warned of violent clashes between rival armed groups in Culiacán Mazatlán and their surrounding areas Travellers in these areas should practice the following safety precautions: particularly in popular tourist areas or during crowded festivals or protests. Remain vigilant in buses and the Mexico City metro system. Many robberies happen at airports even a "minor" one such as smoking outside a public building or public urination Penalties for breaking the law in Mexico can be more severe than in Canada Travellers can be held in pre-trial detention for 72 hours before a trial Mexican authorities have made efforts to protect major tourist destinations resulting in lower levels of gang-related violence in these areas Some popular destinations for Metro Vancouver travellers include the Mayan Riveria However, travellers to popular tourist areas should still keep safety top of mind particularly alone or to less busy areas.  Travellers should be wary of accepting drinks or food from new acquaintances and never leave items unattended or in the care of strangers They can also order drinks in sealed bottles or cans instead of in plastic cups In some cases, hotel employees, taxi drivers and security personnel at popular tourist destinations have physically or sexually assaulted Canadian travellers. Victims of sexual violence should consult the Government of Canada and the British Embassy in Mexico City Tourists to Mexico for trips less than 180 days must get a Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) or Tourist Card Keep this card on you at all times as legal proof of your legal stay Canadians should always register trips they take online before they leave so that the government can contact them in an emergency. Passports and other important documents should always be kept secure Travellers should avoid showing signs of affluence including wearing flashy jewellery and designer brands Find more information about exciting destinations in B.C. and across the globe, as well as travel deals and tips, by signing up for V.I.A.'s weekly travel newsletter The Wanderer. Since travel deals can sell out, find out the day they are posted by signing up for our daily Travel Deals newsletter. Want to learn more about a specific destination or have a travel concern or idea you would like V.I.A. to write about? Email us at [email protected] Send us stories about recent holidays that you've been on or if you have any tips you think our readers should know about.  An adventure-loving mother finds halcyon days with her children in unexpected places Marissa Hermer is a Los Angeles-based entrepreneur and restauranteur behind Boujis Group (The Draycott and Olivetta) In a July 3 story “New Coachella Mural will celebrate ‘sister city’ Mexicali,” The Desert Sun wrote that Coachella and Cathedral City have sister cities in Mexico and Palm Desert has a sister city relationship with Gisborne New Zealand We recently celebrated our 40th anniversary with Gisborne This year we will celebrate our 20th anniversary with our sister city of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo hospital equipment and medical supplies to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo in collaboration with Palm Desert/Riverside County Fire Department some 1,500 Mexican firefighters have been trained Similar training programs for lifeguards in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo resulted in significant reductions in drownings culture and education in partnership with various organizations in Palm Desert and Coachella Valley Information about our award winning Sister Cities program can be found on our website: http://www.palmdesertsistercities.org History will judge Supreme Court judges like Clarence Thomas harshly It’s impossible to treat a person with a case before your court impartially while you are living like a sultan on his nickel Meritocracy is what countsThe Supreme Court got it right Wade – back to the states where it belongs And Affirmative Action – you get into college based on grades and participation and school activities Race should not have anything to do with it Even athletic scholarships must have a good grade equivalent and if they don't maintain it It's called meritocracy and our country has lost it show me a university that states it must have a certain percentage of white You don't make it in this world because we feel sorry for you Yet another Supreme Court blunderIn my opinion the Supreme Court has blundered again – see Students for Fair Admissions v To counter a powerful social label that negatively affects one’s identity states ratified the 14th Amendment guaranteeing equal protection of law and due process because whiteness is normal – the default setting in American social relationships Even if the Constitution is viewed to be colorblind (highly debatable) there is no bar to rectifying the stigmatization attached to the historical condition of slavery and the corruption of blood which some minorities continue to struggle against Race-conscious decision-making processes in college admissions is a means to achieve ethnic diversity The logical consequence of greater ethnic diversity is increased equal protection of the law It is no more unjust to practice affirmative action than it is to impose handicaps on golfers and racehorses While food tours — or as some people call them “foodie tours” — are nothing new to experienced travelers they are relatively new to the popular Mexican resort destination Ixtapa- Zihuatanejo in Guerrero Zanca Travelers tour company owners Vidal Reyes and Sandy Thompson wanted to bring something a little different to Zihuatanejo while promoting local family restaurants Although the area is home to several annual food events — the Paella Festival the couple felt a lack of  food-related activities that tourists visiting the area could access year-round knew the cuisine in this part of Mexico was exceptional The restaurants chosen for their Regional Dishes Of The Costa Grande Gastronomical Tour — some of the finest family-owned-and-operated restaurants in the area — had to meet specific criteria: originality Some of the restaurant