Casa Tortuga - Back of Villa facing Pool and Playacar Golf Course
Location: Playacar, Villas del Mayab, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Yucatan, Mayan Riviera, Mexico (North end of Playacar - 45 mins Cancun to Playa del Carmen) View Map
Accommodations: Villa, 3 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 3.5 Baths (Sleeps 6-8)
Casa Tortuga is in a perfectly convenient location at the northern end of the private gated community of Playacar (phase 2), immediately adjacent to Playa del Carmen. Set in the heart of Villas del Mayab, the only group of villas in Playacar built with ample spacing between houses amidst a large shared garden area, Casa Tortuga is just steps away from the large shared pool and palapa. Backing onto the 12th hole of the championship Playacar golf course designed by Robert van Hagge, Villas del Mayab is also the closest group of villas within walking distance (5 min) to the vibrant 5th Ave, the heart beat of Playa del Carmen, and only 250 metres from the nearest beach.
A 3-5 min stroll along a direct stone path (accessed from the end of the driveway), surrounded by tropical greenery will take you to the nearest public beach with amenities - Fishermen's Beach Club, which is Playa's quietest beach. The main shopping area, ferry to Cozumel and loads of fantastic restaurants are 5-10 minutes walk north. In the opposite direction, a 10-15 minute walk takes you to the Reef Club, where Casa Tortuga guests can use the facilities of the resort (beach chairs, pool and towel service), or for a daily fee, can enjoy the all inclusive privileges. Opposite the Reef Club is the entrance to the golf course.
Casa Tortuga is located next to the tennis court in the front and a few steps from the hotel sized pool through a shared garden area in the back. The tropical Aviary is a few houses away. The ample sized palapa next to the pool provides an alternative perfect venue to host friendly gatherings, weddings, or just hang out in the shade with your morning java or evening cocktails! Combined with other privately owned/managed villas within Villas del Mayab, larger groups can be accommodated so you and your extended family or friends can be in the same vicinity....please contact us for further information.
On the main level is a fully equipped kitchen, laundry, dining room, open living room with domed ceiling, half bath, spacious bedroom with two twin beds and ensuite full bath. This bedroom has access to one of the outdoor patios. There are two large bedrooms upstairs complete with king size beds and ensuite full bathrooms and wall safes. The master bedroom includes a private balcony. There is a queen size futon in the open loft area separating the two upstairs bedrooms. Although not as private, it can accommodate 1-2 people. All beds have european style light-weight feather duvets and comfortable memory foam toppers....we believe your beds on vacation should be comfy!
The villa has been extensively remodelled recently to include new tile flooring throughout, new bathrooms and kitchen with granite counters and custom handmade mahogany cabinetry. The upstairs ensuite(s) include new tile, fixtures, granite and walk in showers. The main floor ensuite has a bathtub /shower combination.
Maid service every second day, fresh bottled water and an American property manager will ensure a smooth vacation. You will be met by one of our Property Manager's staff on or shortly after your arrival at the Villa. They will help orient you and get you up to speed with the basic information required to kick start your holiday. As well, there is a binder in the villa full of local information and tips of places to go and things to do.
Well equipped grocery stores are readily accessible to meet any food and drink requirements. Private transportation from the Cancun Airport can be arranged on request for an additional fee, as well as any other special requests you might have, such as crib availability, or groceries upon arrival.
Click on the Flickr photo link below and run the slideshow to see more pictures! Check out where we are on the Google map below!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning: Remote controlled A/C and ceiling fans in all rooms
- Washer: In laundry room (bodega)
- Dryer: In laundry room (bodega)
- Linens Provided: Beach towels also supplied. European style light weight feather duvets on all beds.
- Covered Parking: Shaded carport for 1 vehicle.
- Off Street Parking: Long driveway provides ample parking off street.
- Beds
- King Bed (2) : In 2 upstairs bedrooms.
- Twin/Single Bed (2) : In downstairs bedroom.
- Convertible Bed: Queen size futon in loft area.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- Video Library: Some DVD's available.
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library: Some CD's available.
- Shared Pool: Large hotel sized free form pool just a few steps from back patio. Pool area also has large palapa for shade or gatherings.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: Also has toaster oven, coffee maker, blender.
- Cooking Utensils Provided: Also supplied with table linens, crockery and glassware, patioware and plastic containers for all your needs.
- Refrigerator (2) : 2 large fridges provide plenty of space for those chilled drinks!
- Microwave
- Catering Available: May be arranged with our Property Manager directly.
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill: Propane Weber BBQ
- Deck/Patio (2) : Comfortable seating for 6 on 1 patio. Two additional chairs can be brought outside from loft. 2 loungers on other patio.
- Balcony: Off master bedroom.
- View/Location
- Golf Course View: The pool/palapa is situated between the villa and 12th hole of Playacar golf course, just a few steps from the villa.
- Communications
- Cell Phone: A cell phone will be provided by the Concierge upon your arrival. Directions on useage in villa.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet): Wifi access at pool palapa and accessible from villa/patio. Check with office in pool palapa area on arrival for useage.
