After a six hour drive to the beach, we were pleasantly surprised by the delights of Barra de Potosí and especially Casa Paz. Having visited the better known Troncones many times, it was great to discover a viable alternative destination at last. This is a beautifully appointed and spacious home with a very large master bedroom upstairs and two regular rooms on the ground floor, the perfect spot for two families to kick back and enjoy the quaint charms of this unspoiled fishing village. Located in an elevated position overlooking the beach (which curves away 8 kilometers north towards the airport), the compound offers a fabulous ocean view, enhanced by the rhythmic sound of the waves breaking below. The pool is ideal in terms of size and temperature and the gardens are very well kept, with plenty of exuberant palms, plants and bushes to admire throughout the extensive property. The housekeeping duo of Carmen and Tito were the nicest people you could meet and nothing was too much trouble for them. The food she prepared for us was mouth-watering and abundant, while Tito was more than helpful in arranging tours and buying provisions and fresh seafood as and when required.
As for local attractions, the huge lagoon, with its lush mangroves, and the enramadas (rustic but delicious restaurants - try the pescadillas!!), are just five minutes away, and kayaks and pangas are readily available for guided tours and fishing trips. The interplay of opposing waves between the lagoon and the bay is quite hypnotic, and it was amazing to see so many people out fishing with rods, nets or lines. We saw catches of crab, shrimp, jurel and sierra, which reflects a thriving marine ecosystem, as a result of which the local bird population appears very well nourished, particularly the brown pelicans. The only (minor) gripe was that the power went out for several hours on two of the four nights, which left us a little uncomfortable, but that is down to the CFE. All in all we had a fantastic, laid back stay at Casa Paz and would recommend it without hesitation.