choices were owned by families Reyes had known all his life growing up here Having experienced food tours in Spain and Canada I was anxious to see how it would compare to the tours I am a fan of After picking up the group of 10 in an air-conditioned luxury van This is a local favorite (with me as well) celebrity chef Rick Bayless heaped tweets of praise on owner Carmelita González’s amazing cooking skills despite the fact that she was not a trained chef but a natural-born one whose humble beginnings were at a stand at the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo airport many years ago and who specialized in cooking her mother and grandmother’s recipes including a jalapeño margarita that everyone agreed was delicious First up were tacos dorados de pollo (chicken tacos) accompanied by a bed of guacamole and followed by perhaps the best ribs I have ever tasted Paco talked about the restaurant’s history and some of the most important food in the region our guides cautioned that there were still three more stops So we reluctantly crawled into the van to our next location this time a hole-in-the-wall taco stand on the main drag in downtown Zihuatanejo the Escobar family made the bold move of keeping their stand open 24 hours a day which made it a huge hit with late-night partiers taxi operators — basically anyone out late at night I have driven past this taquería thousands of times in my nearly 26 years living here and I never once noticed it as anything remarkable one taste of the two kinds of tacos we were offered — tacos al pastor and barbacoa — and I knew that La Flechita Roja taquería would be my go-to taco stand forever The method of preparing and cooking al pastor is based on the lamb shawarma brought to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants but La Flechita’s owners make a pork version and people crowded around the lunch-style counter on benches lined the wooden structure as best they could it made for a very cozy and authentic atmosphere the chef insisted we stand behind the grill for a photo-op with him Our van wound its way through the streets to another hidden gem in the colonia of La Noria for a fantastic view of the Bay of Zihuatanejo a little restaurant featuring only a few tables and a bar with high-top stools gave the impression of being cut out into the rocks mere feet from the street Owner Socorro Agueda was on hand to greet us while one of her family members gave a quick lesson on making tiritas (strips) slid down our throats — probably among the best preparations I had ever tasted — and were washed down with ice-cold beers Definitely worth another trip in the future The final leg of our tour was this well-known restaurant located close to Zihua’s Cancha — the municipal basketball court located right on the waterfront mezcal is an important drink at this restaurant and we were offered two different kinds to go with our food dishes The first was a mezcal infused with hibiscus The second was a mezcalina that complimented the corn tortilla and special guacamole just when we thought we could not eat another bite our waiter served a delicious pork shank followed by a specialty cornbread for dessert Owner Felipe Meneses was on hand to explain the pairings and to give a little history of the restaurant itself The Meneses family owns several restaurants and is well-known for their commitment to raising gastronomic awareness of the region through their involvement with events such as Clandestina a series of pop-up fine-dining events held in secret locations around Ixtapa- Zihuatanejo our group of 10 had become quite friendly with each other — a bonus of going on food tours feeling completely satiated and perhaps a little tipsy from the drinks but all in agreement that tours like these are well worth the US $110-per-person price tag MexicoChevron ZihuatanejoChevron This interview is part of The World Made Local a global collaboration between the seven international editions of Condé Nast Traveler in which 100 people in 100 countries tell us why their home turf should be your next destination How would you describe Mexico in your own words There are so many great adjectives that come to mind. Mexico is resilient This is a proud country with a rich history It’s one of my favorite places in town—I probably go twice a week for sunset margaritas and dinner; they have the best fish tacos in town I always recommend driving 25 minutes north of Zihuatanejo to the tiny village of Saladita and taking a surf lesson There’s a really nice long wave there—it’s a perfect place for beginners And what are some all-time-favorite spots? up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world Zihuatanejo has spent considerable time and effort creating a phenomenal bicycle and walking path that connects Zihuatanejo to Ixtapa fitness enthusiasts can enjoy the ease of use on its paved deep red asphalt Luis Pelayo (Poto) and his partner Julita Trzaska the owners of Zihuatanejo Dive Center for the last 11 years saw this as a business opportunity to expand into the rental of electric bikes was very familiar with electric bikes as they are common in Europe The couple made frequent use of them on vacation trips there and in United States cities like San Francisco Given the extensive trail system developed in Zihuatanejo they felt the area was a natural fit for their venture Already there has already been great feedback and interest — so much so that they will soon add electric scooters (the kind you stand on I had booked several e-bike tours in Spain and Portugal and had thoroughly enjoyed them Julita immediately invited me to take one of their tours the longest being from Zihuatanejo to Playa Linda in Ixtapa — a round trip of 56 km your guide will tell you about their snorkeling tours as well as their diving excursions and surfing lessons you will be able to see surfers testing their skills Another tour takes you from Central Zihuatanejo to Playa La Ropa and higher for fantastic views of the bay and surrounding mountains this tour includes lunch and a swim at a popular local restaurant cyclists can opt for a one-hour massage at the Daisy Spa