Vacation Rentals by Owner

We really CAN"T WAIT to go back - Ron and Tanya

Guest: Captain Ron (Vancouver, Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/09/12 Review Submitted: 03/27/12

Once we got settled with supplies from Sams, Costco etc life was perfect.....we did a couple of day trips but mostly relaxed on the most beautiful beach in the world. After walking, swimming, body surfing, reading (my wife) we took a 2min walk back to our villa paradise to take a break from the wind and surf, relax around the fresh clean pool and of course "Margarittas" was the order for happy hour. Thanks Rhonda and Chuck for being there for us in the background. You guys do a first rate job answering any questions we had and for keeping the ground so green and alive with nature. Cheers, see you soon. PS we loved Casa Tyler. Ron & Tanya Vancouver Canada

Recommended for:Families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Now that the shock of coming home has set in...we won't to go back to Sandy's Villas

Guest: Captain Ron (Vancouver, Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/09/12 Review Submitted: 03/22/12

Once we got settled with supplies from Sams, Costco etc life was perfect.....we did a couple of day trips but mostly relaxed on the most beautiful beach in the world. After walking, swimming, body surfing, reading (my wife) we took a 2min walk back to our villa paradise to take a break from the wind and surf, relax around the fresh clean pool and of course "Margarittas" was the order for happy hour. Thanks Rhonda and Chuck for being there for us in the background. You guys do a first rate job answering any questions we had and for keeping the ground so green and alive with nature. Cheers, see you soon. PS we loved Casa Tyler. Ron & Tanya Vancouver Canada

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Playa del Secreto - Sandy's Villas - Casa de Tyler

Guest: jill (Minneapolis, MN)
Date of Stay: 12/31/11 Review Submitted: 01/13/12

We recently returned from our week stay at Casa de Tyler at Sandy's Villa's in Playa del Secreto. What an amazing place. The owners of the condo live on-site and are the most wonderful, gracious hosts. Anything we needed or any advice - they were quick to help. Chuck and Rhonda were very accommodating, laid-back and just a general pleasure to get to know! We miss them already! The grounds were beautiful. Very well cared for. Hammocks abound, and the pool was a great feature for our 5-year old. We spent a couple nights out at the palapa using the grill, so that was great too. It's a short walk to the beach, but what a wonderful beach it was. You pretty much have it to yourself. We walked a big portion of the area, and this is BY FAR the best in the area. You can wade out quite far and no rocks. Not the same at the adults only mega-resort down the beach (that we got kicked out of for walking on the property with our kid..) The condo itself was awesome. Some friends were staying in another at the property and even though the layout was the same...Casa de Tyler was a far cry from theirs. It had everything we needed, was beautifully decorated and really felt like home while we were there. It is a very quiet place and it is truly a place to go to get away, relax, read books and just generally recharge! We spent 7 days there and the the first 4 we didn't leave. We made all of our meals there and just relaxed. The next few were spent doing some excursions and again, Chuck and Rhonda gave us pointers and helped us to have a great time. We took our son to XCaret and he snorkled for the first time...great experience. Did the underground river and it was a great time. We took a day trip to Isla Mujeres another day and really enjoyed that. We are already trying to figure out how we can make this a more regular thing...we will definitely be back!

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

A dream come true

Guest: Judi (Monroe, WA, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/06/11 Review Submitted: 06/11/11

Our three week vacation was truly a dream come true. The grounds are beautfiul and the condominium is charmingly decorated and very comfortable. If you want to get away from crowds and enjoy peace and quiet, this is the place to go. And I can't say enough about our hosts, Rhonda and Chuck who made us feel at home. We will return next year, and until then enjoy the wonderful memories from this vacation.

Owner response:It was a pleasure having you here and we look forward to seeing you next May.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

beach retreat

Guest: rob (minneapolis, MN)
Date of Stay: 02/15/11 Review Submitted: 02/26/11

Our second stay at this wonderful site, comfortable condo free of urban distraction on secluded Playa del Secreto. Birdsong in the AM, walks on the beach and swimming in the surf highlighted our stay. The grounds are immaculate with palms and gorgeous blooming plants around a pool and gazebo with grill. The owner was friendly and helped with whatever we needed. The condo is 10 minutes from Puerto Moreles and 20 minutes from the much busier Playa del Carmen. Restaurants we liked: Yaxche - the best in Playa, and Mercadito del Mar in Puerto is unsurpassed for seafood and originality - say hello to Xava - the young chef. We will go back and have recommended this to all our friends.

