Mexico, a great place for winter holidays.

And why not experience the best of two worlds – a sun drenched resort and a real Mexican town.

The perfect area for both – Ixtapa (the resort area) Zihuatanejo (the authentic small Mexican town).

The two are only few kilometres apart. Each with plenty to see, experience and enjoy.

First let’s go to Zihuatanejo, a small Mexican town of 126,405 people.

A great area is the Malecon, walkway by the ocean. There are endless restaurants, small shops selling terrific authentic Mexican handicrafts and clothing.

In the morning you can see the fishermen bringing in their catch.

Later you enjoy fresh fish dishes at any of the restaurants along the Malecon.

Or you can buy the fish yourself, take it to your hotel and have the chef cook it for you.

Most hotels will do it gladly.

Our favourite restaurant is La Sirena Gorda, the Fat Lady, once recognized by Food and Wine magazine as having some of the best tacos in the world.

The place is small, unpretentious, serving fabulous seafood that is cheap and yummylicious.

Our favourite dish – grilled tuna and octopus – picked fresh, the morning of from one of the many fishing boats, directly across from the restaurant.

Not far from La Sirena Gorda is Cielo Zapotec, selling authentic hand-woven rugs from Oaxaca. You can actually see one of the store’s weavers make these renowned rugs. Over the years we have bought rugs, place mats . Cotton and linen clothing is available in the front of store, all excellent quality.

And within walking distance of the store there is an endless array of stores, restaurants and a huge outdoor craft market.

Now let’s go to Ixtapa – a modern, contemporary, area. The perfect place for that great holiday in the sun.

The road leading to Ixtapa is a beautiful one – palm trees on the sides, in the centre with lush green grass – all leading to the area where the hotels, the restaurants, the shopping boutiques, are located.

Our favourite hotel is Las Brisas, perfect in every respect, great restaurants, three swimming pools and a secluded beach.

All beaches in Mexico are public, but the one at the hotel is secluded because of two large rock outcrops on both sides – preventing endless hawkers and vendors selling their wares, a common sight on Mexican beaches.

And for a special treat, eat outdoors – at the hotel’s outdoor location, a special restaurant, a special location, fabulous food, the ultimate romantic dinner.

As the evening progresses dinner gets more magical.

And if you really want to chill out, get away from it all, just relaxing, winding down, spend some time at Troncones.
Not far from Ixtapa – a 20 minute bus ride – this small beach town is a laid back, a surfers paradise, one of the top 10 in the world. Small hotels and outdoor spots are part of its charm.