This whitewashed, Moorish-domed resort on the Santiago Peninsula was built in the early 1970s by Bolivian tin magnate Antenor Patiño and became internationally known after Blake Edwards filmed the 1979 comedy "10" here, with Bo Derek jogging past its arches. The complex of cupolas, archways and narrow whitewashed passages still functions as a working hotel and marina, so visitors are seeing a lived-in property rather than a museum piece. Walking the public grounds and waterfront gives a sense of why the architecture stood out against Mexico's Pacific coast when it opened.
Las Hadas is a landmark resort and marina on Manzanillo's Santiago Peninsula, known for its distinctive whitewashed, Moorish-style architecture of domes, arches, and towers built in the 1970s and famously used as a filming location for the movie 10. Even for visitors not staying at the resort, the public marina area and surrounding grounds are accessible, offering a look at the sculptural white buildings against Manzanillo Bay and the yachts moored in the adjoining marina. Walking the marina promenade and viewing the architecture from public vantage points takes one to two hours. The most striking photo angles are from the marina walkway looking back up at the clustered white domes, particularly in the late-afternoon light that warms the white facades against the blue bay. The resort's private beach and pool areas are reserved for guests, so day visitors are limited to the marina and publicly accessible grounds. The site draws a steady stream of photographers and architecture enthusiasts year-round, with cruise-ship days occasionally bringing larger numbers of visitors to the peninsula.
| Admission | Adult Free to view the Moorish-style architecture and marina from public areas · Child Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Marina and public-facing grounds accessible daily; resort beach and pool areas are for guests |
| Typical visit | 1-2 hours |
| Best time | Late afternoon for photographing the white Moorish-style buildings against Manzanillo Bay |
| Getting there | About 20 minutes by taxi from downtown Manzanillo |
| Address | Av. de los Riscos y Vista Hermosa, Península de Santiago, 28860 Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico |
Location
Av. de los Riscos y Vista Hermosa, Península de Santiago, 28860 Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico
19.1058, -104.3567 View on map
Highlights
- Iconic 1970s Moorish-style white architecture
- Marina promenade with yacht views over Manzanillo Bay
- Filming location for the 1979 movie 10
- Late-afternoon photography of the white domes and towers
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the late afternoon for the warmest light on the white architecture
- The resort beach and pools are for guests only, plan to view the property from the public marina area
- Combine with a Santiago Peninsula visit to Playa Audiencia, a short drive away
- Marina-side restaurants offer a place to sit and take in the view without a resort reservation
When to visit
Late afternoon for photographing the white Moorish-style buildings against Manzanillo Bay.
Accessibility
The marina promenade is a paved, level walkway suitable for wheelchair users; access to guest-only resort areas is separately managed by the property.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Viewing the marina and public architecture takes one to two hours.
Is it worth it for kids?
The marina walk is pleasant for families, though the resort's beach and pool facilities are limited to registered guests.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography of the marina and exterior architecture from public areas is generally permitted.