Owner response:It was a pleasure having you here. Let me know when you plan to come back.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Casa de Tyler

Guest: Chris (Ladysmith, BC, Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/08/11 Review Submitted: 01/17/11

A little slice of paradise on a secluded beach (they're not kidding) between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen. The condo is cute but quite sizable and very well equipped. The king size bed is very comfortable. Grounds are beautiful, complete with tropical birds and 3 delightful dogs. Pool is large and well maintained. Hosts are extremely friendly and helpful. Puerto Morelos (10 min drive) is an ecclectic Mexican fishing village with a large ex-pat contingent but, nevertheless, maintains its Mexican character. There are an unusually large number of restaurants from beachside Palapa grills to an upscale gourmet restaurant, most very reasonably priced. If you're looking for a quiet holiday, away from the hubbub, the hawkers and time-share salesmen, this is the place to go.

Owner response:Hi Chris, It's people like you that we enjoy having visit here at our little paradise. You recognize the natural beauty of the surroundings. We make every effort to be sure you are comfortable and happy in Casa de Tyler. Please come again and again. You are always welcome!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Fabulous

Guest: Jason & Sonya (Port Ludlow, Washington)
Date of Stay: 07/03/10 Review Submitted: 07/12/10

We just returned from Sandy's Villas and are already trying to figure out when we can return. Casa de Tyler is very spacious and has everything you need from a fully stocked kitchen to books and movies. It is a 1 minute walk to the beautiful private beach where you can find the most amazing shells. The grounds are gorgeous and the pool is just a few steps from the condo. Chuck and Rhonda are AMAZING, Rhonda even made homemade ice cream (which I haven't had since I was a kid). This was definitely the best relaxing vacation we have ever had. We will back and sure to tell our friends what a wonderful place Sandy's Villas is.

Owner response:We love having guests that notice all the wonders of nature. Ours is a unique mix of "away from it all" and "everything you need".

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A great place to relax

Guest: Jay and Robin (Las Vegas)
Date of Stay: 04/28/10 Review Submitted: 05/19/10

We didn't really know what to expect but the pictures we had seen and the reviews we read were all very encouraging. Well we were so very pleased to find the villa and the "secret" beach just the way it looked from the pictures. The grounds were so natural looking and created such a peaceful atmosphere, thanks to all the hard work our hosts put into keeping up with the lush flora. It was a real treat to watch the birds enjoy it all with us. We spent a lot of time in the pool that was kept sparkling fresh and clean. Casa de Tyler was very cozy and comfortable. Even though it was hot and humid we never had to use the airconditioner, we had a lovely cross breeze flowing through all night. We felt safe and secure enough to leave the windows and doors open. We found every thing we needed in the villa, from xtra towels to a cork screw. The short drive to Puerto Morelos was easy. The town had plenty of nice resturaunts to.choose from, many with oceanfront seating. The vendors were all very friendly and it was a treat looking and shopping . We especially enjoyed watching Abraham "finger" paint a beautiful picture just for us. Nine days went by way too fast! We would recomend SV to any one who likes the quieter side of vacationing. Rhonda and Chuck are the best hosts and really know how to make you feel at home. But Cricket and Scruffy and Kilby really stole our hearts. Cricket even wanted to share his beloved bone with my hubby! Yes we would go back anytime.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway.

Best wedding ever...

Guest: steph_and_nate (Pelham, AL USA)
Date of Stay: 04/12/10 Review Submitted: 05/03/10

This has been my favorite vacation spot for the last 5 years. When my boyfriend of 4 years proposed a while back, the only place I could think to have the wedding was at Sandy's Villas. We got married just a few weeks ago (mid-april) and the weather really didn't want to cooperate. Although it rained (quite rare, if you ask me - or anyone else in the area), we still had a wonderful wedding. Everything was so beautiful and Chuck & Rhonda were so helpful in getting everything arranged for us. Since the area is secluded, we were able to fill all the rentals with our wedding guests and have a great time being alone together. :) We were also able to contract with a local company for some large vans so that our large group could go places together. This place is the most beautiful place I have ever been and I'm so thankful to Chuck & Rhonda for not only letting us have our wedding here, but also for finding such a great place and sharing it with us. The description is pretty accurate, it's a great place to be alone. If you want to be in the middle of all of the action - this is not the place for you. This is a place to relax away from the noise or hustle and bustle of city life... which is what vacation should be. :D This is also a great central location to be able to go to puerto Morelos or Playa del Carmen for restaurants & shopping. If I can recommend anything else in the area, it's David Lau's in puerto Morelos. Best food I've ever had... and a great place for a rehearsal dinner. Thanks again so much for making everything so special, guys. LOVE YOU!

