Learn about popular Manzanillo resorts, weather, and what to wear on your vacation.
Manzanillo, a longtime popular destination for Mexican tourists, has been relatively undiscovered by the foreign community until recent years. Now, there are several resorts available to choose from, accompanied by all of the activities you could ever hope to do during a seaside vacation.
Some resorts you might want to investigate are the Grand Bay Hotel, The Tamarindo, Las Hadas and The Careyes. These are all resorts that offer many amenities, and are all highly rated. However, these are but a sampling of what Manzanillo has to offer. When looking at prices, bear in mind that the prices are seasonal. Generally speaking, low season is when the kids are in school, and high season is when they are out, since this is when many families take their vacations. However, this area is becoming so popular that the high season is beginning to encompass more months of the year than the low season.
The Grand Bay Hotel may be the best known of the Manzanillo resorts. It features three swimming pools, a fitness center, tennis courts, a golf course and sailing and fishing excursions from its marina. All rooms have an ocean view, which feature luxurious marble baths. Restaurants and a shopping village are also in this resort, and of course the beach is right outside of your door. Room rates range from US $200 to $300 while suites can range from $500 to $3000. This resort is very secluded, and offers a luxurious experience.
The Tamarindo is located right next to a nature preserve, and is the perfect spot for those who want to feel as though they have "gotten away from it all." This resort features individual bungalows, decorated with a tropical feel, each having its very own plunge pool. Spa treatments are part of this resort experience, and a golf course is offered as well as tennis courts. These spacious suites with mini bars range from US $350 to $500.
Las Hadas is a unique resort in that it has a Moorish theme. Its marble flooring, tiling and arched windows will enchant any visitor. All rooms have a beach view, and the private beach is a full quarter mile long. The pools at Las Hadas are absolutely luxurious, with swim up bars, waterfalls and even little islands. With ten tennis courts, it is a tennis players dream. Adventures abound at this resort. You can go sailing, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling or scuba diving. Las Hadas has a nice restaurant and bar, and rooms are fully equipped with satellite television and even daily fresh flowers. A room at Las Hadas ranges from US $200 to $350 per night.
The Careyes is the perfect resort for those who crave complete and total relaxation. After all, if the sea turtles choose the beaches of this little cove to lay their eggs on, it must be rather tranquil! Surrounded by jungle, you will enjoy an authentic tropical experience. Not a party resort, this is the place where writers come to get away from it all, and it is frequented primarily by Europeans, some of whom have built houses around the area. Of course, it has amenities such as satellite television and a movie theater, and offers water sports, but the primary appeal of this resort is its unique ambience and tranquility. Rooms range from US $350 to $500, and suites range from $550 to $1000.
Regardless of which resort you choose, you will want to bring the appropriate clothes for your vacation. Casual clothing is just fine for daytime activities such as sightseeing and dining. Of course, at a resort, cut-off jean shorts do not count as casual clothing. They are in a category of their own, and you won't want to pack them. You will want to bring several swimsuits and workout clothes for the fitness centers that most resorts offer on-site. In the evening, resorts usually have dress codes. Typically, the restaurants require dresses or pantsuits for women, and slacks and a jacket for men.
Don't forget about any special excursions that you may decide to take on your trip. If you are planning to go hiking, for example, pack hiking boots and rain gear. Also, hats and sunglasses are always necessary for a beach vacation.
When deciding what you will wear, take the weather into account. Manzanillo averages 350 days of sunshine a year. Unless you leave the beach area and go into a mountainous region, you can expect the temperature to range from 75-82 degrees from November through April, and not increase very much during the summer months. Manzanillo is generally the coolest locale on the Mexican Pacific coast. However, during the summer, you can expect greater humidity, as well as occasional afternoon rain showers, as summer is the rainy season in Manzanillo. Don't let the possibility of summer showers deter you. Manzanillo is at its most beautiful when the showers arrive, bringing with them a renewal of the lush green foliage that makes Manzanillo the spectacular destination that it is.
Manzanillo offers something for everyone. You can join a party or engage in a meditative retreat. Whatever your inclination, you are certain to enjoy your time in Manzanillo.
