Sexy, stylish, and a whole lot of fun–this gorgeous property is a must for those about to say “I do.”
Mention you’re heading to Zihuatanejo and cornball dad jokes about Shawshank will ensue (the infamous final beach scene of the classic movie is set in the Mexican beach town). But there is nothing corny or cringe about Thompson Zihuatanejo. Lovebirds seem to flock to the gorgeous Hyatt stunner and after one trip, it’s easy to see why.
Zihau, as it’s known colloquially, makes for a perfect Mexican beach getaway period. Far from the bootylicious Spring Break vibes of Cancun or Cabo, or the over-toured, ultra-expensive beaches of Tulum, Zihua is the perfect place to do nothing but relax. Its beaches are soft and pearlescent, and the city itself sits on a tranquil inlet, Bahia de Zihuatanejo.
Whether you’re newly engaged and looking for an escape from wedding planning madness, planning the best bachelorette fiesta of all time, or searching for the perfect honeymoon destination, Thompson Zihuatanejo fits the bill. They even offer full resort buyout packages for a dreamy and romantic destination wedding. Feel the sand beneath your feet and the breeze through your hair yet?
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Why You’ll Fall in Love
If you’ve never stayed at a Thompson property before, expect Hyatt’s signature grandiosity translated into a boutique-style independent resort. Somehow, nothing about Thompson Zihuatanejo felt generic or copy-pasted from the myriad similar-ish resorts in Mexico.
Thanks to its good bones (the location was previously a Viceroy property), Thompson Zihuatanejo strikes the ever-so-delicate balance between spacious and intimate. Its open-air lobby evokes an ease and tranquility that immediately sets the tone for a fabulous stay. The elegant earth tones and patterns enveloped my senses, while larger-than-life plants soared overhead, making it feel as if you’ve just happened upon a private oasis. A wander through the property surrounds you with more greenery and nature, and the colorful and calming sights and sounds of Zihau. Also proudly displayed is its distinction as a Queer Destination, a badge that certifies its commitment to safety for the queer community.
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One of the calling cards of Thompson Zihau is the unique room offerings. All rooms are dimly lit, with simplistic and sleek décor—think Kelly Wearstler’s signature odes to muted tones and textures. No views are bad, thanks to all 56 rooms having calming beachfront outlooks. Plush, posh, and spacious bathrooms are complete with actually good robes and ample vanity space for all your beach holiday staples. And accents like Oaxacan clay, brass touches, and native hardwood details feel intentional and thoughtful.
And that’s just the standard. If you’re looking for a specific vibe to fit your romance-fueled retreat, Thompson Zihau’s got the (room) key.
Gathering the girls for the last hurrah? Opt for the hotel’s swim-up suites. A private balcony leads to an adults-only pool accessible only to those in these private bungalows. Lively, not rowdy, these rooms make a group trip intentional, memorable, and unique, while still giving you the ability to hit snooze in the comfort of your own room. Even with people on either side of me, I could shame-free scroll on the patio in my robe thanks to the privacy screens, but when I was feeling social, could hop in the pool for a gossip sesh. What really put this room over the top though was the outdoor shower—secluded and completely concealed and surrounded by wildflowers, I used it almost exclusively throughout my stay.
Hoping for a steamy honeymoon (or babymoon) escape? Opt for the resort’s suites with private plunge pools. No one will catch a sneaky peaky of any hanky panky thanks to palms surrounding the perimeter of these lush suites. These rooms are also dotted across another section of the resort, far from the all-ages pool and in a different section than the swim-up suites. They’re also a few hundred square feet larger than the swim-up suites, making them the perfect size for two.
On-Site Fun & Relaxation
There’s plenty to keep you and whoever you bring with you to Thompson Zihau busy, outside of the property’s pools and beachfront access. From private cooking classes inspired by regional cuisine to tequila tastings, it’s worth it to tack on one of the resort’s bespoke activities.
I was impressed by the exciting and fresh culinary experience—this resort’s menu isn’t full of random pasta, chicken fingers, and quesadillas, but is an actual representation of local produce with an emphasis on catches-of-the-day (if you see lobster available during your stay, order it immediately!). I’m still lusting after a pulled pork risotto I inhaled on night one. Look out for fun pop-up culinary events like Humo, a wood-fired feast of local flavors that meets classic American grill culture, shared family style. If you’re wandering from the bar to the spa back to your room, chances are you’ll catch a waft of something delicious.
Spa services are pretty standard and across the board, and while the services were by no means so-so, the offerings, experience, and spa itself could be a bit more reflective of the overall vibe of the resort.
Plan the Ultimate Destination Wedding
So you’re searching for an incredible location for your destination wedding. Thompson Zihua might take the cake, not only for the aforementioned reasons above but because after you book, you’re free to focus on bigger issues (like explaining to Grandma why she can’t wear a hot pink glitter fascinator on your big day).
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Planning a wedding at the resort is truly easy-breezy thanks to their comprehensive resort buy-out packages. Included are a splashy cocktail hour, four-course dinner reception, plus a three-hour open bar, and all rentals. Thompson can even throw in special touches like a mariachi band, champagne toast, and cake. The resort requires at least 80% of your guests to stay at the resort, but that means you can go as big or small as you’d like on the guest list. Packages start at $219 per person—well worth it for a wedding where guests can stumble back to their rooms.
Based on their rates and the total experience you receive at Thompson Zihuatanejo, the price tag (rooms start around $449 per night) is excellent, especially for splurgy (hopefully once-in-a-lifetime) romantic experiences like honeymoons and weddings. Thompson Zihuatanejo also accepts World of Hyatt rewards and points, so if you aren’t already a member, start racking up some points toward check-in today.