For today's "Give-it-to-me-fast, give-it-to-me-now" vacationers searching for that one beach destination that offers highrise luxury along with seaside village charm, the dual destination of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo delivers the best of both worlds.

This dissimilar vacation duo delivers modern comforts, tropical beauty, and village charm better than any resort area in Mexico. Best of all, these two delightfully different cities are friendly neighbors, just seven kilometers apart.

Set against the lush green backdrop of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains, the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo area runs along 26 kilometers of hilly tropical coast line with dozens of sandy beaches and scalloped
coves. Located in the State of Guerrero, just 230 kilometers up the coast from Acapulco, the area enjoys an average temperature of 78.8 degrees with brief afternoon showers during the rainy season, from June through September. The sun shines an average of 340 days a year, and sea breezes keep the climate agreeable year-'round.

Ixtapa is arguably the most modern resort on Mexico's west coast. Born in the 1970's, Ixtapa has an ecology-minded master plan that requires the allotment of half the land as ecological reserve. Hotels and residences are limited in size in relation to their land area. Ixtapa stretches along Playa Palmar, a three -kilometer stretch of soft golden sand lapped by Pacific surf. Development is concentrated along the southern end of the beach, leaving much of the area free from construction.

Ixtapa's offering of hotels includes one of Mexico's most consistently fine collections of deluxe properties, each one distinct in architecture and atmosphere. While not bustling with things to see and do, Ixtapa keeps active guests on the go with its world-class golf (two of Mexico's finest facilities), outstanding deep sea fishing, and excellent tennis facilities. Water sports are a strong attribute, with some of Mexico's best Pacific Coast diving, fishing and ocean swimming. The restaurant, shopping and nightlife scenes are a bit subdued compared to other Pacific resorts, yet there's still enough diversity for enjoyable outings.

Marina Ixtapa is a new 450-acre mega project just up the beach from the Ixtapa hotel zone. This upscale complex has provided a shot of energy into the area. It is comprised of nautical facilities with 622 yacht slips, private villas, restaurants, shops, a beach club (Club Playa), and a tennis center. An 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Von Hagge is crisscrossed by recreational canals.

Nearby Zihuatanejo, on the other hand, is a classic Mexican pueblo. The village has an unpretentious, informal attitude and a serene setting of tropical beauty. Its lovely sheltered harbor, with three palm-fringed beaches, is backed by jungle-clad hills. A pleasant contrast to the glitter of Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo has comfortable, family-run inns, reasonably priced hotels and bungalows, and three very special deluxe properties. With its seaside cafes, intriguing native markets, a pleasant malecon (seaside promenade), and centuries of tradition, Zihuatanejo is great fun to explore. All this is tucked around one of Mexico's most picturesque bays.

Visitors often split their leisure time between Ixtapa and nearby Zihuatanejo. A typical day might begin with breakfast and a market stroll in Zihuatanejo, followed by lunch, pool lounging and a round of golf in Ixtapa. A leisurely dinner back in Zihuatanejo caps off a perfect day in "the one place that's two places at once."