Tripology Travel Experts Blog
Magic Pueblos of Mexico and Manzanillo, Too
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
On November 14 I left for Manzanillo, Mexico, with a group of travel agents, people from the Mexico Tourism Board, a representative from the Manzanillo Tourism Board, a tour operator, a travel writer and the representative from the hotel where we had been invited to stay, Barcelo Karmina Palace. This was a typical FAM trip, go look at hotels and see where my clients would enjoy staying and what the area has to offer.
We flew out on Alaska Airlines, about a 3 hr. non-stop flight to Manzanillo. Alaska is one of my favorite airlines in that it offers wide leather seats and ample leg room. The airport in Manzanillo is small but well organized, with NO time share people waiting for passengers to exit baggage claim. The sun was shining, it was around 85 degrees, and we left for the hotel area.
The road leaving the airport had banana plantations on either side, and we connected to the main highway heading south, going past roadside stands selling salt and coconuts, both major products of the state of Colima, which is were Manzanillo is located.
Arriving at Barcelo Karmina Palace they did a check in for us with cold drinks in an area just off the lobby. The lobby is vast and well appointed, lots of comfortable seating area, lobby bar, just a nice place to hang out. My room was large, huge bathroom with double sinks and a full tub and walk-in shower; sleeping area with a comfortable bed and television, sunken living room with balcony with full ocean view, another television, mini-bar and comfortable seating. Lots of closet space and lots of hangers. Nice start to the trip!
Dinner that night was in a palapa by the ocean, so great views to go along with a good dinner. The weather was beautiful for dining out. In the morning, we had one of the very best breakfast buffets I have seen. Most important to me, GREAT coffee. I don't know if it was grown in Colima, but it was really, really good.
We flew out on Alaska Airlines, about a 3 hr. non-stop flight to Manzanillo. Alaska is one of my favorite airlines in that it offers wide leather seats and ample leg room. The airport in Manzanillo is small but well organized, with NO time share people waiting for passengers to exit baggage claim. The sun was shining, it was around 85 degrees, and we left for the hotel area.
The road leaving the airport had banana plantations on either side, and we connected to the main highway heading south, going past roadside stands selling salt and coconuts, both major products of the state of Colima, which is were Manzanillo is located.
Arriving at Barcelo Karmina Palace they did a check in for us with cold drinks in an area just off the lobby. The lobby is vast and well appointed, lots of comfortable seating area, lobby bar, just a nice place to hang out. My room was large, huge bathroom with double sinks and a full tub and walk-in shower; sleeping area with a comfortable bed and television, sunken living room with balcony with full ocean view, another television, mini-bar and comfortable seating. Lots of closet space and lots of hangers. Nice start to the trip!
Dinner that night was in a palapa by the ocean, so great views to go along with a good dinner. The weather was beautiful for dining out. In the morning, we had one of the very best breakfast buffets I have seen. Most important to me, GREAT coffee. I don't know if it was grown in Colima, but it was really, really good.
Barcelo Karmina Palace has an excellent gift shop with reasonable prices; nice spa and Alma, my spa therapist was great! There is a gym, several different places to dine (all included in the price), multiple swimming pools and beautiful grounds.
After breakfast, we were on our way to the Colonial cities of Colima and Comala. This was an added bonus to the trip. No hotels to inspect, just two Colonial cities to get to know and a trip to a museum. There is an active volcano just outside Colima, and the road to Colima gives great view of the volcano. The road through the town of Manzanillo passes upscale night clubs, restaurants, WalMart and Home Depot. Shortly after passing the new port facilities in Manzanillo and the downtown area, we entered the toll road.
The toll road to Colima is two lanes in either direction, easy driving, not much traffic on a Sunday. It is one of the places in Mexico I would actually recommend renting a car for a day and driving to Colima, Comala and Nogueras. I had the same experience in Loreto, Baja California. I would see no reason NOT to rent a car and drive up to Mulege while in Loreto.
The toll road to Colima is lined on either side with plantations. First, there are acres of plantations of coconut palms. Then, acres of key lime plantations. Behind the plantations to the east are mountains. There is some mining in the state of Colima, a good deal of agriculture, and the port. Colima is a small but prosperous state.
