Vacation Rentals by Owner

Happy Family

Guest: patti (Riverside, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/06/11 Review Submitted: 08/10/11

Mary and Gary, Thank you!!!!! The house was absolutely beautiful and spacious. We went with a large group and the house was big enough for the sometimes needed privacy when vacationing with a big group. The view was breathtaking. There was a group of dalphines that seemed to play throughout the day in front of the property. (This was everyday of our trip, and we were able to take some awsome pitures.) My family and I had the trip of our lives and are planning on making this a twice a year trip because we enjoyed ourselves so much at your home. My son who normally wants to return home on our first day of vacation, cried when we had to leave and is already asking to go back. I'm always a worried mother and felt completely safe. Thank you so much for the opportunity to stay at your home and I will be recommending your home to my family, friends and co-workers. I recommend this home to any family who works hard and looks forward to those family vacations that are just so hard to come by. There is no way anyone can be disappointed staying here.The memories that this vacation created are going to be truly charished by my entire family. Patti

Recommended for:Families with young children

Casa Sandcastle

Guest: Paul L.
Date of Stay: 07/30/11 Review Submitted: 08/01/11

Property has a beautiful view and is very secure.

Recommended for:

Casa Sandcastle

Guest: Paul L.
Date of Stay: 07/30/11 Review Submitted: 08/01/11

The view was excellent and the property is very secure.

Recommended for:

Family reunion in beautiful Mexico

Guest: Jo man (San Gabriel Valley)
Date of Stay: 06/04/11 Review Submitted: 06/10/11

Our three families planned for an overdue family reunion in Mexico with dining, sightseeing and the ocean in mind. We picked this beautiful property right on the ocean and nestled within a beautifully maintained and guarded community. We were treated to beautiful panoramic sunsets, beachcombing for shells and, just down the road, the sleepy village of Puerto Nuevo where lobster is the speciality and all the imaginable handmade curios of Mexico are avaialable for your shopping pleasure. Seriously, who needs a cruise ship when you have it all in one great place! Everyone felt safe at all times and enjoyed seeing sights not seen in our home town and on one occassion we went shopping for truly different gifts at the town of Ensenada a short drive down the well maintained highway. We did see security at one toll booth and just like in the states felt the local authorities were on the job. The photos of the estate were accuate and the owners were very helpful in planning our stay to maximize our vacation, even directing us to local vineyards for a day of wine tasting. The property was immaculate, the architecture amazing and all of us would highly recommend it and we plan a return visit next year. If your looking for something safe, secure, reasonable and able to make you relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of a beach resort, or head out for a day of adventure, this is the place.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, sightseeing.

Four Stars to Amazing beachfront property

Guest: mike (LA, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/01/11 Review Submitted: 06/04/11

Dolphins in the surf at your front door, the best lobster you've tasted in your life just down the road in a sleepy little pueblo call Puerto Nuevo and all within a short drive of the border. Weather to die for, mid 70's during the day and cool nites made sitting in the Adirondack chairs facing the beach delightful anytime night or day. Short trip brings you to wine tasting surrounded by vineyards and good food, or take the turn to the right and visit the enchanting town of Ensenada where cruise ships stop and the Baja 500 begins. Had a marvelous time. Would not recommend it to people who can't relax and enjoy life. Mike

Recommended for:Families with teenagers

My Baja Experience

Guest: Nick (Monarch Beach, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/01/11 Review Submitted: 05/04/11

My family rented Casa Romantica and SandCastle for a family reunion from May 1, 2011 through May 5, 2011. Our family of 10 enjoyed the ambiance and accommodations of these two fine homes. Since our families are well traveled and expect the finest in comfort and facilities, we are pleased to say that these two properties have met our highest expectations. Not one in our group had any disappointments and we all found these properties to be true homes away from home.

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

Our Stay At Casa Romantica

Guest: tv (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/26/11 Review Submitted: 04/01/11

We were all set to head down to Casa Romantica, when a storm several days before had cut the power to the home. Rather than cancel our trip, the owner was able to get us into the house next door. We were still able to enjoy the hot-tub, gardens, and plaza that Casa Romantica offers while staying right next door in another beautiful home. Our trip was phenomenal. We spent the first day riding dirtbikes at the sand-dunes which are only 1 mile away, then came back to enjoy a cold dos equis on the plaza with waves crashing below us. The entire estate down there is beautiful. We had great surf in the mornings and then spent the afternoons in the hot-tub, playing bochi ball, and eating good food. Mary was great to work with and the staff at Mission Viejo were very friendly as well. I would HIGHLY recommend this to anyone that's looking for an enjoyable getaway south of the border.