- Other Amenities
- 2400 sq ft of space to enjoy, Reclining beach chairs & Umbrella, Some beach/floatey toys for kids, Hairdryer in each bathroom, Iron and board, Extensive shared Garden area with large pool palapa that can be used for gatherings, 2 Wall Safes, 24 hour security service on the grounds, Non-smoking. Maid service every 2nd day and bottled water supplied.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Handicapped Accessible: Ground floor of villa is on one level. The downstairs bedroom has 2 single beds and ensuite has bathtub/shower accessibility.
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Kid Friendly: Cribs and highchairs may be requested from Propery Manager at time of booking.
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters: Kids are considered to be 12 and under.
- Smoking Not Allowed: This is a NON-smoking Casa.
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Shelling
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- Loads of Restaurants, Endless beaches, tours of famous archaeological sites, caves, cenotes(naturally occuring sink holes) and nature walks in the Jungle are offered all along the Mayan Riviera and on the island of Cozumel, A variety of activities are available for all hours of the day or night
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Holiday Season Dec 15 (2009)- Jan 05 (2010) Min 7 nts - $3700/wk(full wks only)
Fall High Season Nov 16 - Dec 14 (2009) - $2500/wk
High Season Jan 06 - Apr 30 (2009/2010) - $2500/wk
Low Season May 01 - Nov 15 (2009/2010) - $2000/wk
12% Mexican Tax may be applied. Minimum 4 nights unless stated otherwise.
Refundable damage/security deposit required at time of booking
Credit cards can be accepted through our Property Manager
All rates stated are USD. CAD quotes may be requested.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Casa Tortuga - Lg Villa - Pool - Great North Playacar Location
Year Purchased: 2004
Why the Owner Chose Playacar, Villas del Mayab
We are not the kind of people who generally like to go to the same place twice, nor do we like big crowds! However, our first trip to Playa del Carmen with friends who had been there before, enlightened us to what was available outside of the all inclusive hotels. It is such a diverse, vibrant, yet relaxing and charming place to be, and forever changing in some ways yet remains the same in others. It is hard to explain the magical nature this area has and its ability to keep drawing you back. No trip is the same.
We literally stumbled on Casa Tortuga, and couldn't believe how conveniently located it was. We fell in love with it and have enjoyed it ever since as we hope you will too. Every time we visit, it is like coming home to our family and friends.
We love to wake up to the sound of tropical birds, and the ocean breeze blowing in thru the windows. You can be as busy or as lazy as you want to be and we find the biggest decision of the day is 'where to eat tonight'!
The Unique Benefits at this Villa
Casa Tortuga's location really is great. It is SO close to the hubbub of Playa del Carmen's famous 5th Avenue, yet far enough away to give you peace and quiet, right on the golf course amongst lush tropical gardens and jungle - quite unlike the larger hotels in the area. In fact, staying in a local villa will give you more of a feel for the local culture. The beach is only 250m from the driveway, and the pool which we seem to mostly have to ourselves is just steps from the back patio.
We have tried to provide every amenity you could possibly need while on vacation so you don't have to bring as much with you. We are constantly upgrading and changing things that could make the experience better - for you and us! A much sought after item in our villa is our comprehensive information binder that will probably answer most of your questions and quickly get you oriented to the area. We put it together keeping in mind what it was like for us on our first trip - not knowing where anything was!
As we have younger kids, we also have a variety of beach/sand floaty toys (which adults can use too!) and even some wee life jackets. The kitchen is well equipped if you like to cook. You can even arrange for a caterer to cook a splendid meal right there. But if you are like us and love to experiment with many different cuisines, then Playa is the place to be....the huge variety of restaurants here are simply amazing, from cheap local hole in the wall type places to high end establishments....we supply a comprehsive list that is updated monthly.
We have chosen in our opinion, the very best Property Management/concierge company (Bric International) in the area to take great care of our place and you as our guests. We hope you really enjoy your stay, and we'd love to hear back from you about your experience. Marlon & Annabel McDougall
Located next to Xaman-ha condos, this is our closest beach only 250m from the end of the driveway -we know because we measured it with a GPS watch!.... it is Playa's quietest beach....ssh...!
Paseo del Carmen is at the southern most end of 5th Avenue which - a pedestrian only cobbled street of about 2-3km lined with shops, restaurants and bars.
A beautiful yet very challenging course with jungle either side of the fairway. Villas del Mayab overlooks the 11th hole/12th T. You can even feed the turtles in the pond here.
The tropical aviary is right next to Villas del Mayab. Watch the parrots and other gorgeous feathered friends fly over head while you enjoy a cocktail outside.
The main entrance to the Golf Course and Spa is about 10 mins walk south of Casa Tortuga, or you can grab a taxi as they go past the end of the driveway.
The closest and most northern Playacar All-Inclusive Hotel where our guests can use our Residents Playacar Card to access the Reef Club's facilities for a daily fee.
The privately owned villas in Playacar phase 1 are located between the beach and Paseo Xaman-Ha which is the circular road that fronts Casa Tortuga continuing on around the golf course thru Playacar.
The single laned, cobbled boulevard road that circulates around Playacar and the golf course.
You can meander thru phase 1 villas onto the beach and continue walking south past the hotels for km's.
