Case Almaviva is a gorgeous, fully-staffed, private beachfront villa located just 22 kilometers south of Tulum beach.
This peaceful jungle home is situated in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, a UNESCO world heritage site. Just steps from the turquoise waters of the Caribbean sea, Casa Almaviva is the perfect setting for an unforgettable experience!
Savor the breathtaking sunrises over the Caribbean, and enjoy gourmet meals prepared by David—your personal chef—underneath the palapa in the open air great room. The refreshing ocean breezes keep you comfortable throughout the day.
From the villa's roof-deck, witness gorgeous sunsets over the vast Sian Ka'an jungle as birds glide above the treetops. Then rekindle your sense of wonder as you gaze upon the expansive night sky, just as the Mayans did from this very spot a millennia ago.
Sian Ka'an is the largest protected nature preserve in Mexico's Maya Riviera, world renown for its unique wetlands and unparalleled biodiversity. The name Sian Ka'an means "where the sky is born" in Maya. The Mesoamerican Reef—the world's second largest—is just a short swim from the beachfront directly outside your doorstep.
Spend your days exploring the abundant nature and historic treasures nearby, or simply relax and enjoy the solitude of your private beach. At Casa Almaviva, you will find yourself in harmony with nature.
A CULINARY JOURNEY
David, the caretaker, is an excellent chef who specializes in Mexican and Mayan cuisine. He will prepare all your meals at Casa Alamaviva, using fresh, local ingredients.
If you like seafood, you are in luck, because the local fisherman brings his daily catch right to the house. Ceviche and lobster paella are just two of the specialities of the house.
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GOURMET MEAL PLANS | Personal Chef | Family Style
Meal plans are required for all guests. Choose either plan.
FULL BOARD | $90 per adult | $36 per child 12 years and under
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Unlimited Beer, Wine, Spirits, Soft Drinks, Juices, Mineral Water, Snacks
For day trips, a $22 breakfast-only option is offered for one day per booking or twice per week.
HALF BOARD | $60 per adult | $24 per child 12 years and under
Breakfast and Either Lunch or Dinner
Unlimited Beer, Wine, Spirits, Soft Drinks, Juices, Mineral Water, Snacks
The day trip breakfast-only option is not offered with the half board plan.
Prices are per person. per day and do not include 16% IVA tax.
Special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.
Children under three years of age eat free.
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A signed booking agreement, which reflects the terms described in this listing, will be required after your reservation is confirmed on VRBO.
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FAQ
GETTING HERE
Where exactly is the villa located?
The villa is located in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, a protected nature reserve next to the Caribbean Sea. It’s 21.5 km from the entrance to Sian Ka’an, which is located at then end of Tulum beach. It typically takes 50 to 80 minutes or more to drive to the villa from Tulum depending on road conditions.
How far is the villa from the airport?
You have two airport options: Cancun (CUN) and Tulum (TQO). From CUN, the drive is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes, and from TQO, it’s 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on road conditions.
Can I get a late check-in?
Our check-in time is 3:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. and late check-ins, when permitted, incur a $100 surcharge. We ask first-time visitors who are self driving arrive before sundown, which can range from 6:00 p.m. in winter to 7:30 p.m. in summer. This because there are no lights or cell service on the Sian Ka’an road, and late at night there is very little traffic. When booking flight, your international flight needs to land five hours prior to arrival at the villa if coming from CUN, or 4 hours prior coming from TQO. (Allowing for immigration, customs, and car rental.) If your flight scheduled that it will put your estimated arrival past check in time, we encourage you to stay one night in Cancun or Tulum on your way in.
What are the driving conditions?
The road from the either airport to Tulum is a multi-lane paved highway and is a very easy drive. The road from the highway through Tulum beach is a narrow paved road with lots of pedestrians and can sometimes have a lot of traffic. The Sian Ka’an road is a dirt road that gets re-graded just once a year, and the schedule is unpredictable. For about nine months out of the year, this road is in rough condition with many potholes. You will want to drive carefully and leave yourself extra time to get to your destination.
Should I rent a car or get an airport transfer?
