Although the Blue Bay resort chain has been operating the former Hotel los Angeles Locos as an all-inclusive resort for several years, the curious name Los Angeles Locos (which had nothing to do with crazy people from Los Angeles) lives on in minds of local people.

Once upon a time, a rich family built an airstrip and a mansion by a lovely little beach on pristine Tenacatita Bay and began coming for vacations by private plane. The local people, who couldn’t fathom why their rich neighbors would go to so much trouble and expense to come to such an out-of-the-way place, dubbed them los ángeles locos (the crazy angels), because they always seemed to be flying.

The beach is still lovely and Tenacatita Bay, curving around Punta Hermanos south from Tenacatita Beach, is still pristine. Now Los Angeles Locos makes it possible for droves of sun-seeking vacationers to enjoy it en masse. Continuous music, open bar, plentiful buffets, and endless activities set the tone at Los Angeles Locos—the kind of place for folks who want a hassle-free week of fun in the sun.

The guests are typically working-age couples and singles, mostly Mexicans during the summer, Canadians and some Americans during the winter. Very few children seem to be among the guests, although they are welcome.

Although all sports and lessons—including tennis, snorkeling, sailing, sailboarding, horseback riding, volleyball, aerobics, exercises, waterskiing—plus dancing, disco, and games—cost nothing extra, guests can, if they want, do nothing but soak up the sun. A relaxed attitude will probably allow you to enjoy yourself the most.

Don’t try to eat, drink, and do too much to make sure you get your money’s worth. If you do, you’re liable to arrive back home in need of a vacation.

Although people don’t come to the tropics to stay inside, Los Angeles Locos’s rooms are quite comfortable—completely private, in pastels and white, air-conditioned, each with cable TV, phone, and private balcony overlooking either the ocean or palmy pool and patio.

For information and reservations, contact a travel agent or the hotel (Km 20, Carretera Federal 200, tel. 315/351-5020, toll-free Mex. tel. 01-800/713-3020, toll-free U.S. tel. 800/483-7986, fax 315/351-5412, www.losangeleslocos.com). Low-season rates for the 201 rooms and suites run a bargain-basement $65 per person per day, midweek, $85 weekends, double occupancy, $100 high season. Children under seven with parents stay free; kids 7–12, $30. For a bigger, better junior suite, add about $30 per room; prices include everything—food, drinks, entertainment—except transportation.

Getting There

Los Angeles Locos is about four miles (6 km) off Highway 200 along a signed cobbled entrance road near the Km 20 marker (120 mi/194 km from Puerto Vallarta, 14 mi/23 km from Barra de Navidad, and 32 mi/51 km from the Manzanillo International Airport).

If you want to simply look around the resort, don’t drive up to the gate unannounced. The guard won’t let you through. Instead, call ahead and make an appointment for a “tour.” After your guided look-see, you have to either sign up or mosey along. The hotel doesn’t accept day guests.