Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Zihuatanejo is a small town on the Pacific coast. Owing to its beautiful bay and pleasant beaches, it has emerged as a modest tourist destination in recent years. A few miles north are the mega resorts of Ixtapa, best avoided by the discerning traveler. Recommended activities include swimming in the ocean, drinking sweet coconuts, walks on the beach, sipping pina coladas, admiring tropical sunsets, sampling fresh sea food just off the crashing waves, watching birds and crocs in a little reserve off the beach, and reading in a hammock strung across coconut palms. Most visitors report a curious time warp phenomenon—however long they stay, it never seems long enough!