This was my15th trip to Ixtapa/Zihua but always stayed in Ixtapa, at one of the big, sterile hotels. After staying at Casa Arullo, we will never stay in Ixtapa again. Upon our arrival, the host, Leo, met us at the street with luggage cart and escorted us to the house, which is a short and beautiful walk on a boardwalk, along the beach/ocean. When we arrived, my oldest son said,"What a gem of a place this is!" Boy was he right... Located right on Playa Madera, with direct access to beach with all the restaurants, shops, conveniences of Zihua within easy walking distance. Several restaurants are located along the boardwalk below the house or a relaxing walk down the beach. However, the best food is right there at Casa Arulla. The gourmet chef, Sylvia, is truly a world class chef! We've eaten at a lot of "fancy" over priced restaurants around the world and none of them compare to the meals we had during our stay at Casa Arrula. Fresh seafood dishes of lobster, shrimp and fish, along with cold and hot soups to die for. What an exquisite, sumptuous, palate experience we had! Not to out do Sylvia but Leo was as good of a host as Sylvia was a chef. Good-natured, funny and a great conversationalist, as well as always being available to assist with our family's needs. Leo was truly the bomb! I can honestly say this was the best family vacation we've ever had and look forward to coming back in the future.