Aura del Mar Hotel

The architecture and decor throughout the Aura del Mar are a quaint, pitch-perfect representation of the local flavor of Zihuatanejo. Tile flooring, thatched roofs, and stucco walls with brightly colored accents all create a seamless blend of traditional Mexican design and modern style. Lush vines and meticulously maintained greenery provide a sense of intimacy that makes this boutique hotel feel more like a Mediterranean villa than a tourist town hotel. Every room and common area is situated in a nook off of a series of staircases that seems so randomly connected, it’s easy to get lost and creates an intimate vibe. A tiny bar adjacent the lobby offers a full liquor menu with nightly happy hours and stunning bay views, while the pool below provides a larger relaxation space with a bar and lounge overlooking the beach. As most rooms feature a single king bed, the hotel is ideal for couples as opposed to families traveling with children.

Aura del Mar is situated in a hillside residential neighborhood surrounded by small hotels and homes right next to the Pacific Ocean. From the lobby atop the hill, dozens of small shops, restaurants, and bars are all within a five- to 10-minute walk. Down a long series of staircases, the hotel sits directly on Playa Madera -- a favorite spot for Zihuatanejo locals and tourists looking to escape the hustle of Ixtapa’s crowded beaches (though, honestly, the tiny beach here can get quite crowded too). The location is ideal, as the hotel overlooks Zihuatanejo Bay and provides excellent water views from almost every room and common area on the property.

By car, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport is just 25 minutes away. Travelers looking to explore only Zihuatanejo during their visit will not likely need a rental car as the “downtown” area is compact and easy to traverse on foot. The hotel does not offer airport transport, however, taxi and shuttle service is easy to coordinate. Cab fare is zone-based and reasonable while shuttle vans and buses are the area’s cheapest way to get around. Overall rates are comparable to other Mexican tourist destinations.

Like the lobby and other common areas, room decor is a charming blend of traditional Mexican design elements and modern style. Tile floors, stucco walls, and tropical touches -- including wicker and carved wood in the furniture, wall accents, and headboards -- abound. Bright and bold pops of color are used sparingly in the upholstery and walls to provide a bit of creative flair and the in-lay stone mosaics in some room floors are a particularly quaint design choice.

The hotel offers 30 rooms divided into eight room categories. Relative to most area hotels, rooms are larger than average, with suites offering generous floor plans that feel like medium-size studio apartments. Additionally, oversized balconies in every room provide water views and substantially more space to spread out. Most rooms feature one or more king-size beds, while Junior Suites and Family Suites are available in a double-double bed configuration, and many have multiple bedrooms. Beds in all categories are well-reviewed as firm but comfortable.

The list of standard in-room amenities is solid, with a clear nod toward self-catering travelers. Every room features at least a mini-fridge, and suites offer kitchenettes or full kitchens with refrigerators, stoves, coffeemakers, and additional small appliances. Tap water throughout the property is non-potable, but filtered spring water is free and unlimited. Free Wi-Fi is offered as well, although the service was spotty during our visit.

Bathrooms in all room categories are simple, with a healthy dose of rustic character. Hand-painted wall tiles, pebble stone flooring, and unique vessel sinks all provide lovely Mexican design touches, while beautiful hand-carved wooden doors give everything an upgraded look. Some rooms have hot tubs, and all have either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos.

Aura del Mar provides a surprising number of amenities for a small boutique hotel. An open-air waterfront restaurant, large pool terrace, and excellent location on lovely Playa Madera beach all top the list. However, the inclusion of a gym, a basic spa, a game room/lounge, and a small gift shop are all surprising nice-to-haves in a small hotel.

The single on-site restaurant, Bistro del Mar, is an open-air space situated within feet of the water. A large, bright canopy covers the airy dining room filled with wood-slat furniture arranged across pebble and concrete flooring. The atmosphere is beach-casual, though it’s clearly a step above the area’s typical no-frills dining spots. With a small lounge, a wine cave, and one of the area’s only pizza grills, it’s almost “formal” by Zihuatanejo standards. Breakfast is a typical mix of a la carte Western and Mexican fare. Lunch and dinner are heavily inspired by local seafood, with dishes like clams, scallops, octopus carpaccio, and sashimi. Wood-grilled pizzas are an additional offering and entirely unique to the area. Room service is available for a nominal fee.

The hotel’s sole pool is clean and more than adequate given the size of the hotel. Dozens of umbrellas and oversized lounge chairs surround the pool providing plenty of shaded relaxation space. A water slide adds a bit of kid-friendly fun to the otherwise adult-centric area. Additional space on the bay side of the terrace incorporates a lounge area, dedicated bar, and a smaller, more intimate waterfront terrace. While there is no dedicated poolside drink or snack service, the nearby pool bar is steps away.

Aura del Mar’s two wellness amenities are expectedly small. The tiny gym provides a handful of individual machines, plus a few free weights in an air-conditioned space. Immediately adjacent, the spa is equally compact, with only a single room. Basic massage treatments plus manicures and pedicures are provided. The long, seemingly haphazard staircases throughout the property provide a unique sense of intimacy, adding to the hotel’s natural charm. However, getting around often means steep, round-trip walks involving dozens of steps which may be an issue for some travelers. The hotel also has wedding planners and services for those looking to host a destination event. There are no business services, but Wi-Fi is free throughout.

At the bottom of the property, the hotel’s beach is a small sliver of the larger Playa Madera. The beach is clean, with soft sand and largely swimmable water given its shallow depth and protection from the area’s rip tides. Not surprisingly, this public beach is one of Zihuatanejo’s most popular and it feels like it. Throngs of locals and tourists pack the sand every day of the week creating a lively, though family-friendly vibe. The hotel provides several dozen palapas and lounge chairs in a private, guests-only area 100 feet from the water.