Better than our high expectations

Guest: Erin & Reaon (Vancouver, BC)
Date of Stay: 02/12/11 Review Submitted: 03/01/11

The kind folks who own this property are lucky they managed to get rid of us at all. Put simply, this place is paradise. From the meticulously-maintained grounds and beach-front location, to the pool, billiards table and charming villa, it has everything you could need or want. The local family that works the grounds is very friendly, and our hosts also exceeded our expectations in every way. The accommodation itself is spacious and open, with a full kitchen, lots of closet space and plenty of room to laze about. We particularly enjoyed the fact we got to sleep under a mosquito net instead of behind glass, with nothing but the crickets and the sound of the surf to lull us asleep at night. Location-wise the place is also perfect. Just steps away from the "main street" in Barra de Potosi, fresh seafood and cold cerveza are always close at hand. There are many enramadas or restaurants along the beach, and the town is right on the edge of what is apparently the largest lagoon in the whole country, so there's lots to explore. A nearby wildlife refuge is also worth the 50 peso cab ride. Keep in mind -- this isn't an all exclusive resort, this is real Mexico. If you're looking to party and hit the clubs, you might be happier in a bigger town. But if you are craving a more authentic experience, a place where you can turn the hourglass over and lose yourself for a while, this it it.

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

Tamarindo at Sendas Del Mar

Guest: judy (Manitou Springs, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 01/07/09 Review Submitted: 02/10/11

There could not be a more perfect beach rental than Villa Tamarindo. Every detail of Tamarindo is exquisite -- roomy, open air, natural wood, beautiful tiles, gorgeous views and a kitchen to boot -- nothing was overlooked. The grounds are beautifully landscaped. The beach and ocean are easily accessible and the waves are more gentle and manageable than almost anywhere else on the entire playa. If you don't want to deal with the sand, the infinity pool is a perfect place to lounge or to view the sunset over the ocean while sipping a cool tropical drink. The small town of Barra de Potosi, with its beachside enremadas or nighttime taco stands is just steps away. A visit to El Refugio de Potosi to see the amazing animals of Mexico or a bird tour of the lagoon is worth a few hours of your time and, if you visit at the right time, you can even book a whale watch or trip to the bird sanctuaries of Los Moros. A week in paradise!

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

Great Beach Getaway in Mexico

Guest: slacks (San Miguel de Allende, Mexico)
Date of Stay: 04/20/10 Review Submitted: 05/06/10

Where to start with this beautifully designed beachfront property? From the infinity pool, where the spectacular view pours over into the gentle waves of the bay to the authentically designed main beach house and casitas, this Mexican getaway has it all. Every detail of our casita, from the large bathroom (incredible shower) to the cozy bedroom, to the indoor/outdoor lounge overlooking the attractively landscaped grounds, was right on the mark. If you're into natural design with all the creature comforts, this is the place for you. My wife and I stayed for 10 glorious days and we would go back in a heartbeat. If you are looking for a place to just hang out and cool you heels then you'll find no better place than this little piece of paradise. You can lay in a hammock poolside, read you favorite novel stretched out in the shade of a palm tree or take a quiet afternoon siesta. As for the beach, there are probably only a few beaches along the Mexican coastline offering better swimming, sunset walks and warm gentle waves. The quiet little village, a 5 minute walk down the beach, offers wonderful opportunities to soak up the local flavor and taste some fresh seafood. If that is not enough action from you, believe it or not there is plenty to do if you chose to leave your secluded hideaway: kayaking in the nearby lagoon, surf fishing (caught a couple of 20 pounders right in front of the property!), an Ecological Sanctuary, and only a 25 minute drive to Ixtapa for shopping, and plenty of restaurants. Another feature of this property is that it is only a short taxi ride from an international airport, making it convenient for traveling from the southwest or west coast. Last thought, having traveled in Mexico for over thirty five years, staying here will go down as one our top places of all time. I can only recommend that you go there and find out for yourselves. You won't be disappointed!!!!!!!

Recommended for:Age 55+, adventure seekers, sightseeing, tourists without a car, girls getaway, romantic getaway, families with teenagers.

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

Mandala Casita at Barra de PotosiWe are always looking for the perfect place to relax and be one with nature. Beaches ofthe world excite us. The Mandala casita at Barra de Potosi was appealing and so easy toget to. Only 15 minutes from the Ixtapa airport. Even better Mandala Casita lived up toits web site billing and more than met our expectations!We seek peace, serenity and solitude to download from our busy life and we found it.A tranquil setting on a beach with only a few footprints in the sand, just steps to thewaters edge tempting one to walk on the beach taking in the sights and smells of the sea.Pelicans put on a show diving for fish. The grounds were so inviting, the water lily pondmesmerizing. The infinity pool a perfect place to swim and play. We lounged in thehammock overlooking the beautiful beach and ocean. It was a million dollar view whichserved up gorgeous sunsets night after night. It was truly a beachfront paradise.Mandala Casita was immaculate, a very large great room with screened windows,luxurious king bed, comfy chairs as well as a table with 4 chairs. It is an efficient set upwith dishes, coffee pot and a mini-refrigerator. Daily maid service is unobtrusive. Thelarge shower was a delight. There is a big closet & personal safe. The gentle breezesblowing the lovely white curtains and the lights and fans thru out the casita created aromantic setting. Outside our door patio chairs nestled near the colorful flowers andwater lily pond with hummingbirds and butterfly's all over the place. Photo Opseverywhere, what memories we have. The pool table was a lot of fun the hub of activityafter sunset with your favorite drink on the big patio.It is so tranquil you would think you were far from civilization but in truth you are only afew short blocks to the village of Barra de Potosi. We walked to our favorite seafrontrestaurant and just couldn’t get enough of the tasty fresh fish and tacos of every kind.It was difficult to choose from the many activities available. We took an early morningboat tour around the lagoon and were awed by the number of birds checking us out. Didsome kayaking and fishing. El Refugio de Potosi, a new ecotourism attraction is a ‘mustsee’ for photo opts. Reptiles and a large group of colorful Iguanas the Macaws, Parrots,Chachalacas ‘turkey sized birds‘, all communicating at near ear splitting volume.We could go on and on about Mandala Casita at Barra de Potosi, but f

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Guest: John Levoff (Los Angeles, California)
Date of Stay: 02/04/10 Review Submitted: 02/04/10

Terrific property on a stunningly beautiful beach. Remarkable that this area is so secluded given its close proximity to an international airport. The seaside casita is beautifully designed and appointed. The hosts are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Memorable vacation, for sure.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/02/10 Review Submitted: 02/02/10

My wife and I had a fabulous time in the casita. Its roomie. The palapa smells great. Its very romantic. Its less than 30 seconds to the ocean or pool. We've been up and down the Pacific Coast of Mexico. This place is the best!

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Guest: Mark Bilker (Great Neck, NY)
Date of Stay: 02/02/10 Review Submitted: 02/02/10

Sets a very special standard for beauty and tranquility. Property is even more lovely than owner description. Accommodations and amenities are absolutely first class. To fall asleep to the gentle, rolling waves virtually at your front door and awaken to an infinity pool that beckons in the morning . . . when can I return for another dose of paradise? Surrounding community is equally lovely and the modest fishing community of Barra is another joy from a bygone time. Lots and lots to enjoy within walking, paddling distance and some very special sites only a short ride away. Airport is within minutes but a world away relative to noise. Oh yes, those star-filled nights minus big (and small) city light pollution. Well-priced and well worth the cost. It's the total package for a true quiet getaway.

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