Most guests arrive through a grand entryway and glimpse the ocean from the hotel lobby, while others come from the ocean itself and dock at the hotel's yacht marina. Either way, travelers enjoy the resort's secluded location and myriad of recreational opportunities. Popular with families and couples, the hotel is the ideal spot for guests seeking a balance of relaxation and recreation.

The family-friendly resort is designed to ensure both children and adults have plenty to do, and also includes adults-only facilities (pool, health spa, and disco).

What to expect: Las Hadas resort is named after the phosphorescence of ocean creatures at night, which early sailors mistook as the twinkling of fairies. That magic is translated into the architecture here, where minarets and domes look over marbled arcades interspersed with piazzas, fountains, and tropical flowers. The international social set, as well as sail-fishing aficionados, are frequent visitors; most guests are couples, although singles and families are welcome.

Amenity highlights: The three-story resort offers two large swimming pools with waterfalls and tropical islands, eight lighted tennis courts, a 70-yacht private marina, a championship 18-hole golf course, and activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, waterskiing, and pedal boats. An on-site spa offers massage, facials, and body wraps.

Insider tip: Manzanillo is a relatively undeveloped working port where many shops and restaurants close for the afternoon siesta, and most are closed on Sundays when the town residents head to the beach. The beach is a good place to soak up local atmosphere and get that dark volcanic sand between the toes.