This prestigious 'pink and white paradise' with its secluded casitas and 250 swimming pools is bigger than most of our other Mexican recommendations, but the privacy and indulgence of the accommodations make it one of our favorite choices in Acapulco.

The excellent service and personal attention are more typical of a small and intimate resort, and you won't find crowds here even in high season. Romantics and honeymooners will revel in the seclusion of their casitas and we'd particularly recommend the Private Pool or Brisas Beach Club casitas for those who seek real privacy.

Las Mananitas is well known as one of the country's finest restaurants, but many people are unaware of the delightful accommodations also offered within the spectacular gardens.  There are 21 rooms and suites, most enjoying views of the colorful shrubs, tropical greenery and carefully maintained lawns that surround the property, as well as its resident collection of peacocks, parrots and other tropical birds.  It's incredible to imagine that this little paradise lies not only close to the heart of Cuernavaca but also within only an hour or two of the world's largest metropolis of Mexico City.

For business people with meetings in the city, Las Mananitas is the perfect weekend escape.  It's also the ideal start or end to a vacation for those who would rather not stay in the capital - there are many interesting sights in Cuernavaca, including a majestic Cathedral, Hernan Cortes' Palace, and some fine museums - all within walking distance of Las Mananitas. 

With its superb pool and great beach, the Camino Real Zaashila is a tropical delight for both families and couples.  The Deluxe Rooms are spacious, easily sufficient for two adults and two small children who don't mind sharing two double beds and one bathroom.  They are slightly elevated so have good views over the bay and are close to all the amenities.  The Club rooms also offer a pretty plunge pool.

Formerly the 16th Century convent of Santa Catalina, the hotel is a beautiful combination of the historical, together with the excellent facilities and services of the prestigious Camino Real Group.

In one of the bougainvillea decked courtyards is a stunning swimming pool, surrounded by ancient stone walls, restored frescoes and flowering shrubs. In another, tables from the restaurant spill out under colonnades, and echoes of Gregorian chants drift in the breeze.

The Parador del Dominico is a long-standing feature on central Oaxaca's lodging lists, and has always been a very welcome one. The attractions for us lie in the simple, clean and unfussy lines that harmonize old and new. Traditional materials of stone and tile are tastefully mixed with modern furniture and even halogen lighting in the dining room.

Suprisingly modern facilities include satellite TV, minibar and phone, together with a hook-up for fax or PC.

Excellent facilities together with a beachside location and the best restaurant in town make the Santa Fe an ideal choice for those wanting a resort vacation with real Mexican flavor.

We like to spend our evenings here in the thatched-roof open-sided restaurant, overlooking Playa Zicaleta. It's the best place around for cocktails at sunset - we recommend you order the tasty guacamole with your drinks. The restaurant specializes in seafood and vegetarian dishes and has a casual atmosphere - but arrive early for the best tables.

It's an easy walk along the bay into the pretty town, but the Santa Fe has everything you need for a relaxing break and you may be tempted not to stray far.

Brisas del Mar is a charming small hotel with an excellent location.  It's situated right on Madera beach, just a short walk by the sea from the center of Zihuatanejo town.  The hotel is perfect for families and offers an excellent range of accommodation with plenty of space and good facilities. 

The hotel is built down a steep hill and as a result there are several flights of stairs separating the rooms and hotel facilities; as there is no elevator it wouldn't be a good choice for elderly people or anyone with mobility problems.

El Murmullo is the sister property to la Casa que Canta and was formerly a private residence.  The stunning terracotta colored building is located on a bluff projecting into the bay and enjoys breathtaking ocean views.  Playa la Ropa, one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, is just a few steps from the entrance to the house and Zihuatanejo's colorful town is just a short cab ride away.

There are just four luxurious suites at El Murmullo and it is an ideal choice for small groups (up to eight people).  Reserving the property in its entirety would allow the group exclusive access to the beautiful infinity pool, with swim up bar, and the magnificently furnished reception areas and lounges of the Casa.

This wonderfully romantic property comes pretty close to our idea of perfection.  The guest rooms capture all of the colors and charms of this richly-textured country and the suites include some of the most luxurious accommodations you'll find anywhere.  Lush tropical gardens stretch right to the sands, where you'll find the surprisingly sophisticated palapa-roofed restaurant "la Villa" and engaging boat-shaped bar.  A further restaurant "la Cantina" has tables spilling out onto the sands and serves Mexican dishes and seafood.

The ambience of the Tides Zihuatanejo is just perfect for a beach resort; relaxed and low key in the daytime, enchantingly elegant in the evening.  And although the Tides has now grown to encompass a total of seventy rooms and suites it still has all the charm and intimacy of a boutique hotel.