 Manzanillo
can be broken into two zones. The downtown area (not
normally visited by tourists) is first and foremost
a commercial port. In contrast, a few short miles up
the coastline you enter the luxurious and pleasantly
understated resort zone. Two large bays of golden sand
and sometimes rough surf are connected via a coastal
highway that leads past an occasional mini-mall, souvenir
shop, restaurant and a couple of night spots. Bahía
de Manzanillo (to the south) has most of the development
while Bahía de Santiago (further to the north)
is largely undeveloped. For many visitors Manzanillo's
slow paced expansion is a blessing. Miles of untouched
beach are easily accessed from the area's resorts, and
outside of the bustle of downtown, the pace is slow
and casual. Shopping, dining, nightlife and sightseeing
is subdued by comparison to other Mexican Riviera resorts.
While Manzanillo has yet to fully blossom as a major
resort center, the city is a gateway to the unspoiled
and little known Costa Alegre region of Mexico's Pacific
Coast. This coastal area to the north of Manzanillo
(towards Puerto Vallarta) is sprinkled with some of
Mexico's loveliest beaches and bays and is also home
to several posh resorts. Manzanillo has three lush golf
courses: La Mantarraya, a championship 18 hole course
designed by Pete & Roy Dye is located on the Las
Hadas Resort. Club Santiago offers 9 challenging holes
on fairways lined with lush coconut palms. Nearby Isla
Navidad has 27 holes and the beauty of a calm, mirror-like
bay.
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