Manzanillo, Far Away on a Beautiful Bay
by Eleanor S. Morris

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Looking for a romantic spot far from the tourist crowd? Manzanillo, Mexico, on the Pacific in the state of Colima, north of Acapulco and south of Puerto Vallarta, unlike the frenetic resorts north and south, is not the place for a non-stop party. Manzanillo moves at a much more relaxed pace; its small pueblos have a charming small-town atmosphere true to the vibrant flavors of Old Mexico. Situated between the cobalt blue Pacific Ocean and the misty Sierra Madre mountains, the port of Manzanillo has beachfront restaurants, a beachfront market with colorful crafts, and a colorful history. Hernan Cortes and his Spaniards dropped anchor here, galleons sailed from here to the Philippines and back, Portuguese pirates looted and burned passing ships in the 16th and 17th centuries, and there are hints of pirate treasure lying offshore.

ADVENTURE

There's time to soak up the sun, explore the jungle on horseback or mountain biking and hiking adventures through the Sierra Madre terrain, visit a turtle sanctuary, and marvel at the twin volcanos on the horizon, located about 15 miles from the city. Volcan de Fuego (volcano of fire) still has eruptions, complete with lava flow, while quiet Nevado de Colima (volcano of snow), at 14,000 feet, is a wonderful hike. On the way, you might meet with deer, mountain lions, cougars, birds, even red-legged tarantulas.

Manzanillo waters boast the title of "the Sailfish Capital of the World" and are teeming with record-size game fish: marlin, dorado, giant tuna, sailfish and rooster fish. Surfers go for the famous ola azul, the "blue wave."

TORTUGARIA

The turtle sanctuary, El Tortugario Centro Ecologico, is in nearby Cuytlan, and after viewing everything from huge loggerhead turtles to mean-looking crocodiles, you can take a leisurely boat float through a mangrove swamp.

KARMINA PALACE

A wonderful luxurious place to stay while in Manzanillo is the all-inclusive Karmina Palace right on the bay. A "deluxe all inclusive" on Mexico's Pacific Coast, the resort offers deluxe garden suites, with more than 980 square feet equipped with two televisions, a stocked minibar, a huge bathroom with a large mirrored soaking tub, and a terrace overlooking the ocean or a tropical garden, as well as 2- and 3-bedroom suites with more than 3,000 square feet.

Also included are all meals and beverages in any of three restaurants offering either a la carte or buffet services, as well as 24-hour room service. Restaurant Bugambilias, with views of the gardens, pools, and Manzanillo Bay, is the place for an international breakfast and lunch buffet. An outdoor terrace serves cocktails.

The Grill offers a buffet of grilled steak, fish, barbecued ribs or chicken as well as a variety of regional Mexican combinations under a palapa roof, a salad bar and live musical entertainment make The Grill a popular all-day option.

Carioca Restaurant, Bar and Discotheque overhangs a rocky point on the edge of the Santiago Peninsula, under a cone-shaped palapa with a view of the stars and the sparkling light of Manzanillo's port.

There's a work-out gym, and water sports in one of the eight lagoon pools. Tennis and golf (available for a minimal fee off-site), scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, relaxing massages in the Spa, an arts and crafts store, a boutique...as well as a private welcome reception dinner when you arrive and an elegant farewell dinner/gala the night before your departure. And a weekly Mexican theme fiesta, complete with regional dishes and traditional dance show brings the flavor of Mexico's heritage to the hotel.

Nightly entertainment includes shows, theme nights, and disco, and there's a kid's club with supervised activities for little ones from 2 to 12. (Kids those ages stay free with parents; children 13 to 17 receive a 50 percent discount.) The beach offers the use of kayaks and snorkeling equipment.

Since opening its doors in 1999, Karmina Palace has won awards for outstanding hygiene standards. The resort also stresses guests leaving "their wallets and their worries at the door." There are no limits on food or drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, activities and entertainment.

For information on Manzanillo contact Delegacion Manzanillo, Blvd. Miguel de Madrid Hurtado 1033, CP 28869, Manzanillo, Col. Tel: (013) 333 2264, Fax: (013) 333 1426, email: sectur@bay.net.mx

For information on Karmina Palace contact the resort at Ave. Vista Hermosa No. 13 Fraccionamiento Peninsula de Santiago, Manzanillo, Col. 28860, Mexico. Tel+(52)(314)334- 1313; Fax:+(52)(314)334-1108, 1-877-KARMINA; www.karminapalace.com.