Las Hadas by Brisas Manzanillo
Family-friendly resort in Manzanillo. Romantic, Charming.
Atmosphere
Amenities
Traveler Insights(95 discussions)
Las Hadas By Brisas is one of those resorts where the history and architecture are inseparable from the experience. Built in 1974 by a Bolivian tin magnate who wanted to recreate a Mediterranean fantasy on Mexico's Pacific coast, the property became globally famous when it served as the backdrop for the 1979 film '10' with Bo Derek and Dudley Moore. Those iconic white domes, cobblestone paths, and bougainvillea-draped walls are still there largely intact, and the resort absolutely earns its 'romantic and charming' reputation. It's a genuinely beautiful property in a way that modern all-inclusive construction can't replicate.
Practically speaking, Las Hadas operates at a quieter register than the big Cancun or Puerto Vallarta complexes. The bay it sits on is calm and protected, making it excellent for swimming and the included water sports. The golf course is a real perk for golfers - walking distance to a course on a resort in Mexico is genuinely rare. The dining is solid for a smaller property, with a traditional buffet alongside à la carte options, though it won't match the breadth of a larger resort complex. The hillside layout is part of the charm but also means this isn't a resort where you roll out of your room and hit the beach in two minutes.
Las Hadas is best suited for couples and culture-minded travelers who want something different from the standard all-inclusive playbook. The appeal is almost entirely about atmosphere, history, and beauty rather than amenity volume. It pairs naturally with exploring Manzanillo itself - an authentic working port city with a real local food scene, plus nearby beaches like La Audiencia where the famous '10' beach scenes were filmed. If you've done Cancun and Los Cabos and want something more interesting and storied, Manzanillo and Las Hadas reward the extra effort to get there.
Pros
- +Iconic Moorish-Mediterranean whitewashed architecture built in 1974 that's genuinely beautiful and unlike anything else in Mexico
- +Filming location of the 1979 Bo Derek and Dudley Moore movie '10,' giving the property an old-Hollywood romance that still resonates decades later
- +18-hole golf course right on the property - one of very few all-inclusives in Mexico where you can walk to the course from your room
- +Calm, protected bay (Peninsula de Santiago) that makes for excellent swimming and kayaking even when Pacific swell is up elsewhere on the coast
- +Included water sports - free snorkeling and kayaking are part of the package, with equipment available directly on the beach
- +Intimate scale at 234 rooms means it never feels overwhelmingly crowded and service stays personalized
- +Three distinct dining options plus three bar areas spread across the property covering buffet, à la carte, and poolside dining
- +Location in Manzanillo, one of Mexico's most underrated and authentic Pacific coastal cities, far from the Cancun tourist corridor
Cons
- −The all-inclusive package has notable exclusions - premium liquors, certain dining options, and room service incur additional charges
- −The property is showing its age despite the charm - facilities and rooms have a 1970s-era soul that some find romantic and others find dated
- −Manzanillo has very limited direct international flight access, typically requiring a connection through Mexico City or Guadalajara
- −Food quality gets mixed reviews - some guests find it excellent while others are underwhelmed by limited variety after a few days
- −Some drinks are not included in the all-inclusive rate - check the included list carefully before assuming everything is covered
- −The hillside layout means lots of walking and stairs between rooms, restaurants, and the beach - not ideal for mobility-limited guests
- −Beach area is smaller than the large Caribbean resort beaches many travelers expect
- −Minimal nightlife and evening entertainment - this is a quiet, romantic property, not a party destination
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“Paulina and Maria Jose helped us with our couples massage. They were attentive and made sure we felt relaxed and comfortable. The couples massage is a total deal.”
“We’ve been coming here three years in a row. Love this hotel because the pool and beach area are a perfect place to relax for a few days. The architecture of the hotel is unique. Fabulous views. Excellent restaurants, breakfast is plentiful and excel...”
“Fantastic place, staff was very accommodating, made everyone feel at home. Most spoke very good English so everyone is easy to talk to. Prices weren't bad either.”