Page 145 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL EATING IBERIA

implements swirled around me as I stretched out on
a mat and watched clouds drift in the evening sky,
soaking up the Careyes vibe.

Where to Stay
The resort area of Costa Careyes has gone
through many incarnations over the decades. These
days it's called El Careyes Club & Residences (www-
.careyes.com/accommodations/elcareyes). The hotel
building, originally designed in 1976, has been totally
remodeledtohouseluxurycondominiumsandsuites.
It frames the aforementioned pools, an open-air
restaurant (with fabulous ceviche) and a peaceful
beach. Residents and guests from the casitas, villas
and spectacular homes dubbed "ocean castles" scat-
teredaroundCostaCareyesmingleatacoupleofrus-
tic chic restaurants where everyone looks utterly
fascinating.
My Guadalajara journey began at Hotel Deme-
tria (http://www.hoteldemetria.com) in the fashion-
able Colonia Lafayette. A study in gray, black and
white, with sleek glass walls and a sprinkling of art,
the boutique hotel is a favorite haunt for director
Guillermo del Toro and other celebs. There's a Luis
Barragánhousenextdoor,andloadsofeateriesinthe
neighborhood along with an excellent in-house
restaurant.
I moved to the Presidente Intercontinental
Guadalajara( www.presidenteicguadalajara.com)on
the outskirts of downtown for my final nights. It's a
comfortable, business-oriented member of one of my
favorite Mexican hotel chains. Rooms are always sen-
sibly designed with good desks, cushy beds and space
to spread out. The rooftop pool was perfect for laps
and the Club Level lounge's light meals were out-
standing and satisfying. Presidente hotels always

Handsome villas overlook
the sleek pools at Careyes.

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