Luxurious Spa Resort Steps from Ixtapa's White-Sand Beaches

The thalasso—which translates to "seawater" in Greek—is a staple of spa resorts in France and Spain. It's a pool full of saltwater that typically has underwater seats that line the lip of the pool, and it's designed so one can soak in the healing effects of seawater. Loma del Mar is one of few places in North America that has an onsite thalasso, and the resort has made it a signature piece of the spa experience amid sunny Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Mexico.

There are hints of Greek influence throughout this sprawling resort. Loma del Mar's hotel itself, situated right next to the pool, is made up of blinding white stucco; it'd fit nicely among the white houses you can find on the cliffs in the Greek Isles. The building's color mimics the sheet-white beaches that are just a five-minute walk away. La Pampa, one of three restaurants onsite at the sprawling resort, is situated at the top of a 220-foot-high cliff. You can get sweeping views of the Pacific coastline and glorious sunsets as you dine on fresh, locally fished tuna and shrimp.

Equipped with relaxing jets, the thalasso pool is part of the award-winning Spa at Loma del Mar. You can head here to take in other healing treatments, too, such as a milk bath or a hot stone massage in the open air. Adjacent to the spa and thalasso is the 100-foot-long infinity-edge outdoor pool, where you can grab a drink at a swim-up bar with a thatched roof or practice underwater karaoke.

When you arrive at any of the hotel's spacious luxury suites, you'll find a fruit basket waiting on the table. Each condo-like suite is designed to make you feel at home; there's a living room lined with cushioned benches, which shares the red-tiled floor with a dining room and fully equipped mini kitchen. A separate bedroom area is decorated with vibrantly colored Mexican prints on the walls and bed. Head out to the private terrace to look to the lush gardens on the property and the golf-course greens next door.

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Mexico: White-Sand Beaches and Lively Town Plazas

On the west coast of Mexico, about 150 miles southwest of Acapulco, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo has 12 miles of white-sand beaches. Once a fishing village, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo was built in the 1970s as a beach vacation destination, and today the two cities are lined with high-rise hotels along the water. One of the most popular beaches is the Playa del Palmar, which is known for its big waves and spotless sand. You can stop here to watch as fishermen cast out into the Pacific and pelicans dive for their dinners.

Loma del Mar is situated directly between Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, and you can get to either of them with a cheap cab ride. In Ixtapa, the quaint town plaza is the heart of the shopping district, where you can find silver and handicrafts while listening to live music. Or stop by a fish-taco stand, where you can see the vendors grill fish in the open air.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.