Thompson Zihuatanejo is a quaint resort that feels plucked from an illustrated storybook you loved as a kid—think meandering pathways trodden by large, vibrant butterflies and winding staircases leading to straw-thatched roofs. Gentle waves from the neighboring Playa la Ropa are your vacation’s soundtrack.
What stands out about this resort is its aesthetic, and my description will feel a bit winding, so stick with me. A smurf leaves his quaint village, goes to architecture school, and comes back to build a new home. Solid cement structures with quirkily-shaped windows and oversized straw roofs on the outside complemented by dark neutrals and sunken living rooms on the inside. Basically, this resort feels more like a storybook town with chic designer elements.
One of Thompson Zihuatanejo’s main draws is that there are no bad rooms. With a range of room options available, each space is designed thoughtfully—high ceilings, neutral palettes, and views of either the garden or beach. There is no bad choice. The Lagoon Suite stands out at a mid-range price, boasting an oversized layout with a sunken living room and a luxurious rainfall shower equipped with D.S. & Durga amenities. Every room includes either a plunge pool or a private terrace. Exposed beams and a black-and-white color palette give an art school edge.
For resort-averse travelers who hate feeling confined, Thompson Zihuatanejo is intimate yet open. Its meandering paths avoid a claustrophobic feel and lead directly to Playa La Ropa. The beach itself connects to other hotels, shops, and restaurants, and if you’re craving a change of pace, the city center is just a 10-minute drive away.
Speaking of the beach, the “amenity” of Playa La Ropa, being a stone’s throw away, is ideal — clear waters, gentle waves, and impeccably clean. It’s quiet for a public beach, though you might see a few surfers. And if the beach isn’t your thing, the resort offers two pools: an adults-only infinity pool with
beach views and a family-friendly pool tucked away a little further back. The resort isn’t adults-only, but the crowd is mostly couples looking for R&R.
Thompson provides complimentary beachside lounge chairs and durable umbrellas for shade, plus attentive beachside drink and food service is available. Best part? You won’t have to scramble to lay your fedora down on a seat by 6 am—the resort has struck a perfect balance of offering enough seating for guests without piling one lounger on top of the other. There is an expansive tennis court, too, and a compact gym for wellness-seekers.
The dining and drinking options at Thompson Zihuatanejo are small but mighty. Hao serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with unique twists on classic dishes — think açaí bowls blended with cacao and fruit plates drizzled with passionfruit honey. Ceniza offers more elevated fare like beef stews and grilled lettuce Caesar salads, using locally grown produce and fresh-caught fish. Oysters and ceviche are abundant. (Ceniza means “ash,” a nod to its wood-burning cooking techniques.)
Zihuatanejo itself deserves a mention. This sleepy beach town is a hidden gem, a quieter alternative to popular destinations like Tulum or Cancun. It’s ideal for couples seeking pure relaxation—clean, calm, perfect for a single glass of vino at dinner followed by a reasonable 10 p.m. bedtime. It’s the perfect destination for those who have graduated from (or aren’t currently craving) the party scene and prefer a more peaceful retreat.
Top Takeaways
Location: Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Star-Rating: Three-star
The Vibe: A quiet storybook resort perfect for sunrise walks, lazy beachside lounging, and sunset dinners. A true vacation.
Food + Drink: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at Hao, which puts local spins on classic staples. Indulge in fancier dinners at Ceniza or treat yourself to in-room dining.
Amenities: Every room has either a private plunge pool or balcony. Robes, slippers, and rainfall showerheads (some rooms have outdoor showers, too) are made better by D.S. & Durga amenities. In-room dining, fast WiFi, excellent service, large tennis courts, a compact but effective gym, and turndown service. The spa is fantastic, too.
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel? Design. This resort is simply well done. Masculine interiors are complemented by storybook-like structures that pay beautiful homage to the surrounding Zihua architecture.
What’s Nearby? You have direct access to the quiet, calm, clean Playa la Ropa, and are a 10-minute drive from the city center.
Rooms: 56 rooms and suites
Pricing: Rates start at $70/night.
Closest Airport: Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport
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