Trip Report July 2024

Hoping this long rambling trip report might distract some of us from tense times in the States.

I was in Tulum in June and it is fun to compare the two destinations. Tulum was pretty and the Cenotes are worth visiting, but I will never go back for a laundry list of reasons.

Summer is one of my favorite times in Zihuatanejo. I decided for two nights that I wanted to see/stay at Musa about 45 minutes South of Zih Airport. I am sure a lot of people have heard of it, but if not, it is maybe one of the nicest hotel experiences I have had. The grounds are immaculate, the pool is perfect, the rooms are incredibly well thought out, and the food is well-priced and great. I tried a very nice hotel in Tulum and it wasn't close in comparison, double/triple the price for everything that Musa did better. They built a lagoon that has rental properties surrounding and the places are incredible. I have met the owners before and I do like them a lot. Their vision is inspiring and I wish them the best of luck. It is worth exploring or calling them to see about day passes to use the pool or eat dinner. The beach is also just gorgeous and the sand is incredibly fine. Side note, the airconditioned pool bathrooms were nicer than any 5-star hotel pool bathroom I have been to, so much so that I felt it worth mentioning

I stayed on La Ropa for the rest of my trip and no matter how nice other places are, it is still nice to be back to what I consider home. The weather was perfect. I would also like to note that in my 15-plus years of coming here, I don't think I have ever seen the town (El Centro) and beaches this beautiful. La Ropa was in great shape. I was very impressed by how nice it has become. I am also impressed by the walkway that is being built, it appears well thought out and the design is pretty. I see they planted palm trees along the road. Areas grow, it happens guys. "They paved paradise and put up a nicer paradise", Joni Mitchell would probably like it and that's based on nothing...

Had the usual drinks with friends, and partied at Playa Blanca and Jungle Pizza.

Strolled La Ropa

El Centro was clean, the roads looked good, people were painting buildings, and overall it was beautiful.

I spent time in town at nights and mornings, drank a lot of Mezcal etc, but one notable night I was walking and at Chez Arnoldo, they had a band that was one of the best bands I have heard in the area and maybe anywhere, I was drunk but they were phenomenal. If anyone knows them please let me know their name and give them credit. I took video and this was not a great shot.

Visit, don't be scared of summer, yes things are changing, but it was just beautiful and it is still the Zihuatanejo most of us love.