Shopping in the Ixtapa-Zihautanejo Region

As is the case in any geographically diverse country, every region in Mexico offers its own unique take on handcrafted goods. Guerrero, the state in which Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo, and our own Troncones reside, is famed for its ceramic plates and dinner sets, wood sculptures, ceremonial masks, and hammocks-most of which are available through the large and open-air artisan markets.

You’ll also find a number of clothing, jewelry, and boutique-style shops in the downtown regions of both metropolitan centers. In fact, many people travel to Ixtapa specifically for the boulevard framed with shopping centers, where you can by name-brand clothes, leather goods and shoes, and artisan crafted silver jewelry.

Getting the Goods Home

When it comes to smaller, non-perishable items (like jewelry and clothes), you can usually avoid problems with bringing the items home by simply leaving a little room in your suitcase when you pack. However, when you purchase breakables, larger textiles, or furniture, your options are limited. And while it might be possible to stop by the nearest post office and send the item to your home address, the government services in Mexico probably aren’t as reliable as you want for your vacation mementos.

• Ship Familiar Companies: FedEx does have a facilities in Guerrero, and you might also find smaller shipping companies with reputable names here. If you plan on buying large items during your stay in Mexico, find out where these companies have drop-off locations and what their prices and terms of agreement are.
• Know What You Can’t Take: It’s illegal to put some items in your box to ship home, so know what is prohibited to put in the mail or send via FedEx. For the most part, the same things that are illegal to mail in the United States (perishable food items, firearms, endangered species paraphernalia or eggs, drugs, archaeological monuments, live plants and animals, alcohol without a permit) are illegal to mail here.
• Ask Merchants for Assistance: Although you probably won’t be able to ask the street vendor to package and ship your items home, the higher-end retailers are accustomed to dealing with an international clientele and may be able to ship your purchase directly home. You should be able to verify the sender and get tracking information so that your purchase is secure.
• Customs Information: There are strict regulations in place regarding taxes and fees on the items you purchase. Items for resale are subject to higher taxes, though you should be able to get a refund on your Value Added Tax if you are an international visitor and are willing to fill out the rebate forms.

Even if you plan on having your Mexican beach vacation take the form of long, lazy days in the sand and family time in your private villa, many of our guests find that a day or two spent in the nearby city centers is a great way to enjoy all that Mexico has to offer. If you anticipate buying anything that will need to be shipped home, do your research ahead of time so that you can get those items in the mail and get back to enjoying all that this incredible country has to offer.

If this last option is your style, then you’re also probably in the mood for some privacy. One of the most difficult things about a Mexican resort vacation is finding a way to enjoy the tourist ambiance without all those pesky tourists getting in the way. After all, a vacation along the Mexican beach is something many people dream of, and even if you travel during the off season, there’s likely to be a few people out enjoying the beach with you.

Casa de la Sirena, a Troncones gem, exists to provide the most private, enjoyable beach vacation possible—without sacrificing any of the comforts of a five-star resort setting. This is possible because our facilities are built around individual families and couples enjoying their time, their way.

Private Accommodations

It all starts with private, affordable accommodations. For the most seclusion, you can opt for one of our beachfront villas, which boast three bedrooms, a private pool, and a full kitchen that you can use to cook for every meal. Ideal for groups of couples or larger families, you can enjoy life just like you would at home with dining and living spaces, a poolside barbeque, and upscale amenities that match the décor.

Smaller groups can take advantage of the mini villas, which provide comfortable units that provide just as many features as the private villas, but on a smaller scale. Two-story bungalows also offer a touch of privacy and luxury for those who don’t need quite as much space. No matter which of our facilities you choose, it’s almost like renting a mansion on the water—complete with maid service!

Activities with You in Mind

Of course, vacation is about so much more than where you sleep at night. That’s why Troncones is the perfect village for those who want to enjoy coastal Mexico at their own pace. This small fishing village has stood here for centuries, virtually untouched by time—or by tourism. While restaurants, shops, and activities do exist to help make your stay comfortable, you won’t find huge crowds or lines.

In fact, whether you have your heart set on surfing in the waves, fishing on a boat crafted for two, horseback riding along the beach at sunset, or exploring the open-air markets and natural vibrancy of the local culture, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy your time here.

