Melaque
& barra de navidad

Melaque and Barra de Navidad, twin towns on either side of an arching bay, are havens for sun-seekers, artists, and people looking to do a lot of one thing: nothing.

Every winter in Melaque, the tiny town that sits to the north of the wide bay, it becomes quietly full of low-key, beachcombing vacationers. Time stands still, and even turns several years back. There isn’t much to do other than wander leisurely along the edge of the pounding surf, eat lots of seafood, and watch as generations of fishermen ply their trade in the frothing waves.

A natural salt-water lagoon with thriving mangroves flows behind the town and along the bay’s edge to the southern point, Barra de Navidad. Also an artists’ haven, Melaque boasts several art retreats and workshops which offer the expert creator and appreciative novice creative guidance in a vibrant natural setting.

Barra de Navidad, the site of the expansive Grand Bay five-star hotel complex and 18-hole golf course, is renowned for its clean point break that curls in off the south end of the bay. Here, surfers ply their trade, coaxing their boards along the edge of medium sized waves, while art lovers comb through the numerous shops filled with local crafts and handiwork.

Modest hotels dot the beach and visitors spend quiet days lounging in chairs or sipping cold beers which munching on fresh ceviche and other seafood straight from sea to mouth. The sunsets here, as along Mexico’s entire Gold Coast, are true moments of reflection. All activity ceases. Eyes are drawn to the open sea.

The magnificent colors that spill forth as the orb sinks, then meets the water – creamy peaches, rosy pinks, tangy oranges, brilliant violets, fiery reds – are more magnificent than any found on an artist’s palette.