Get an extraordinary view of Manzanillo's magnificent Twin Bays and world-renowned resorts, including Barceló Karmina Palace, and Las Hadas Golf Resort & Marina, a place of magic and fantasy known for the movie “10," where Dudley Moore searches for "The Perfect Woman" (Bo Derek).

October 2009 marks 30 years since the film was released, but still today, you can visit Audiencia Beach and get your hair braided with "trensitas," Bo Derek style.

Filmed at both Las Hadas and Playa de la Audiencia in 1979, it put Manzanillo and the fabled resort on the map. The excursion includes touring the Peninsula de Santiago, home to many rich and famous personalities, who spend holidays at this exclusive and private locale on the Mexican Riviera.

Las Hadas, which means "The Fairies," was named for the bioluminescent plankton prevalent in the ocean, made brilliant and glowing by the wave action at night.

As we drive northbound, you'll have an outstanding view of our 5-mile-long Santiago Bay, including Miramar Beach, a favorite of the locals. 

The view is spectacular from Miramar, and you'll be able to see both peninsulas, Santiago and Juluapan, which form the corners of the bay.

The sand is golden, flecked with iron pyrite and other mineral deposits, as well as volcanic basalt.

On our way to the state of Jalisco, we'll see small rural towns with farm animals roaming free, old pick-up trucks filled with produce, flowering bougainvillea, large parota  trees with umbrella-like shady canopies, and oftentimes children playing soccer in the field next to the road. Here, in this pastoral setting, men go to town on horseback, and burros are still used to haul the burdens of man.

Along the way we stop at a roadside stand to sample the varieties of seasonal tropical fruits from the different plantations of the area, including bananas, coconuts, mangos, pineapple, and papayas.

Other exotic fruits, such as the yaka, guanabana, guayaba, mamay, pomegranate, and carambola are available in season.

Marabasco River, looking south

We continue north over the Marabasco River, which is the dividing line between the state of Colima and Jalisco. 

As we're approaching the bridge, take time out to notice the picturesque view of the town of Cihuatlan, about mid-way to Barra de Navidad. Long before you reach the town, the spires of the majestic Catholic church loom high above all else.

Barra de Navidad is a quaint farming and fishing village, built on a sandbar, with a picturesque lagoon on one side and the crashing sea on the other. See the long, curved beach that stretches for miles, which, if walked, will take you to the neighboring town of Melaque.

Take the opportunity to stroll along Barra's cobblestone and brick streets,  a perfect place to shop, with an open air market as well. The many stores, as well as restaurants and bars make this excursion very enjoyable. Take your pick of dozens of local places to have lunch (at your expense), before heading back to Manzanillo.

Dedicated to St. Anthony, the Catholic Church (at the corner of Jalisco and Legazpi), has a fascinating crucifix over the altar, complete with a legend (or miracle). When the town was in danger of destruction from a hurricane on September 1, 1971 , and the townspeople were praying for assistance, the storm suddenly abated. At the same time, the arms of Christ dropped from their accustomed out-stretched position on the cross to hang limply by His side. The disaster was averted, and many people have come to regard this as a genuine miracle. The cathedral is also known as: “The Christ of the Fallen Arms Church .”

Enjoy the view

Water taxi stand

Taxi service is only 20 pesos round trip, and worth the trip. Other tours are offered of the lagoon, or a ride up the coast to Melaque or Coastecomate (at your expense).

Water taxi

Great souvenir shopping