I chose a shorter version of the first tour one that goes from Zihuatanejo as far as the Ixtapa Marina and back I found it comforting to know that the owners were willing to adjust their tours to suit the customer’s comfort and fitness level so it might take a bit for some riders to catch on to using them The bikes are adjusted to fit and can even accommodate children aged 2–6 with a special seat I have been researching e-bikes as a possible purchase for myself in Canada and was looking forward to trying out the Rad e-bike Zihualetric has I had already decided it had the best reputation and ease of use; it turns out I was right on both counts located across from the pier in the La Noria neighborhood of Zihuatanejo we headed down Cinco de Mayo and past the artisan markets where you can buy handicrafts and souvenirs the site of all community special occasions and Sunday events in town you hop onto the bike path toward Plaza Kioto and then down the trail parallel to the canal The bike path will then take you through El Paraiso We stopped to watch women washing their clothes communally in the streams They good-naturedly gave us permission to take their photo we crossed the main highway through a tunnel that will enable us to hook up to the trail system you are afforded a beautiful view of the area against a stunning azure sky I should mention that although we had already covered at least eight kilometers by this time I found myself almost wishing I had chosen the longer route The electric bike made some of the bigger hills nearly effortless The next leg of the trip took us on a back street called Los Viveros the area boasts some very beautiful condominium complexes and well-maintained homes owned by many Mexicans who keep them for their use or rent them to tourists or people who work in the hotels and restaurants nearby we were able to get over to the road toward the marina where we ogled the yachts docked there in their slips the billionaires Carlos Slim and Bill Gates A short trip from the marina led us to Ixtapa proper where hotels line the beach and many unique shops restaurants and bars sit across the street which Julita said was all part of the tour The way back was mostly downhill and led us over some of the same roads: the women were still in the river washing their clothes an hour and a half later we veered off slightly from the way we had come arriving at the only traffic light of the whole journey and then we were back where we had started I was a little tired but remarkably not sore in the least and felt quite proud of myself • To book a tour with Zihualectric, email them at [email protected]. You can also contact them via Facebook Of the many reasons to visit Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo You can find the incredible food at any number of restaurants that range from burger-selling street carts to mom-and-pop hole-in-the-wall spots to fine dining establishments When it comes to searching for good food in this part of Mexico most people will agree it is nearly impossible to get a bad meal Although Ixtapa is quite different from Zihuatanejo — the former is more resort and hotels while the latter is a bustling community — there is an almost overwhelming choice of places to dine two standouts are Bistro Soleiado in Ixtapa Both say that the restaurant business is in their blood thanks to their family being in the business for a long time Born and raised in North Africa under the French government in Oran they emigrated to Montreal and became Canadian citizens who trained as a chef in Montreal and Mexico City grew tired of Canadian winters and decided to move to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo he worked at several restaurants before opening a few of his own it is safe to say that he is one of the oldest restaurateurs in the area Julian followed his brother to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo in 1999 for much the same reason: to escape the cold He opened the first El Mediterraneo restaurant on the malecón the waterfront walkway closest to the pier but later moved to its current location next to the Catholic church on Cinco de Mayo Although the two brothers’ restaurants are similar in some ways — primarily in that both restaurants specialize in Mediterranean food — the differences in style and menu and décor offer patrons a unique experience at each Bistro Soleiado is mostly an open patio filled with plants with tables under umbrellas or sheltered by a canopy A large replica of the Eiffel Tower at its entrance lights up by night and it is easy to imagine you’re at a sidewalk cafe in Europe for breakfast or a candlelit romantic dinner you will find local musicians playing on a small stage set to one side The restaurant also boasts a small boutique that carries exquisite purses jewelry and various gift items made by Mexican artists The hallway walls are adorned with articles written about Edmond’s restaurant and photos with famous patrons such as Pierce Brosnan (of James Bond fame) and numerous Mexican actors and celebrities which also gives off a definite European vibe The first dining room closest to the street is the perfect place to people-watch while the bar is an excellent spot for a quiet drink or as a place to wait until your table is ready A stunning 3-D print takes up one wall depicting a famous street in Italy’s Lake Como area; it is easy to imagine stepping through it to another time and place The second dining area is breezy and expansive open to the sky and featuring plenty of plants to allow the gentle air to flow through you will find paintings for sale by local artists as well as artist Oscar Armenta and the late Kristy Alopaeus Julian supports the arts and local organizations in various ways presenting a night of opera or showcasing dancers and local musicians throughout the dinner hours Bistro Soleiado (in front of the Hotel Park Royal) and a whole lot of fun–this gorgeous property is a must for those about to say “I do.” Mention you’re heading to Zihuatanejo and cornball dad jokes about Shawshank will ensue (the infamous final beach scene of the classic movie is set in