One of the most popular countries for travelers on vacation is Mexico. Many travelers have heard of the popular Mexican vacation spots such as Cancun and Puerto Vallarta that offer amazing all inclusive vacation packages. But have you heard of Ixtapa? It is probably safe to assume you have not. Most people have not heard of it and have no idea what to expect from an Ixtapa vacation. But the location can offer a great alternative to the other overcrowded Mexican tourist areas, while still providing luxury at fantastic resorts, like the Krystal Ixtapa. Read the rest of this entry »

Whether you’re looking to get away with the whole family or from the whole family, or even to treat a group of hard-working employees to a dream business trip, the Barcelo Hotel in Ixtapa has something for just about everyone. This Mexico all-inclusive vacation resort boasts a wealth of luxurious amenities and first-class entertainment smack dab in the middle of a postcard-perfect ocean-side setting.

Paradise Found

Relax with eighteen holes on the lush adjacent golf course, and then cool off at the swim-up bar or in the glimmering surf mere steps away from the main building. Venture out for some shopping at the nearby traditional craft markets or designer clothing stores, and then hurry back to catch dinner, dancing, and your choice of almost a dozen fantastic live shows. Wind down the evening with a decadent tropical cocktail and a leisurely stroll along the moonlit beach.
Families will likely appreciate the pool and programs dedicated to kids. Couples won’t be able to get enough of the private balconies and breathtaking sunsets, as well as the devoted staff willing to go the extra mile toward making special moments perfect and memorable. A conference center with a capacity for four hundred people even allows for companies to mix business with pleasure.

Too Much Good Stuff

Apple vacations are never dull, and an all-inclusive package at the Barcelo Hotel in Ixtapa is certainly no exception. While staying on a beach-front property that boasts a golf course, two tennis courts, three swimming pools, six restaurants, and seemingly endless sunshine, you’ll likely discover that the real challenge will be finding the time to experience all the fun and adventure before your trip finally comes to an end.

My boss told me that if I didn’t use my accumulated vacation days that I was going to lose them. I took this as an opportunity to escape the brutal death storm referred to as “Winter” here on the East coast, and thaw out my fingers and toes in some hot sand. I didn’t even have time to think, map out, and book my ideal vacation, as my boss told me last minute, but I’m familiar with the travel industry so I can manage. Normally this would frustrate me because I’m a planner, but deep down inside I felt the burn to just go and make an adventure happen.

I didn’t want to spend almost three weeks on vacation alone. Thankfully I had an unemployed, spontaneous, and wealthy friend that also wanted in on this spur-of-the-moment adventure. We settled on Grand Bahama Island in the Bahamas, and literally less than 24 hours later I was in a swim suit, which was a welcomed change from constantly wearing a monster-size coat that would make Eskimos envious. I didn’t even pack a sweater.

13 miles away from the airport we had checked into the Viva Wyndham Resort at Fortuna Beach. My friend choked when we learned that topless bathing was permitted. Full of energy, we rarely saw the hotel except to sleep. Instead we busied ourselves on Jeep safaris and kayak/snorkel tours. After a few days, we changed resorts and relocated to Our Lucaya Reef Village. Now worn out and on the southern coast of the Bahamas, I indulged in ultimate laziness and daily massages. There’s no shame in being a shameless tourist so we kept the poolside margaritas flowing.

Once we became tired of being tired, I longed for some jungle adventures and wonders of the world, wherever they might be. My travel companion suggested Mexico’s Mayan Riviera, just a hop, skip, and a jump away over a small stretch of sea. I was blown away by the ancient ruins and Mayan pyramids. Several jungle explorations calmed my wild side, and I subsequently spent many relaxing sunset s first at the Dream Tulum resort, then at the Grand Velas resort just to change the scenery.

After almost three weeks, all I could think was “stick a fork in me; I’m done”. Not only was I completely defrosted from the East coast’s fury, I was cooked.

Being from California, I thought I knew all the Mexico vacation hotspots. I had never heard of Ixtapa, Mexico, or what to expect from an Ixtapa vacation.

Ixtapa runs along 26 kilometers of hilly, tropical coastline of the Mexican Riviera with dozens of scalloped coves and sandy beaches. In fact, in native Nahuatl tongue the name “Ixtapa” (pronounced “eeks-TAH-pa”) literally means “the white sand place”, because that’s what you will find on their beaches. Everywhere you look you’re surrounded by endless virgin beaches and wildlife lagoons.

On a map, Ixtapa is located inside the beautiful Banderas Bay, some distance north of Puerto Vallarta. The average year-round temperature is an impressive 78.8 F, with sunshine approximately 340 days per year. The next town over is a classic, rural fishing village called Zihuatanejo; its small-town appeal makes it seem like a dreamland.

I found a new secret hide-a-way via Apple vacations after staying at the five-star Krystal Resort in Ixtapa. Recent census says the population there in 6,406, so it’s small… but not too small. Close by there’s plenty of entertainment, both wet and dry, shopping, two world-class golf courses, nightlife, and many dining options that are all to die for. The nearby shopping promenade is beachfront and brick-paved.

This Ixtapa resort consists of 255 oceanfront rooms built on what used to be a coconut plantation. Also, this is a resort where everyone is welcome, not just lovey-dovey honeymooners and couples. They boast that they have the most spectacular swimming pool in all of Ixtapa, and compared to the other two Ixtapa resort pools that I visited, they were right. This is definitely an above average location and resort for an above average Mexico vacation.

If you’re looking for a great Mexico vacation on the more affordable side, Barceló La Jolla de Mismaloya is one of the best resorts in Puerto Vallarta.  It’s right in the heart of the Hotel Zone and is just about a ten minute drive to downtown Puerto Vallarta where you can take advantage of plenty of shopping and nightlife, and your hotel experience is surrounded by other travelers and vacationers in one of the most beautiful spots on the coast.

The best thing about Barceló La Jolla de Mismaloya is the scenery—there’s literally everything the words “Luxury Mexico” conjures up surrounding you all the time, from mountains and jungles to amazing ocean views. Do yourself a favor and upgrade to a premium suite—it’s only a few dollars more than the deluxe and you get a full ocean view which is well worth the upgrade.  The deluxe suites advertise a “partial ocean view,” but in some of the rooms, that’s a bit of a stretch. If you want to stay local throughout your vacation, the pool scene is absolutely gorgeous, and though you do see the typical early bird resort goers reserving poolside chairs with towels as early as 6-7 in the morning, the lazier vacationer shouldn’t have a problem finding a spot around the pool anytime of day even when busy vacation times like Spring Break are in season.

Speaking of some lazy relaxation, take advantage of a little-advertised secret of Barceló La Jolla de Mismaloya: take a walk down Mismaloya Beach and you’ll find a couple massage stations that are comparable to top quality health spas in the US without the expensive atmosphere.  The massages will turn you to jelly and only cost about $20 per hour!

Most of the restaurants are great for the money, the service and prices definitely make up for the lack of 5-star dining around the resort, but if you really want to take advantage of some amazing food while there, definitely visit Tony’s in Mismaloya.  It’s reservation only and they advertise as a Mexican specialty restaurant. The seafood there is absolutely amazing and could pass for 5-star cuisine anywhere in Central America.  I would recommend dining there at least once if not for most of your stay because the atmosphere and food quality is a significant cut above the traditional resort fare.  During the day, save a few bucks and check out the tacos at the Los Arcos snack bar; they’re super authentic and melt in your mouth—quite possibly the best inexpensive lunch you’ll find at Barceló La Jolla de Mismaloya. Check out Apple Special’s current rates and extremely affordable packages for stays at Barceló La Jolla de Mismaloya.