Intimate bungalows and villas on Mexico’s Pacific Coast

GETTING THERE

From LAX: There are nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Manzanillo, Mexico, on Alaska Airlines and Aero California, and there is connecting service on Mexicana and Aeromar airlines. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $198. El Tamarindo is about a 50-minute drive from the Manzanillo airport; taxis charge about $60. El Careyes Resort is a 45-minute drive from El Tamarindo, a $75-$80 taxi fare. El Careyes can also be reached from Puerto Vallarta, about 2 1/2 hours north.

WHERE TO STAY

El Tamarindo Golf Resort, (888) 625-5144 or 011-52-315-351-5032, fax 011-52-315-351-5070, www.luxurycollection.com. Rates range from $265 per night for a garden-view casita for two, to $1,308 per night for an ocean-view casita. Add 17% tax. Breakfast and lunch for two, $50. Dinner, without alcohol, about $60. Golf: $150-$175 per person, depending on tee time.

El Careyes Beach Resort, (888) 625-5144 or 011-52-315-351-0000, fax 011-52-315-351-0100, www.luxurycollection.com; rates $183-$350; meals are not included. Add 17% tax and 5% service charge. A beach bungalow costs $325 per night (20% less in summer). Lunches at the Playa Rosa beach restaurant about $30 per person, dinners about $40, without alcohol. Add a 10% service charge to food and beverage costs.

Condos are also available. A one-bedroom, without pool, is $250 per night in high season (November-April), $180 per night in the warmer months (May-October).

A two-bedroom condo with private pool is $500 per night in high season, $400 in the warmer months. A one-bedroom bungalow on the beach is $325 in the winter, about 20% less in the summer.

TO LEARN MORE

Mexican Government Tourism Office, Mexican Consulate, 2401 W. 6th St., 5th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90057; (800) 44-MEXICO (446-3942, for brochures) or (213) 351-2069, fax (213) 351-2074, www.visitmexico.com.