One such place is Zihuatanejo, a small, artsy village set on a picture-perfect bay on Mexico's southern Pacific coast, about 140 miles north of Acapulco.



Zihuatanejo was a sleepy fishing village right up until the 1970s, and while art galleries, ceramics shops, and upscale restaurants have moved in, the town still retains its quaint charm, from its stone streets to authentic local architecture.

Activities in town range from excellent sport fishing to sailing, beach combing, water sports of all kinds, and golfing.

There are only a handful of hotels in town, none of them particularly large. But there are two small hotels with world-class service that make a wonderful spot for a romantic getaway or honeymoon destination.

The first of these small hotels is La Casa Que Canta. Built into a hillside above Zihuantanejo Bay, this beautiful little hotel has simply amazing ocean views and a an away-from-it-all feel -- perfect for a romantic vacation. With just 24 rooms, it's intimate too. All in all, it's a great place for a honeymoon or getaway.

The second great little hotel in the area is The Tides Zihuatanejo hotel. Formerly known as the Hotel Villa del Sol, the Tides is simply the best hotel in the region, and quite possibly the best small hotel in all of Mexico. With wonderfully romantic bungalows and hotel rooms, each decorated in its own unique style, the hotel has wonderful services, a beautiful pool, and a lush, tropical waterfront setting.

Just 3 miles away from the downtown area of Zihuatanejo are the large luxury resorts of Ixtapa. Ixtapa is home to two incredible golf courses, the new Marina Ixtapa Golf Course and the Palma Real Golf and Tennis Club, whose renowned golf course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.

There are also some wonderful day trips available from Zihuatanejo, including to the famous Colonial city of Taxco, with its beautiful classic architecture, and to Acapulco, with its renowned beaches, hotels, and nightclubs.

Zihuatanejo is blessed with natural beauty, great shops, galleries, and restaurants, and an authentic, laid-back Mexican culture. If you are looking for that still-undiscovered tropical paradise, far from the tourist crowds, then Zihuatanejo, Mexico is the place for you.