Articles on some of the world's most romantic destinations by
professional photographer Eleanor S. Morris

Las Hadas, An Arabian Nights Dream
by Eleanor S. Morris

Here's a fairy-tale world right out of the Arabian Nights, gleaming white Arabian tents and arches, curved domes and winding pathways, sumptuous suites and balconies, wonderful food and gracious service. This romantic resort in Manzanillo, Mexico, on a beautiful blue bay, is named Las Hadas, the Fairies, from a long-ago mystery experienced by sailors during a full moon.

Entering this important port, early sailors were entranced by what they called the "fairies" dancing around their ships under a full moon. Although the mystery was eventually solved, the "fairies" being phosphorescence, the magical charm has remained to this day.

Las Hadas offers a choice of 233 spacious rooms and suites, each with its own private terrace or balcony with a wide view of the bay. Of the 45 luxurious suites, 14 have a private pool, while they all have a marble bath with an oversize bathtub. Decor is light and airy, with arched windows to view astonishing sunsets, to feel refreshing ocean breezes blowing bugambillia petals across the way.

Tennis, anyone? Ten lighted courts are just a few minutes away, with complimentary shuttle, equipment rental and tennis clinics. Golf? Las Hadas Golf Course & Country Club is rated by Golf Digest as one of the best 100 courses in the world. The 18-hole par 71 course was designed by Pete and Roy Dye, and there is a Pro Shop as well as golf clinics.

There's plenty of adventure, too, including a 70-slip marina, water skiing, kayaking, paddle boats, scuba diving and snorkeling, beach volleyball, swimming pools, and more than a quarter of a mile of private beach for strolling along the waves.

If you hanker to be pampered, the full service beauty salon is the place. The Health Club offers massages, shistsu and reflexology, as well as personal training, cardiovascular equipment, stairsteps, fixed position bicycles, and weights.

Take a pick of a total of eight restaurants and bars. Casual El Palmar offers a Mexican and continental menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Los Delfines is set in an outdoor "palapa" with a spectacular view of Las Hadas Bay. Specialties here are fish and seafood in a relaxed atmosphere.

Delicious international cuisine can be enjoyed nightly on one of the three terraces of El Terral on the Bay, while Italian and Mediterranean fine gourmet dishes are served nightly at Legazpi. And there's always the Piano Lounge for a quiet music accompaniment with a cocktail.

The Albina Bar, located in the center of the resort, is perfect for enjoying a romantic moonlit evening enhanced by pleasant music and your favorite drink. The Coco-Loco Swim-up Bar is handily located in the hotel's main pool and last but not least, the fanciful Oasis Bar is in a Bedouin tent next to the beach. Here you can indulge in light snacks and drinks while lounging in comfortable divans.

In addition to all the other activities, there are three theme parties to look forward to. Mexican Night is memorable with all the color and flavor of a Mexican fiesta, with delicious food, lively mariachi music, regional folk ballet, and bright decorations. On Italian Night you can enjoy a romantic candlelit evening of fine food and Italian songs; and Japanese Night there's plenty of sake to compliment the sushi, sashimi and tepanyaki.

In the Shopping Arcade you'll find boutiques and gift shop, as well as a car rental agency, travel agency, and Tour Desk. Las Hadas Golf Resort & Marina is a 28-mile drive from Playa de Oro's International Airport, and only a quick 30 minutes from downtown Manzanillo. The city is the Sail Fish Capital of the World, and you might want to spend an exciting day deep sea fishing. Rent a yacht from the hotel's marina, charter a sail fish expedition or just enjoy a beautiful sunset while sailing towards Barra de Navidad. Perhaps just a peaceful stroll through downtown Manzanillo, or maybe visit the nearby city of Colima and the Museum of Western Cultures. It's all part of the romance of a fairy-tale interlude.

The resort offers two packages attractive to Honeymooners. Mexico's Holiday Breeze offers a Deluxe Room, welcome cocktail, flowers and a bottle of domestic wine in your room, a daily breakfast buffet, and a 20% discount on tennis or greens fee.

A second option for Honeymooners includes the Brisas Beach club with a full view of the bay and a private pool on the terrace, a welcome cocktail, flowers and a bottle of domestic wine in your room, a daily continental breakfast, a cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres daily, deluxe amenities, a 20% discount on tennis or greens fee, and a special touch: a flower heart on the bed upon arrival.

For More Information: Las Hadas Golf Resort & Marina, tel. 01152 314 331 0101, email: lashadas@brisas.com.mx; website: www.brisas.com.mx.