Colima itself is clean and easy to drive around, with a main square and a church and businesses branching off from the main square. On the main square is the home of former president of Mexico Miguel de la Madrid. We stopped and looked in the church, where a Mass was being held, bought ice cream from the street vendor and did a little shopping, and from there we were off to Nogueras, a former plantation and the home of the artist Alejandro Rangel Hidalgo. The road to Nogueras was somewhat harder to drive, being more of a country lane, but not heavly trafficked or difficult to drive, just a rougher ride. The museum was quite interesting, with Rangel Hidalgo's paintings in one room and another room devoted to amazing pre-Hispanic pottery. Colima is famous for it's pottery dogs in often charming poses. The pottery work done by the pre-Hispanic peoples of the area is imaginative and done of fine clay. An amazing amount of work in the museum has been found in relatively good shape. There is a gift shop at the museum that offers reproductions of Rangel Hidalgo's paintings, either suitable for framing, or on coasters, coffee mugs, mouse pads...just about everything you can imagine.
After breakfast, we were on our way to the Colonial cities of Colima and Comala. This was an added bonus to the trip. No hotels to inspect, just two Colonial cities to get to know and a trip to a museum. There is an active volcano just outside Colima, and the road to Colima gives great view of the volcano. The road through the town of Manzanillo passes upscale night clubs, restaurants, WalMart and Home Depot. Shortly after passing the new port facilities in Manzanillo and the downtown area, we entered the toll road.
The toll road to Colima is two lanes in either direction, easy driving, not much traffic on a Sunday. It is one of the places in Mexico I would actually recommend renting a car for a day and driving to Colima, Comala and Nogueras. I had the same experience in Loreto, Baja California. I would see no reason NOT to rent a car and drive up to Mulege while in Loreto.
The toll road to Colima is lined on either side with plantations. First, there are acres of plantations of coconut palms. Then, acres of key lime plantations. Behind the plantations to the east are mountains. There is some mining in the state of Colima, a good deal of agriculture, and the port. Colima is a small but prosperous state.
Colima itself is clean and easy to drive around, with a main square and a church and businesses branching off from the main square. On the main square is the home of former president of Mexico Miguel de la Madrid. We stopped and looked in the church, where a Mass was being held, bought ice cream from the street vendor and did a little shopping, and from there we were off to Nogueras, a former plantation and the home of the artist Alejandro Rangel Hidalgo. The road to Nogueras was somewhat harder to drive, being more of a country lane, but not heavly trafficked or difficult to drive, just a rougher ride. The museum was quite interesting, with Rangel Hidalgo's paintings in one room and another room devoted to amazing pre-Hispanic pottery. Colima is famous for it's pottery dogs in often charming poses. The pottery work done by the pre-Hispanic peoples of the area is imaginative and done of fine clay. An amazing amount of work in the museum has been found in relatively good shape. There is a gift shop at the museum that offers reproductions of Rangel Hidalgo's paintings, either suitable for framing, or on coasters, coffee mugs, mouse pads...just about everything you can imagine.
From the plantation we were off to Comala and lunch! Comala is a pretty little town, designated as one of the Magic Pueblos of Mexico. There are 33 Magic Pueblos (Pueblos Magicos) throughout the country, so named for their unusual historical or religious significance, a heritage that has been preserved over time and reasonable access from major cities or other tourist destinations. Comala is small, clean, and of historical significance. We had lunch in the portales by the main plaza. The food was delicious, the beer was cold, and the company was interesting. It was a really great day and visiting Colima and Comala were definite, unexpected, highlights of the trip.
We inspected several hotels. Besides Barcelo Karmina Palace, where we stayed, we were welcomed at Las Hadas, where the movie 10 was filmed. Las Hadas is still romantic and luxurious, but it is not all inclusive. Tesoro, which had lovely beach views from every room we inspected, has the advantage of being able to offer adjoining rooms for larger family groups. Tesoro is all inclusive.
