Las Brisas Ixtapa

As development has raced ahead on the Riviera Maya, the Pacific coast resort of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo – initially conceived in the 1970s – remains a more authentically Mexican alternative.

Regular flights connect Mexico City with Zihuatanejo.

Striking Las Brisas enjoys a privileged setting, perched on a lush, tropical hillside overlooking an alluring crescent of white sand. Its unusual design - one of the most famous works of Mexican architect Ricardo Lagoretta in 1981 - affords every one of its 400 or so guest rooms ocean views as well as a private terrace.

The hotel’s intriguing layout belies the fact it has 18 floors, with the lobby and sunset bar on the top level. Although it may feel curiously retro in today’s era of ultra-modern glass frontages, the simplicity of the hotel’s presentation in many ways lends it Mexican appeal, with tiled floors and unfussy décor.

Facilities include a choice of restaurants, two of which have views of the bay, tennis courts and several swimming pools.