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For a quick dose of family fun with an exotic flair, try Zihuatanejo on the Mexican Pacific Riviera. Here's advice on accommodations and activities.

Ever need a quick dose of the 'foreign-ness' of foreign travel? My family found it on Mexico's Pacific Riviera, a favorite sun 'n' sand destination for California families. Despite the influence of high-rise, international Ixtapa next door, the lesser-known port of Zihuatanejo has retained its funky charm and a few traditional Mexican ways.

The Residencias Villa del Sol ( 52/755 554-5018) is a privately-managed condominium above the celebrated Hotel Villa del Sol (now Tides Zihuatenejo) on Playa La Ropa. Our stylish villa was comfortable for three, with gleaming white tiles and glass doors which opened onto a broad balcony draped with bougainvillea and hibiscus. Though it wasn't shady enough for us, the sun deck wraps around a big pool and children's pool, and two tennis courts await next door. (These modern villas are clustered on a terraced hillside -- not for the handicapped.)

Unlike in years past, kids under 12 are accepted on request in the larger hotel accommodations. Definitely consider a splurge at the very chic Tides Zihuatanejo (Playa La Ropa S/N Zihuatanejo, Guerrero 40880 Mexico; 866/905-9560 or 52/755 555-5500), formerly the classic Hotel Villa del Sol, whose spacious beachfront suites have a private plunge pool for children to enjoy.

The 600 feet of glistening white sand in front of the property isn't all.  We thought the 70 rooms and suites were picture-postcard Mexican: whitewashed casitas with stucco built-ins, weavings, bamboo, Mayan pottery and terra cotta floors. Other facilities, some added in an expansion a few years ago, include two excellent restaurants, a spa and small fitness center, three swimming pools and a 60-foot lap pool. Rumor has it that more celebrities have sipped tequila at the hotel's thatched-roof palapa -- there from the beginning -- than at any other bar along the coast.

We were stunned to learn that in March 2007, the Kor Hotel Group based in Los Angeles announced the purchase of the resort, with the ambiguous promise of turning it into "a world-class facility."  And we thought it was there already. Rebranded as a Tides Resort, it has ramped up its spa facilities with more holistic treatments, enhanced its beachfront restaurant with a Mediterranean and Mexican menu, and enlarged its bars and lounge with a bonfire area. Most notable for families may be the new beach-goer amenities, such a beach butler to refresh complimentary beverages, distribute pre-loaded iPods, and spritz down over-heated sunbathers; a crew of mayordomos will serve as butlers for guests in the premium suites.  Kor has announced that by 2010, they plan to open the super luxe Viceroy Resort and Residences complex next door.