Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Renovated
2018
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe WellnessOutside the door
Pacific cliffside terraces
A brass funicular descends volcanic cliffs into a quiet maze of stone paths, curved adobe walls, and sweeping Pacific horizons.
“The architecture does the rest… warm honey tones, curving with the cliff as if it were poured in place.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Nine adobe-style levels cascade down volcanic cliffs, connected by a brass funicular.
Remarkable
Dedicated personal assistants handle requests over WhatsApp, with daily terrace guacamole service.
Remarkable
A cliffside adobe Temazcal dome hosts authentic shaman-led steam cleansing rituals.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Cala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa, clinging as it does to a cliff face on Mexico’s pacific coast, its rooms and suites cascading down towards the water.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Punta Ixtapa provides total seclusion, located just minutes from Zihuatanejo's historic fishing pier, artisan markets, and sheltered swimming bays.
The rooms
Louvered doors slide into walls, opening sand-toned suites onto private oceanfront terraces fitted with heated plunge pools and woven hammocks.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Stone steps framed by bougainvillea lead down to a curved infinity pool perched right above the Pacific surf.
Spa El Capricho
Treatment suites open shuttered windows to ocean breezes, and an open palapa hosts outdoor bodywork above the water.
The gym
Treadmills and weight machines face expansive picture windows looking straight out across the open sea.
Dogs stay too.
The Terrace Bar
Multi-tiered sunset terraces pour artisanal mezcals and house over sixty tequilas behind iron gates in the tasting room.
Restaurant
The Seafood Market
Local fishermen deliver the daily catch straight to this cliffside wooden deck, grilled over open wood fires.
At the table
Open-air dining terraces serve regional Guerrero breakfasts under draped fabrics, with candlelit dinners set along the stone ledge.
How it began
Originally opened as Capella in 2008, the independent cliffside retreat was reshaped to champion regional Mexican folk art and curved coastal architecture.
Good to know
Stay here
Cala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa
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Zihuatanejo
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.