Day 4 - Thursday (Jueves)

A day at beach is always a day well spent on Mexico's West Coast. For less than a $12 taxi ride or a $.75 bus ride from city, visitors can find two off-the-beaten-path beaches known as Pie de la Cuesta and Coyuca lagoon. For peso equivalent of about $5, visitors can also tour lagoon in a "lancha" or small motorboat where you can witness fishermen casting their nets, a variety of hidden coves and tiny islands inhabited by a variety of bird species.

Another beautiful, less crowded beach is pristine Puerto Marqués. Sheltered within a small bay east of Playa Icacos, it boasts most tranquil waters in area, breath-taking sunsets, charming little restaurants that will set up tables, chairs and umbrellas for you and where a shrimp cocktail and a bottle of Corona will cost about $5.

Day 5 - Viernes

Day trips to nearby silver city of Taxco could be a great way to save on local wares, which can be hard to come across in Acapulco.

Approximately 170 miles north of Acapulco, Taxco, one of Mexico's most picturesque and charming cities, is a relic of its colonial past. An old mining town, Taxco remained isolated for centuries until an American William Spratling fell in love with town and revived its silver mines.

Today, town of Taxco is littered with silver shops and tourists trying to strike a deal on beautifully designed jewelry and wares. While shopping in Taxco is not what many would consider "cheap," shoppers definitely find good value for their dollar. Even if you can't afford to shop, a visit to Mexico's most medieval looking city is worth visit.

Day 6 - Saturday (Sabado)

A trip to Acapulco isn't complete until you've seen world-famous divers at La Quebrada. Trained divers plunge 130 feet into a narrow cove of just 11 feet of water, which is safe only when a wave has come in. You can see dives, while sipping a drink at Plaza Las Glorias Hotel or watch from a concrete embankment where admission is only $1.25.

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Kriss Hammond, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com

Tan Fans Stop HereClimbing a few stairs we arrived at brick courtyard, a popular setting for weddings, charity events, and private parties. "We do very little advertising," John Gates tells us, explaining that Surf and Sand has become a yearly visit for many guests. "Some book a year in advance. They make their reservations for next year when they're leaving." He emphasized that it's best to book two to three weeks in advance during summer months. Special rates are offered occasionally.

Citrus trees line entryway to new Aquaterra spa, built, according to our tour guide at site of original motorlodge. All four of Surf and Sand buildings share same Mediterranean-style architecture, and one would never know that they had been built and rebuilt over years. Flower-lined walkways lead to new spa reception area where a signature scent wafts through pungent sea air. The Aquaterra Spa has specially formulated its own crèmes, oils, and candles using many locally grown ingredients. Their brochure describes, The healing, therapeutic essences of ocean and land are blended with indigenous aromatic botanicals to be artistically expressed in Aquaterra experience. The practitioners of body and healing arts are longtime employees. They are referred to as artists, and after my deep tissue massage with Anjelica, I would have to agree. Prices are in line with other top-rated spas, but caliber of service and quality of products send it to top of my need to repeat list. Spa hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, and are offGet Sme Ahhhs For Your Blaahsered to hotel guests as well as public.

From spa we walked to 10,000 square foot freestanding conference and meeting center. John Gates pointed out spacious ballroom areas, noting high ceilings, with some ocean views. The three ballrooms are perfect for functions that require everything from state-of-the-art audiovisual displays to elegantly decorated weddings.

Upon leaving center we passed gift shop, a separate entity run by another charming, longtime employee. Knowing that many staff members have been there for a decade or more is a great indicator. Their feelings for hotel are sincere, and when they describe owners as wonderful people, I find my experience even more refreshing. The gift shop sells signature clothing, artwork by Rodrigo Kane, wonderful artist credited with many of charming watercolors throughout hotel; and sundries, including reasonably priced sunglasses.

We walked past Olympic-size swimming pool with luxurious chaise lounges and ocean views on our way to Splashes, award-winning restaurant that serves contemporary California-Mediterranean cuisine inside dining room or alfresco on palm shaded patio. "Seventy percent of our (Splashes) business is local," Gates tells us. And, it is easy to see why. Large windows open to pounding surf 25 feet below, and expanse of blue creates illusion of dining on upper deck of a luxurious yacht. There is a separate bar and tiered outdoor dining. Executive chef Christopher Blobaum prides himself on use of locally grown produce, and meat and fish flown in daily. The dishes he creates are unique, original, and healthy.

For breakfast there is fresh pressed organic carrot, orange, or grapefruit juice, Irish oatmeal with organic sun dried fruits and brown sugar, or Three Oyster Mushroom and Brie Omelet. There is a full menu with everything from a toasted bagel to Eggs Benedict. Lunch includes unique offerings such as a Rosemary Marinated Roasted Rare Lamb Salad with sweet onions, roasted peppers, Kalamata olives, goat cheese and aged sherry vinaigrette, or a tree-ripened Peach and Watercress Salad with spiced pistachios and orange blossom honey vinaigrette. Dinner features everything from a daily prix fix dinner to a delicious a la carte menu. In fact, there are so many moutDine At Splasheshwatering choices that it is genuinely challenging to make a decision. There is an extensive drink and wine list.

Amenities abound at Surf and Sand:

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Linda Lane, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com