Discover The Beauty of Zihuatanejo, Mexico with Beachside Treatments at Thompson Zihuatanejo’s Ixtapa Spa
“Thompson Zihuatanejo is peacefully tucked away along the best swimming beach on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Playa la Ropa.”
SPA PROFILE: IXTAPA SPA AT THOMPSON ZIHUATENEJO
Hugged by picturesque mountains and lush greenery, Thompson Zihuatanejo is an upscale beachfront resort tucked away along one of Mexico’s best beaches for swimming. The luxury destination offers an intimate getaway with 56 guestrooms and suites, many with plunge pools.
A plunge pool view from a suite patio at Thompson Zihuatanejo
Located in what was once a fishing village, the resort offers a beautiful setting for outdoor activities and wellness. Guests can enjoy experiences like parasailing, surfing, and jet-skiing or relax with alfresco spa treatments and morning yoga. Thompson Zihuatanejo’s gorgeous coastline also provides an ideal location for ocean adventures like diving, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, and more.
Adult swimming pool at night
Ixtapa Spa includes six treatment rooms and a fitness center, while other amenities include two tennis courts, and three outdoor pools, including an adults-only pool with swim-up bar. We interviewed Frida Salazar, Director of Operations at Ixtapa Spa, to learn more about this tranquil oasis of relaxation.
Arrival area at Ixtapa Spa
Why you’ll love it: Thompson Zihuatanejo is peacefully tucked away along the best swimming beach on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Playa la Ropa. Hugged by Zihuatanejo’s picturesque mountains and lush greenery, guests love indulging in one of the enriching treatments while still being connected to the beauty of Zihuatanejo through the open-air concept and views of the ocean.
The spa features certified therapists who personalize each treatment to the guest's physical and emotional needs. Whether seeking deep relaxation, stress relief, or holistic wellness, guests are supported on their journey to rejuvenation. All treatments are also available in-room or beachside, offering elevated comfort and flexibility.
Hotel lobby at Thompson Zihuatanejo
Key features: The spa includes an indoor reception lounge for relaxation, one manicure and pedicure cabin, two couples’ treatment cabins with private showers, and one individual treatment room. (While there are no wet areas, the hotel offers swimming pools and hot tubs that spa guests can enjoy after or before treatments.) In total, there are six treatment spaces designed for a range of experiences — including facials, body scrubs and wraps, massages, and nail care. The ambiance is enhanced by Moroccan-style lanterns, plush lounge chairs, and spacious layouts that invite guests into a deeper state of calm.
Restaurant patio seating at Thompson Zihuatanejo
Spa snacks and dining: As guests enter the spa to begin their services, each is welcomed with drinks featuring local flavors based in Jamaica and Mango.
Dining at the Thompson Zihuatanejo includes two restaurants, beach service and room service, as well as standout culinary amenities highlighting the location’s serene landscape.
Dining at Ceniza
Ceniza, the open-air, beachfront restaurant specializes in traditional wood-fired cooking methods with a sustainably sourced surf-and-turf menu under a palm-thatched palapa.
HAO, the resort’s casual oceanfront restaurant, features seasonal ingredients prepared in modern Mexican style all day.
In addition to the two restaurants, guests can expand their culinary experience by taking part in outdoor cooking classes or book “La Parota” Dinner in the Wild, an immersive, customized outdoor dinner experience sourced from seasonal ingredients on a flavor journey through Latin America.
Beach yoga
Unique treatments: The most unique treatments are our special cultural body treatment and two treatments specifically for couples. The Prehistoric Body Ritual uses traditional Mexican practices to provide ultimate relaxation with a hydrating facial, body detox and a relaxing massage to help release contractures.
The Sea of Love treatment is a unique and special experience to have with a partner. Beyond a classic couples’ massage, the Sea of Love is a full-body exfoliation with our special salts, followed by a massage with stimulating essential oils. It is a highly praised experience and a favorite for couples to bond together. Alternatively, pairs can also book the Pear & Apple Body treatment which includes a full body exfoliation with pear and green apple sugar scrub followed by a massage with pear and green apple souffle. This experience will harmonize the couple’s mind, body and spirit.
Thompson Zihuatanejo swimming pool
In addition to the specialty couples' treatments, the spa has a special offering designed for men. The unique treatment called the Men’s Environmental Facial protects and restores skin from damage caused by sun exposure and aging. Guests can relax further with a shoulder, neck and head massage, leaving skin noticeably hydrated and glowing.
Insider’s favorite: A personal favorite is the Sea of Life Facial. This facial is a deep cleansing steam and mask treatment combined with a dynamic cranial facial therapy, designed to help release physical and mental stress. It blissfully calms the body, allowing you to release stress and transcend into calmness.
Tennis courts at Thompson Zihuatenejo
Wellness offerings: Morning yoga, Pilates, and Zumba classes on the beach every morning. The resort also offers tennis courts and a fitness center.
Featured brands: The spa uses innovative, high-quality spa products that are 100% natural and organic. All body creams, massage oils, and scrubs are specially formulated with our signature scent and branded with the Thompson Zihuatanejo logo. For facial treatments, we proudly use Miguett, a trusted professional skincare line renowned for its effectiveness and purity.
Keep up with Thompson Zihuatanejo by following @thompsonzihuatanejo.
Thompson Zihuatanejo
Carretera Escenica S/N, Playa la Ropa
40895 Zihuatanejo, Gro., Mexico
+52 755 555 5500
[Images courtesy of Thompson Zihuatanejo]
A University of Michigan graduate, Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning writer/editor. You can also find her work in publications including Healthline, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo!, MindBodyGreen, Men’s Journal, Bezzy, and more. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA, and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @zillizy, @zillizy16