Built into the rocky cliffside of Ixtapa, Cala de Mar is an absolute gem of a luxury resort situated on Mexico’s Pacific coast.
While the hotel is relatively new, it was built with a nod to the traditional style of the area with stucco exteriors and thatched roofs. A maze of tree-lined pathways, staircases, and tiny elevators lead you to multiple pool areas and terrace restaurants. Everything is built around the amazing Pacific views, including the world-class spa. Choose to have your treatment outside on the private massage deck or indoors, where the rooms have massive windows facing the ocean as well. You’ll see why Condé Nast named it the #1 spa in Mexico and Central America two years in a row.
The rooms at Cala de Mar are what really steal the show, each providing stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. We enjoyed the Adjoining Family Suite this visit, with us and our two children and the set up was a dream. Our two bedrooms were connected via the terrace, the rooms were huge (take a tour here) and each had it’s only plunge pool. Unlike some hotels where you’re forced to pay up for a private plunge pool, the terrace of every guest-room here includes a gorgeous pool, seating area, and day-bed lounger. It’s your own private oasis on a cliff, and you never have to leave your suite to enjoy a sunny swim.
The interior of the rooms are simply designed, with a dreamy bed in the center facing out to the terrace and killer view beyond. Neutral colors are used throughout the suites, allowing for the natural beauty of Ixtapa and that deep blue ocean water to serve as the focal point. Spacious bathrooms, legit as big as our NYC apartments back in the day, have multiple windows that open and afford equally breathtaking views.
While lounging on your private terrace, keep your ears perked for a knock on the door. In the afternoon, you’ll receive complimentary snacks from the hotel… just because. For us, it was a bucket of beers one day (a couple of margaritas the next) for the adulst and a pair of smoothies for the kids, along some fresh guacamole with chips – a perfect and thoughtful midday treat. We were constantly taken aback by the service and attention to our children. The staff went above and beyond at every chance to treat our kids like actual guests and it was such a delight to see.
If you want to pull yourself away from the room for a meal, the hotel has several options for dining. Las Rocas Restaurant serves breakfast and lunch (get the smoothie bowl and shrimp or fish tacos!), The Seafood Market serves a seafood-focused dinner, allowing you to choose your daily catch, Terrace Bar is great for afternoon cocktails and more bar-style food (think sliders, etc.) and A Mares Restaurant is the fine dining option. It’s also the only air conditioned restaurant in Ixtapa which is important to note because it can be very hot and humid there depending on when you visit and the AC is a nice reprieve at meal time.
Whatever you order, DO NOT SKIP the churros. I am not kidding when I saw we ordered these after every lunch and dinner and even had an order (or two!) sent to our room after the kids went down because we didn’t want to share. I’ll dream about these for the foreseeable future!
From the moment you walk-in, the hotel staff strives you make you feel at home. Whether relaxing at the spa, sunbathing at the pool, or resting in your room, the entire experience from check-in to check-out is exceptional.
more pics
Compass + Twine was a welcomed guest of Cala De Mar and thanks them for a lovely stay. As always, all opinions are our own.