We also visited Club Maeva. Club Maeva has an excellent children's program and, after dinner in their "reservations only" Italian restaurant, they allowed us to stay and watch their entertainment. They put on a great show! The performers are all people who work at the resort and they do a completely professional job singing, dancing, and providing entertainment for all ages.
Leaving Manzanillo we visited our guide Hector's ranchito, Rancho Pena Blanca. He provides guided ATV excursions and has a small blue agave plantation where he shows how tequila is made and does tequila tastings. The tequila we sampled was excellent, although he does not bottle tequila on his rancho. Well worth doing either the tequila tasting and/or the ATV excursion.
Our last day, on the way back to the airport, we were taken to Grand Bay Hotel at Isla Navidad. Grand Bay is a Wyndham Hotel, about 25 minutes from the Manzanillo airport, and about an hour north of the Manzanillo beach area. Definitely, Grand Bay Hotel is one of those places you just have to experience to believe. It is a beyond beautiful hotel. We inspected many rooms, from the least expensive to the Presidential Suite all of the rooms were flawless. Grand Bay is located on a 27 hole golf course, and there is a small motor boat that takes you to Barra de Navidad for shopping and casual dining. Barra de Navidad is in the state of Jalisco and Isla Navidad is in the state of Colima.
We were served lunch at Grand Bay Hotel and the lunch was as lovely as the hotel. The hotel is a destination...it is not the kind of place where you can walk out the front door and go shopping. For that, you need to get in the motor boat and go to Barra de Navidad. The boat ride is 2 pesos, so not a budget breaker! Grand Bay has a fabulous spa, the golf, areas to relax and regroup, everything you could wish for except "action". There are several beautiful restaurants, but no disco. If you are going for disco and dancing and meeting other singles...think Manzanillo! If you are looking for complete relaxation and pampering, think Grand Bay.
I really did not want to leave Grand Bay. I could have stayed for a week with no problem! However, all good things end. From Grand Bay Hotel we were off to Manzanillo's little airport and the Alaska flight back to LAX. I checked to see how much it would be to upgrade to first class (my birthday was last Monday, so I decided, if it wasn't TOO expensive, I DESERVED it!). Upgrade to first class was $104., so I flew home first class on Alaska and enjoyed another excellent meal and a Bloody Mary in a REAL glass...life is good in first class!
Manzanillo and Isla Navidad are wonderful, safe destinations. There is enough of a variety of hotels to be able to offer something for everyone...families, couples and people looking for mild adventure. Please come feel free to discuss which hotel would be right for you. I have photos and can give you first hand information.
In the meantime, please remember to check out Kiva.org.
Until next time,
Sonia
20 Responses
-
Hey...this is a wonderful website buddy and an informative post!!! i am new here and i found this site very interesting and informative ,, you are a professional blogger i think i have a great interest in such things. Find Cell Phone Number
-
You can share some of your useful point, I'm really enjoy you write something, really very nice! I will continue to focus on. Never done in the article comments, appreciate you sharing. Very excellent article cs 1.6 download
-
Great post, very well done by your blog! Thanks to author! comprar viagra acheter kamagra buy cheap clomid levitra acheter viagra Acquisto viagra viagra australia
-
This one is your one of the nice blog dude I like it very much so I want to keep in touch with your blogs therefore post more blogs and thank you dear for sharing with us such nice information. tubal ligation reversal reversal of tubal ligation
-
It's a great pleasure reading your post.It's full of information I am looking for and I love to post a comment that "The content of your post is awesome" Great work! valentines day quotes
-
