Where?

Zihuatanejo, Mexico.

Why now?

In the western part of Mexico’s Guerrero state, the once sleepy
fishing village of Zihuatanejo has recently seen a creative and
vibrant energy trickle through its streets. Swaying to a slower
beat than the likes of Troncones and Tulum, this is a destination
that honours its culture and history in a magical way.

Backed by the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains, pockets of
subtropical shrubs and snaking vines contrast with white-sand
beaches and rocky coves, while, along the coastline, a slew of
rooftop bars, colourful market stalls and hammock-fringed
restaurants have started cropping up. This is a place to join
locals catching a wave, rub shoulders with a free-spirited bunch in
edgy eateries and bed down at one of the most sublime botlholes
we’ve ever seen.

Don’t miss

Head to Cinco de Mayo Avenue to browse Zihuatenjo’s daily crafts
market – a haven for souvenir seekers. With stalls stocking vintage
furnishings, handmade ceramics, rugs and dinky jewellery pieces,
there are plenty of trinkets and treasures to be found. History
buffs, however, should make tracks to the Costa Grande
Archaeological Museum, where six spacious exhibition halls showcase
weapons, instruments and figurines from the region.

Where to stay?

La Casa que Canta. Sitting pretty on the edge
of Zihuatanejo Bay, this incredibly chic and intimate property
feels more akin to a guesthouse than a hotel. All 25 rooms are
designed with barefoot living in mind: think unfinished wood,
wicker furnishings, handwoven hammocks and locally sourced
homewares. Start your day with a paddle in the saltwater infinity
pool, before snagging a fresh juice from the open-air restaurant.
There’s also a rooftop bar, fitness studios and spa offering a
range of treatments.

Where to go for dinner?

Loved for its winning sunset views across La Ropa beach, the
boho La Gaviota restaurant is an ideal venue for
date night – picture sitting beneath a bamboo pergola with a slow
jazz playlist playing softly in the background. Ingredients are
seasonally focused, with menu standouts including homemade tortilla
chips, chicken tamales, tacos and quesadillas.

And for a drink…

Loot. Not your
average bar, this place qualifies as a café, surf and barber shop,
art gallery and restaurant. The urban space is spread across three
floors: expect surfboard-clad walls, baskets brimming with fresh
fruits and an outdoor terrace wrapped in a tangle of palms – and a
crowd of laid-back surfers, artists and musicians draped over
tabletops come 8pm on a Friday night. The Apollo food truck, parked
outside, is the best spot in town for a fist-sized burger and
chunky chips. Come hungry.

Who to take with you?

A keen surfer. They’ll enjoy riding the white-capped waves at
the blissfully quiet La Saladita beach.

Essentials to pack

The basket bag has well and truly made its return this year, and
we couldn’t be more delighted. Forget the canvas tote and pack this
Heimat Atlantica rattan basket bag instead. The
ultimate staple, it will effortlessly take you from airport
strolling to poolside lounging.

How to get there

There are no direct flights from the UK to Zihuatanejo. We
suggest flying from London Heathrow to Mexico City International
Airport with British Airways. From there, hop on a connecting
flight to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport, which is just a
15-minute drive from the city’s palm-fringed streets.