the Mexican beach town). But there is nothing corny or cringe about Thompson Zihuatanejo Lovebirds seem to flock to the gorgeous Hyatt stunner and after one trip makes for a perfect Mexican beach getaway period Far from the bootylicious Spring Break vibes of Cancun or Cabo Zihua is the perfect place to do nothing but relax and the city itself sits on a tranquil inlet Whether you’re newly engaged and looking for an escape from wedding planning madness planning the best bachelorette fiesta of all time or searching for the perfect honeymoon destination They even offer full resort buyout packages for a dreamy and romantic destination wedding Feel the sand beneath your feet and the breeze through your hair yet If you’ve never stayed at a Thompson property before expect Hyatt’s signature grandiosity translated into a boutique-style independent resort nothing about Thompson Zihuatanejo felt generic or copy-pasted from the myriad similar-ish resorts in Mexico a badge that certifies its commitment to safety for the queer community A post shared by Thompson Zihuatanejo (@thompsonzihuatanejo) One of the calling cards of Thompson Zihau is the unique room offerings with simplistic and sleek décor—think Kelly Wearstler’s signature odes to muted tones and textures thanks to all 56 rooms having calming beachfront outlooks and spacious bathrooms are complete with actually good robes and ample vanity space for all your beach holiday staples and native hardwood details feel intentional and thoughtful If you’re looking for a specific vibe to fit your romance-fueled retreat A private balcony leads to an adults-only pool accessible only to those in these private bungalows while still giving you the ability to hit snooze in the comfort of your own room I could shame-free scroll on the patio in my robe thanks to the privacy screens What really put this room over the top though was the outdoor shower—secluded and completely concealed and surrounded by wildflowers I used it almost exclusively throughout my stay Hoping for a steamy honeymoon (or babymoon) escape Opt for the resort’s suites with private plunge pools No one will catch a sneaky peaky of any hanky panky thanks to palms surrounding the perimeter of these lush suites These rooms are also dotted across another section of the resort far from the all-ages pool and in a different section than the swim-up suites They’re also a few hundred square feet larger than the swim-up suites There’s plenty to keep you and whoever you bring with you to Thompson Zihau busy outside of the property’s pools and beachfront access From private cooking classes inspired by regional cuisine to tequila tastings it’s worth it to tack on one of the resort’s bespoke activities I was impressed by the exciting and fresh culinary experience—this resort’s menu isn’t full of random pasta but is an actual representation of local produce with an emphasis on catches-of-the-day (if you see lobster available during your stay I’m still lusting after a pulled pork risotto I inhaled on night one Look out for fun pop-up culinary events like Humo a wood-fired feast of local flavors that meets classic American grill culture If you’re wandering from the bar to the spa back to your room chances are you’ll catch a waft of something delicious Spa services are pretty standard and across the board and while the services were by no means so-so and spa itself could be a bit more reflective of the overall vibe of the resort So you’re searching for an incredible location for your destination wedding not only for the aforementioned reasons above but because after you book you’re free to focus on bigger issues (like explaining to Grandma why she can’t wear a hot pink glitter fascinator on your big day) A post shared by Thompson Zihuatanejo (@thompsonzihuatanejo) Planning a wedding at the resort is truly easy-breezy thanks to their comprehensive resort buy-out packages Thompson can even throw in special touches like a mariachi band The resort requires at least 80% of your guests to stay at the resort but that means you can go as big or small as you’d like on the guest list Packages start at $219 per person—well worth it for a wedding where guests can stumble back to their rooms Based on their rates and the total experience you receive at Thompson Zihuatanejo, the price tag (rooms start around $449 per night) is excellent, especially for splurgy (hopefully once-in-a-lifetime) romantic experiences like honeymoons and weddings. Thompson Zihuatanejo also accepts World of Hyatt rewards and points, so if you aren’t already a member, start racking up some points toward check-in today ShareSaveLifestyleTravelMexico's Best Kept Secret Is Still A Little-Known Paradise On The PacificByRob Reed and various ways to drive fastFollow AuthorOct 15 11:00am EDTShareSaveThis article is more than 5 years old.Playa La Ropa Playa La Ropa is the perfect tropical beach Its soft sand is met with warm water and mellow waves breaking in shallow water which diminishes the force of Pacific swells with peninsulas at each point that just about cut it off from the ocean unless the swell is aimed squarely at the mouth of the bay My wife and I tied the knot on Playa La Ropa in October of 2003 a cacophony of crashing waves was making its way up the beach where we partied with 50 of our closest friends and family It was romantic and magical and slightly bacchanalian With temperatures in the high 80s and serious humidity everyone was drenched in sweat from dancing it was only natural to go for a swim in the ocean Actual photo of my memory from our reception (2003) Our reception was quickly reduced to a frenzy of intoxicated people running down the beach in various states of stripping naked those gentle waves that barely supported body surfing during the day had grown to a couple feet overhead and what we couldn’t see due to the lights pointing back at us This left a two-foot ledge just past the dry sand View from the Presidential Suite infinity pool (2003) As we and our dear wedding guests sprinted toward the water the ground suddenly disappeared from under us I still vividly recall being momentarily airborne and then