Marilyn McFarlane

Playa la Ropa Basks in the Sun
From October to April, the balmy weather at Zihuatanejo Bay, on Mexico's west coast, draws northern visitors yearning for sunshine, palm trees and warm water. The mostly gentle surf rolls in, flowers grow in riotous red and yellow, and a soft breeze blows in from the Pacific.
The longest beach, Playa La Ropa, is the tourists' favorite. Some say it's getting too crowded and polluted, but still it's gorgeous and hasn't lost its charm. Efforts are underway to bring the area's sewage treatment plants up to date, clear the litter and raise environmental awareness. Meanwhile, everyone relaxes in a laid-back vacation atmosphere of casual dining at tables on the sand, kids building castles, pick-up soccer games and strolling guitarists. Read more . . .