Sizzling, five minutes later, the impetus to move rapidly descends upon me as I hop over the hot sand to fall into the cool water with a splashy crescendo. It is delightful and I smile to myself as I sprawl out on the ocean’s surface, bobbing over the waves of the grand Pacific.

Club Med

This beautiful stretch of beach falls in front of the newly renovated Club Med where the sun illuminates the orange and gold buildings like the colors of the Grand Canyon. It is a happy, family place where the kids rush to their counselors for big hugs and parents are left contentedly childless during the day to pursue nothing. As an all-inclusive resort, the food is fabulous and abundant. If you can roll off your hammock, try sailing lessons, snorkeling, scuba lessons, tennis, archery or any of the litany of activities on the daily roster.

Switching to the pool, I exercise with the over 80 crowd following our frustrated 22 year old energetic leader who tries valiantly to make us move faster. I am so athletic holding Styrofoam dumbbells; I’m arrogant as I move past a great-grandmother. “Come on, move it, move it”!

Feeling as though I accomplished something, I’m up for a game of water polo. We divide into two teams with some of the men carrying their children on their shoulders necessitating some adaptations to the rules, such as, if a child shoots the ball, it is always a goal and everyone cheers. Our team loses so it’s off to see the sights.

The Little Fishing Village of Zihutanejo

Zihutanejo (see-wah-tah-Neh-ho ) retains its fishing village atmosphere of long ago with moderate commercialism of newly renovated hotels. People promenade leisurely down the long pier; some boys cast their lines hoping for a catch; others wait for the ferries. The small beach beside the pier is bustling with fishing activity as the men spread out their small catch on white sheets waiting for buyers. As I watch, three men struggle with a huge marlin carrying it up the beach. It’s a beauty and all the fishermen gather around to admire it. For these Mexicans, the sea is their life and the business of fishing is a family affair.

The flea market is close by and the prices are great, from natural vanilla and Cuban cigars to flouncy blouses and sexy swimsuits. Open-air restaurants and bars dot the streets, some, right out of a Hemmingway novel, patronized by scruffy bearded sailors surrounded by squawking parrots.

Enjoy the Sunset at Las Brisas

The best place to watch a sunset is on the terrace at Las Brisas Hotel with a view of the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains, while sipping a strawberry daiquiri. As a folk trio croons a soft melody, it’s so inviting that a patron grabs the mike, and sings the chairman of the board’s favorites.

Bogart's for Dinner and Romance

For the most romantic restaurant that will sweep you into sultry Morocco, go to Bogart’s in the Hotel Krystal Ixtapa. Designed with the movie Casablanca in mind, Bogart’s takes it one step better. Photos from the movie line the walls in the foyer and when you turn to enter this fantasy, oooh’s and aaah’s are emitted from the guests. Lightly illuminated green plant designs peek behind the white latticework covering the walls and the ceiling is buffeted in ivory drapes. The cuisine is only good, but the ambiance is outstanding. The highlight of the restaurant is the raised stage in the middle of the room featuring a white baby grand piano with a talented pianist playing-- what else? “You must remember this…” Play it [again], Sam.

The Sweetest Kiss: A Dolphin Experience

At the Dolfiniti, the dolphin experience is total immersion. Introduced to twelve year old Lluvia, I fell in love. When we first met, it was small talk: a pet on the head, a pectoral fin shake. She was about eight feet long and two hundred pounds (we had much in common). Petting swiftly progressed to caresses and hugs. She was such a character and loved to play “catch me” as she swam around me. Finally, she gave me a belly ride as I held onto her fin and she pulled me through the water. Before we parted, she had one last gift for me that I had never experienced before. She and her sister pushed my feet and raised me up from the water pushing me across the pool at top speed. What a rush! I was delirious and without hesitation, we kissed.

IXTAPA (eeks-Tah-pa) has much to offer on a quieter, smaller scale than her sister resorts. Not as flamboyant, not as busy, visitors can escape to any of its exceptional beaches like La Ropa, bird watch for unusual species like the Frigate, zip-line across the Aztlan Ecological Park, drive an ATV through the mountains, fly fish or say hello to the crocodiles on the golf courses. Regardless of what you choose to do in Ixtapa, a siesta in a hammock on the beach is required. Learn more about this magical place at Visit Ixtapa-zihuatanejo.org

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