Las Hadas is a recreated white Moorish resort hotel made famous for the filming of "10" in 1979. The romantic getaway is a perfect combination of romance and solitude.

Las Hadas has become the Grande Dame of the northshore hotel strip in Manzanillo, Mexico. Other more modern, frill-laden hotels dot the coast around the Bay of Santiago. The hotel dates back to 1974 when the Bolivian tin magnate, Antenor Patino, decided to launch the exclusive resort on the west coast of Mexico between Puerto Vallarta to the north and Acapulco to the south.

Arriving at the Property

The Playa de Oro International Airport is some thirty miles northwest of downtown Manzanillo, a ride of about forty minutes on a two lane road winding through low-lying hills of scrub brush in a harshly dry setting. Multicolored dwellings made of simple brick and stucco dot the roadside, interspersed with abarrotes (grocery stores) and mechanic shops.

The Casa de Cambio (currency exchange booth) closes down around 4pm so if you arrive any later, you are on your own but just about everybody in Manzanillo accepts the American dollar. However, the cab ride from the airport will undoubtedly be more expensive than the ride back from Las Hadas. The taxi drivers at the airport charge about 370 pesos ($37) but return rate is fixed at 250 pesos ($25).

The Grounds and Facilities

The grounds are beautifully landscaped, everything in white, ensured by an incessant attention to painting that seems to be taking place. Las Hadas is a perfect place for privacy in a romantic setting. The narrow cobblestone paths and alleyways are boarded by garlands of purple aromatic bougainvillea. Leisurely strolls pass under and through minarets, cupolas, and turrets, lending some brief authenticity to an exotic village far across the sea.

Las Hadas, perched on a cliff overlooking the eastern side of the Bay of Santiago, is a labyrinth of winding roads, all ultimately leading to the bay and beach as long as you head downhill. Bring some good walking shoes since good-size round stones pave the paths and walking barefoot can provide challenges. Heels are out of the question.

The resort has a large pool and small beach area for kids but the setting is more for adults. The hotel rooms are on a hill so walking is necessary but not very strenous walking. Upgrade to the Brisas Beach Club package so you can have a beautiful pool for adults with white tents and a private bar. Great place to meet people too. The view in the room is spectacular even if the mattress is hard.

Romantic Stroll after Dinner

Near the restaurant, Los Delfines, is a black gate that is kept open all day and until about 11pm. Walk through it and stroll along the surf with Las Hadas behind you. The walk is about fifteen minutes to the next large property, Barcelo Karmina Palace, a spacious and ultramodern setting with outdoor pools, restaurants, and endless activities. The walk to the property from Las Hadas is one of the secrets of staying at Las Hadas.

Hotel Information

Brisas Las Hadas

Av. Vista Hermosa S/N Fracc.

Peninsula de Santiago

Manzanillo, Mexico 28867

phone +52 (314) 331 0101

Rates

$119 Deluxe

$145 Brisas Beach Club (continental breakfast included)

$249 Fantasy Suite