Our best vacation

Guest: Superchef (Washington DC)
Date of Stay: 07/23/08 Review Submitted: 10/24/08

Dear [name of owner], I hope you are having a wonderful vacation. I am writing on behalf of my group of friends to let you know that we had an amazing time at your condo. It is beautiful and so well equipped. We loved it! If we go back we will definitely rent your condo again. Having rented two condos in Mi Casa del Mar I can tell you that we prefer yours 100%. Once we download the pics I'll send you some for your website. There is so much to see in Akumal. Our favorite was the turtle tour organized by the CEA (ceakumal for web search) We saw turtles lay their eggs and the small turtles being born. I highly recommend that experience for everyone who visits your house. The tours leave at 9pm each night from CEa downtown Akumal, they cost $10 a person. It is not recommended that a person tries to see the turtles on his/her own as turtles get scared by noise and light and the birth cycle may be ruined by humans very easily. We also went snorkeling in the Cenote Dos Ojos, swimming with dolphins in Dolphin Encounter, snorkeling in Yalkul Lagoon, visited Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba. Swam with the turtles on several occasions just on Akumal Bay (an amazing experience). We also went to the Sian Kan reserve, rented a boat at Punta Allen. We went for dinner in Playa del Carmen and enjoyed the pool every day. For baby sitting my friends used the child center at the Akumal Caribe hotel a couple of times. Gloria and Epi did a fabulous job! We loved our stay. Let me know if you want more details and I'll be happy to give you a ring. We definitely hope to rent your place again soon. Thanks. Best, [name of renter]

Owner response:Thanks very much for taking the time to write. It is delightful to us when people like yourself write to us describing their wonderful vacations and it is fun for us to develop friendships with so many of our guests like you! And thanks for the kind words for our wonderful staff. Without them I can't imagine what we would do ! This is our second home and we really have appreciate the guests like who who care and respect our condo, treating it like their home. Akumal is indeed filled and surrounded by many things to do and it certainly sounds like you found them ! We have a number of guests who keep in touch and return to our condo every year or two and that really makes us feel great ! We try to help people in their plans and are responsive to any questions or problems. Btw We saw a Mom turtle dig and nest and lay her eggs at midnight under the full moon last year. It took her hours and it was an amazing, unforgettable experience. Thanks so very much. Hans S.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, families with young children.

Mi Casa Del Mar

Guest: kris (st. Paul, MN)
Date of Stay: 03/19/11 Review Submitted: 06/17/11

We stayed in Akumal for the first time in March, 2011. I had researched condos and was taken by the beautiful photos of Mi Casa Del Mar, and by the helpful and friendly corespondance with the owner, Hans. The condo was available only part of the week, but Hans helped us arrange a stay at another great condo, where we stayed prior to getting settled at Mi Casa. This condo is nicely furnished and the surroundings are beautiful, especially the infinity pool. This unit is ground-level which we prefer, and has a nice covered patio area. Hans also provided us with tons of information on directions for getting to and from airport, and info on restaurants, groceries, etc. We had a great time snorkeling, visiting near-by ruins, various beaches and cenotes. This 2 br, 2 bath unit was perfect for our family, and the caretaker and his young wife were very helpful. We felt well- cared for and safe. We would stay at Mi Casa Del Mar again!

Owner response:It was great to have you return as our guest a second time. Helping people have a great vacation is a pleasure for us and something we like to do do. We love these letters and hope you and others return again ! We have many returning guests and a few guests that have come back three and four times now and of course we offer nice discounts for them. Muchas Gracias !

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

Beautiful Condo with Spectacular Ocean View

Guest: Steve, JoAnn, Nan and Rob (Northeast)
Date of Stay: 02/05/11 Review Submitted: 02/18/11

The condo is spacious, clean and well equipped. The ocean view was spectacular. We started our days with breakfast on the lanai over looking the beautiful swimming pool to the ocean. The staff was great..they were very friendly and helpful. The owners, Hans and Joan, were equally as helpful and a wealth of information on the local area. We were within walking distance of many shops, restaurants and of course the beach. You will need a rental car or public transportation to visit the many attractions outside of Akumal. Please be aware that a car rental in Mexico is pricey. Akumal Beach was great fun. While snorkeling we saw many turtles, sting rays and one very large eel. We visited Mayan Ruins in Coba and Tulum. We did some awesome snorkeling in a cenote [cave] and at Yal-Kul Lagoon- just down the road - don't miss! We had a wonderful vacation in Mexico and would highly recommend this condo.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, families with young children.

Our spring break

Guest: Sunscreen Users (Minneapolis)
Date of Stay: 03/28/08 Review Submitted: 04/21/08

We had a great time at Mi Casa. The unit was well maintained and clean. It was very quiet and relaxing. This was our third time in Akumal with our teenaged son. This time my 77 year old mother accompanied us. This was a great unit for her. There are a some steps into the unit but it opens onto the patio and the pool, which she used every day. We also walked into town for lunch and along the beach. Mom's a trooper, but that was too long for her. We got a lot of looks as there aren't a lot seniors with canes about. She also tried snorkling in Ya Kul lagoon but maybe 77 is a little late for that. Akumal is a great place for tweens and teens. It is safe and they can walk about and go eat on their own. For the older ones who are good swimmers, we felt it was safe for them to swim at Akumal beach as long as they stayed together. The best food by far is at the Fish Cave (not the correct name) right in Akumal by the parking attendant booth. They also make the best Margaritas, but watch out, and hold on to Grandma. They sneek up on you! The loncheria by the store is wonderful, fun and cheap. We have eaten there many times and not been disappointed. For gourmet fish tacos and ice cream, follow the sign to the little shop across the street by the market area. Wonderful! The guys went to Chichen Itza. They packed a lunch, left at 7AM, ate the lunch, did a 10 AM private tour (well worth the $60), ate again, stopped for groceries in Tulum, and were back in Akumal by 4 PM. They used the route through Tulum. Our stoic, hard to impress teen son even started several conversations about the excursion! This is major We all had a great time at Mi Casa del Mar.!

Owner response:La Cueva del Pescador is Cave of the Fisherman - one of our favorites most definately. The mini-lobster is to die for ! They will even take you out deep sea fishing and cook your catch afterwards. The chef is a genious, as are many in these parts. Thanks very much for the fabulous review. Now you know why we took the dive and invested in this beautiful spot ! The highlight of my week is always to read from people like you who enjoyed our place. I have tons of information for everyone and will even help those who decide not to stay in our place but still want to go to Akumal ! If you liked Chizenitza you will also like Ek Balaam, which is very unique and about the same distance and Coba which is closer too. What a wonderful family experience going with you teen and your trooper of a mom ! HS

Recommended for:Sightseeing, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, families with young children.