landing rather violently shoulder first into the wet sand Others were suffering a similar fate all around me hitting the beach with a splat...splat...splat the sand and tequila cushioned my fall enough to quickly get up and make it to the water Fast forward to the spring of 2019. As my wife and I check-in to the newly remodeled Thompson Zihuatanejo for a vacation with our two daughters (12 and 9 years old) we’re greeted by many of the same staff who worked at our wedding and witnessed that spontaneous portion of our reception 15 years ago Many things about this destination have changed in that time but Playa La Ropa and the superb local staff are two of the constants that make this small luxury hotel Mexico’s best-kept secret The 2019 remodel and site of the 2003 wedding reception is most known for its role in one of the greatest movies of all time: Shawshank Redemption If you’re escaping from a corrupt and sadistic prison in Maine there is no better place to end up than Playa La Ropa Part of its allure is that the tourist horde still hasn’t discovered it unlike the fates of its more popular counterparts to the north (Puerto Vallarta One of the reasons my wife and I chose Zihua for our wedding is that we’d both been there prior to meeting one another We connected over what a truly special (and secret) place it is The new swim-up suites are the biggest addition to the hotel in 15 years The flight from Los Angeles to Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo is about three-and-a-half hours But the sense you get after landing and driving 20 minutes to the hotel where you’re greeted with a smile and a margarita is that you’ve travelled half-way around the world Breathing the tropical air is like taking a muscle relaxer laced with an aphrodisiac No margarita in the States can ever taste this good HAO is the primary restaurant for breakfast My wedding took place at the original hotel the property was acquired and became The Tides Zihuatanejo the premier property on Playa La Ropa was partially remodeled and officially became Thompson Zihuatanejo this luxury hotel has changed hands at least three times in the past 15 years This might be a sign that it’s a tough business to run The view from the Presidential Suite is trapped in time (2003) There are direct nonstop flights from only a few US cities Alaska Airlines offers flights from LAX on certain days (The alternative is flying through Mexico City which I do not recommend.) If those days are Tuesdays and Fridays four or seven nights with no option for a three-day weekend the outbound flight is typically at 9:30am which limits connections from other cities Contrast this with several daily nonstop flights to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta from most major cities and it makes sense why Zihua is still a secret the superb guest experience stayed in tact When returning in the years after our wedding The breakfast and lunch menus were unchanged and the same key staff members were there to make it feel like a second home The Thompson represents an evolution of the property and the experience beach-level suite with a private infinity pool and expansive patio that walks right onto Playa La Ropa It’s no exaggeration to suggest this is one of the best hotel rooms in all of Mexico You fall asleep and wake up to the sound of the waves crashing The palapa where you’ll spend most of the day a fresh pot of coffee with pastries is waiting on the patio at your requested time (This was previously a default amenity but now must be requested.) This particular beach suite was not part of the remodel and remains as it was in 2003 The restaurants, on the other hand, are entirely new. Ceniza is a romanic dinner spot that features wood-fired dishes from Chef Miguel Baltazar under a thatched open-air palapa or else tables set up right on the beach HAO is located at the main bar/pool/beach and offers all-day dining The breakfasts have always been spectacular at the hotel and HAO continues this tradition with a simple-yet-modern menu including a variety of bowls Lunch is best served to your palapa on the beach where a table is setup behind your lounge chairs And the big night for dinner is Friday’s Grill Out The beach in front of HAO transforms into a marketplace-like setting with dishes ranging from chargrilled oysters and lobster tacos to roasted bone marrow with beef carpaccio and cauliflower and eggplant wraps It’s a sensory overload as the sun sets on the bay and you attempt to sample as many flavors as possible Prime season for Zihuatanejo starts in November and runs through April The months of October and May can also be good if the weather cooperates i.e There truly is no reason to leave the Thompson other than potentially a dinner at Casa Que Canta which is located at the far end of Playa La Ropa is to workout in the gym in the morning followed by deep relaxation and reading on the beach Not to mention siesta spa treatments and spontaneous skinny dipping when the sun goes down Home - Archive - Mex High Flight Releases Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Airport for MSFS For those looking to discover the Pacific Ocean coast of Mexico can now take off from a hand-crafted version of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Airport (MMZH) for Microsoft Flight Simulator The airport in West Mexico sees over 600,000 visitors… The airport in West Mexico sees over 600,000 visitors per year from various locations in the world Alaska and American airlines serve the airport from a variety of US cities whilst VivaAerobus and Aeromar provide regular services to Mexico City The airport features a single 2,500m runway with a handful of parking spots for various aircraft sizes has recreated the airport using detailed 3D objects based on airport photography and details with various buildings nearby recreated for those visual approaches the team says that the airport is friendly on performance with an accurate AFCAD profile enabling simmers to have correct ground layout and markings You can buy Mex High Flight’s Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Airport for Microsoft Flight Simulator from simMarket for €11.00. ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " It is a given that everyone deserves an education but the reality in Mexico is that not everyone truly has access to public education That was the case of a community of people who work and live at the Zihuatanejo city dump people who live hidden away from the rest of the world Families who live at the landfill exist among piles of trash eking out a living selling things they find there or redeeming recyclable bottles education for the children there was nonexistent for years That might still be the case today if it were not for the intervention of a group of people who decided to improve the children’s lives It all began in 2011 when a tourist from Chicago booked a vacation at the Azul Ixtapa hotel he brought along a suitcase of clothes he and his family had outgrown with the idea to donate them to a worthy cause took him up a dirt road that led to the dump Lemon was shocked to find that none of the children there went to school He started by asking the hotel to pour a concrete slab and he sent money to construct the first building for the school Sandoval agreed to donate her time because she knew that the children were a source of income for their families as scavengers and that unless they had an education adult life in the landfill would be their destiny if someone didn’t step in Sandoval opened the city dump’s first school with books and materials she already had and only five initial enrollees She quickly realized she might attract more students if she had a lunch program This decision swelled her numbers to almost 20 she hauled food cooked in her kitchen down the long dusty road between her house and the dump and taught as many students as happened to show up that day So Sandoval approached the Fort Garry Evangelical Mennonite church in Winnipeg and asked them to build her a kitchen at the site so that she would no longer have to haul the food every day The group had finished a project at a senior home outside of El Coacoyul a community in the municipality of Zihuatanejo so the group’s leader Sid Reimer told Sandoval that they were interested would look at the idea after returning the next year Impressed by what Sandoval had accomplished by the time the group was back in town it decided to build her the kitchen — and stocked it too a bathroom for the smaller children and one for the older kids In appreciation to the Canadian group for making their dream a reality Sandoval named the school Escuela Nueva Manitoba en México (the New Manitoba School in Mexico) Sandoval was forced to retire due to ill health brought on by a massive fire at the dump that burned for nearly two years and created toxic fumes affecting her lungs many others have gotten involved to lighten the load and improve conditions and the quality of education offered People like John McKay and his late wife Joan each pay for a teacher’s salary and provide a meal once a month Others purchase items like school uniforms area church organizations lend their support and raise much-needed funds to keep the school operational as enrollment fluctuates between 80 to 100 students who teaches around 20 students in pre-kindergarten and kindergarten the staff has acquired two other teachers: Violet for grades 1 We toured the dark but extremely well-built wood classrooms for the next half hour or so orderly behavior of the students impressed me Each teacher seemed to have their classrooms engaged although we tried to disrupt the class as little as possible well-stocked and bustling with several cheerfully industrious volunteer moms who made sure food was prepared and ready on time two cars pulled up the road and unloaded what appeared to be a group of tourists but was a cohort of dentists and assistants from Olympia The group has volunteered its time for many years giving free dental care to the children of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and in outlying areas the group was a welcome sight for the school she and the team had seen over 80 children at the school and more from another One of the biggest hurdles the school has faced in addition to the constant search for funds is that it is not accredited by the state and thus receives no financial aid the staff hopes to hire two more fully certified teachers to fill their growing need to achieve accreditation they will need to pay the new teachers with only the money they can raise themselves Zihuatanejo Mayor Jorge Sánchez’s government has assisted the school has generously provided materials at a great discount some local businesses have been generous in hosting over the years The second hurdle is expanding the school to beyond grade six very few students attempted to further their education at schools in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo For children never exposed to the outside world — even though it is just a few miles away — the transition was difficult some of it due to bullying and generally the inability to fit in All of them returned to their community within the year another school in La Puerta now has 16 students in higher grades who have graduated from Escuela Nueva Manitoba Sponsoring a student will cost you around US $350 per year for primary schooling the price goes to $575 for university tuition Often several families will sponsor one child “Financial donations are best,” McKay says “Where to put it all is the main issue,” he says “Sometimes we give things away that we can’t use ourselves Money allows us to put the [donation] toward our needs at the time — our monthly food bill [which] is at 8,000 pesos and counting.” Acapulco was especially hard hit by the storm Hurricane Otis, the second Category 5 hurricane tracked in the Pacific Ocean this year, made landfall near Acapulco on October 25 with winds up to 165 miles per hour—the first tracked hurricane in the Pacific to make landfall at Category 5 intensity the storm was forecast to be a weak tropical storm The hurricane rapidly strengthened in a process that meteorologists call explosive intensification The official death toll from the storm is 48 Some