For a fun and carefree family-friendly beach vacation, head to Club Med Ixtapa Pacific in Mexico. From early morning activities to late night dancing under the stars, the all-inclusive Club Med Mexican resort offers great food, lodging and entertainment for all age groups.
Club Med Ixtapa Pacific was my family’s first vacation at an all-inclusive resort. Since then, we’ve spent many family vacations at Club Med villages, which include Florida and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. But even if you’re not traveling with kids, the all-inclusive Club Med Ixtapa resort is an ideal getaway for couples and friends.
Situated on the Pacific Coast, the hacienda-style resort features ocean view rooms, outstanding kids’ clubs, outdoor pools and Club Med’s signature flying trapeze. Club Med is also known for many land and water sports for all age groups. Unlimited food, drinks, activities, entertainment, kids’ clubs and accommodations are included in one price.
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Getting there: The Zihuatanejo Airport is located in a small fishing village. It’s about a 30-minute drive to the family resort situated on the balmy shores of the Pacific Ocean.
Note: Club Med Ixtapa Pacific is closed for renovation until December 2021.
The Club Med Ixtapa Experience
On my visit with friends to Club Med Ixtapa Pacific, we were greeted cheerfully by G.Os (Gracious Organizers), who represent more than 25 nationalities at each Club Med village (there are more than 80 worldwide). G.Os are what distinguish Club Med from other all-inclusive resorts. From check-in to check-out, these friendly, multilingual young people interact with guests, called Great Members. With G.Os leading the way , it’s easy to get in the groove of the “Club Med culture.” These interactions create a close-knit environment and enhance your trip.
Register for Club Med’s Kids’ Programs
If you’re traveling with kids, it’s a good idea to register them in the kids’ clubs upon arrival. That way, they can start having fun with their peers and G.Os right away. There’s a complimentary Mini Club for ages 4 – 13 and Juniors program for ages 11 – 17.
Traveling with young children? No problem. There’s also a Baby Club (four months – 23 months) and Petit Club (two-three years) for an additional fee to your package.
Play at Club Med Ixtapa
Club Med Ixtapa offers a nice mix of low-key and thrilling activities. It’s where I learned to sail a Hobie Cat (a small water craft), and swing on a trapeze. Club Med Ixtapa’s water sports include sailing, kayaking and swimming in the ocean or outdoor pools. The water aerobics classes are a fun way get exercise while staying cool. Shore activities include salsa dancing, fitness classes, yoga, Pilates, archery and tennis.
Don’t be shy about trying Club Med’s signature Flying Trapeze. Experienced G.Os will have you swinging or flying on the trapeze in no time. The trapeze is open to kids and adults.
Relax at Club Med Ixtapa
Of course, sometimes it’s nice to simply relax at a beautiful beach resort. Lounge poolside or on a beach hammock. For total relaxation, book a spa service (for a fee) at the newly renovated spa. Amenities include five individual treatment rooms and one duo treatment room with a bath.
Each treatment room has its own private terrace overlooking the ocean, allowing you to choose between indoor or outdoor treatments. In addition, the spa offers one manicure/pedicure room, one duo beach-facing palapa and one individual beach-facing palapa. There’s also a relaxation area with a tea room, facing the ocean.
Enjoy International Dining
Mealtimes in the two open-air restaurants are a treat. The main restaurant, El Encanto, serves an international breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet with made-to-order omelets. The terrace was recently renovated and is a great spot for a sunset dinner.
The Miramar Restaurant and Bar features all-day dining and snacking in a laid-back ambiance. Plus, there’s a wonderful oceanfront terrace.
Join in Nightly Entertainment
Family-friendly evening shows typically start at 9 p.m. They usually feature G.Os singing, dancing and performing trapeze acts. Often, the shows spotlight guests, both kids and adults. No evening is complete without Club Med’s signature “crazy signs” group dance moves that inspire kids and adults to clap, twirl and sing under the stars.
Explore Mexico with Club Med Excursions
Club Med also offers excursions for a fee. On my friends’ getaway, we took two: a relaxing sunset cruise and a snorkeling tour to nearby Ixtapa Island. With no electricity and little water, the island is a throwback in time with quaint beach cafes. With our toes in the sand, we enjoyed fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, fish tacos, cheese quesadillas and beer served in an ice bucket.
Club Med Accommodations
Club Med Ixtapa features brightly-colored, hacienda-style rooms. Landscaped paths wind among the buildings and lead to the beach. During my visit, I stayed in the oceanfront suites in the Sol building. The luxury suites have a private deck, concierge services, breakfast room service, complimentary WiFi and direct beach access. The village also has comfortable family rooms with garden views but minus the personal services.
A bientot
On departure day, G.Os gather in the courtyard once again, this time for a grand send off – until next time.
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