Barceló Karima is a “10”

Actress Bo Derek running on the beach in Blake Edwards movie “10” instantly put Manzanillo, Mexico as one of the most popular vacation destinations. This trend-setting film in 1997 was one of the biggest box-office hits.

Near this beach is Barceló Karmina, an all-inclusive 324-room resort, that has earned  a 5-star and distinguished 4-diamond AAA resort. The Mayan inspired designed lobby offers a soaring ceiling with an impressive wall of glass windows. Looking out one sees tropical gardens, pools interconnected by waterfalls and a private beach. 

It’s a 2.5 hour non-stop flight from Los Angeles to Manzanillo. Arriving at the small airport, we hailed a cab for a thirty minute ride to the resort. Checking into the Premium Top Level room 7011, our large suite offered two double size beds with luxury bedding, a marble bathroom with a rainfall shower-head, and complimentary minibar filled with juice, beer, water and snacks. Sliding the glass door open onto the balcony, we took in the views overlooking the pools, beach and distinctive Las Hadas Resort in the distance, where the movie “10” was filmed.

During the day, the staff organizes a variety of activities that include a three hour boat and snorkeling trip, pool aerobics, beach volleyball, kayaks, tennis courts, dance classes and yoga overlooking the ocean.

There is a full-service spa next to the fitness center, offering four treatment rooms, and a steam bath – one for women and another for men. The spa also has a private cabana on the beach to receive a massage while listening to the ocean waves. Treatments include facial treatments, body wraps and peelings, hot stone or deep tissue massages, reflexology, sports massage and detoxifying wraps.

There are four all-inclusive restaurants at the resort, three are specialty restaurants that are reservation only in the evenings. Guests must visit the concierge desk upon arrival to secure a table at Capri Italian, Agave Mexican, and Kyoto Japanese.

During the day Capri Restaurant offers a sit down breakfast and lunch menu with a small buffet. In the evening this restaurant serves a la carte gourmet Italian cuisine and fine wines.

One of the most signature spots is the beautiful palapa designed Agave Restaurant. Located on a cliff with spectacular views of Bahía de Manzanillo, this evening only dining destination offers traditional antojitos mexicanos, street and elevated Mexican dishes. At 11 p.m. this space becomes a nightclub with live music and dancing.

Kyoto is a smaller restaurant offering Japanese delights. It’s located near the resort’s buffet-style restaurant offering a large variety of international cuisine. Attentive service is available at tables on the terrace overlooking pool and sea views.

Throughout the resort are five bars with bartenders making cocktails, margaritas, pouring draft beer and wines from Mexico and Chile. The Beach Snack bar is located right on the beach offering soft serve ice cream, hamburgers, hot dogs, ceviche and tacos all day long. In the evening after dinner, the resort offers a different entertaining show at the open air Maya theatre.

Next time you seek a long weekend or week-long vacation, the Mayan Barceló Karmina provides a variety of activities, as well as relaxing in the warm Mexico sunshine.