discount watches replica watches replica watch replica discount watches tag heuer carrera calibre 16 replica discounted watches tag heuer replica monaco montblanc nicolas rieussec replica replica star nicolas rieussec watches chopard mille miglia replica discount omega watches replica graham airborne watch cheap watches luxury watches discount rolex watches discount fossil watches discount sport watches swiss luxury watches cartier watches replica chanel handbags replica chanel handbag replica chanel bags replica handbags replica designer handbags fake chanel handbag replica chanel wallet replica designer handbags cheap chanel handbags chanel purses replica handbags reviews chanel handbags celebrity style handbags coco chanel chanel bags replica handbag shop best replica handbag sites replica handbag reviews replica handbag blog replica chanel handbags replica handbags replica handbag replica bags ake handbags buy cheap designer handbag best replica handbags best replica handbag sites replica handbag shop replica handbag reviews best replica handbag replica dior handbags replica marc jacobs handbags prada replica handbags celine replica handbags replica gucci handbags replica celine bags replica celine handbags chanel bags cheap chanel handbags mbt shoes mbt shoes sale cheap mbt shoes mbt sale mbt outlet mbt scarpe mbt shoes outlet discount mbt shoes mbt shoes uk mbt scarpe mbt shoes store locator mbt shoes clearance mbt shoes vs skechers shape up mbt shoes website mbt shoes for men planet shoes mbt boots sale mbt shoes store locator mbt shoes discontinued replica watches swiss replica watches swiss made replica watches replica swiss watches replica watches replica invicta watches replica chopard watches bulova replica swiss replica swiss watch replica movado safiro omega watches swiss movement replica watches premium replica watches reputable replica watch sites rolex replicas swiss made replica watches worth reputable replica watch sites cartier swiss made big swiss replica watch replica watches watches for men mens watches tudor 7149/0 replica new replica watches swiss replica watches replica watches review omega replica watches replica cartier watches panerai replica watches replica watches review replica watches quality replica tag heuer watches replica breitling piaget replica watches men replica hermes watches fake piaget watches piaget replica watches replica oris watches replica swiss watches
-
I impressed with this post. I rarely found this. I came across this and interesting stuff is present here.I will bookmark your website and share with my friends. I am waiting for your next interesting post. criminal justice degree online
-
Amazing!I also wish him good luck to defend his gold medal. I like to share it with all my friends and hope they will also encourage him. buy xanax online
-
This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next post! build a website
-
jumpsuits for women
one piece jumpsuit
black jumpsuits
womens jumpsuits
blue jumpsuit
one shoulder jumpsuit
cheap jumpsuits
denim jumpsuit
strapless jumpsuit
white jumpsuit
black jumpsuits for women
jumpsuit for women
ladies jumpsuits
short jumpsuit
jumpsuits for women 2011
green jumpsuit
purple jumpsuit
yellow jumpsuit
black jumpsuit
jumpsuits women
khaki jumpsuit
jeans jumpsuit
dressy jumpsuits
jumpsuits fashion
jumpsuit pattern
-
Hi! Thanks for the great information you have provided! You have touched on crucuial points! i bookmarked it and will be back to check it out some more later. wedding dresses,cheap wedding dresses,UGG Boots On Sale,cheap ugg boots,Down coats and jackets,Down coats,Down jackets,Classic And Fashion Boots,Fashion boots,Classic Boots,Buy poker chips,Buy chips,wow gold,cheap wow gold,buy wow gold
-
Hi! Thanks for the great information you have provided! You have touched on crucuial points! i bookmarked it and will be back to check it out some more later. wedding dresses,cheap wedding dresses,UGG Boots On Sale,cheap ugg boots,Down coats and jackets,Down coats,Down jackets,Classic And Fashion Boots,Fashion boots,Classic Boots,Buy poker chips,Buy chips,wow gold,cheap wow gold,buy wow gold
-
These kind of articles are always attractive and I am happy to find so many good point here in the post, writing is simply great, thanks for sharing. how to create a website
-
If you are looking for some challenging games to play online, motorbike games are here for you. The fun of playing these games could not be explained. Army games are highly popular. Geo Tracker AC Compressor
-
As an Discount Uggs for women store online, we offer original glitter uggs with 100% quality guaranteed with discount off.
-
Reduce weight fruta planta is Spirulina Maxima. We found plenty of fruta planta information on Spirulina Maxima including the fact that it is used to cause fat in people with HIV and undernourished children. Bodyweight obtain is not the same as losing weight. Fruta planta pills provides for $30 for a one-month provide. Getting more boxes does not mean spending less. A six-month provide provides for $180 which is exactly six times the 30-day price.