The vast majority of guests rent a car because it gives them freedom to take day trips without paying and waiting for expensive taxis. Transfers from Cancun Airport are available but costly. You can check prices at Canada Transfers. We recommend renting a sturdy vehicle and making sure your quote includes the required Mexican liability insurance. This is a costly add on that is not covered by your home insurance or credit card.
AMENITIES
Does the villa have air conditioning?
The four bedrooms have air conditioning, but the open-air living room does not. The villa is usually quite cool in the evenings and at night, especially when there are breezes coming from the sea. The large palapa covering the living area keeps the main living area shaded at all times. Casa Almaviva is an off-grid, eco-friendly villa. We generate our own electricity with 40 solar panels that store the power in a very large battery array. The battery is used to keep the villa powered at night. We have a backup generator times when the power demands of the air conditioners exceed the battery capacity. We require that guests only use the air conditioner when in the bedrooms and that they keep the thermostats set to 23°C or higher. This ensures that the batteries can be fully charged during the day and that the use of the generator, which creates air and noise pollution, will be minimized. This is a typical policy for off-grid villas and hotels throughout Tulum.
DINING & DRINKING
What does it mean that meals are served “family style”?
At Casa Almaviva, we prepare a single entree at lunch and dinner. For vegetarians or other restricted diets, the chef will work to provide an alternative variation. At breakfast, when eggs are served, guests will have their choice of preparation.
Can you accommodate special diets?
With advance notice we can accommodate guests with allergies or other health-related concerns, as well vegetarians and pescatarians.
Can I skip the meal plans and make my own food?
No, the meal plans are required for all guests. Casa Almaviva is a full service villa and the delicious chef-prepared meals are one of the most popular parts of the experience we provide. Though snacks are provided, you are welcome to bring in your favorites.
Does the meal plan really include unlimited beverages including alcohol?
Yes, we have a full bar of quality spirits, including tequila, mezcal, vodka, rum, gin, and whiskey, as well as beer and wine. For special occasions we also offer a selection of premium wines and spirits for a supplement. Try Chef David’s famous, enormous margaritas.
POLICIES
While you are free to dance all night with your registered guests, we have a strict no-party policy at Casa Almaviva. However, you may invite up to four visitors for lunch or dinner, by notifying the owner in advance. Visitors cannot stay overnight, and you cannot invite additional guests for a party. (Meals for guests are charged by consumption; see your booking agreement for details.)
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Where do the staff live?
The staff lives in separate quarters on the property and will afford you plenty of privacy. There is always at least one staffer available if you need assistance. At mealtimes and during the day, the staff will be taking care of your group and the villa. In the afternoons and at night they retire to their quarters.
Is water near the villa good for swimming and snorkeling?
This area is well known for it white sand beaches and crystal clear Caribbean waters. It’s perfect for swimming, especially on days when it’s not too windy. The Mesoamerican Reef system lies 400 meters from the shore, a 25-minute swim with fins.
Will there be sargassum on the beach during my visit?
Sargassum is an unpredictable, periodic, and seasonal natural occurrence on the Maya Riviera. Most of the time there is little or no sargassum on the beach or in the water. Sometimes thick mats of sargassum travel from Brazil across the Caribbean and wash up on the beach, where it dries in the sun and decays. This can sometimes produce a sulfuric odor that can be bothersome, especially for people with respiratory issues. Occasionally the sargassum will be so thick that it’s not practical to enter the sea for swimming. That’s why we built a pool for your enjoyment. There are also public access points within a few kilometers of the villa that may have no sargassum. The nature boat trips also offer swimming and snorkeling options in the area that are free of sargassum year-round.
Are there insects?
Casa Almaviva is in the jungle and insects can be an issue. The good news is that there are many months of the year when insects are minimal. Even during the times they are out in force, it’s typically just for a couple of hours starting at dusk. Casa Almaviva provides organic bug spray but you are welcome and encouraged to bring your own. We often fog the villa between guest visits, and provide fans and use anti-insect candles and bug zappers to lessen their impact.
EVENTS
Can I host my wedding at Casa Almaviva?
If you are having a private ceremony attended by only the people staying at the villa, this is possible. Contact the owner to discuss details. We cannot accommodate large parties with outside guests.
