ACAPULCO: Retro Glamour

Formerly the beachside playground to Hollywood starlets and business tycoons, Acapulco has had its share of ups and downs; however, it is currently undergoing a new renaissance as a chic resort town on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Marked by a beautiful and dramatic coastline with craggy cliffs, white sand beaches, five-star resorts, and a hint of Old Hollywood glamour, Acapulco is poised to restore its tarnished glory.

What to Do

One of the most exhilarating ways to experience the beauty of Acapulco is to soar across the Pacific Ocean on the longest zipline in the world with the breathtaking Puerto Marques Bay as the backdrop. Tap into that inner adrenaline junkie as you soar superman-style at speeds of 120 km/hour over 1800 meters of zipline that rises 100 meters above sea level. Xtasea offers a truly unforgettable experience that can't be had anywhere else in the world.

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Explore Acapulco by yacht along the stunning coastline of Acapulco and marvel at the beautiful hillside villas and bays. Dip in the cool sparkling azure waters and bar hop at the various beach clubs. Stop by to watch the courageous cliff divers perform death-defying 100-foot dives off the jagged rock cliffs in La Quebrada, which can also be seen by land from El Mirador Hotel.

Learn more about the cultural history of Acapulco from the cultural corridor. Visit the Historic Museum of Acapulco located in the San Diego Fort. Walk through centuries of history as you learn about the series of events that led to the economic rise and development of the city from its strategic position as a trading port. This comprehensive museum explains the history of Mexico with a focus on the Guerrero state, the pre-Hispanic ages, the Spanish conquest, trade with Asia, battles with pirates and explorers, the wars for independence, pre- and post-revolutionary times, and the rise of Acapulco's heyday in pop culture to the present day.

Where to Stay

Bask in five-star luxury at the Banyan Tree Cabo Marques located over the cliffs of the Acapulco Diamond Zone that offers spectacular views over the ocean and bay. This Asian-themed hotel features spacious cliffside villas replete with private infinity pools that offer panoramic oceanfront views with breathtaking sunsets. Surround yourself in tranquil beauty and spend the day relaxing on your timber-roofed lanai overlooking the bay or ocean, or rejuvenate in the large soaking tub by oversized floor-to-ceiling bay windows.  The Zen-like villas feature a wall of windows that brings nature indoors with luxuriously appointed king-sized beds outfitted with sumptuous linens and oversized bathrooms with spacious dressing areas.

Indulge the senses at the Banyan Tree Spa that offers a full menu of spa treatments. The beautiful spa blends serenity and romance with exotic sensuality with treatments that are based on ancient healing powers of the East and West. Choose from signature treatments such as the Balinese Massage, which uses deep thumb and palm pressure; the Royal Banyan, which combines the best of Eastern and Western massage techniques; or the Thai Traditions, which uses stretching therapy to alleviate tension and enhance flexibility of the body.

Experience some of the best Thai food in Mexico at the Banyan Tree signature restaurant, Saffron, which serves authentic Thai cuisine with a contemporary twist in a stunning indoor and outdoor setting overlooking the ocean. Modeled after the award-winning Banyan Tree Saffron in Phuket, there are now 10 locations in 7 countries presenting indigenous flavors of Thai cuisine in an exotic yet classically elegant atmosphere helmed by native Thai chefs.

For casual all-day dining, visit La Nao on the poolside deck. It serves modern Mexican and local cuisine in a beautiful alfresco setting overlooking the bay and infinity pool.

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For travelers looking for five-star contemporary luxury, stay at the uber chic Encanto Acapulco. Located on the top of Brisas Marques, this contemporary design hotel was created by Miguel Angel Aragones. Its stunning hilltop pool features breathtaking views of the ocean and city with stark white lines accented by the deep blue palette of the ocean. Luxuriously appointed rooms are outfitted with a chic neutral minimalist décor with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to private balconies and seamlessly blend unsurpassed panoramic views over Acapulco into the suite-sized accommodations.   

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