Mexico Honey
Because I just got back and it was so special :)
I just got back from Mexico and am feeling very compelled to write about it because these little towns really feel magical.
My friend/co-worker (in that order!), Bailey Dunn, said something that stuck with me when we recapped my PTO at 8am on the phone this morning: “It sounds like it was a vacation, not a trip.” I hadn’t really thought about the distinction before, but she was right. I’ve been really lucky to travel a lot in my life, but I genuinely can’t remember the last time I fully relaxed and unplugged for several days straight…on vacation. This past week was that for me. I came back feeling fully rested, happy, and with no sunburn cause I’m mature now. I went with my friend Kate, who’d never been before, and I’m happy to report that she loved it as much as I do.
Zihuatanejo is a small city on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. It’s about a three-ish hour flight from LA to Ixtapa, then a super easy 20 minute cab ride into town. My family has been going since I was around 19 because my parents bought a timeshare years ago that somehow ended up being one of the better financial decisions anyone in my family has ever made. It’s given us access to some really incredible stays over the years, including a hotel property in Zihuatanejo.
I hadn’t been back since pre-Covid, and I was so happy to see that almost nothing had changed, aside from a few very cute additions. That’s kind of the beauty of the town. It’s not scene-y. No one is trying very hard. It feels low key, unpretentious, and genuinely welcoming. Everyone is so friendly it’s almost jarring. We also went in May, a particularly quiet season - which I would recommend if you want to have minimal social interactions :)
So here’a little run-down of stuff I would recommend if you’re planning to go, and you should.
Where to stay
There are only a handful of good hotels in town, so I’d definitely recommend staying in an Airbnb as well — there are several incredible options available.
What do do
Playa La Ropa - the main beach. Perfect.
Parthenon - this was HIGH on my list and it DID NOT disappoint. Fascinating stuff.
Sunset Catamaran Cruise - don’t sleep on this.
Clarins Spa at La Casa Que Canta - I got a facial and it was bliss.
Where to eat
The last two spots don’t seem to have any online presence (obsessed), but just trust me.
Martha Cafe
Metta Cafe
Day trip to Troncones:
Troncones could honestly be its own Substack post, but I’m feeling a little lazy, so you’re getting the condensed version here. I first went about 10 years ago for a day trip, then came back a few years ago for Christmas and stayed with my family, and hadn’t been back since. It’s a super easy 30 minute cab ride from Zihuatanejo, but the vibe feels completely different in the best way.
Troncones definitely skews a little trendier and younger, but somehow it still feels untouched and entirely un-Tulum-ified. The beach is massive, pristine, and quiet. This town feels incredibly special, and if your goal is to genuinely relax and unplug for a few days, I cannot recommend it enough.
Since the first time we visited, so many adorable little spots have opened up, but here’s my very biased shortlist:
Present Moment (the food here is so perfect)
….And here’s a song I listened to in Mexico a lot:
cool pics brother
Troncones is special. ❤️