Owner response:The wedding was beautiful and we enjoyed meeting all your friends. Hope you will come back year after year.

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

Guest: JB & Jana (Spicewood, Texas)
Date of Stay: 01/30/10 Review Submitted: 01/30/10

We've just returned from Playa Secreto w/in the past couple of weeks and we had our calendar out for a return trip the day we got back home. The condo(5A)at Sandy's Villas was wonderful and the best lodging bargain we've found in many a moon. The property was gorgeous & lush with the wildest "puffy" grass lawn that just made you want to fall down and roll around on it. And the beach was just a short 30 sec. walk down the road and completely out of sight of any "resorts". We had no trouble "cabbing" it for the first few days, running into Puerto Morelos for lunch or dinner or to Playa del Carmen for an afternoon of wander-shopping followed by an evening of taste tests at a few Avenida Cinco watering holes. The "Dive In" dive shop in Puerto Morelos run by Brett Nielsen couldn't have been more perfect. Just the right balance of laid back but highly professional. The playa village of Puerto Morelos comes complete with a seaside town square surrounded by restaurants and a small grocery. We tried several of the restaurants and didn't have a bad meal, but David Lau's stood head and shoulders above all others. But none of this would've been possible without what turned out to be the best part of the trip...Rhonda and Chuck, our hosts at Sandy's Villas. We made two very good new friends over the seemingly short 10 days that were there. It was nothing at all to grab our coffee in the morning and head toward the beach, only to hear Rhonda call "Hola" (she's working muy mucho on her Spanish) through their screened patio door as we walked by. We'd stop and give her our general plan for the day and she invariably had what would turn out to be the best advice on how to maximize our enjoyment of the day. She's the second most laid back person I know. The Most laid back person being her husband, Chuck, who doesn't wear a watch and probably hasn't in some time. I am very envious. He loves to golf and he and I had a blast knocking balls into the beautiful cenotes and jungle surrounding Mayakoba's Chameleon course. Just stand next to Chuck and Rhonda and stress leaves the general area. Their ease of living is most refreshing and contagious. As self-confessed mid-40's "kids", Jana and I look for quiet, private, scenic places with that intangible: Flavor. And we found it all at Sandy's Villas in Playa Secreto. We obviously whole heartedly recommend Playa S

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Guest: Lenor (Birmingham, AL)
Date of Stay: 08/02/09 Review Submitted: 08/02/09

Playa del Secreto has the perfect location for a feeling like a local and visiting main tourist attractions. I enjoy feeling more like a local than a tourist when I travel and in my short week, I felt very at home in Puerto Morelos and Playa del Secreto. I felt like a local and loved it! Chuck and Rhonda have beautiful villas and my stay at Casa de Tyler had all the comforts of home as well as the relaxing environment of the Carribean! I loved my stay and I will return soon! It was my first visit to Mexico and definitely will not be my last!

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Guest: Jon Bahr (Missouri, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/26/09 Review Submitted: 04/26/09

With all the comments, i can only add this.....wihtin minutes you will feel you bloodpressure drop, and you will wonder where your stress went. No bling, no glamour, just relaxation.........

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/10/09

Having just returned from the very lovely Playa del Secreto, my only thoughts are how quickly I can return to Sandy's Villas and the great company of Rhonda and Chuck! After a brutal winter in Seattle, I was seeking a very mellow, laid-back trip complete with sun, sand and the ANTI-all-inclusive resort. I found exactly this here in Sandy's Villas. The appropriate balance of letting guests chill and relax on their own and offering helpful advise or a most-welcome Corona is exactly what these hosts do best. The Villa (Casa Tori) was clean, comfortable and the grounds were very well maintained, yet allowed a little of the "real jungle Mexico" in to excite the guests. So, yes, a very positive experience in a magical place, can't wait to return!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/01/09 Review Submitted: 01/28/09

Well I got to realize my dream and return to Sandy's Villas this year. This year I got to stay in an upper condo and it was great. Rhonda and Chuck were again unbelievable hosts and helped us with anything we needed help with like taxis, coffee, game playing, etc. The weather was good and there was nothing not to like about the villa as it is clean and well supplied. If you want a truly relaxing, beautiful Mexican holiday this is the place to go. I have now been twice and can't wait to return. Ola!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/08 Review Submitted: 11/29/08

