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 holiday 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 holiday 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 holiday activities, welcoming couples rather than families and off-limits to children younger than sixteen—a rarity in Mexico. You will find that the holiday properties available for rent are the perfect setting for a romantic getaway.

From your holiday 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.

If you get an oceanfront rental, you’ll have the beach as your front yard. Step out the door of your holiday home to stroll on the beach, lie in the sun, and wade in the warm ocean. In the evenings, take part in a Mexican Fiesta night and enjoy a scrumptious Mexican buffet dinner, mariachi music, and lively dancing. During the day, snorkeling, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, tennis, parasailing, sailing, golf, and horseback riding can be arranged from your holiday rental.

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.