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

EXCELLENTE!!! FUN Family times

Guest: Alby (Menifee,CA )
Date of Stay: 06/23/10 Review Submitted: 06/29/10

We wanted to rent a beach house where everyone could have fun, unwhine and relax for the week. We got all of that and much more while staying at the Sandcastle, the house has amazing views of the beach and you wake up to the sound of the ocean which is so soothing and relaxing. The rooms are very comfortable, bathrooms in each bedroom. The kitchen and dining room were spacious to accomodate the whole family, both living rooms were nicely decorated. We loved this beach front home so much we plan on coming back and making it our annual family beach spot. Mary was so kind and allowed for my family and I to check in earlier than expected. I cannot say enough about this house, its beautiful, charming, relaxing and also the guards were always courteous and kind - you can feel safe while staying here. I hated to to leave, but we'll be back soon! The Jimenez Family.

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

Serene and Secure are FOR SURE!

Guest: Sarah (Encinitas, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/12/10 Review Submitted: 07/09/10

My husband and I just recently got married at the grounds. We rented both Casa Romantica/Mary and Sandcastle. The grounds and homes are gorgeous, but what was really important to us was that our guests feel safe! WIth all the talk about baja many were wary, but after arriving and realizing what a secure and guarded community Mision Viejo was, they all remarked how they couldn't wait to return! There seemed to always be a security guard patrolling the streets. In addition, Mary and Gary both went above and beyond in making sure the grounds were perfect and we were happy.

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

Wonderful for a relaxed group!

Guest: matswaltin (Los Angeles, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/31/09 Review Submitted: 01/05/10

We stayed at Casa Mary as an alternative to having a big New Year's Eve party back at home and we absolutely loved it. There's a large communal area that makes it perfect for a large enough group of friends, and plenty of space to unwind and do your own thing. The kitchen was more than equipped with the necessary accoutrements to do some serious cooking, which was perfect for us. Having the guards at the gated entrance proved quite beneficial as well, as they were extremely helpful to us in terms of getting taxis and taking care of some unexpected car problems. Oh, and the sea views and large communal yard truly added a lot to the house as well--perhaps surpassing our expectations. You can see the waves crashing from the living room and kitchen, and the wintertime allows for some fun in watching the big, dramatic ones! I would definitely rent this house again!

Owner response:Matswaltin Thankyou for review, I am so glad your group enjoyed your relaxed New Years celebration. I agree the large lawn and garden area is great for finding a special place for personal tranquility yet having the spacious beach front grounds for a large gathering. (we hosted 2 weddings for 120 people ) Please come back again, if you have even a larger group you may rent the whole estate including both homes(6 bedrooms 6 baths) and all of the grounds for your personal use. Yes, it is like having your own private resort.

Recommended for:Families with young children, girls getaway.

The Perfect Home for the Baja 1000

Guest: Sara J. S. (Illinois)
Date of Stay: 11/14/09 Review Submitted: 11/30/09

Last January my husband and 3 of his friends decided to race dirt bikes in the Baja 1000. Between the racers, family, and crew, we needed housing for 9 adults. I started my search with a few requirements; we needed a beautiful, luxury house on the beach (for the wives of course), off street parking for the motorcycles, plenty of on street parking for the trucks and trailer, wireless internet, washer/drier, and most importantly a safe and secure community. Casa Sandcastle (and Casita) were perfect! It fill all our needs and so much more. The home and gardens were absolutely beautiful. (The pictures don’t do it justice). All 9 adults stayed comfortably in the home. And a few nights when the guys were out pre-running and racing, the wives were at the house alone. We felt so safe and comfortable that we didn’t even bother to lock the doors. Mary and Gary were gracious hosts. They allowed us to check in early and stay late. And Mimi, the chef, prepared an amazing meal. The guys plan to race in the Baja 1000 again some day, and we will be sure to stay at Casa Sandcastle again.

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

A Paradise on Earth!

Guest: Alex O. (California)
Date of Stay: 09/05/09 Review Submitted: 09/12/09

Warning! If you arrived at this Sandcastle home it will be almost impossible to let Go! This Beautiful Home is the perfect stay if you are looking a luxury & Quality Only. Believe me when I say this, I have stayed in some on the best hotel around this Area and this is so far the best. When we arrived to this beautiful Ocean View it immediately takes your Breath away with the ocean view and sound of the Waves, just like music… you know then, that those waves are there to washed your worries way… you can feel that they came just for you…

Owner response:Alex and his family are among the many guests we have had the pleasure of hosting reciently and if you are reading his lovely comments, we welcome you to come to hear the music of the waves...there are no worries at casa sandcastle.

