The wonders of the Costalegre (the Happy Coast), along Mexico’s western shore from Chamela to Barra de Navidad are all in the amazing fine beaches and small coastal villages to be found for your low-key relaxing vacation. One of my favorites is La Manzanilla, which is suitable for all ages from grandparents to toddlers.
You fly into Manzanillo airport (not to be confused with La Manzanilla, Manzanillo is the largest port on Mexico’s west coast and a vibrant city in it’s own right) and take a taxi north about an hour to get there*. La Manzanilla is a small town of about 2000 people with an engaging mix of retired expats, vacationers and Mexican Nationals enjoying the idyllic Tenacatita bay with it’s flat 2 km beach where you can walk, run or ride your bike right on the beach during low tides. There are coffee shops, art galleries and gift shops, a book store, a few dress shops and beachy tiendas (stores) along with small local grocery stores where you find
everything from bathing suits to boogie boards, seashells to beach bags, beer, cheese and chips.
Families of all ages can enjoy playing at the oceans’ edge in the gentle incoming waters while those more fun loving and daring types can body surf, float or swim in the not too large waves further out. Not only does La Manzanilla offer you the beach for play, but you can go for a stroll a foot above the lagoon waters along a raised boardwalk at the University of Guadalajara’s Crocodile Sanctuary. Here you can see “crocodillos” up close and even hold a baby if you are lucky enough to be there after a hatching.
Many gringos (foreigners) have made Mexico their home and La Manzanilla boasts some beautiful homes nestled on the slopes above the village where the views of the bay are outstanding or along the edge of town within easy walking distance to shops and restaurants. Another draw to the area are romantic seaside weddings. One such lucky woman was Marcia Grothe, originally from Seattle who has lived in La Manzanilla for 17 years and had just enjoyed seeing one of her children get married on the beach the day before I met her. When I arrived for my own breakfast at Valentino’s, they were all out enjoying the beach and planning a few more days together before the family flew back up north and life for the retired Marcia returned to a more quiet “normal” of beach walks, dinner with friends and a game of bridge-held each week at a local restaurant-all the while happily contemplating when her family can once again come for a visit.
There is no shortage of restaurants here and several are outstanding. Be sure to try Magnolia’s for superb tapas, Martin’s for the best “made at your table” Caesar salad, Tito’s for delicious Chinese style dishes or any of the seaside eateries where you can put your feet in the sand while you enjoy oneof the local favorites, Rollo del Mar (fish fillet stuffed with shrimp and rice covered in almond sauce) or chiviche camarone (shrimp cooked in lime juice with tomatoes, onions and cilantro), or Pedro’s most awesome fish tacos and of course the Eggs Benedict at Valentino’s is not to be missed for breakfast or their shrimp stuffed avacado for lunch!
Feeling adventurous? You can rent a panga (15-17′ skiff) and go over to Tenacatita beach to snorkel or rent a guide and boat for a day of fishing for mahi-mahi, dorado by local lingo. Grab a taxi and head to the Grand Isla Resort 30 minutes south for a first class round of golf on the ocean or take a tour up to Colima or Guadalajara for a couple of days of culture and shopping. Then, back in La Manzanilla, you can cut a rug in the evenings at a couple of the local bars like Palapa Joes, where you can start with one of their fabulous burgers before the local band starts up for a great date night.
Hotels in La Manzanilla are not too plentiful. Be sure to check out online for rentals like VRBO, local realtors like Jesse at http://www.costelegrerealty.com or a local site lamanzanillavacationrental.com. where you can find vacation homes for rent. One of the favorite places to stay is Chantli Mare Inn by the Sea about mid beach and away from the town with great cuisine and a pool or in town I stay at the Hotel Tonala where I can walk to everything. If you want luxury, stay up the road a bit at the Blue Bay Resort or the Careyes Resort.
So, book your flight ASAP and come see why this is the Costalegre and La Manzanilla is one of the perfect places for your next vacation….;and who knows, you may want to be like Marcia Grothe and retire around here in paradise.
*You can also fly into Puerto Vallarta and take a bus down to Melaque then a taxi up to La Manzanilla. A little more time and hassle but if you come off season it may be your only option for your airline as some airlines stop flying into Manzanillo in the summer months).
Gypsey Jeanne's Travel Blog for Boomers 