This trip was a last minute change for our group. We chose Ixtapa based on travel dates that we already had booked to a different destination that was cancelled. What a great change it was! 7 nights at the Azul Ixtapa Grand was well worth the trip. The resort is roughly 8 kms from the town of Ixtapa. An easy bus or taxi ride. For the more adventurous, there is a well groomed walking/biking path that will also get you there. The weather was perfect the entire week. Average temperatures of 29 C everyday was great!
This destination is great for just chillin or doing a few tours. The little area of Playa Linda (about a 10 minute walk from our hotel) has a Mexican market where you can find pretty much everything that you think you can’t live without! There are also several massage tents in the area. A 1 hour massage will cost you 200 Pesos, approximately $18 CDN. At that price, you could go everyday. The reviews from our group were that the massages were outstanding.
There are many tours to choose from. A sunset cruise, snorkeling tours to Ixtapa Island, Archeological sites, ziplining just to name a few. Ixtapa island is directly out front of the Azul resorts, so if you chose, you could join the included kayak tour to the island. You can also walk to the pier, about 15 minutes on a beautiful seaside boardwalk, and pay about 50 Pesos for a roundtrip boat ride. When strolling to Playa Linda on the street side, you’ll happen upon a Crocodile Natural Reserve. This was my morning walk each day. Some days the crocs were pretty active and a lot of fun to watch.
The resort had a lot to offer for total relaxation. There are 3 pools, including 1 adult only pool, 1 infinity pool with swim up bar, and another pool with activities like volleyball and water aerobics. Other included options were rifle shooting, archery, sailboat tours, and of course…Bingo. Â Evening entertainment was held between the Azul Ixtapa Grand and the Azul Ixtapa Resort. This is a very short walk to the outdoor theatre and they offer two dinner shows each week.
The restaurants were great. There was always something good to eat. You can book your A la Carte option easily at this property. Italian, Asian and Mexican are the 3 options at the Grand, and if there is space, you can also reserve at the Oyster Bar which offers some great seafood choices. The snack bar next to the Infinity pool is the perfect option for lunch. The lobby bar was our meeting place before dinner each evening. It’s a large room with indoor and outdoor seating, with spectacular sunset views. You’ll also find pool and foosball tables here. While sitting around the pool areas, waiters will come by to make sure you never have an empty drink. You also have bottled water in your room and throughout the resort.
Every room has an ocean view and a large balcony for your morning coffee, or anytime relaxing. You will also have access to the Azul Ixtapa which is a short walk along the boardwalk or street. Because the beach in front of the Grand is so small, some people chose to wander to the Azul next door to enjoy their beach, and then still have access to bars etc while there.
If you are interested in learning more about Ixtapa, or would like to join our next group vacation, let me know.
resi@fernwehtrvl.com
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