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.

Thanks for the very interesting trip report and the lovely photos. We'll just have to agree to disagree about the ecocide at the end of La Ropa Beach, another HOT CEMENT ROAD with skimpy little palm trees (there's a nice scam going on there, but that's another story). Muse looks very interesting, and I'm glad to hear from someone who's stayed there. I very much appreciate hearing your perspective and your experience. Nice job. ¡Bravo! ¡Mil gracias!

Did you stay at Villas San Sebastian in La Ropa? (Our go-to for 14 years.)

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http://www.OneMansWonder.com

Thanks for the very interesting trip report and the lovely photos. We'll just have to agree to disagree about the ecocide at the end of La Ropa Beach, another HOT CEMENT ROAD with skimpy little palm trees (there's a nice scam going on there, but that's another story). Muse looks very interesting, and I'm glad to hear from someone who's stayed there. I very much appreciate hearing your perspective and your experience. Nice job. ¡Bravo! ¡Mil gracias!

Talking about ecocide: last February I walked down the beach at Playa Larga and saw the massive groundwork for the new whatever-it-is. It really is a shocking scar on the landscape. I envisage some monstrosity like the absolutely humongous RIU hotel (900 or 1000 rooms?) they built north of Mazatlan, on Playa Los Cerritos.

Thanks for the very interesting trip report and the lovely photos. We'll just have to agree to disagree about the ecocide at the end of La Ropa Beach, another HOT CEMENT ROAD with skimpy little palm trees (there's a nice scam going on there, but that's another story). Muse looks very interesting, and I'm glad to hear from someone who's stayed there. I very much appreciate hearing your perspective and your experience. Nice job. ¡Bravo! ¡Mil gracias!

Talking about ecocide: last February I walked down the beach at Playa Larga and saw the massive groundwork for the new whatever-it-is. It really is a shocking scar on the landscape. I envisage some monstrosity like the absolutely humongous RIU hotel (900 or 1000 rooms?) they built north of Mazatlan, on Playa Los Cerritos.

Yes, the large patch of totally bare land allegedly violates the law, but apparently we have no governmental entity enforcing crimes against the environment. A damn shame. Supposedly that's what our local office of Ecología is for, but they've become notorious for their blind eye and their hypocrisy, and PROFEPA seems to be missing in action, I regret to admit. I wish things were different. Progress doesn't have to be so sloppy and damaging to the environment. But apparently too many people focus only on their own profits. Our own collective greed and stupidity will destroy us, according to Dr. Stephen Hawking.

They are our neighbors, three doors up. Scott their dog always barks at ours.