Ixtapa, a sunny, seaside paradise, and the delightful nearby fishing village of Zihuatanejo, or "Zihua" to the locals, are affordable and exciting luxury destinations. Even though these side-by-side resort towns share geography, they are as different as night and day. And the vacation rentals available here are as diverse as the towns themselves: Ixtapa offers newer upscale and rentals, and its sister city offers a more charming and low-key “Pueblo by the sea” experience.

The area, framed by the Sierra Madre Mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, provides a range of exciting outdoor activities and sun-drenched attractions that you can enjoy conveniently from your beach rental. Scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, bay cruises to remote beaches, and golf are among the favorites. It is a dream vacation for yachting and fishing enthusiasts. Nightlife in both towns tends to be subdued, but during holiday periods, Ixtapa is the livelier of the two. A number of the resorts cater to more adult vacation activities, welcoming couples rather than families and off-limits to children younger than sixteen—a rarity in Mexico. You will find that the vacation properties available for rent are the perfect setting for a romantic getaway.

From your vacation rental, plan a day trip with the family to Playa Quieta, the area’s best swimming beach. Swimming, sailing, windsurfing, and snorkeling are popular activities. From here small skiffs can take you to explore Isla Ixtapa, a small island with excellent beaches, great snorkeling, and a great seafood restaurant. Adjacent to Playa Cuatas is another delightful seafood restaurant.

Enjoy a sumptuous buffet breakfast of local and exotic tropical fruits not far from your beach rental. There are a number of casual but high-quality restaurants alongside the beach. Try a brochette of sea bass or the seafood paella. Be adventurous and sample a new dish, a different dessert, an exotic drink, or one of the many new and different fruits. Your memories of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo will last a lifetime.