residents affected by the storm grumbled that the State of Guerrero’s emergency services focused on the tourist-focused areas of the city Acapulco’s International Airport is closed except for charter flights transporting evacuating tourists to Mexico City have issued travel waivers for passengers wishing to rebook their travel to a later date The U.S. State Department has closed its consular office in Acapulco until further notice. U.S. citizens in Acapulco in need of consular services are instructed to contact the embassy in Mexico City for assistance. The embassy has also published a list of shelters available in the city citizens who wish to evacuate Acapulco should contact the U.S Embassy for assistance booking a seat on an evacuation flight or bus to Mexico City Local officials report that the main tourist strip in Acapulco had been cleared of debris as of Sunday but the British Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to the city (the U.S and Canadian governments advised against travel to Acapulco before the hurricane) famously popular as a glamorous resort destination since the 1960s had declined in popularity with international visitors since the 1990s due to cartel-related crime it remained popular with Mexican and some European vacationers State Department advised against travel to the state government employees from traveling to Guerrero The Government of Canada also advises against travel to Guerrero although there are no ships scheduled until early November Ships from Norwegian and Oceania Cruises are scheduled to visit Acapulco in early November but cruise lines may skip the port or find an alternative should the city not be ready for visitors by that time The British Foreign Office reports widespread damage from Acapulco north to Zihuatanejo noting that there have been reports of looting and robbery given scarce supplies of food and water Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has ordered the National Guard to the state to set up checkpoints in Acapulco and surrounding areas to deter looting The Foreign Office also notes that further flash floods and mudslides following the immense amount of rain dumped on the region are possible and some buildings may not be structurally sound Acapulco is the only large community with tourist traffic to be affected by Hurricane Otis Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Airport is open to normal flight activity and resorts in the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo corridor are open for visitors but travelers should contact their resorts for a status update prior to departing State Departments travel warnings for Mexico was on August 22 The State Department rates the following Mexican states issued for greater likelihood of life-threatening risks government officials may have very limited ability to assist citizens in these states in cases of emergency or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so Always check the depth of the pool before you dive in and make sure there isn’t a crocodile lurking beneath the surface That could be good advice for residents and tourists in certain parts of Mexico given that a crocodile was found in a pool at a luxury beachfront development in Zihuatanejo The croc reportedly made its way to the pool from the Playa Blanca estuary located about 20 kilometers southeast of the city of Zihuatanejo The reptile — approximately two meters long according to one report — was removed by Civil Protection personnel who returned the specimen to its natural habitat Before they were called to coax the croc out of the pool “the unexpected presence” of the reptile surprised tourists and workers at the residential complex Crocodiles are seen frequently in Zihuatanejo and nearby areas although sightings in swimming pools are not common At least nine have been seen outside their natural habitat this week Earlier this week, a crocodile (or caiman according to some reports) attacked three members of a family including an 11-year-old boy at Playa Linda in Ixtapa located around eight kilometers northwest of Zihuatanejo They were treated in hospital for injuries to various parts of their bodies but the boy — who was bitten on his head and arms — and his parents all survived In December, local officials issued a crocodile warning after videos of one wading in the surf and swimming near a beach in Ixtapa went viral Earlier the same month, a 76-year-old Belgian man died after he was attacked by either a shark or a crocodile at a beach in the same location Intern Emma Weissmann is on a press trip to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Mexico, to see what the area has to offer. Her third of three dispatches follows. Read her first and second dispatches Patricia Talley began her vacation in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo While studying international business at the University of Michigan Talley was required to complete an extended stay abroad and she planned to spend one year in Acapulco before returning to her home in Chicago Talley's plans changed drastically when Hurricane Pauline made landfall in October 1997 She ended up about 150 miles from Acapulco in the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo area "I had never heard of [Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo] Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo was "small but had absolutely everything of a big community Talley became heavily involved in the local community and began to promote Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo as a hot spot for English-speaking tourists "I always tell folks that if we can't make friends with our own next-door neighbors how do we think we're going to go globally anywhere else?" Talley said " [The U.S.] has a growing Hispanic population and is next door to a Latin American country After working in three restaurants and establishing her own bed-and-breakfast Talley created and distributed bilingual training manuals to hotel and restaurant workers in the area teaching the employees in the service industry "how to be a waiter -- in English -- a maid Talley also wrote