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One of Mexico's Finest Five-Star Ocean-Side Escapes
Powered By TripAdvisorCliffside Cala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa is one of Mexico’s most spectacular hotels, sculpted into a red cliff above the ocean. From the Pacific breeze carrying the citrus fragrance through the open-air lobby to the four specialty restaurants and heated plunge pools in all guestrooms, it is a slice of paradise. Indulge in Aztec-inspired treatments at the sensuous Spa El Capricho, watch dolphins from a secluded cliff-side terrace, and enjoy cold beer with fresh guacamole and chips brought to your suite daily. No wonder this AAA Four Diamond oasis was named one of Travel + Leisure’s Top 100 Hotels in the World in 2018 and 2019.
- 59 suites each feature an ocean-facing private terrace and heated plunge pool
- Savor fresh, local seafood on The Seafood Market's ocean-view terrace, or choose seasonal fine dining at A Mares Restaurant
- Indulge in an Aztec-inspired treatment with local herbs at Spa El Capricho in tranquil treatment rooms overlooking the ocean
- Ride the scenic coastal route to the resort city of Ixtapa from a complementary bicycle
- Take yoga classes on the outdoor deck, or play golf on nearby Palma Real Golf Course
- Book local transport, activities, and more through a dedicated Personal Assistant
- Learn the secrets of Mexican cuisine with a private culinary experience, including market shopping and one-on-one tuition from hotel chefs
Surrounded by tropical forest and sculpted into the red cliff face, Cala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa effortlessly fuses the modern and the traditional. Its thatched adobe cottages are interwoven with palm-lined cobbled walkways, giving an authentic village feel — and framing magnificent views of the Pacific at every turn.
Hotel Amenities
Accommodations
You are guaranteed a perfect sea view from each of the 59 suites at Cala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa. Sunbathe on your terrace with a daily tray of complimentary guacamole, pico de gallo, chips, and cold beer — delivered to your room at 5 p.m. — or dip into your private infinity plunge pool. Inside, cool lemon walls accent the handcrafted furniture and hints of contemporary Mexican design, created by wooden shutters, woven seating, and signature wall art.
The amazing views from the library and business center make reading and keeping up with work a pleasure. Your Personal Assistant is dedicated to creating a vacation crafted around you, whether that means arranging bespoke excursions, setting up tee times, or creating an idyllic romantic meal on the shores of the Pacific.
Book with PointsDining
Choose The Seafood Market for the freshest catch of the day or A Mares for fine dining interpretations of pasta and steakhouse dishes. For casual food and drinks, dine at poolside Las Rocas or discover the Terrace Bar’s Pacific view at sunset.
The Seafood Market – Local fishermen deliver their daily catch to The Seafood Market, so you can enjoy the freshest of fish, expertly grilled over aromatic charcoal and then presented with your choice of sides and sauces. Sit back with a cool drink and look out over the ocean, lulled by the sound of the waves below.
A Mares Restaurant – This fine dining restaurant reinvents steakhouse and pasta dishes using fresh seasonal ingredients. Soft lighting and views along the Pacific coastline create a romantic setting, while large windows look out over the ocean.
Las Rocas – Start your day poolside at Las Rocas with a classic Mexican breakfast of chilaquiles – lightly fried corn tortillas gently simmered in salsa and served with cheese, eggs, or beans. At Las Rocas, International and Mexican food is served all day and into the night, framed by the sail-inspired terrace drapes and vivid-pink bougainvillea.
Terrace Bar – At The Terrace Bar, dine on modern tapas and fresh ceviche, sushi, and sashimi while toasting the sun’s slow descent. The warm Mexican evenings are the perfect time to try a tequila from the bar’s Tequila Room, home to 65 of the region’s best 100-percent agave single-barrel and Anejo tequilas.
Bespoke Dining – For an unforgettable private dining experience, ask your Personal Assistant to arrange a romantic meal in your suite or in the grounds.
Activities at Cala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa
Start with a workout in Cala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa's well-equipped gym, or a dip in one of two outdoor pools. Then head to the Cala de Mar Library for a morning coffee and a pastry, surrounded by books by Mexican and international authors. Speak to your Personal Assistant about your activity options — go out on a dolphin-watching cruise, or track migrating whales between December and March. Charter a boat for a deep sea fishing expedition, or go beneath the waves with one of the resort's PADI-certified scuba instructors. For land adventures, go horse riding or on a shopping orientation to the boutiques and markets of modern Ixtapa and traditional Zihuatanejo. Later, relax with a treatment at the award-winning Spa el Capricho, with open-air massage rooms, traditional healing techniques, and sweet-sounding chimes.
Beyond the hotel, play golf at one of several nearby courses, including a Robert Trent Jones Jr. layout on an old coconut plantation, and a dunes-style course by Robert von Hagge. You can also explore independently — pack a picnic on your complimentary bike to the winding paths through the surrounding ecological and wildlife reserve. You could also journey to the nearby white-sand beaches of Quieta, Cocodrilario, Linda, Sacrificio and Coral Beach, where you can sunbathe, scuba, sail, or snorkel. Ask your Personal Assistant to arrange a sunset cruise — the perfect prelude to cocktails at the Terrace Bar and a romantic dinner at A Mares Restaurant.
Location
From Cala de Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa, the charming shops, delightful restaurants, and impressive golf courses of downtown Ixtapa are a short taxi or bike ride away. Mexico’s beautiful Pacific Coastal Highway runs just east of Ixtapa, traveling to the Guatemalan border.
