"I regard the half year passed (in Mazatlan) as among the most contented in my existence, and shall ever refer with many a yearning to those pleasant days in Mazatlan. Farewell Mazatlan! Adieu, ye black-eyed girls, who so detested the Yankees, and shed such pearly tears at their departure! Adieu to fandangos, bailes and tiny feet...in one sad sigh. Farewell." Written by Henry Wise, USN, upon his departure from Mazatlan in the 1840's.

While you may know about Mazatlan, Mexico being a wonderful vacation resort destination, you may not know that this city is becoming a very popular retirement nest for U.S. and Canadian citizens. Located on the Pacific coast of mainland Mexico, Mazatlan lies abeam the tip of the Baja Peninsula. It has its own modern airport. Click Here to check airfares to Mazatlan.

The Resort Area

Mazatlan is divided into two main areas: Zona Dorado (The Gold Zone) and El Centro (City Center). The Zona Dorado lies to the North and is where the resort hotels and beaches are located. To check room rates and availability click here. An activity list for a vacation in Mazatlan would be quite extensive and could include: walking on the beach, bicycling, swimming, snorkeling, diving, golfing, boating, fishing, tennis, and dancing. The best golf course in town is located at the El Cid Hotel. Unfortunately, it is for hotel guests only. A lush new course has just recently been opened near the airport and is called Estrella Del Mar. Vacationing in Mazatlan's Zona Dorado would be comparable to most other tropical resorts with waterfall swimming pools, sandy beaches, and plenty of sun.

Retirement Living

While retiring in Mexico has been popular for many years, only recently has Mazatlan been added to the list of other popular Mexican cities such as Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. There are many good reasons to consider Mazatlan for either seasonal or year round retirement living.

• Location and climate. We've already discussed location. The climate is very mild in the fall, winter and spring months and, of course, hot in the summer. It is similar to a desert climate inland and very tropical along the coast.

• Modern city amenities. Mazatlan is a mid-sized city. Unlike other resort-only cities in Mexico, Mazatlan has the arts, shopping malls, modern hospitals and English speaking culture that makes Americans and Canadians feel more at home.

Assisted Living

CARE, a member of the International Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, opened a facility in Mazatlan specifically designed for American and Canadian retirees. It is an assisted living facility that should appeal to those who require some assistance in their daily lives, but are looking to avoid nursing home type situations. The facility is called the Melville. For more information on the Melville follow this link: www.themelville.com

In addition to complete information on the Melville, www.themelville.com has a resourceful list of links to all of the activities and attractions of Mazatlan.