Plan Ahead

We always encourage our guests to enjoy their Mexican beach vacation the way that suits them best. Whether you want to plan months in advance so that you can secure one of our private villas, or if you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway and hope to land somewhere quiet and idyllic, we have room for you.

Our yoga retreat is designed so that the details are left entirely up to you. Yoga is such a private and personal experience, and there is no one-size-fits-all way to set up a studio that meets with everyone’s expectations. Over the years, we’ve found that by supporting your decisions and helping you plan the yoga retreat your way, the results are more satisfactory for everyone involved. You don’t have to worry about language barriers, different beliefs about or approaches to yoga, or conflicting schedules.

What to Bring to Your Yoga Retreat

The number one thing we tell people to bring is a yoga instructor. While it is possible to do yoga on your own, regardless of whether you have just one guest or ten, a qualified instructor you trust will turn a yoga getaway to a truly moving experience. We often see yoga classes who are celebrating or planning an annual event, and everyone comes along under the guidance of a teacher. We also see corporate groups, bridal parties, and other groups of friends who create their own getaway, and they often hire an independent instructor for the trip.

Of course, that isn’t all you’ll need to make your private yoga retreat a success. Depending on your goals for the yoga retreat, you might want to bring along:

• Your own mats and blankets
• Candles and other scents
• Décor (we rely on a minimalist approach that includes small, covered open-air studios overlooking the ocean—you’re welcome to embellish on this as you see fit)
• Private chef
• Music
• Yoga attire
• Journals and cameras for documenting the trip
• Traditional vacation attire and items (bathing suits, coverups, light jackets, bug spray, sunscreen, etc.)

Booking Your Yoga Retreat

For all our Mexican yoga retreat vacations, we do require that the entire yoga complex is rented. This means that larger groups are more likely to get a better deal, and that you’ll be ensured the kind of privacy you need to enjoy your experience.

For more information on available times and how to make the most out of your experience at Casa de la Sirena, feel free to contact us today. We are always happy to work with corporate groups, yoga classes, and other organizations in setting up the kind of yoga retreat in Mexico that you won’t soon forget.

Whether you are planning a yoga retreat for reasons related to health, spirituality, or fun, we recommend the Mexican coast, where vacation villas add a touch of luxury and the ocean-side facilities take care of the rest.

The Importance of Your Yoga Space

The environment where you practice yoga is directly related to the success of your actions. For many types of practitioners, the setting is almost sacred, and conditions related to temperature, sound, and scenery are often dictated by ancient texts or your yoga instructor. Too much noise might inhibit your ability to reach a state of concentration, and too little ambient sound could be a distraction. In the same way, sight and smell also play a role, and it takes that perfect balance of all the senses to perform at your peak.

Most yoga practitioners agree that the best setting is one that includes:

• Minimal distraction. You don’t want too many people coming or going, or have sounds related to traffic interrupting your session.
• Space to practice both the physical and mental requirements of yoga. Open spaces are typically best, especially when they are set against a peaceful backdrop that extends for miles.
• Comfort in terms of temperature. Although some forms of yoga call for an almost sweat-lodge-like setting, most practitioners agree that a balmy, natural setting is best.
• Privacy. No one wants an audience interrupting their moments of reflection or their workouts. A place to go where you won’t be interrupted is key.
• Flooring. Yoga is done primarily on the floor. For safety and serenity, a smooth, open floor with the appropriate cushioning is important for properly practicing yoga.

The yoga facilities at Casa de la Sirena were designed with all of these considerations in mind. The complete complex includes 9 separate open-air yoga rooms overlooking the beach. The only view for miles is the ocean, which crashes in gentle waves that set the perfect tone for a yoga experience. You’ll find all the comfort, privacy, and luxury you need to host a successful retreat, and all in a natural, tropical setting that can’t be duplicated by any kind of technology.

And because we always ask you to bring along your own instructor when you plan a yoga retreat, you can set the entire experience up according to your expectations. We provide the perfect Mexican beach vacation resort and the facilities for the ultimate yoga experience. The rest is up to you.