Address
Paseo Punta Ixtapa S/N, Zona Hotelera II, Ixtapa, Gro., Mexicowhat3words Address
Transportation
- Airport
- The nearest airport is Carretera Nacional a Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, 14 mi / 23 km from the hotel
Reviews
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Spectacular hotel
Thu Jul 31 2025 12:26:23 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Robyn B
Absolutely stunning hotel with amazing staff and food! The views are unmatched and the private terrace with a pool was such a treat! All the seafood was incredibly fresh and delicious. Marco, Omar, Modesto, and ulisses took great care of us every day! Honestly nothing I would change or improve upon. Amazing experience overall and we will be back!
Perfect place to stay
Tue May 27 2025 02:14:34 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by marvisaurs
With 2 more experiences, I can say with no doubt, there's no better place to stay and relax at Zihua. I'll be back anytime soon for sure! Big thanks to all personnel, they were so kind and respectful at all time
Cala de Mar: A Masterpiece of Mexican Luxury on the Guerrero Coast
Wed Apr 30 2025 00:42:21 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Curiosity18463636130
After traveling to luxury hotels around the world, I can confidently say that Cala de Mar in Guerrero, Mexico stands among the finest global properties I've experienced. This hidden gem offers an exceptional blend of authentic Mexican elegance with world-class service that puts it in a category of its own. The architectural design of Cala de Mar is nothing short of masterful. Every corner of the property has been thoughtfully conceived with a Mexican rustic-elegant aesthetic that feels both authentic and luxurious. The artwork, furniture, and color palette blend harmoniously, creating spaces that feel curated rather than simply decorated. What impressed me most was the attention to comfort in every seating area both in-room and throughout the property. Each chair and lounger invites you to sink in and stay awhile. The meticulously maintained gardens burst with vibrant colors and native flowers, creating a lush backdrop against the blue Pacific. The funicular that transports guests between levels is both practical and charming, adding to the sense of discovery as you navigate this cliffside retreat. We stayed in the Romance Room, which features a private plunge pool that became our favorite spot for sunset cocktails. The bed deserves special mention, heavenly comfortable with premium linens that made each night's sleep exceptional. Every piece of furniture felt intentionally chosen for both beauty and comfort. The thoughtfully stocked minibar, replenished daily with complimentary items, perfect air conditioning, and the jaw-dropping ocean views from multiple vantage points elevated the room experience beyond mere accommodation to a true sanctuary. The panoramic ocean views from Cala de Mar are simply breathtaking. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific, nearly every angle of the property frames the endless blue horizon in a way that photographs can't fully capture. Watching the sunset from our room or the restaurant terraces became a daily ritual we eagerly anticipated. The impeccable upkeep of Cala de Mar deserves special recognition. Every element of the property from the in-room plunge pools to the common area pools, from lighting to landscaping were kept to the highest standards. The service at Cala de Mar exemplifies the legendary warmth of Mexican hospitality while exceeding international luxury standards. Around the pools and restaurants, attentive staff seemed to anticipate our needs before we even recognized them ourselves. Waiters circulated regularly offering drinks and snacks, often surprising us with complimentary treats like the "signature drink of the day" or unexpected guacamole and Corona in the room. The thoughtful touches extended to our room with regional Mexican sweets and other local delicacies appearing during turndown service. Every staff member greeted us with genuine warmth, engaging in pleasant conversation that made us feel recognized and valued. The service culture here isn't just professional, it's genuinely caring. Perhaps the biggest revelation was the exceptional quality of the cuisine. In my view, the dining experiences at Cala de Mar rival Michelin-starred restaurants. The chefs showcase local seafood with innovative preparations like fish with hibiscus reductions that highlight both technical skill and creative vision. What impressed me most was the commitment to craftsmanship throughout the culinary program. Everything appeared to be made from scratch from the artisanal vanilla ice cream to the hand-cut fries. The flavor profiles demonstrated sophisticated balance, and the presentation was consistently stunning without being pretentious. The culinary team also took dietary restrictions seriously, confirming and accommodating them with grace. On our final evening, I made a point to personally thank both the executive chef and pastry chef for their extraordinary work, a gesture I rarely feel compelled to make. This hotel is amazing.
Perfect for a couples getaway
Sat Apr 19 2025 02:11:03 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Gus_Little
This is an upmarket, elegant yet comfortable hotel in a spectacular setting, built into a cliff-side with crashing surf against the rocks below. The property sports wonderful facilities and very helpful, professional and friendly staff, it is beautifully decorated and maintained, and has everything you need. You get to enjoy a commanding ocean view and private plunge pool in every room. The hotel also has two horizon pools, a fully featured spa, gym, and two (three) restaurants on site. Access to rocky shore on site, not suitable for swimming (but other beaches and ecological reserve are a short walk or bike ride away). Would strongly recommend as a great destination to get away from it all for a week or two. Perfect for couples.
Hidden Gem - almost hate to share
Fri Apr 18 2025 11:57:01 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by vipg2018
Cala de Mar is one of the nicest resorts we have ever stayed at and that means everything about the resort. The beauty of the location and the view of the Pacific are spectacular. The staff is incredible - kind, attentive, willing to do whatever it takes. It's secluded from the hotel zone - which is one of the many things we loved about the resort. Easy to get into town but far enough removed to be out of "hustle and bustle" (although it's all pretty laid back). Cannot recommend this resort and its staff enough. Terrific experience!
