Vacation Rentals by Owner

A stupendous holiday

Guest: Willis (Occidental, California, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/17/12 Review Submitted: 03/30/12

I stayed at Villa Del Faro for six days with my wife and my 20-year-old daughter. It was one of the best vacations I've had in a long time. The owner, David Raitt, went out of his way to make us feel welcome. Unlike many places I've stayed, the furnishings, pool, buildings, and rooms were as nice as they looked in the photos. The buildings were all built by the owner, who is a professional builder, and his pride in his profession is obvious throughout. I'd been to Mexico, but never to southern Baja. I found the locals to be very pleasant and welcoming. There is also a large expatriate community, which means it is possible to get a good cup of coffee. Although I speak fluent Spanish, a surprising number of the locals speak English, more so than on the Mexican mainland. The buildings at Villa del Faro have a distinct Mexican flavor, are easy on the eyes, and work well. The hot tub was hot and the pool was cool. We were there for a Wednesday afternoon volleyball and music party which was great fun. My only complaint about the whole trip had to do with the surf. I'm a surfer, and there are two good breaks within a couple of miles of the Villa ... but the surf gods are cruel, they love to toy with men's plans, and as a result there was only a couple of feet of surf for the six days I was there. Of course, the day after I left the surf went up to six feet, so I'm sure it'll be better for your holiday. But of course, Villa Del Faro doesn't rule the surf. I know that, because if they did it would have been one of the many things that David Raitt would have worked on until it was perfect, six foot every day with an offshore breeze. Oh, yeah, I saw a whale cruising by on its trip north. The Villa is only a few blocks from a lovely beach. and the whales go by twice a year on their annual migration to Alaska ... awesome. Overall? I give the highest marks to Villa del Faro and to the owner.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Christmas in Baja

Guest: Chica (New Hampshire, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/23/11 Review Submitted: 01/27/12

We spent a glorious 10 days over the Christmas and New Year holidays. We had extended family in our group ranging in age from 10 to 54. The villa is a perfect lodging option for such a range of ages. When not surfing or swimming at nearby Cerritos beach, the kids passed the days playing pool inside or playing ping pong outside. The salt water pool while chilly (we elected not to avail ourselves the option to pay for the heat) equipped with exhilarating water slide followed by the warm jacuzzi was also a favorite pastime. There is a horseshoe pit and volleyball court on the property. The outside kitchen was home to afternoon blender drinks, while the grill and rotisserrie were handy for cooking dinner for a group our size. The outside space is ideal for sunbathing while also providing adequate shade cover. There are many places to congregate and the firepit and small raised fireplace at the outside dining area make for magical evening spots.The villa has everything you need for cooking and the towel supply was ample. It was key that we had a washer and dryer available to us and the outside shower had great water pressure. We were delighted to have iPod players and wifi available. We did have some issues with water supply but the problem was wrestled to the ground quickly by the available, competent,and gregarious caretaker. There are also a few beach chairs and umbrellas for guests. Pescadero is a quiet residential neighborhood with a surf break on the far side of the mile plus beach. There is a great Internet cafe, Baja Beans (closed Mondays) about 1 mile away...awesome pastries and coffee drinks. There are a few local eateries that are a great option if you do not want to travel into Todos Santos.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

A great time

Guest: Davo (Sacramento)
Date of Stay: 11/07/11 Review Submitted: 11/26/11

Our group of friends had a great time relaxing by the pool and walking on the beach. We really enjoyed the salt pool and water slide. Our kids were thrilled. When it was windy at the beach and at the nearby beach club we retreated to the privacy of our our protected and private pool area. My sons really liked playing ping pong, even at night. Dining in front of the fire next to the outdoor kitchen was wonderful. We played pool and used the indoor kitchen as well. The gas firplace was a nice touch next to the large indoor dining table which regularly sat our entire group. Just up the road in we regularly drove up and got coffees and pastries in the mornings at Baja Bean. A relaxing time was had by all and we plan on returning to Villa Del Faro Baja again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Pretty Disappointed

Guest: Sei (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/06/11 Review Submitted: 09/04/11

