This pristine beach hasn’t been tainted by the world’s bustle and buzz. Here, there are no buildings, noise contamination from urban centers, and the crowds of tourists simply don’t exist – notable for their absence. A pleasure, Manchaneel Bay, is this world’s version of a virgin beach … You needn’t imagine the rest. Just live it.
If your curiosity is peaked, we’d love to give you a better description of this idyllic beach. Two marbled streaks adorn the cloak of its waters: turquoise blue and deep blue. No need to have an artist’s eye to appreciate it. You can gaze on this chromatic phenomenon from the powder sands of the beach on the coast – tinted bright white.
The beach, with over 300 meters of land, hums with the sound of the waves that lap on the shore, praising this paradise. And we can’t forget an important detail: here the sky is an infinite blue canvas that rivals the intensity of the Caribbean sea. The high coconut palms preside over a curtain that connects the view with the dry tropical forest, offering their gift of shade.
Maybe because of all of this, Manchaneel Bay is the second-most important beach on the island of Providencia. This Caribbean jewel is located in the southernmost area of the island (in the South East to be more precise), following the Circunvalar Road. You can’t get lost, as you can arrive in a scooter, bicycle, or, if necessary, ask a friendly islander for directions. Locals call in Manchaneel Bay – its original name. Though many Colombians and Spanish-speakers call it Playa Manzanilla.
If you’d like to learn more about the traditions and culture of Providencia, at Roland’s place, you’ll have a unique opportunity to do so. Known by his neighbors and friends as the “Boxer”, Roland Bryan has a small restaurant-bar that offers delicious seafood and acclaimed cocktails both of which are served with a huge dose of kindness and joy.
So, now enthusiastic about the afternoon plan of cocktails, near the end of the day the few visitors and several islanders meet around a fire to listen to, dance to and enjoy Caribbean music while enjoying stories and the splendor of the sunset. Caribbean and African rhythms dominate a night spattered with stars. Islanders play a variety of phenomenal instruments including a donkey’s jaw and plastic bucket, to mark the time. This will, undoubtedly be, an unforgettable night on the beach in paradise.
The next day, perhaps a Sunday or holiday, the locals and a handful of tourists will return to the beach, looking to relax and enjoy paradise. Perhaps because of the beach volleyball court or the hanging hammocks. Dominoes and campfires. Horse races and sunbathing. Or simply to return to the sounds of the beach, the rhythms of palm leaves in the wind to remind them of the night before.