Family in Mexico

The Mexican culture is often synonymous with family. Although family plays a role in life just about everywhere, traditional Mexico takes it to the extreme. Mexico enjoys the lowest divorce rate in the world, and most children remain with their families until they marry (and even then, they may continue on to raise their own young families under the same roof). Family loyalty and taking care of the older generations are ingrained into the everyday lifestyle, and many of the businesses here are part of a long line of family-owned and -operated traditions. Much of this has to do with the strong Roman Catholic influence here, though just as much is influenced by the culture itself, which puts family before material gain.

In a small, traditional fishing village like Troncones, this family-centered lifestyle is even more prevalent. You’ll find restaurants and shops that have been part of the same family for generations, and the slower pace to life in general means that people take more time to appreciate the things that really matter.

For tourists and other visitors to Troncones, this type of environment does come with a few trade-offs. While you can expect a warm welcome to our fishing village and plenty of time to sit and chat with locals, you’ll also be asked to respect families in return. This might mean limited hours of operation for family-run businesses, a more trust-based payment system than might exist back home, and a real respect for Sundays and holidays.

Getting the Most Out of Your Mexican Beach Vacation

Here at Casa de la Sirena, we work hard to strike a balance between traditional Mexican family values and the type of luxury experience our guests expect. We also do our best to ensure that your entire family enjoys every minute here.

We’re happy to help you navigate the local culture in a way that best suits your idea of the perfect beach vacation. If that means immersing yourself in the local culture through festivals, religious ceremonies, and patronizing family-owned businesses, we can put you in contact with all the right resources. But if you are just as happy enjoying your family’s own experience on the beach and in your luxury accommodations, we can help with that, too.

Your definition of family time is the most important thing. The Mexican culture is all about enjoying what you have and making the kinds of personal connections that matter—and we bring that to life every day in our vacation villas along Mexico’s Costa Grande.

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is the third most popular tourist area in Mexico (after Cancun and Puerto Vallarta). It is known around the world as an ideal destination for history buffs and sports fisherman, as well as families who want to enjoy coastal Mexico without the traditionally young and unruly crowds associated with spring break destinations.

Things to Do in Zihuatanejo

A Mexican beach vacation comes with all sorts of itinerary options. In addition to the popular activities of sunbathing and enjoying the beach, there are shops, restaurants, nightclubs, historical ruins, museums, and eco-tourism sites. Water sports enthusiasts will enjoy surfing and snorkeling, as well as fishing, which remains one of the most popular options here.

Of course, not all the great locations are within city boundaries. Some of the best historical sites require a day trip closer to the country’s interior. The upscale shopping and nightlife of Ixtapa are a small distance from the waterfront center of Zihuatanejo, and are often best enjoyed on a quick weekend away.

And if what you really want is a real secret paradise, where the crowds disappear only to leave sun, sand, surf, and an incredible luxury vacation opportunity, a forty-five minute trip north is all you need. Troncones, Mexico is a small fishing village located in the same state, and with the same great tropical backdrop. But instead of crowds of people and the noise of a metropolitan center, the only things you’ll see and hear are the typical side effects of a tropical beach villa: silence and nature.

Troncones, Mexico

The history of Troncones is one of a fishing village that remained untouched by commerce and industry for centuries. The town didn’t open up to tourism until the mid-twentieth century, and even then on a small scale that enticed those looking for adventure away from the city centers. Today, it remains an almost hidden gem of a destination—but that doesn’t mean you won’t find plenty to see and do. A brief list of activities here might include:

• Horseback Riding
• Yoga
• Tennis
• Golf
• Fishing
• Surfing/Longboarding
• Kiteboarding
• Swimming
• Boating
• Snorkeling
• Beachcombing
• Sea Turtle/Whale Watching
• Weddings
• Fine Dining
• Eco-Tours

Of course, this list doesn’t even begin to touch all the romantic possibilities of a private villa for two. Romantic walks on the beach, a day spent hand-in-hand on the sand, or even the luxury accommodations of your private facilities offer endless opportunities to enjoy your Mexico beach vacation.