We were a group of 13 spanning 3 generations (3 grandparents, 4 kids under 5 and under, and 3 couples for a total of 13). Although there were some things that everyone liked, overall it was a disappointment. First the Pros: 1) Slide: great fun. Even my 5 year old son summoned the courage to try it, and had a blast. 2) Pool: slightly salty, very little chlorine, exactly the way I like it. Lighting around the edge at night was very cool. Now the Cons: 1) No water! I understand that we were staying in a desert, but I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect running water for the price we were paying. 3 out of the 7 mornings we were there, we had no running water. There’s a system of 3 tanks that can be filled and drained which I got to know better than I wanted to, but being without water for several hours in the morning got to be a drag really quick. 2) Flies. I don’t know whether it’s fair to blame the owners for this, but we had an pretty bothersome infestation of flies. They didn’t bite, but literally blackened the counters. When we first got there, the kids streamed into the house and backyard and came screaming back because they were bothered by the flies on their faces. Made spending any time outdoors not fun. 3) Hot! Hot! Hot! We were there in August, and be forewarned that it gets uncomfortably hot. The thermometer outside the kitchen window broke 100 on several occasions making the kitchen, family room area pretty miserable. They have AC units for the bedrooms but not this common area. This probably would’ve been less of an issue if the flies weren’t there (we would’ve spent more time outside) but as it was we ate inside sweltering. 4) Generator malfunction: On the last day, the power went out. Not surprising in itself but the generator didn’t kick in. I pulled the minivan around so that I could get some light and futz with it for an hour to get it started. Overall, 4 members of our group got fed up with the hassles and rented a suite in Cabo for the last 2 nights. I think for me, the worst part of the experience has been after the rental. I thought the extra money we paid for the larger group would cover any additional utilities but apparently not. Despite several emails asking for additional information, it seems we are going to be out additional money.

Owner response:These folks agreed not to use the air con however it was extremely hot there this August with more bugs than usual.and added an additional air con unit to the family room. We did provide additional fans in each bedroom but that was not enough. All of the homes in the area have sufferred from a lower water table and water conservation is the key. Summers are really hot as well as humid and buggy and Hurricanes often shut out access to whole areas this time of year.Many power outages as well during the summer and early fall. Optimum time id from Novrmber 15th thru July 15th......Our utilitynbill was enormous for these folks and we retained $350 of the $2,500 security deposit which also coverrd some broken dishes , as agreed on our rental agreement only a portion of out electric bill during their stay.

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Paradise in Baja Mexico

Guest: Stealth (San Diego )
Date of Stay: 05/03/11 Review Submitted: 12/08/11

.               Stayed at the villa scouting locarions for a yoga retreat . I truly fell in love with the villa and  this area of baja no stress just relaxation .  I appreciated the availability of Local organic vegetables and meat ,even local fishermen drive up the road by the house and honk the horn offering freshly caught seafood .   The villa itself is so large and accommodating, The owner really thought of everything. My days started with yoga on the large deck upstairs over the main house . followed by a dip in the pool  The pool itself is amazing and going down the slide into the pool can make anyone feel like a 8 year old . then i would cruise down to the organic espresso bar that had opened recently at the end of the road with a variety of quiches and scones that were so amazing I had to take a few to go for the late risers .  Then off to the beach Los  Cerritos is just down the road and is the best swimming and surf beach and it's not crowded at all , i am so used to California beaches  being overcrowded . Back to the villa for more yoga ,pool ,slide, volleyball , and hot tub time . Great restaurants to pick from in town even earthen oven pizza at the end of the road. Todos Santos is just north about 15 minutes with a great farmers market , art galleries amazing restaurants as well .   I stayed in the top floor of the yurt tower a creation of master builder David . So awesome loved the feel and energy of the round yurt tower room . Going to sleep at night with the sound of waves and the big round skylight gazing at the stars . Completely magical experience all around, I didn't want to leave . I would highly recommend the villa for families or a group that is looking for their own private paradise .                    

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Heaven on Earth!!

Guest: Nicole (Chiacgo, IL)
Date of Stay: 12/02/10 Review Submitted: 12/06/10

Stayed at your place for a week with 10 friends while we were in Pescadero for a wedding. I can't say enough about this property...it's beautiful and charming at every turn! Had the time of my life! Perfect property for a family vacation or a vacation with friends....the place had it all...no reason to leave the property other than to catch a beautiful sunset or a tasty wave at the beach! Thank you!