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

Stay as long as you can, and then stay longer

Guest: Tranquilamos (SLO, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/27/09 Review Submitted: 09/27/09

8 of us stayed recently at Casa Sandcaste (and the casita) and loved every minute of it! The house was even better than the pictures and stunned us as we walked through the doorway everytime we stepped inside. Between the amazing views, beautiful sounds of the waves crashing, and lush grounds we were all very excited to spend a relaxing 4 day weekend at this property. Mary and Gary were gracious hosts even offering us an early arrival to keep us from staying over in LA when we so wanted to be enjoying the slow, relaxed Mexican life. We arrived very late at night, and were so thrilled to be able to wake up to the sounds of the ocean in paradise. We are already planning our next trip (this time bringing the jealous wives) for next year. ANy time is a great time to go, enjoy the local cities, great food, and get away from the daily grind. You guys were great, hope to see you soon! -Brant from SLO

Owner response:Thank you Brant, you and your friends were a pleasure. It is a thrill to see our beautiful seaside retreat through the eyes of others. It makes me appreaciate the feeling of relaxed tranquility and safety we enjoy here at sandcastle

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

Breathe of Fresh air

Guest: Desi and lando (Riverside, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/05/09 Review Submitted: 07/28/09

We were looking for a perfect, family get away home with pet friendly surroundings and great views. With sand castle we definitely got more than we bargained for. It is an extremely secure and safe home with every amenity imaginable to make our large family feel right at home. We went with our family, which included Myself, my husband, our three boys and my son's girlfriend. Not to mention our two dogs. we stayed here the first week of July for three nights, and by the end of the trip, even the dogs were sad to be going home. All the beautiful decorations and ocean front living was exactly what our family needed. Despite what the media might say, Mexico is just as calm and relaxing as ever. We were never bothered by police or any criminal element. We went to the different little towns and markets and did lots of shopping and enjoyed an absolutely pleasant experience.

Owner response:Thankyou Desi and Lando... you and your beautiful family are welcome back any time...It is wonderful to see the tourists returning to baja and realizing how wrong and unfair the media was to this beautiful country. Actually now is the best time to visit baja as the bargans are fantastic, fewer crouds and the people are friendlier than ever. As a resident for over 22 yrs I can assure you that you and family are safe. Sandcastle is like having your own private mini resort offering serenity and security.

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

Our Family Loved It!

Guest: Jus'Ducky (Southern California)
Date of Stay: 06/19/09 Review Submitted: 07/14/09

Our family...6 adults, 8 children ages 4 to 13, & 2 dogs...just spent an awesome week at Sandcastle in Cantamar. The location was perfect for us. A bit south of Rosarito it is out of the hustle & bustle of the tourists but close enough if we wanted to 'go to town'. In a gated community we never once felt unsafe. It was quiet, secure and just plain relaxing. The house and grounds were perfect. Enough space for everybody to hang out, run around, lay back, be together or far apart. The house has generous sized rooms and beautiful views. The steps down to the beach are easy....not like some of the places we have stayed. We will certainly stay here again. Mary & Gary are welcoming hosts and very helpful if you have questions....or even if you don't. We have been to Baja enough that we don't do much of the "tourist" stuff anymore but the "tourist" stuff is close and accessible. The beach is the big draw for all the grandkids. The boggie boarding is great right in front of the house.....and they loved the hot tub! We had Mimi (recommended by the Winnings) come and fix us some meals while we were there. Excellent food. She buys, cooks, serves & cleans up for a very reasonable price. One dinner for 14 cost $70.00...wonderful fresh Talapia fish, with cheese quesadillas, home made re-fried beans, fresh salsa, fresh quacamole & rice....and she leaves any leftovers for snacking! We would not hesitate to recommend Sandcastle and the Winnings to anybody looking for a gorgeous time-out spot.

Owner response:Thankyou Marsha for confirming how perfect, safe and serene sandcastle is for larger family gatherings

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

Sandcastle stay

Guest: Gus&Aurora (Menifee, California)
Date of Stay: 06/11/09 Review Submitted: 06/18/09

My family and I were very pleased with the sandcastle mini-vacation experience. Mary, the owner was very accommodating and understanding of the reservation/confirmation problem. We will come back to sandcastle again!

