Reed Travel Features
ZIHUATANEJO -- Agents can add a stunning 22-suite property
tucked into the peninsula in this quaint fishing village to their
list of exclusive hideaways along Mexico's Pacific Coast.
Hotel Puerto Mio is not new, but it recently came under the
management umbrella of Grupo Villa del Sol, the owner and operator
of the luxury beachfront property Villa del Sol on the town's La
Ropa Beach.
The 5-year-old Hotel Puerto Mio formerly was operated by its
current owner, Hector Rebaque, an ex-Formula One race car driver.
It now is under the direction of Helmut Leins, owner of Villa del
Sol.
After the management takeover in November, Leins has aimed to
heighten the appeal of Hotel Puerto Mio by upgrading its guest
rooms, facilities and services.
Although guests of Hotel Puerto Mio will find the same
personalized service that Villa del Sol is known for, the property
offers an entirely different experience in terms of location and
atmosphere.
"Puerto Mio probably will attract a younger crowd [than Villa
del Sol]," Leins said. "It caters to people who want to go fishing,
sailing or diving. They can sit at the pool, and then they have the
docks right there at their disposal."
Unlike Villa del Sol, which meanders under swaying palms on
prime beachfront property, Hotel Puerto Mio is situated behind the
marina and consists of two buildings that hug a peninsula
overlooking Zihuatanejo Bay.
The lower structure, which features an open-air restaurant and
bar, a small pool and a few guest suites, is situated next to a
beautiful rocky cove called Morro Viejo.
The upper structure, which encompasses the majority of the guest
suites as well as a restaurant and bar and another small pool, is
perched high on the cliffside and is accessed via a cobblestone
road.
For clients who want to forego the lazy beachfront experience
and opt for pure seclusion and proximity to the full spectrum of
water sports, Hotel Puerto Mio fills the bill.
The property has been enjoying healthy occupancies under its new
management, but Leins said it will take time before it gains the
top-drawer reputation Villa del Sol enjoys.
"You cannot duplicate in a few months what took 15 years to
build," Leins said. "It takes time to grow."
Leins said Hotel Puerto Mio falls into a middle-high-end
category, while Villa del Sol, a member of Relais & Chateaux
and Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is strictly for the high-end
market.
According to Jaime Cantarell, general manager of Hotel Puerto
Mio, Villa del Sol took the property under its wing because of the
uniqueness of the small, deluxe resort.
"We got involved because it is a great product," Cantarell said.
"The building was nice, but it wasn't up to par with our
standards," he added.
The refurbishment added an entrance, a restaurant and a bar in
the upper building as well as the remodeling of most of the guest
units.
Guests staying in the upper building now have access to meal and
drink service and can relax by the pool all day without having to
stroll down to the lower building.
"Our management philosophy is that if you don't want to leave,
you don't have to," Cantarell said. "And it is very romantic to be
up on this hill. It gives you exclusivity."
With the enhancements, the ambience is that of an intimate
Mexican and Mediterranean-style retreat, with lush gardens,
handsome antiques, woodwork and marble, beautiful artwork and
bright, open-air public spaces.
The atmosphere in the guest suites is equally impressive, with
categories including standard, junior and senior.
Each of the units has a different personality, some offering
Jacuzzis and private balconies and most having panoramic views of
Zihuatanejo Bay.
Leins' attention to detail is evident in every unit, with design
elements such as inviting pastel color schemes, hand-tiled flooring
or Jacuzzi tubs that overlook the bay.
Agents should take note that many of the guest units are
accessible only by climbing a number of stairs.
Additionally, with the property's cliffside layout, accessing
many of the facilities also involves navigating stairs or sloping
pathways. A motor cart is available to drive guests to the upper
building.
Hotel Puerto Mio has two restaurants and bars: a full-service
meal venue in the lower building next to the cove and an eatery in
the upper building that serves continental breakfast as well as
light fare and cocktails until 5 p.m.
For fine dining in a spectacular setting, its open-air
restaurant overlooking the dramatic Morro Viejo cove is
excellent.
The emphasis is on fresh local seafood and produce, and the menu
features superb Mexican nouvelle cuisine dishes.
For relaxation, guests can spend time at one of the property's
two small pools, where lounge chairs and towels are provided.
A footpath is being constructed to a small cove below the
property called Contramar.
The cove has a pebble beach, and its tranquil waters provide a
natural swimming pool that is ideal for snorkeling.
When the trail is completed, the cove also will be equipped with
a modest beach club, where guests can sunbathe on cushions.
For now, guests can access Contramar by boat from the marina or
on foot if they have proper shoes and are willing to hike down.
Next to Hotel Puerto Mio is a full-service marina offering slips
for yachts; sailing, scuba diving and big-game fishing excursions;
jet skis, and motor boats.
Other facilities at Hotel Puerto Mio include a nightclub and
disco with a view of Zihuatanejo Bay.
Meetings accommodating up to 100 people can be held at the
resort as well as receptions for up to 150 people. Full-service
weddings also can be arranged.
Nightly rates at Hotel Puerto Mio during the winter season, Nov.
15 to March 31, are $144 for a standard suite; $200 for a junior
suite, and $350 for a two-story senior suite.
During the summer season, April 1 to Nov. 14, nightly rates are
$120 for a standard suite; $160 for a junior suite, and $280 for a
senior suite.
For more information or to book, call (888) 389-2645 or (011)
52-755 43239.