Free Magazine - Manzanillo, Mexico: A Perfect 10

I was whisked into a grand entrance, and greeted with a very yummy drink. Service is impeccable yet low-key. From the time you step onto the property, you can be left alone, or if you choose, as busied as you ask to be. I sat with Laura Ibarra, who helps keep the Grand Bay in top shape, and asked her about this amazing best-kept secret of Mexico. The hotel has been opened since 1996, but publicity had been kept to a minimum, aligning the proper staff, and awaiting for the finishing touches of the 28 hole golf course.

The Grand Bay Resort is a concept in the process. It is managed by Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, but is owned by one of the wealthiest families in Mexico. The owner owns the Tecos Soccer team of Guadalajara, hospitals, and the University and then some, and the Grand Bay, is his vision and family's vision. There is no cost spared, and when I say it is in the process... I mean it. So far...

There is a 28-hole golf course and country club, complete with a golf club that will blow your mind. Each course offers up a new challenge at every turn. There is the "Ocean Course," the "Mountain Course," and the "Lagoon Course."

Here are some stats...
Ratings: 1 to 9-10-10 for men: rating 73.9/slope 126. Holes 19-27 men, rating 74.0 slope 133.

There is a two level pro shop, which offers equipment rentals, complete with shoes for 45 players. Top of the line Dunlop and Calloway clubs are offered. There are meeting facilities within the golf club, as well as a separate area exclusive to golfers which offer up massage tables, marble jacuzzis, saunas, steam rooms, 8 private showers, 2 salons, 8 private villas which are for rent just off the course, offering 3 and 4 bedrooms, complete with "sauna brooks" which lead to your own private pool.

Hard day at golf? Sit back and relax in one of two bars such as the 19th Hole Bar, which brings festivities and friends together. Hugo Bremer is the general manager. There is also another portion of the course, in the planning stages for another 9 holes. Hugo states, that it will probably be another 15 years before all of the fazes will be concluded, including homes that will be sold on the property. Each home purchased, will offer a lifetime golf club membership! There is also another grouping of homes, which are beach homes available for rent, just off the beach and farthest side of the golf course, and they are absolutely amazing.

Golf Magazine has given the Gold Medal award to the Grand Bay, and the Travel Channel has honored it as the #1 resort in Mexico, three years running!