| LAS ALAMANDAS |
| Several luxurious resorts have evolved
along Costa Alegre. With a new age respect and sensitivity
for the environment, they blend harmoniously with
nature's motif as their creative construction incorporates
natural materials. Isabel Goldsmith, whose grandfather
built the Las Hadas Resort, has created an exclusive
Garden of Eden retreat near the town of Quemaro,
one hour thirty minutes south of Puerto Vallarta,
accessible by land only. One thousand five hundred
acres of lush terrain nestles the very private and
deluxe villas that cater to no more than 24 guests.
Each villa is unique and exquisitely decorated.
The retreat features a pool tennis courts, beach
club, horseback riding, spa, hiking trails, gourmet
food and a private airstrip. |
| THE CAREYES |
| South of the Bay of Chamela are
a series of protected coves that make up the Bay
of Careyes, named after the shell of the sea turtles
that inhabit these waters. The ClubMed resort Playa
Blanca, the graceful The Careyes Hotel and private
estates with island vistas, are like a creation
out of the Rich and Famous. Mediterranean whitewashed
terraces against the azure of the sea, tennis courts
in a garden of bougainvillea and hibiscus, impeccable
dinner service under the moon and stars, it's designed
to delight the most discerning travelers. Elegant
and exclusive villas clinging to the verdant hillsides
and spacious casitas = for sale in " spectacular
neighborhood. By land Careyes is located 60 miles
north of Manzanillo. Navigating into this region
you may moor in the southern cove of the hotel and
treat yourself to sensuous luxury. Dine in the hotel's
fine restaurant, horseback ride on sandy beaches
or partake in their polo matches December through
March. |
| BAY OF TENACATITA |
| Tenacatita Bay is a secluded double
bay of breathtaking beauty. The rocky bulk of Punta
Chubasco divides the bay into two anchorages. Here
one can anchor in the Northwest comer behind the
tee of Punta Hermanos or in the inner section behind
the bluff of Punta Chubasco. Swing south of and
east around Center Rock. Another good anchorage
shelter is at the head of the bay, off a small beach.
A reef at the entrance of a lagoon north of this
anchorage affords excellent scuba diving and snorkeling.
A pleasant trip by dinghy can be taken sonic distance
up the lagoon, which is a luscious paradise of mangroves
and tropical hardwoods and to innumerable species
of birds. Easily accessible by land or boat, the
Bay of Tenacatita, offers comfortable accommodations
in the modern all-inclusive Fiesta Americana Hotel. |
| THE TAMARINDO |
| Located only 40 minutes north of
Manzanillo airport, along the coast of three protected
bays, a dreamland retreat is evolving. Set in the
emerald scenery of a protected jungle, sits the
majestic development of The Tamarindo. The highly
exclusive Tamarindo resort hosts a professional
I 8-hole golf course, with 6 holes facing the sea. |
| BARRA DE NAVIDAD |
| Only 37 miles north of Manzanillo
are the community towns of Melaque and Barra de
Navidad. These buzzing towns stretch on the six-mile
long bay of Navidad and are popular choice among
tourists looking for simple, rustic accommodations.
Markets of indigenous crafts make it a fun place
to visit for few hours. |
| ISLA NAVIDAD |
On
a peninsula called Isla Navidad, which wraps itself
around the Barra de Navidad Lagoon, sits one of
Mexico's most exclusive developments, The Grand
Bay Hotel. Five hundred hectares of land have
been subdivided to embrace luxury hotel condominiums,
and villas, as well as a recreational center and
ecological reserve. A 27-hole golf course designed
by Robert Von Hagge, is strung the beachfront
dunes of this extraordinary region. It boasts
a spacious golf clubhouse with restaurants and
fully equipped pro shop, high atop a plateau overlooking
the entire resort. Isla de Navidad expansion plans
include 2 marinas with capacity for 700 boats,
and exclusive private condominiums built around
the marinas and golf course. Residents and visitors
will enjoy the Phil Ritsdon golf ranch, a yacht
club, spas, tennis clubs and a shopping complex.
The land developments
taking place along the beautiful Costa Alegre
are sophisticated and artfully designed employing
a modern day regard and sensitivity toward preserving
the natural beauty of the environment. With the
aid of ecological engineers, the projects include
reforestation and the decreeing of natural reserves.
Only a small percentage of the density of the
land is being developed, because the glory of
Costa Alegre lives in the omnipresent spirit of
Mother Nature. It is in the vibrant colors of
the sea and the sky, in the giant turtles that
swim ashore, and in the dance of the tall palm
trees that adorn the land. You can drive through
Costa Alegre in a few hours. But once you reach
any of the destinations, you'll want to stay longer.
Enjoy.
|
|
By Land:
The 175-mile long
highway makes it possible to drive from Puerto Vallarta
to Manzanillo or vice versa through verdant hills and
farmed valleys, tropical forests and sleepy villages.
The winding "carretera'
sometimes veers several miles off the coast, but highway
signposts and jungle paths will easily lead you to surprise
oceanfront destinations.
By the Sea:
Sailing or navigating
along the 100 mile coastline will delight you in discovering
deep aqua bays and inlets of translucent water teaming
with marina life.
Golden beaches without
a track mark appear along the coast, while the myriad
of picturesque bays in which to moor makes for a relaxing
journey.
"The area
is great for navigation", says a renowned captain
who regularly takes people fishing. "The tranquil
Pacific is safe to navigate", he says.
There are only a
few breaks to watch out for and they are clearly visible
and marked on the charts.
December through May
is the best time of year to visit this coast. The sun
always shines, and temperatures range in the eighties.
Here you'll find the
best marlin fishing anywhere in Mexico.
By land, by sailboat
or yacht, your trip through the grand realm of Costa
Alegre will be an invigorating and joyous adventure. |
