Tag Archives: Beach

Estrella Del Mar: Mazatlans’ Best Golf Resort

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View from Condos to the beach.

Combine possibly the best beach in Mazatlan with arguably the best golf, and you have Estrella Del Mar. This is not a big resort, but a combination of resort and second homes that have a quiet, rejuvenating feel. A great place to relax, reconnect and recharge.

Number 11, Par 5, view to green.
Estrella Del Mar is Close to the Airport

Only 15 minutes from the Mazatlan airport, Estrella Del Mar is easy to get to compared to the resorts in the Golden Zone, some 35 minutes away. The only downside of this is that when you want to go into town, it’s a 25-35 minute shuttle ride one way. In a week’s stay, an ideal ratio is two nights into Mazatlan proper for dining that is different than the resort. The attraction here is this place has everything and you could be quite content staying here for a week and being just here.

The courtyard at the Villas, a touch of old Mexico.
Mulitple Lodging Options

Lodging options are the Villas, condo rentals and an occasional home for rent. The Villas are reminiscent of a Spanish hotel with a large courtyard and fountain and feature 47 luxury rooms, recently renovated. One of the two restaurants, Las Delphines, is here, as well as the spa and fitness center. The other restaurant, La Paloma, is located at the golf clubhouse or the Casa Club. While there are only two restaurants, there are ample selections, and the food is top-notch for all three meals.

Mexican ranch breakfast at Delphines.

No all-inclusive option here, yet the food and drinks are more than reasonably priced. If staying at the Villas, it’s a spirited walk or shuttle ride to the Casa Club, but well worth it with the Oceanside and beach view.

3rd Shot view to green, Par 5, 14th.
World Class Golf at Estrella Del Mar

This is arguably the best golf in Mazatlan, period. This course is routinely used for Mexican PGA and Greg Norman Events. A John Jacobs Golf School just opened on the driving range for those in need of de-rusting the swing. This is a competitive golf course with plenty of twists, turns, and stunning beach views. The greens were just re-done, giving this course tour greens from start to finish. At 7015 yards from the Gold Tees, this is all you can bite off at sea level into a light, salty breeze.

Typical of the private beach at Estrella Del Mar.
Rejuvinate at EDM

Re-connecting is an underlying theme at Estrella Del Mar, and that starts with four miles of private beach. From anywhere you stay, serenity begins right outside your door. Villas also have their own pool, tubs and coconut bar so you can get your libation on. Estrella Del Mar is also a national turtle sanctuary, and a couple of nights per week you can participate in helping to launch the baby turtles in their brave, new world.

The turtles run to their new home.
Top-notch Staff

For a smaller resort, service is pretty fantastic. Everyone values the visitor, so expect real interest in who you are and why you are visiting. That only adds to the relaxation experience.

A great hammock on the private beach.
More Flights to Mazatlan

Mazatlan is continually getting increased air routes from the U.S., with many cities served by direct service over the winter months. It used to be difficult to get to, but now with direct service by Sun Country and others out of Denver and other cold cities, warm golf is a short hop away.

Lounging at the Coconut Bar and Snack Shack.

If you don’t play golf, this may not be the place for you. However, if you do play golf, and want that combined with beach, relaxation and limited hustle with no hassles, then Estrella Del Mar is the resort for you in Mazatlan.

El Cid Resorts: Golden Gem in Mazatlan

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Mazatlan gets a mix of tourists and locals who enjoy the resorts and attractions. No wonder that the El Cid Group offers a little something for every guests’ preferences. From couples to multi-generational groups, you can pick the level of a package and specific property that makes sense. And, yes, with the beachside views and crashing waves, the “I Do!” experience has options as well.

View of El Moro and El Cid Beach

The operative term here for the four hotels/resorts are “casually comfortable.” Unlike other parts of Mexico, where the day is spent entirely at the resort, and the room takes on more importance, here the room is your daily springboard and resting place. Mazatlan may have more to do for visitors than just about any other city in Mexico, and the rooms reflect that reality. The rooms in all four resorts are quite comfortable and have great amenities. Even on the resort property, there is so much to do with the pools, bars, and beaches you just won’t be in your room that much. Yet when you are, they are plenty comfortable and inviting.

El Cid Suite with clean comfort and that ocean view!

This is not one resort, but actually, four hotels/properties that share amenities and attractions. So, when you need a visual change of pace, just walk or board the shuttle to one of the other hotels. Between the hotels, there are eight specialty restaurants, so while you might be tempted to step off property, you can get it all here. And you can go from an individual dining plan all the way to total all-inclusive. That is actually nice to dial up the level of inclusion you desire for your travel style. And, you can start your trip on the all-inclusive, then have a few days to go EP and then dine off property for a little exploring.

Burn off those kcal in sun-drenched comfort.

The amenities are extensive with golf, tennis, children’s activities and shows. And with Pronatours on site, any tour is a phone call away. Sport fishing is one of the top choices for outside activities on their own marina.

Pronatours has a variety of off-property diversions for any taste.

The golf courses are just across the street from the Castilla and El Moro properties, and feature three distinct nines.

Golf at El Cid features three distinct nines.

Within the Country Club complex are an extensive fitness center, spa, and two restaurants. For the serious lap swimmer, the pool lets you burn off those calories from those potent meals. At the Marina hotel, the new El Cocay Spa & Fitness Center gives you access to those services without having to transport to the Country Club.

The El Cocay is a modern spa with the necessary amenities and offerings.

If water lounging is the preferred activity, then the El Cid Castilla  offers a festive atmosphere with pool and beach literally next to each other. With the extensive pool options and entertainment, this is the perfect family-oriented option. With 27 floors and a stunning view, the El Moro Beach Hotel is an excellent combination of European fun with water and numerous activities. This is the preferred option if you focus is on adult relaxation and serenity. If seaside is essential, then the Marina Beach Hotel keeps you close to the water on all fronts, a great spot if boating or sport fishing is in the plans. And, this hotel has it’s own private beach just a short water ferry ride away from the main lobby. The Granada Hotel & Country Club is the access point for the spa, golf, and tennis. Dashing into downtown and then coming back to secluded rooms seems like the perfect nighttime cocoon.

From La Concha, you get the view of the ocean and Deer Island during breakfast.

The restaurants and bars are both quality and big fun. If you want to stay on property for the whole visit, plenty to keep your palette satisfied. La Marina is the pinnacle restaurant on the property and features a bevy of international and seafood dishes. Surf and Turf is the best menu choice, and Italian and specialty nights round out the offerings. If you want beachside dining for any meal, then La Concha gives you the option to sit inside or outside by the water. A real treat to have breakfast with the sunrise! If you want both authentic Mexican and Spanish dishes, the La Cascada with a colorful tile motif serves up creations with that unique Mazatlan twist.

While the entrees are stunning, El Cid has great salads as your starter!

Something unique in the hospitality industry is the length of stay of the employees at the El Cid. Many of the employees have been with the resort for over 15 years. Nice to see a familiar face that remembers you when you come back. In fact, many guests cite this phenomenon as the reason they return year after year. This is also the first property in Mazatlan to have Tesla charging stations.

That view with a beverage is the perfect Aaaahhhh moment!

The El Cid properties in Mazatlan do offer something for every traveling taste. And, with the ideal location in the “golden zone,” getting to shopping or off-property activities is relatively easy. If you can’t find it at the El Cid, then you probably can’t find it in Mazatlan. And, with direct air service by Sun Country, United and others, Mazatlan is much easier to get to than in the past.