Owner response:Thanks Nicole!!!!So happy that you were able to enjoy your honeymoon with us!!!Best wishes and hope to meet you some day!!Cheers, Kelly and David

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car.

Guest: Barb and Stan (Lethbridge, Alberta)
Date of Stay: 02/28/10 Review Submitted: 02/28/10

Kelly and Dave, you are both fantastic. Thank-you for a wonderful stay. It was the most peaceful, relaxing and fun time we've had in a long long time. We look forward to visiting you again. Anyone looking for a fantastic vacation rental can't go wrong here.

Owner response:Dear Folks.... Can you email or post a shot I took on your camera of your rocket entry into our pool on the whale slide? thanks for the comment..... david and kelly

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paradise

Guest: Nikkibay (Seattle)
Date of Stay: 04/10/09 Review Submitted: 06/01/09

Villa Del Faro was a wonderful place to spend my 31st birthday!I I snorkeled and body surfed for the first time.It was awesome! Thank you so much for making me feel welcomed and at home. I hope to have many more vacations here. Nikki April 2009

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/29/08 Review Submitted: 12/29/08

I've rented out villa del faro twice now, just a great place to catchup with old friends while relaxing in a perfect environment. It's the perfect mix of luxury and character. perfect for those looking for something unique without staying at a generic cabo condo-hotel. the traditional mexican town todos santos up the road is the kind of mexico you picture in your head, great for shopping without feeling like you've landed at chuckeecheese (as in cabo). on top of this, the cerritos surf beach and bar is just a walk down the beach.

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Guest: Anabelle LeMieux (San Anselmo, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/17/08 Review Submitted: 12/17/08

Villa del Faro was paradise, I slept in the middle room within the tower of three and was able to fall asleep and wake up to not only the sound of the ocean but also to the breathtaking view of it. The short walk to the beach to see the whales migrating and to get surf lessons was an amazing way to start the day. At night the spacious living room was perfect for dance parties and once we worked up a sweat a midnight slide into the pool was all we needed. Buy fresh lobster from the local fishman and dine on it in the hammocks up on the roof or try the lobster stuffed ravioli in town. Also in town- beautiful streets, amazing local artwork, and the best margaritas.. Went by so fast it seemed like a dream! Can't wait to go back

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Guest: Patti22 (Ukiah CA)
Date of Stay: 12/15/08 Review Submitted: 12/15/08

Villa Del Faro is a wonderful place to retreat or respite from busy life. My stay was awesome! The rooms are self contained and very comfortable. The views from atop the Villa are beautiful! The atmosphere very quiet and soothing. I really enjoyed my time in the nearby town of Todos Santos, a beautiful and quaint town. The people are very friendly and the shopping and restaurants were a great experience; the short walk to the quiet nearby beach early in the morning was inspiring. The pictures on this site show how carefully and colorful the villa was built, but truly do not reflect its beauty. It is a must see... a must experience. I have lived in Hawaii, traveled to Europe and throughout the US, but Villa Del Faro is on the top of my list as a place I will visit again. I highly recommend it as a perfect get-away to vacation and relax.

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Guest: Isabel Hamilton (Orinda, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/14/08 Review Submitted: 12/14/08

This was one of the most beautiful & relaxing area of Baja that we have ever stayed in. This Villa was filled with activities for the kids and a wonderful outdoor kitchen/bar directly in front of the pool which had the biggest slide we have ever seen! Everything was perfect & the beach was very close. There was an amazing "surf club" (small & quaint) a short drive away where we hung out most of the day - it had surprisingly good food too. This is a tiny town but it does have one very cool "cantina" that was also kid friendly with an open-mike night that was great. Todos Santos is a 10 minute drive north & well worth the drive - Must see: Hoetell California! A great hous w/ great owners. We hope to be back soon! Thanks to Kelly & David for their warm hospitality.

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Guest: Susan224 (Colorado)
Date of Stay: 12/14/08 Review Submitted: 12/14/08

The rhythm and beauty of Villa Del Faro, will clear your mind, feed your soul and lift your spirit. One can walk the beach, find music, dancing, peace, you wont' want to leave. gets a 5 plus star rating.

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