New Year's Wellness Travel Tips for Zihuatanejo

viceroy zihuatanejo

After the holidays, thoughts turn to mind and body wellness. Guests of Viceroy Zihuatanejo can concentrate on both during the hotel’s “New Year, New You” event. 

It’s a “week of wellness” taking place from January 19-24 featuring expert and author Edward A. Taub. , M.D. He’ll lecture on his "wellness vaccination" concept, which advocates healthy habits that guard against stress and illness. Programming also includes fitness classes and is complimentary for guests of the luxury boutique property. 

According to Viceroy Zihuatanejo general manager Martin Kipping, the wellness tie-in comes at an important time for the resort and the destination at large. 

“Zihuatanejo is all about calm, peace and quiet. You come here and it’s all about letting the stress go. It’s not about rushing to reserve a lounge chair on the beach. It’s not Puerto Vallarta, Cancun or Cabo,” said Kipping. 

beachfront room at viceroy zihuatanejo

Viceroy Zihuatanejo has also launched some new initiatives to further the wellness theme. They’ve partnered with a new yoga and wellness instructor to offer classes on an ongoing basis. A new executive chef is working on more nutritionally-balanced menus. And the property itself offers a refreshed appeal 

Recently-completed deluxe room renovations have transformed beds and baths. Suite plunge pools have also been upgraded. 

“It’s the first step of a planned series of investments into the property. We’re currently talking to the owners about some enhancements to the superior rooms in the summer of 2016,” Kipping tells Travel Agent. 

The Viceroy’s prime location on Zihuatanejo Bay’s La Ropa beach offers a big advantage for active guests. Last year, the beach was the site of the national paddleboard competitions. The resort launched paddleboard yoga classes last year as well. 

Additional water sports available for guests include windsurfing, sailing, water-skiing, snorkeling, kayaking and scuba diving. 

stand up paddle boarding

“On the Pacific, the bays, beaches and cooler water are much more suitable than other parts of the country for deep sea fishing and surfing,” said Ben Gritzewsky. A senior independent travel advisor for FROSCH in Houston, Gritzewsky is based in Mexico

Like other Pacific coastal destinations, authenticity is a big draw for Zihuatanejo. A “good airport” is another selling point for the destination, Gritzewsky tells Travel Agent.

United, Delta, American, Alaska, Sun Country and WestJet offer service to the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport. Airlift increases during the winter season. 

“For some reason, Zihuatanejo has still remained smaller and quieter than other Pacific destinations. But a lot of clients are drawn to that,” adds Gritzewsky. 

On the other hand, the new governor of Guerrero state and new mayor of Zihuatanejo are determined to bring visitor numbers up. Both are pushing for infrastructure improvements, such as a new pier.
 
“I haven’t seen a cruise ship here in the last one and a half to two years. There’s a feeling we should be more aggressive in bringing in the cruise business,” said Kipping. 

Other improvements being discussed are a large aquarium, convention center and possibly an historical zone near the airport. 

For now, sleepy fishing village remains Zihuatanejo’s sales pitch. 

“We have small boutiques and coffee houses. But you won’t find any Starbucks. You’ll find a family that roasts their own coffee. Our restaurants are authentic, they aren’t Tex-Mex. If you go to someplace like Cancun, most of the workers are from somewhere else. Here, most of the people who work here were born here. It makes a difference in how they welcome you,” said Kipping.