Set high above the Pacific on Mexico’s sun-drenched Costa Grande, Cala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa offers travelers a front-row seat to the region’s most beautiful season. As winter approaches and temperatures dip across the north, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo emerges as a quiet alternative to Mexico’s larger resort corridors, and Cala de Mar stands out as a stunning and intimate retreat.
With 59 oceanfront suites carved into a dramatic cliffside, each featuring a private terrace and plunge pool overlooking the sea, Cala de Mar has long been recognized among Mexico’s top boutique resorts. The experience here is rooted in privacy, service, and a connection to the surrounding landscape. Guests awaken to the sound of waves, dine over open-air terraces with panoramic views, and unwind as the sun melts into the horizon. A charming funicular shuttles guests up and down the cliffside throughout the day, adding both convenience and a touch of adventure to the resort’s distinctive coastal design.
Travelers seeking a stress-free winter escape will find Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo especially appealing for its accessibility and sense of scale. The destination’s international airport (ZIH) is just a 20-minute drive from Cala de Mar, with direct flights from cities including Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, and Vancouver. Once there, visitors can explore two distinct worlds: Ixtapa, with its palm-fringed beaches and polished marina, and Zihuatanejo, a laid-back seaside town filled with artisan markets, cobblestone streets, and open-air seafood restaurants.
While the resort’s peaceful atmosphere encourages guests to linger by their private pools, the surrounding region offers endless opportunities for exploration. A short drive south leads to Barra de Potosi, a fishing village known for its mangrove estuaries and birdwatching. To the north lies Troncones, a relaxed surf town where beachside cafes and yoga studios dot the sandy streets. Between them are miles of uncrowded beaches, hiking trails, and lookout points.
At Cala de Mar, dining is a highlight of the experience. Las Rocas serves breakfast perched just above the surf, where fresh-baked pastries, local fruit, and acai bowls are paired with views of the waves below. In the evening, A Mares showcases contemporary Mexican cuisine, where the menus draw inspiration from the flavors and traditions of Guerrero. Thank delicate ceviches and grilled fish to risottos infused with regional herbs. Guests can take part in hands-on cooking classes that celebrate the stories and ingredients of the coast.
Wellness is woven into daily life at Cala de Mar. The resort’s El Capricho Spa incorporates indigenous healing rituals and natural elements of the ocean into its treatments. Yoga, meditation, and sound therapy sessions take place with sea views, creating a sense of grounding that mirrors the surrounding environment.
Beyond its cliffside calm, Cala de Mar’s location makes it easy for travelers to experience the best of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. Guests can stroll Zihuatanejo’s lively waterfront promenade, visit the Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande, or take a water taxi to Playa Las Gatas, a calm, reef-protected beach perfect for swimming and snorkeling. For a touch of nightlife, Ixtapa’s coastal boulevard offers restaurants and lounges that combine ocean views with live music and fresh seafood.
Fall and winter are considered the most beautiful seasons to visit the region. From November through March, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo enjoys its driest, sunniest weather, with temperatures averaging 85°F and virtually no rain. The sea remains calm and warm, ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing on the sand. For many travelers, this balance of perfect weather and smaller crowds makes it one of Mexico’s most rewarding coastal escapes.
Cala de Mar captures the essence of sophisticated yet understated, with luxury that is rooted in a sense of place. Here, every suite opens ot the ocean, every meal is paired with a view, and its curated moments reflect the natural beauty and slow pace of this stretch of Mexico’s Pacific. For travelers seeking warmth, privacy, and the Mexico connection, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo delivers, and there’s no better vantage point than Cala de Mar.