If you are planning a trip to coastal Mexico, be sure and include Troncones on your list of possibilities. Close enough to city centers to provide everything you need, but remote enough to offer everything you want, it’s the ideal tropical vacation destination.

What to Expect at Casa de la Sirena

The setting at Casa de la Sirena is an idyllic, tropical one, where you can just as easily take in the morning on your private veranda as you can hit the waves for a quick surf before breakfast. Located on our own stretch of white, sandy beach, you won’t run into anyone except other guests, which are limited in number since we are a fairly small facility overall. (For even more privacy or for a wedding, you can even rent the entire compound during your stay.)

The facilities include your choice of living arrangements. Families and couples can opt for a private villa, where three bedrooms, spacious accommodations, and even a private pool provide a getaway where everyone gets exactly what they want. Mini villas and bungalows are also available for couples or smaller groups—and all with the same great attention to décor, comfort, privacy, and, of course, the views of the ocean that extend in every direction for as far as the eye can see.

The luxury features don’t stop there. In addition to great rooms, guests have access to private kitchens and barbeques right in-suite, as well as our Casa de la Sirena garden facilities. For those booking a corporate or yoga retreat, there are additional facilities to help make the most out of your experience.

Why Casa de la Sirena is More Affordable than You Think

A quick look at our website will demonstrate just how colorful, vibrant, and upscale our accommodations are. It might seem out of the financial question to book a vacation here—especially if you’re planning a wedding or other celebration.

That’s why we’re so pleased to offer all this at an affordable price. Troncones has the benefit of being a small fishing village that remains largely untouched by tourism—which means it’s possible for both us and area restaurants and shops to keep prices low. We can accomplish all this because we don’t need bells and whistles to keep you entertained. The ocean, the protected tropical forestland, and the beach offer everything you need to enjoy your stay. It doesn’t matter if you want a quiet getaway on your own terms or a more action-packed adventure where you zipline through the trees only to rock climb your way back to town—it’s all here and it’s all part of the natural backdrop.

Casa de la Sirena is designed to provide an unforgettable vacation for the whole family. For more information on booking your vacation and pricing, feel free to give us a call or fill out our reservation form online.

Wildlife in Guerrero, Mexico

Guerrero is known around the world as an ecological wonder. Within this small state, you’ll find everything from ocean and beachfront wildlife to the mountainous forests of the interior. Unlike many other tourist destinations in Mexico, this one remains an environmental haven thanks to a strong focus by the Mexican Government on sustainability and eco-tourism.

In fact, this small fishing village has one of the largest collections of sea turtle hatcheries, alternative waste management systems, and solar-run businesses in all of Mexico. Sanctuary lagoons are open to the public, and birdwatching is a popular pastime both on the coast and further in the interior. You’ll even find nature outposts designed to help facilitate your exploration into the wildlife.

Whether you prefer to enjoy nature by exploring the waterfalls and federally-protected forests by foot, or if you want an insider’s look at how the scientific community here has embraced species preservation, you’ll find it all within an easy distance of your Mexican beach villa at Casa de la Sirena.

When to Visit Mexico?

Your eco-experience in the tropical Troncones region will depend primarily on when you make your visit. Although our location means that you’ll find warm weather and sun throughout the year, there are still marked seasons that have an impact on local wildlife.

• Dry Season: The drier season lasts from November through May, and you’ll enjoy sun almost every day—a big change from the colder winters up north.

• Rainy Season: From June through October, the rainy season comes into play. This doesn’t mean you’ll be forced to stay inside—it just means you can expect higher rates of humidity, more rain in the early morning, and some major waves out on the ocean. This is the best time for eco-tourists, since this is when the flowers come into bloom and the native animals begin their reproductive season.

Your Mexican Beach Getaway

One of the best things about a place like Troncones is that there is no one-size-fits-all Mexican beach vacation package. You can easily immerse yourself in the ecology here, spending all of your time in the wildlife sanctuaries and taking tours of the federal forest lands. You can just as easily visit the eco-friendly sites as a daytrip or on a day when the weather prevents you from sunbathing or surfing. Even though the town of Troncones is fairly small, the area is huge in terms of possibilities.

