A week in paradise

Guest: Mountainsoft (Camas, WA)
Date of Stay: 12/02/11 Review Submitted: 12/12/11

Our week at Mar al Cielo was completely magical. From the moment we stepped out of our car we enjoyed the sights and sounds of the ocean below. With a short walk up a paved pathway, we were in awe of our private little castle in the jungle. The clean and comfortable bedroom felt like we were living in a tree house with views of the coastline through the palm trees. The outdoor bathroom is completely private and peaceful. We looked out upon the ocean each morning as we showered in the fresh air. We spent evenings soaking in the outdoor tub watching shrimp boats in the distance, a full moon above, and the sounds and smells of nature all around us. We spent much of our days relaxing on the couch of the lower terrace. We listened to the breeze through the palm trees, read a book, emailed family back home, took naps together, and watched a variety of birds soar overhead. We ate breakfast in the covered outdoor kitchen each morning, and grilled steaks and chicken for dinner. Other nights we walked down the drive to the nearby Kenia restaurant on the beach at Playa Vanados. Their shrimp taco's and fish with garlic are amazing! We took the trail to the beach to play in the waves, had a picnic on the beach, and enjoyed looking at the crabs, shells, and other sea life among the rocks. We hiked up the jungle trail to an awe inspiring view from the lookout at the top of the mountain. And, we spent afternoons sunbathing and watching sunsets from the lower building at the edge of the cliff. We didn't see any whales during our visit, but the view is a wonder by itself. The owners, Jodi and Carlos, are truly nice people. They gave us complete privacy, but always greeted us with a smile and offered help or advice when we needed it. Jodi even arranged a couples massage for us at our cottage. The caretaker, Raul, did an exceptional job of cleaning up after us and made sure everything worked properly during our stay. He even rakes the jungle trails clean. We rented a small car during our stay, as we had several activities we needed to go out for. We had no trouble navigating the bumpy dirt driveway, and the rustic road only adds to the feeling of seclusion. Our stay at Mar al Cielo far exceeded our expectations. We had complete and total privacy, surrounded by jungle, in a very cozy home, and exceptional views. Our only regret is that we didn't stay longer. It was a fantastic way to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary and we hope we can return again someday!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Simply Heaven

Guest: craig & karen (Pontlevoy, Loir et Cher, France)
Date of Stay: 02/05/11 Review Submitted: 03/01/11

My husband and I had the immense and gratifying pleasure of spending two delightful weeks at Mar al Cielo at the end of January, first of February, this year. We both agree, that in the 30 years of travelling together, (as well, as living in the French countryside year-round) and in some pretty exceptional places (!) Mar al Cielo is at the top of our list. (In fact, we've reserved two weeks already for next February--which may extend to three....) If you like: secluded, romantic, walking, sand, birds, friendly locals, ocean waves hitting the shore and enjoy cooking from the freshest ingredients, this, I promise, is the place for you! We were greeted warmly by Jodi & Carlos(They had arranged all ground transport for us, before we left France as we didn't want to rent a car.), who showed us the house and answered any questions we had (There is a very comprehensive book, covering all aspects, so further questions weren't necessary.). It really was a slice of Heaven too, as the house and kitchen sit high above the Pacific, with wonderful views of sky, ocean and jungle. We came fully stocked (which is a good idea, as you really don't want to leave!), so after unpacking, we poured a rum and lime, got the binoculars and relaxed. Dinner that night was a BBQ'd T-bone steak we'd bought and a bottle of Italian wine that they had thoughtfully provided. Slept like babes--every night, with the surf's lullaby. The morning awoke us with the natural "alarm clock" of Yellow-winged Mexican Caciques. And, so the days went. Birdwatching, whale and dolphin sightings (we saw 100's!!) from our "living room" below the house, which had a wonderful couch outside under the palapa (inside were two beds where we napped and spent Valentine's night "camping out"). This was our nightly sunset spot with a 180 degree view of the ocean and sky. The property is excellently maintained and spotless. Everything you need to put together a fine meal are in the kitchen. The photos really didn't do it justice, as the beauty is hard to capture. And, Jodi & Carlos couldn't have been more helpful--or discreet. In short: perfection. We definitly WILL recommend Mar al Cielo to friends and family and wish we were there right now! Next year, we will take their advice on a few excursions, but as I said, we just wanted to enjoy the wonderful beauty they've created. ( I mean how many times do you get to take a bath together in a stone tub by candle light under the starlit sky?)

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Idyllic Retreat

Guest: J and M (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 12/23/10 Review Submitted: 02/13/11

From the moment of our friendly welcome by the owners, we thoroughly enjoyed our week-long stay at this romantic retreat. The setting is spectacular, from ocean views to jungle paths. The sense of privacy is total; walking out the door to the open-air tub, with vistas to the ocean, was great. Relaxing on the decks with the sounds of the sea and jungle, and birds overhead was intoxicating. Several nearby towns, a short drive away, provided a variety of shops and restaurants. Our hosts, Jody and Marcos, were helpful but unobtrusive. They went out of their way to buy shrimp and fresh fish, delivered right to our outside refrigerator, for one of our dinners. You can't go wrong with a week at this delightful place.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/03/10 Review Submitted: 01/03/10

It was truly an amazing week. The wilderness surrounding the house was breathtaking. Every day brought something new: exotic birds, dolphins and whales, amazing hiking trails, incredible vistas of the surrounding hillsides, the private beach, and the lush jungle floura. I loved the privacy of Mar al Cielo and at the same time the accessability to Lo De Marcos. Never a dull moment! The accomodation was clean, secure and well looked after. Thanks for a truly amazing vacation! Heather

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Guest: Christiana Polites (Boulder, CO)
Date of Stay: 12/12/09 Review Submitted: 12/12/09

My husband and I just spent three wonderful days at Mar al Cielo. Three weeks would have been even better! The setting is stunning -- a lush ocean-front jungle with walking paths throughout the property and down to a beautiful private sandy beach. We have traveled all over the world and have always avoided coming to Mexico out of fear of being surrounded by big condos and beaches packed with tourists. Mar al Cielo was the complete antithesis to all that we feared. It is completely secluded, yet close enough to everything if you feel like exploring the surrounding areas or just popping out to buy a fresh fish to grill in the lovely outdoor kitchen. The house itself is in superb taste and in perfect harmony with the natural environment. This is the perfect place for a romantic getaway or just a retreat from it all.

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Guest: Anne Macadam (British Columbia, Canada)
Date of Stay: 12/11/08 Review Submitted: 12/11/08

We absolutely loved our stay at Mar al Cielo. It is such an amazingly beautiful place, set in a natural coastal jungle/ forest of palms on one side and gorgeous seascape on the other. The brilliant flowers, jungle birds, seabirds, and views in every direction are wonderful, going for walks on the beach and on the jungle trails was really fun, but my favorite thing was the sound-scape from the terrace. Ill never forget the sound of the breeze in the palms, the birds, the waves coming in on the beach below -- just far enough away to be perfectly soothing. The rest of the world seems so far away. The accommodations were beautiful and comfy. We loved the covered open-air kitchen, so perfect for the climate- and we loved all the peace and privacy. Thanks so much Jodi and Carlos for the great hospitality and for creating that perfect little paradise. Cant wait to come back!

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