-
Hey...this is a wonderful website buddy and an informative post!!! i am new here and i found this site very interesting and informative ,, you are a professional blogger i think i have a great interest in such things...thank youAllAboutDivorce.com
-
Where will Nike Free Running the Oak Room?s regular performers go? They include Steve Ross, Karen Akers, Andrea Marcovicci, K T Sullivan and Barbara Carroll, who have all attracted devoted audiences and critical acclaim. Could Nike Air Max 95 Manhattan?s two remaining high-end supper clubs, the Caf? Carlyle and Feinstein?s at Loews Regency, make room for them in their Cheap Air Max future schedules? To some degree, probably yes. Will a Nike Free foolhardy entrepreneur with money to burn miraculously appear and open a new club in another hotel? You never know. The cabaret world, in which most performers do it more for love than for money, has always teetered on a financial precipice. But it has also attracted Air Max dreamers who Nike Air Max 87 imagine that they can buck the financial odds. In June a new nightclub, 54 Below, is rumored to be opening downstairs at Studio 54, but a formal announcement hasn?t yet been made. The finest cabaret acts, though comparable in quality to classical music concerts and the best Nike Air Max 90 Broadway shows (I?m thinking of Stephen Sondheim, whose songs are cabaret staples), lack institutional support or a solid system for production.The closest thing in the field to an organizational leader is Donald Smith, who revived the Oak Room, which had been dark for three decades, in 1980. Nike Air Max A Cheap Nike Free Running few years later Mr. Smith founded the Mabel Mercer Foundation and its offshoot, the annual Cabaret Convention. But financing the convention has been an uphill battle, and Mr. Smith, now 79, is Nike Air Max 90 VT in declining health.
-
Louis Vuitton des designers fran?ais de la maroquinerie, en 1854 à Paris, a ouvert son propre nom de la boutique première valise. Un siècle plus tard, Vuitton Sacs et de maroquinerie de devenir l'un des meilleurs quartiers de la marque, et devenir un symbole de la haute société. Aujourd'hui, la marque Louis Vuitton Pas Cher a non seulement limité à la conception et la vente de maroquinerie haut de gamme et des bagages, mais à s'impliquer dans la mode, accessoires, chaussures, sacs, bijoux, montres, des médias, du vin et d'autres domaines de l'indicateurs de tendance géant. Valise LV à partir du stade T au début à Paris d'un an maintenant constante évolution LV défilé de mode, Sacs Main Chaud est capable de se tenir dans l'industrie de la mode internationale a été la première position, louis vuitton m60123 à la maison fiers de marques de luxe sur, dans son propre ADN de la marque unique.
-
HGH Jintropin Hygetropin Kigtropin Jintropin AQ HCG 百家乐论坛 博彩咨询 Kigtropin R4i sdhc r4i gold M3i zero Acekard 2i supercard dstwo R4i SDHC V1.4.3 R4i Gold V1.4.3 Acekard 2i V1.4.3 replica handbags luxury designer replica handbags Buy cheap GHD Wholesale GHD GHD 2011 GHD 2012 Hair ghd R4i SDHC Cheap R4i Gold Cheap Buy R4i Gold Buy R4i SDHC Buy wasabi360 Buy E3 FLASHER Buy Xbox360 key R4i Gold Plus Nandrolone Decanoate Stanozolol Suspension Sustanon Testosterone Cypionate Testosterone enanthate Testosterone Propionate Tren 100 Trenbolone Acetate zen cart
You must login to post a comment
Top Destinations Browse destinations »
Top Tripology Blog Categories
Subscribe to Tripology Blog
Featured Travel Video
Watch more travel videos at www.tripfilms.com
Latest Tripology Blog Posts
- Hampton Inn & Suites - Chicago North Shore posted by veronique on September 17, 2010 | (20 comments)
- Restaurant Blue Pepper is Amsterdam Foodie Haven posted by veronique on September 08, 2010 | (20 comments)
- Restaurant Michael - Old School Atmosphere, New School Food posted by veronique on September 07, 2010 | (20 comments)
- Travel Snacks - A Healthy Alternative posted by jpeters on August 26, 2010 | (20 comments)
- Fashion-Focused Hotel in the Heart of Manhattan - Wyndham Fashion 26 posted by veronique on August 10, 2010 | (20 comments)