This place is breathtaking! The yellow and red villas are a striking contrast to the lush green grass inside the property. There are coconut trees, agave, tropical plants, and stone pathways covered in soft grass. The pool is clean and inviting, and it's an oasis on a hot Mexico day. If you prefer the beach, it's only a 2-minute walk. The villa itself was very comfortable and stylish. The pantry and refrigerator were stocked, and there were lots of movies and books to enjoy while we were there. Each morning we sat on the porch and relaxed with a cup of coffee. Later in the day we took advantage of the provided blender to mix up some mango daiquiris. When we wanted to eat out rather than at home, it was only a 10-minute drive to Puerto Morelos for pizza, chinese, mexican... We found it very helpful that the staff of the villas spoke fluent English and was able to answer any questions we had about where to go and how to get there. Our trip to Play del Secreto was the best we've had. It was so relaxing. It's really a paradise. We loved it so much, we're planning to visit again this Christmas!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/08 Review Submitted: 11/29/08

The most relaxing vacation ever! Great golf only 5 minutes away, I think I played every day. Great place for a family trip, calm, quiet and breathtaking. The Villas are perfect with everything we needed and very clean. The grounds are beautiful and in a gated community so we slept with the windows open! We will visit every year to remind ourselves of the beauty that exists on this earth, can't wait to go back.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/08 Review Submitted: 11/27/08

It was such a pleasure staying at Casa del Tyler. Chuck,Rhonda,Killby and Scrufy were so friendly and very helpful,they assisted us in anything we needed including getting videos for the kids. We enjoyed it so much we are telling all of our friends and will be back.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/14/08

Absolute paradise. The beach is beautiful, the villa and grounds are a wonderful place to relax, with the sound of the waves, the birds, and the warm breezes. Rhonda and Chuck were very welcoming and extremely helpful. Can't wait to go back for another taste of paradise

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/04/08

We had a wonderful time in Playa del Secreto. Chuck and Rhonda have excellent condos to choose from and each one is filled with everything you need for a relaxing vacation. It is close to everything yet far away. They have a wealth of knowledge of the area and know all the good spots to eat, drink, snorkel, etc. I thoroughly reccomend their place and you cannot beat the price for what you get. We can't wait to return. Hasta luego.

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Guest: Scott and Amy Lambert
Date of Stay: 04/22/08 Review Submitted: 04/21/08

Reviewer Location: Grapevine, TX Date of Arrival : Mar 28, 2008 Name on Contract : Scott Lambert Review Rating : 5/5 Review Title : 78909 - "Peaceful paradise" "This place was fabulous. Clean and well maintained and very peaceful. This is a place to go and relax. Not the high-energy of Cancun or Playa del Carmen. We slept most nights with only the screen door closed so we could enjoy the ocean breezes. We especially enjoyed getting to know Chuck and Rhonda who were like old friends from back home. Whenever we had a question or needed something, they were right there to handle everything. Can't wait to go back"

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/01/08 Review Submitted: 04/10/08

We can't say enough about our time in Casa de Tyler. Rhonda and Chuck couldn't have been more welcoming and the accomodations were a perfect base for us as we took day trips to the amazing Cenotes and various beaches along the coast. The space was extremely comfortable, and the location is both beautiful and entirely relaxing. The kids are already asking when we'll get to visit again.

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Peaceful paradise

Guest: Scott from Grapevine (Grapevine, TX)
Date of Stay: 03/28/08 Review Submitted: 04/19/08

This place was fabulous. Clean and well maintained and very peaceful. This is a place to go and relax. Not the high-energy of Cancun or Playa del Carmen. We slept most nights with only the screen door closed so we could enjoy the ocean breezes. We especially enjoyed getting to know Chuck and Rhonda who were like old friends from back home. Whenever we had a question or needed something, they were right there to handle everything. Can't wait to go back

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/30/08

This was the perfect place to wind down and take a breath. Rhonda and Chuck were VERY welcoming and helpful. The beach is beautiful, the condo and grounds are a wonderful place to relax, with the sound of the waves, the birds, and the warm breezes. It's a great location for day trips to Tulum and Playa Del Carmen. We'll definately be back next year.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/04/08

We had a wonderful time staying here. Rhonda and Chuck and are very welcoming hosts, and the condo has a warm, comfortable feel and is beautifully and thoughtfully decorated. It is located a very short walk from the gorgeous and secluded Playa Secreto, and a short drive into Puerto Morelos. Plenty of activities and things to see, but also really nice to just relax by the pool or on the beach. I would strongly recommend this condo for anyone thinking of visiting the area. We cannot wait to go back!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/22/08 Review Submitted: 02/22/08