This is about 5 mins walk from the villa. Ferry's to Cozumel run hourly by 2 competing companies.
You can buy all the food, booze and fresh fruit/veg/bread you will need. Only place to buy fresh milk once/wk. You will see a few familiar north american brands!
A larger, mexican version of Walmart. Usually cheaper prices and great variety of stuff.
Just a marker point - something you will see at the far end of the beach on the point from the ferry pier. Next door is the Royal Porto Real (white - no kids allowed).
These tend to be very busy, popular beachclubs and can play loud music. You can bring your own chairs to any beach (supplied in villa).
A lovely beachwalk to here from the villa is about 40min. You will be rewarded by a visit to Cuervo del Chango - a great breakfast & lunch place in a jungle setting a couple blocks from the beach.
This is the northern edge of Playacar where 'Playa del Carmen' officially starts.
The Hospiten (hospital) is located right next to this entrance in Playacar.
A short walk from Casa Tortuga-at 5th Ave & Juarez St. Deps to Tulum, Cancun, Airport(drops right outside dep tmnl), Xel-Ha, many other places on coast & inland. Comfy, clean, A/C, loos, movie.
Closest major ATM. Tip: PDC is a cash town. Use ATM card to get pesos directly at best exch rate. Don't bring Travel chqs. Use CC sparingly - some places don't accept & chg handling fee.
Owner's Map of Playacar, Villas del Mayab
Hi, welcome to our little piece of Paradise! We live in Calgary, Alberta but Canadian winters are far too long and we both love to be where it is guaranteed to be much warmer! We have travelled to many places worldwide and find that The Riviera Maya has so much to offer to travellers. We have been coming here for 6 yrs and there is still so much to see and do.
Playacar is a private gated community, (located immediately adjacent to the town of Playa del Carmen), of villas, condos and about 10 large hotels set around the Playacar Golf Course amongst lush tropical jungle.
Property Photos
- Casa Tortuga - Back of Villa facing Pool and Playacar Golf Course - Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico Vacation Villa Rental
- Pool and Palapa - Casa Tortuga in background - Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico Vacation Villa Rental
- Front of Villa - Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico Vacation Villa Rental
- Dining room and Kitchen - all new fall 2007
- Kitchen
- Dining Room overlooking patio and garden area
- Living Room
- Living Room leading onto patio and pool/garden area
- Open plan showing loft area in relation to Living area and Kitchen
- Front entrance - nice ocean breeze through villa with shutters open
- Downstairs bedroom - twin beds looking onto patio
- Master Bedroom Upstairs - King size bed and private balcony
- Second bedroom upstairs - King size bed - all beds have memory foam toppers
- Back of villa from pool deck
- Back of villa and garden area just a few steps from the pool
- Aerial photo - Casa Tortuga showing proximity to the beach and Golf Course
Guest Comments (14)
First (10) of (14). View all comments
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #38421
There have been 18208 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2007.
This listing was first published here in 2004.
Date last modified - June 26, 2009

Positive Rating
Repanich , Washington State
Positive Rating
Thankyou to all our guests who have left such kind words in our villa guestbook at Casa Tortuga.....all these comments are quoted directly from past guests, before this online book was up and running. If you have stayed here and would like to add your own comment - please feel free to do so. Gracias!
Positive Rating
Ray and Heather Brosseau , Edmonton, Alberta
Positive Rating
Casa Tortuga is fabulous. We had a very relaxing, enjoyable vacation. We practically had the pool to ourselves....the Mexicans surely slowed our pace...we had a wonderful stay at Casa Tortuga - the weather was picture perfect all week.
Positive Rating
Beautiful Casa, nice yard and pool area. Marvelous weather and cold cervezas - who could ask for anything more. Enjoyed our stay and hope to be able to visit back soon. Thanks for having us.
Positive Rating
We were thrilled beyond words when we arrived at Casa Tortuga. It was all that we hoped for and more. We greatly appreciated all the extra conveniences that made our stay even more comfortable and enjoyable. What a fantastic vacation villa - thankyou for sharing it with us. Reading the information binder and guestbook the first day was a great resource for planning our week. The reviews on restaurants and activities proved very helpful....The local beach is perfect, we enjoyed several hours there....as well as the shopping and restaurants. Everything was so wonderful. We hope to come back and complete our list of things to do in Playa.
Positive Rating
Thankyou for allowing us to be a part of your wonderful vacation home. We will have some wonderful memories to take home....the villa is well equipped to have wonderful meals at home for all ages and picky eaters. Movies and books are thoughtfully provided - a bonus on some of the down time.
Positive Rating
What a great week of vacation. Plenty of room for the kids to spread out. Casa Tortuga is very comfortable. Great decorating...the binder was very helpful. This was a little piece of paradise from the cold Canadian winter....thankyou.
Positive Rating
It is sad to be leaving Casa Tortuga this morning. Two wks have just flown by and we had a great time. This villa is situated in a conveneient area close to shopping, the ocean and all the necessities. Thanks so much...
Positive Rating
What a well thought out and beautiful home that you provide. My family and I had a fantastic time here in Playacar and Casa Tortuga.