newsletters for the guests staying in her B&B once writing about the property no longer satisfied her an online magazine devoted to promoting Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo as a tourist attraction "And if you're a tourist destination and you're carrying an image of violence We are taking assertive action to make sure people know that we are a peaceful community." director of the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Convention and Visitors Bureau and owner of La Quinta Troppo hotel in Zihuatanejo "Mexico is as safe or unsafe as you make it in your mind," Kraft wrote in an email People in this country are family-oriented Authorities have arrested eight suspected extortioners in Zihuatanejo where threats by criminals forced the closure of at least 20 Oxxo convenience stores this week Guerrero police collaborated with federal and municipal authorities on an operation that resulted in the alleged criminals being taken into custody “They’re extorting Oxxo stores,” said state Security Minister Evelio Méndez Gómez referring to the eight people who were detained Extortion threats shut down at least 20 Oxxo stores in Zihuatanejo and the nearby resort town of Ixtapa the news website Animal Político reported Wednesday An additional three Oxxos closed in the neighboring municipality of Petatlán The closures came after an armed man entered a Zihuatanejo Oxxo last Sunday and demanded money The employees reportedly told the man that they couldn’t give him the money he was asking for because it was in a safe they couldn’t access The armed individual subsequently shot and wounded one of the workers Extortion has become a recurring problem in Zihuatanejo a coastal city and municipality that is one of Guerrero’s top tourism destinations At his regular news conference on Thursday President López Obrador said he was unaware of the Oxxo closures in Zihuatanejo but acknowledged that extortion is a problem across Mexico “It is the crime that has increased the most I would say that we’ve managed to reduce the majority of crimes but one that is still outstanding is extortion,” he said The president highlighted that thousands of soldiers, marines and National Guard (GN) members are helping to combat insecurity in Guerrero, and noted that his administration is building new barracks for the GN, which is now part of the army “We’re going to get to 500 [barracks] across the country we now have 120,000 National Guard members and we’re going to get to 150,000,” López Obrador said “… When the Federal Police operated there were no barracks At [the force’s] best time there were 40,000 members … but no barracks If they were sent to Zihuatanejo because there was a lot of extortion [it was] a regrettable situation,” he said With reports from El Financiero, Animal Político and El Sol de Acapulco  A six-year-old boy was attacked by a crocodile in Ixtapa on Tuesday afternoon and is in serious condition at a local hospital The boy and his sister were playing near El Palmar beach when they wandered away from their parents and began exploring an estuary home to numerous crocodiles that hotel staff routinely feed to entertain tourists Witnesses say that as the boy played near a fenced-off area under a bridge a female crocodile with young grabbed him by the head dragged him into the water and tried to drown him for approximately 10 minutes a hotel lifeguard and parachutists threw stones at the three-meter-long crocodile While being transferred by ambulance to hospital the child drifted in and out of consciousness and had to be intubated upon arrival due to the severity of his injuries Source: ABC de Zihuatanejo (sp), El Sol de Acapulco (sp) Many taxis and public transit vans suspended service in Zihuatanejo on Monday due to violence against drivers and threats made by organized crime It was the second time in a month that transport services were interrupted by criminal activity in the Pacific coast resort city Extortion-related threats began again last Wednesday according to transit operators who spoke with the newspaper El Sur “We’re living in a climate of insecurity that is now unsustainable and unbearable,” said one driver “But as we’re not in a political campaign the government does nothing.” El Sur reported that there was no service on several routes on Monday No date has been set for the resumption of service Only one of three routes that passes through the hotel zone of Ixtapa was operational on Monday That made it difficult for some hotel employees to get to work The number of vans serving several other parts of Zihuatanejo was also much lower than normal The Dos Costas transport company closed its downtown terminal given that it suspended its services to the neighboring municipalities of La Unión and Petatlán and to Vallecitos de Zaragoza in the Zihuatanejo Sierra Drivers employed by that company said they didn’t know when they would return to work They told El Sur that the owners didn’t want to run the risk of having their vehicles set on fire by criminals “We already saw that they do follow through on threats,” one driver said A van was stopped and torched while operating in central Zihuatanejo on the El Coacoyoul-Airport route last Saturday while there have even been cases in which transit drivers were murdered Several transport providers told El Sur they couldn’t offer services due to the lack of security in Zihuatanejo They explained that their insurance policies didn’t cover acts of vandalism meaning they stand to incur heavy losses if their vehicles are targeted Transport operators criticized authorities of all three levels of government for failing to stop the extortion demands and threats made by criminal groups A protest outside the municipal government headquarters was planned for Tuesday An unconfirmed reason for the cancelation was that Mayor Jorge Sánchez Allec warned transit operators not to protest In addition to public transit vehicles, criminals have also targeted Zihuatanejo businesses such as tortilla shops and beer stores, apparently because their owners failed to comply with extortion demands With reports from El Sur and El Universal