Unlike many Mexican vacation towns that have enticed tourists with shimmering beaches and inviting surf for mere decades, Zihuatanejo, Mexico, has been a haven for centuries. In pre-Columbian times, one tribal leader is said to have constructed a rock barrier on Playa Las Gatas, which still exists today. There, he gathered the women and children of his tribe to the sheltered harbor, where they could frolic in the gentle waves and sleep beneath the stars on the soft sand, remaining safe and secure while the warriors went to battle. As such, the charming area became known as Cihuatlán, and later Zihuatanejo, which means "place of women" in the Aztec language of Nahuatl. Spanish conquistadors also searched for the legendary beaches, believing the area to be an Amazon mecca, where beautiful women draped in gold and precious gems could be discovered. Today, thousands of years later, this charming Pacific coast fishing enclave still holds an exotic allure, even taking a turn on the big screen as the perfect beachside paradise in the film "The Shawshank Redemption." In the movie, Tim Robbins's character, Andy Dufresne, shares his dreams of opening a small hotel on the pristine shores of Zihuatanejo.

In real life, vacationers who pine for incomparable beachside beauty can make their dreams a reality at The Tides Zihuatanejo. There, along the beaches of Zihuatanejo Bay's serene Playa la Ropa, they quickly discover the romantic, secluded appeal of this luxurious resort. Amid tropical gardens and inviting azure pools, 35 guest rooms and 35 suites provide visitors with an intimate and luxurious escape. Adding to the property's quixotic allure is The Spa at The Tides Zihuatanejo.

Clockwise from top left: The Presidential Suite features a plunge pool and a large open-air living area that is ideal for in-suite treatments; prior to services, clients can chill out in the spa's cozy relaxation room; the resort's Beach Suites feature stunning views and large terraces.

The entire property exhibits a decidedly Mexican flair, featuring terra-cotta-tiled casitas and thatched palapa cabanas throughout, and the spa, which unveiled a renovation in December, fits easily into the resort's aesthetic. The open reception area allows guests to enjoy soothing sea breezes during check-in, and the nine-treatment room spa features colorful Mexican dresses displayed on the walls, while coconut water and fresh mangos provide a tropical twist. "We wanted to embrace the local culture of Mexico and create a sense of place," says Liz Ratcliff, corporate director of spa development for Kor Hotel Group, parent company of The Tides. "We believe the spa is the heart and soul of the property."

The Tides Signature Lava Shell therapy is the spa's most popular treatment.

Once inside the spa, it becomes readily apparent that the resort's seaside locale is at the heart and soul of the menu, which takes inspiration from—and helps battle the negative effects of—the sun, surf, and sand. All treatments are performed using custom-made Osea products, an organic marine-based line that was developed exclusively for all Tides resorts. Many of the treatments also pay homage to the ocean's bounty. The Tides Signature Lava Shell Therapy ($150, 60 minutes), for example, is a seaworthy spin on hot stone massage. It uses smooth shells that are heated from the inside by combining algae, minerals, saltwater, and sea kelp. "Our guests love it," says Ratcliff. "It is our best-selling treatment. The concept and sustainability of the treatment definitely creates curiosity, not to mention how amazing the shells feel. It is a perfect fit for The Tides."