hotel villa del sol (888-389-2645, www.­ hotelvilladelsol.com; doubles from $250). posh beachfront hotel with two restaurants, spa, and fitness center. ask about the cooking and wine-tasting classes.

la casa que canta (888-523-5050, www.lacasaquecanta.com; doubles from $345). cliffside resort with just 28 rooms decked out with mexican crafts, many of which can be purchased in the gift shop.

la quinta troppo (011-52-755-554-3423, www.laquintatroppo.com; doubles from $125). eight-room bed-and-breakfast owned by an australian gentleman who's been living in zihua since 1990.

where to eat
coconuts (011-52-755-554-2518; dinner for two $60). american-owned restaurant in a building dating from 1865. when it reopens in november, dine in the lantern-lit garden on menu items like fish tacos and coconut shrimp.

garrobos restaurant and bar (011-52-755-554-6706; dinner for two $40). pop­u­lar eatery in el centro known for its grilled lobster, spicy paella, and tiritas (marinated fish strips with onions and peppers).

kau kan (011-52-755-554-8446; dinner for two $70). romantic terrace restaurant overlooking the bay. chef/owner ricardo rodríguez's modern mexican cuisine (stingray in butter sauce, grilled shrimp with corn and pineapple) is gaining quite a following.

tamales y atoles any (011-52-755-554-7304; lunch for two $12). fun, inexpensive lunch spot with more than a dozen types of homemade tamales.

day-trip to ixtapa