Of course, having a comfortable place to come home to after your day’s adventures are through is also important. Casa de la Sirena offers the perfect touch of luxury to put a finish to each day—and because we subscribe to the same eco-conscious outlook that’s prevalent everywhere here, you can rest assured that we are doing our part to ensure that Troncones remains a Mexican vacation destination that will be sustained for decades to come.

Because we don’t have an on-staff yoga instructor, groups that plan on renting the space for their retreat will need to do a little advance planning. Here are a few tips for making the most out of your group yoga retreat in Mexico:

• Compile a Group: The yoga facilities at Casa de la Sirena can hold up to 18 guests (9 separate beachfront rooms). In most cases, larger groups work best, since you’ll be able to take advantage of greater savings that way. We recommend groups of friends or work colleagues—travel with people you don’t know is a possibility, but it’s always more fun with those you know!
• Hire a Yoga Instructor: If you want to have a professionally-led yoga retreat, you’ll need to bring your own yoga instructor with you. We have found that this approach works better than having a yoga teacher on staff, since so many people have personal relationships with their yoga groups. Having an instructor you know and are comfortable working with will greatly enhance your retreat experience.
• Coordinate Meals and Rooms in Advance: To avoid last-minute scrambles, include a meal and room plan in your yoga retreat. You can bring a cook with you to handle all the food (our on-site cooking facilities are designed to be used by guests), or you can check out the local restaurants or facilities to learn what’s available. Our villas are also flexible and accommodating, with the option of housing several people in the same facility to lower costs without sacrificing privacy.
• Travel Together: Traveling as a group is a great way to save money and time. In addition to possible discounts from your airline, you can rent a van to take you from the airport to Troncones as a group. Although this part of Mexico is noted for its accessibility to tourists, there is also an element of safety that comes from group travel.
• Don’t Run it As a For-Profit Option: Legally, you cannot book individuals for a travel excursion without a proper license. While it is perfectly acceptable for you to organize the trip and pool money to cover expenses, you cannot organize the trip with an intent to make money unless you have the right authorization.

Of course, the most important thing you can do to organize a Mexican yoga retreat is to prepare for fun. Although your focus will be on rest and relaxation, be sure to bring cameras, dancing shoes, and swim gear. Casa de la Sirena is a great place to enjoy your own private yoga getaway…but it is also so much more!

At Casa de la Sirena, we have worked hard to instill all of these things in our venue and in into our list of wedding services. Some couples opt for a low-key beachfront ceremony with a handful of guests, while others look for something a little bit grander and more traditional. Regardless of what you have in mind, we’re prepared to help you realize your dream—and to get the right food to make your day perfect.

Traditional Wedding Cuisine

Wedding cuisine has long been a concern of brides-to-be. Should they provide a full-service dinner or buffet? Is it okay to simply serve hors d’oeuvres or nothing more than a wedding cake and punch? How much money should be allotted for the wedding dinner, and how is that going to fit into the entire budget?

When you add a Mexican wedding venue into the mix, the decisions get even more complicated. How do you find a caterer from thousands of miles away? What type of cuisine is in season when your wedding is scheduled? Is it even possible to get a wedding cake in Troncones?

The good news is that Casa de la Sirena is here to help. Because we specialize in Mexico destination weddings, we have the connections in place to help you plan and execute your wedding no matter how far away you live—and we can do it all on the budget you have in mind. Thanks to fresh, local produce and some incredible cooks right here in Troncones, we have a solution for every wedding plan.

Here are a few of the options you have when booking your wedding through us:

• Traditional Mexican fare prepared by our local cook
• Seafood buffets that make the most out of the fishing lifestyle here
• Catered formal dinner
• Low-key barbeque
• Wedding dinner at a nearby restaurant
• Open bar
• Seasonal produce vendors
• Professional wedding cake

All of our recommendations and food services are designed to make your day special and safe, so we only rely on local caterers and cooks who hold the utmost standards in food preparation and safety. We can also work with a cook or chef you bring with you to get your wedding food just right.

There is no reason why distance or the international location should make your dream wedding anything other than perfect. Whatever you have in mind for your wedding dinner can be accomplished—and in a way that leaves you free to kick back, relax, and enjoy what a Mexican beach wedding is really all about.