Las Brisas Acapulco Is Mexico's Most Coveted Resort

Before Puerto Vallarta, Cancun and Cabo San Lucas became star-studded beach destinations and tropical escapes for North American vacationers, it was Acapulco — with its superhighway connecting Mexico City to the Pacific — that was Mexico’s preeminent seaside rendezvous spot.

In the 1950s, swanky Hollywood celebrities, including Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and other A-listers, indulged in Acapulco’s sun-splashed beaches. They were followed later by Ringo Star, Paul McCartney, Tom Cruise, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Kevin Costner.

All of these stars had one property they called home: the grand dame, Las Brisas Acapulco. The glitzy accommodation, built-in 1954 and converted to a hotel in 1957, nestled high on 110 verdant acres of hillside, offering an oasis far from the raucous crowds and clamoring streets of bustling Acapulco. Yet it was only 15 minutes from downtown and 20 minutes from Acapulco’s airport.

The aesthetic is akin to being lost on a private island. While the horseshoe-shaped curvature of Acapulco bay looms large in the forefront, the feeling remains that you’re in a privileged location.

Today, the white walls and pink trim evoke images of Hollywood lore, or perhaps the Miami Beach or Palm Springs vibe of the 1950s. Fun touches include a fleet of 50 pink jeeps that transport you around the property, superficial phone boxes, and the celebrity handprints of Hollywood stars.

In need of a makeover in July of 2007, the resort hotel completed a nearly $21 million renovation. This included an overhaul of its 28 sumptuous suites, all overlooking Acapulco’s hotel-lined bay, installing modern bathrooms and other touches while keeping their classic style.

Astonishingly, each of the 261 hillside villas comes with panoramic views of Acapulco Bay or sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Each comes with a private pool sheltered from other guests. The contrast between its 1950s inception and modern makeover blends well. Outside each door is a mailbox large enough for the dapper staff to deliver morning coffee, sweets, fruit and a complimentary copy of the New York Times or another periodical. The dated marble bathrooms come with ample space and a separate toilet room. The dwelling is pure Hollywood: It leaves guests wondering whose room they might have taken over.

Dining options include El Tulipan, which has outdoor seating and a breakfast menu offering both Mexican and international options. At the beach club, La Concha serves delectable seafood and burgers as well as Mexican favourites. The elegant Bellavista Restaurant, with views of Acapulco, is the resort’s fine-dining option; dress is business-casual here and in the Bellavista Bar, where live piano music makes it the quintessential destination for a nightcap.

The star-studded Las Brisas has earned awards from both Condé Nast and Travel & Leisure magazines. The resort boasts a gorgeous spa and fitness center, boutique shopping, event space and a makeover beauty salon.

Other offerings include trips on its signature jeeps to the legendary La Concha Beach Club, where world-renowned daredevils dive off the cliffs. Golfers are astonished by the links of the celebrated Tres Vidas course.

The pièce de resistance is the exclusive beach club, created as a private hideaway for hotel guests. The sequestered retreat is a five-minute jeep shuttle from the resort. Here, you will find a swim-up bar and al fresco dining on the beach. You’ll also immerse yourself in both swimming pools and a saltwater tide pool. The Sunset Bar’s signature cocktails make happy hour complete, with its palette-popping sunsets.

While Mexico and the state of Guerrero continue to pour millions into luxury resorts, condos, spas, boutique hotels and restaurants that cater to the upscale clientele in Mexico’s own San Tropez, it is the time-tested Las Brisas Acapulco that continues to be Mexico’s most revisited luxury hotel.

—Nicholas Kontis, publisher