Rhonda and Chuck have a gem of a place to share with you. We just had the most relaxing week of vacation you can imagine. The condo and grounds are so comfortable you'll wish you could stay longer. The group of condos is down a quiet access road 1/2 mile off the main highway in a group of private homes with a 24 hour guard at the gate. We never locked a door the whole time there. At night you can leave the patio door open and fall asleep to the sound of crickets and the ocean (no traffic noise at all!) In the morning it’s a symphony of bird calls. Put on a pot of coffee and stroll out to the beach to watch the sunrise, or just sit at marvel at the palm trees and flowers.Playa del Carmen is about 45 min drive south, and has a great outdoor mall that stretches a mile long with a million nice restaurants. The Mayan ruins at Tulum and Coba are an easy drive, and try the little town of Akumal for the best snorkeling (go through the arch and follow the road out to the end). Pick up a copy of the local tourist paper called “Sak-Be”. It had the best info including maps of all the beach towns. We highly recommend this place. It’s beautiful, and Rhonda and Chuck and their neighbors couldn’t be better hosts.- - - Steve & Linda Joeckel, Peterboro NY (near Syracuse)

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/08 Review Submitted: 02/21/08

Rhonda and Chuck have a gem of a place to share with you. We just had the most relaxing week of vacation you can imagine. The condo and grounds are so comfortable you'll wish you could stay longer. The group of condos is down a quiet access road 1/2 mile off the main highway in a group of private homes with a 24 hour guard at the gate. We never locked a door the whole time there. At night you can leave the patio door open and fall asleep to the sound of crickets and the ocean (no traffic noise at all!) In the morning it’s a symphony of bird calls. Put on a pot of coffee and stroll out to the beach to watch the sunrise, or just sit at marvel at the palm trees and flowers. Playa del Carmen is about 45 min drive south, and has a great outdoor mall that stretches a mile long with a million nice restaurants. The Mayan ruins at Tulum and Coba are an easy drive, and try the little town of Akumal for the best snorkeling (go through the arch and follow the road out to the end). Pick up a copy of the local tourist paper called “Sak-Be”. It had the best info including maps of all the beach towns. We highly recommend this place. It’s beautiful, and Rhonda and Chuck and their neighbors couldn’t be better hosts. - - - Steve & Linda Joeckel, Peterboro NY (near Syracuse)

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Lisa_HAC121464 (Manitoba Canada)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/17/08

This was my first trip to Mexico and I had an absolutely fantastic time. The condo was comfortable, clean, well stocked and the owners were more than fantastic, we arrived late to find beer in the fridge, bread on the counter under a glass plate complete with butter and a bottle of wine! I would go back to stay at this condo in a minute! The beach is very quiet and beautiful, I don't think I have been so relaxed in my entire life. I am already trying to plan when I could go back!

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Guest: ASDFG1234 (Minneapolis, MN)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/06/08

Great setting for a peaceful vacation, the owner lives next door and is very helpful with restaurant suggestions and local information. You will need a car if you plan to go to Puerto Morales. If you want nightlife and excitement go to Cancun or Playa del Carmen, this place is for those who want to slow down on vacation. The beach is across the road and not visable from the condo but the yard with pool and tropical vegetation makes up for this. Great beach for swimming and sunning very few people around, it is like a "secret beach" I'd stay again

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Nate_HAC119077 (Not Specified)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/03/08

When I stayed at the condos, it was my first trip out of the US and I was very apprehensive. I didn't know what to expect. The owners made me feel very comfortable and were very hospitable. I really enjoyed the secluded beach, the outdoors environment, and evening cookouts around the pool. The place is very relaxing and laid back and all of my stress just seemed to melt away. I can't wait to go back!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: steph_and_nate (Pelham, AL USA)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/02/08

We stayed at PdS for a week in December and it was FABULOUS! We had a great time just hanging out and enjoying the area. We went to Playa del Carmen and the local town a couple of the nights we were there and had a blast - but we were very excited to get back to the condos and just relax. We neded up having one rainy day, but there's satellite TV, so there's always something interesting to watch (english & spanish). The owners and condo manager are very helpful, from calling us taxis to telling us all the neat places to visit - they know it all! My friend wasn't very excited about going and in the end it was hard to make him leave. To sum up - I RECOMMEND IT! This place is GREAT!

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