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

Great, Pet-Friendly Getaway

Guest: Candan (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/27/09 Review Submitted: 06/02/09

My girlfriend's family and I were looking for a place in Rosarito where we could bring our pets without compromising the other amenities that we wanted (oceanfront location, comfortable house, etc.). We found it and more at the Casa Sandcastle. The setting is perfect for playful dogs vacationers alike. The house is beautiful, comfortable, and most importantly, has a magnificent view of the ocean. We saw dolphins every afternoon while our dogs played blissfully in the yard. The location is great, close enough to Rosarito for day/night trips to town, but far enough away that you feel isolated and at peace. Puerto Nuevo is close by for those that like to dine out, and Ensenada is only 1/2 an hour away, providing lots of options for those that want to explore. The security is excellent and we never felt at all concerned. Mary and Gary are a joy to interact with and made us feel right at home. Finally, for those that want it all, the price cannot be beat. We highly recommend staying at Casa Sandcastle, the adjacent Casa Mary, or renting both and the Casita if you have a large party.

Owner response:Hello My name is Champion, I am a golden retriever and I take my job as Concierge at casa sandcastle very seriously. I am in charge of entertainment and doggie satisfaction. I love my job because I get to meet new and wonderful fur faced friends, plus get time off to play with my guests on our spacious lawn and the beach. If you humans are considering a vacation at Casa Sandcastle, please feel free to bring your pets they deserve a vacation too. I will do my best to show them a good time.

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

Perfect getaway!

Guest: paindoc (Tampa, FL)
Date of Stay: 05/02/09 Review Submitted: 05/26/09

My husband, his sister, her husband and me all wanted to escape to a serene location with the comforts of home, but without the stress and hastle that often accompanies such a place. We were definitely not dissapointed. The privacy and security were top-notch. The price couldn't be beat. We felt as though we were in our own little tropical world. The views were breath-taking: sunset and sunrise are not to be missed! The house had plenty of room for the 2 couples without feeling like we were on top of each other. We cooked in the kitchen for every meal(except one excursion for lobster burritos in Rosarito - a must!). Much time was spent lounging on the breezy front porch overlooking the ocean or in the bubbling private hot tub. I think we woudl all say it was a great vacation and we would do it again in an instant!

Owner response:Thankyou so much for your wonderful observations, I do hope the readers of this review can see sandcastle through your eyes.

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

Best Security in Mexico Along With Non-Stop Views

Guest: Brian & Shannon (Santa Barbara, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/10/09 Review Submitted: 05/19/09

My wife and three children (ages 14, 12 & 11) met up with another couple and their little boy at Mary's Casa Sandcastle about 45 minutes south of the Mexican/US border. We were looking for an affordable luxury vacation with ocean front accommodations. Upon our arrival we were very impressed with the gated and armed security on duty 24 hours a day. I had a visitor that did not have proper ID, and they would not let him through the gate. Once we got to Casa Sandcastle, we found that the entire property was securely enclosed. We parked our car inside the properties gate. The views of the ocean are incredible, and unobstructed. From nearly every vantage point, we saw and heard the beautiful Pacific Ocean. We enjoyed that we had direct beach access from the properties own steps down to the beach. Mary and her husband Gary really thought of everything. They even had wood ready for us to burn in the fireplace! This rental was clean and fully stocked with everything we needed to cook at home when we wanted. It was also close enough to the markets, spas and La Fonda (10 minutes), so that we did not feel isolated. Far enough away from Rosarito (15 minutes) to be quiet and peaceful, but close enough for some bargaining. We had a great and relaxing time at Sandcastle. We enjoyed the accommodations and pricing so much, that we have already booked another vacation at Sandcastle. If you are looking for breathtaking ocean views and also tight security while vacationing in Baja, than you can't miss by staying at Sandcastle. Brian & Shannon Santa Barbara, CA

Owner response:Thankyou Brian and Shannon We will be looking forward to seeing you again, and I am sure any future guests will feel more comfortable and secure hearing your review as you are one of the most recient of our satisfied guests.

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

The best 18 bday party anyone could have

Guest: Betitoe (San Ysidro California)
Date of Stay: 10/03/08 Review Submitted: 10/14/08

It was greatt!!! everyone loved it its like being in paradise! im definitively going back soon!!!! perfect for any occasion and its so cheap for such a wonderful place!

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

Great View and Home

Guest: Steve in Yuma (Yuma, AZ)
Date of Stay: 08/24/08 Review Submitted: 08/04/09

Just spent 8 days at Sand Castle, and what a great place. Very nice home, perfect location and best of all lots of room with great patio over looking ocean. Mary and Gary are great hosts and with Mimi the chef doing the cooking was well worth and 6 people meals was $40 to $45 per meal for 6. security was excellent also Thanks Mary Steve

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