Club Med Ixtapa Pacific

The Club Med name is well-known for all-inclusive rates and providing loads of family-friendly entertainment. The massive Ixtapa outpost of the brand is situated behind gates off a quiet road on the outskirts of Ixtapa. Most of the emphasis is on the outdoors, but there is a lovely lobby decorated in a traditional Mexican hacienda style with red tiles, wood ceilings, and local art. With various water and physical activities, several pools, and beachfront to Playa Quieta, there is plenty to keep everyone busy from morning to night. While many activities are scheduled throughout the day (trapeze lessons and outdoor Zumba classes) guests can also find quiet places for themselves by the main pool or one of the many palapas on the the beach. The hotel grounds are bustling throughout the day, while the bars and restaurants are busy at night with families eating dinner or couples enjoying happy hour snacks. Most nights the theater has a show or game for adult and kids to watch or participate in. With a kids’ club and organized games, expect to see plenty of families -- but the vibe is more sophisticated and quiet than many all-inclusive properties in the region. 

Built into a hill, the gated Club Med Pacific Ixtapa, is situated on Playa Quieta on a quiet road away from Ixtapa. The hotel is a 10-minute drive to the shops, grocery stores, beach clubs, and restaurants of "downtown" -- but many guests don't leave the resort. Taxi service is easy at the hotel, so renting a car is not necessary for most travelers.

The small fishing village of Zihuatanejo is a 22-minute drive from the hotel and it features the popular Mercado, larger grocery stores, and plenty of restaurants. The bustling Paseo del Pescado boardwalk is a 30-minute drive and it has a few beachfront restaurants, clubs, and access to Playa la Madera. Travelers should allow 30 minutes travel time to get to the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Airport. Transport is available through the hotel for a fee.

Across all categories, rooms are modern and spacious, though they do range in size and amenities. Vibrant colors are the norm. Expect to see bright pinks, purples, and blues. There are plenty of contrast colors in black headboards, beige walls, and white trim. Decor throughout the rooms is playful with lime green couches, mirrored tables, and abstract artwork. All units come with flat-screen TVs, minibars (fully stocked minibars for higher level rooms), free Wi-Fi, and coffeemakers. Larger rooms feature two flat-screen TVs, as well as extra sitting space with tables and chairs. The desktop personal computer is a particularly nice extra for the higher level suites. 

Bathrooms throughout the hotel are spacious and well-appointed. The bathrooms vary in size and amenities based on the category, with most bathrooms featuring standing showers, plenty of vanity space, and separate water closets. Some higher level rooms come with a tub or couples shower with dual rainfall showerheads. Many rooms feature balconies or terraces, and views of the pools or ocean. 

Club Med Pacific Ixtapa shines when it comes to all-inclusive activities and events for families. The dedicated kids' club offers a wide range of activities for children from babies to older kids. The colorful space features both indoor and outdoor options: playgrounds, building blocks, and an outdoor pool, to keep kids entertained. There's even a restaurant just for kids, La Sirena, where children have their lunch during the day. An animation team (led by the Chief of the Village) puts on events and organizes games, while the evening Music Factory show is a popular hit. 

The hotel has three pools, a massive main pool, smaller kids’ club pool, and a tiny quiet pool. The smaller quiet pool is situated far from the main hub of the hotel and is secluded, with only a few white lounge chairs available. The main pool overlooks the Pacific Ocean and features heavy white cushioned wooden lounge chairs. A small poolside bar is situated adjacent to the massive pool terrace, and serves free coffee, beer, and cocktails. 

Playa Quieta is located below the main pool terrace and has plenty of straw-thatched palapas and lounge chairs on offer. Most of the water and field activities are located just beyond the beach. Guests will find tennis courts, a trapeze set-up, and an archery range. The hotel has structured activities (like archery and trapeze) which require reservations, while the tennis courts and sports field are typically available for use whenever. There are a few free water sports on offer for guests to use, including kayaks, sailboards, and Hobie cats.

Wellness options include a spa and moderately sized fitness center -- both are located by the main lobby. The spa features services like massages, manicures, and body wraps and has a relaxation tea room. The fitness center offers a handful of flat-screen TVs, Life Fitness cardio machines, and weights. Outdoor fitness classes like yoga, Zumba, and dance are held throughout the day.

Separated from the main area of the hotel, are a few meeting rooms. Some of the rooms have audiovisual capabilities. Valet parking is free. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, though it can be spotty in some areas of the hotel. 

All of the food and beverages are included in the room rates, but Club Med Ixtapa doesn't have as many options as most all-inclusive hotels. El Encanto is the hotel’s main restaurant. The massive restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and serves a buffet for all the meals. The casual restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating in differently decorated dining rooms, including lovely views of the Pacific Ocean. Packed during the main mealtimes, El Encanto has plenty of buffet options like quesadillas, chips and guacamole, tacos, a massive salad bar, a cheese and fruit table, and a large dessert bar. There are also plenty of international fare options on offer, and a baby center for young children. The open-air a la carte restaurant, La Luna Azul, is open a few nights a week and guests should note that reservations are required. 

Situated by the main pool, El Miramar, is the snack bar open during the day. The small and casual snack bar serves traditional Mexican specialities. Estrella Bar is open throughout the day, and is painted with popular Mexican celebrities (or stars). The bar features plenty of drink options, including a kids’ only mocktail list. Theme nights and happy hour snacks are held at different restaurants throughout the week. Kids get free lunch at La Sirena restaurant inside the kids' club. Room service is not available.