My extended family and I stayed at Casa Vela in November 2014, having won a week at the house at a charity auction (already, this says a lot about the owner that he would donate this revenue to charity).
The pictures simply do not do justice to this unusual, breathtaking and amazing home. It has an open air plan, except for the bedrooms, which are closed and have air conditioning (but with screen doors that can open to hear the ocean and feel the breezes). This type of floor plan allows you to have dinner while looking at the ocean, which was a real treat. The living/dining area also has a series of screens which protect you from wind, rain and bugs. There is a small pool which was fun for the kids in our group, and the home has two powder rooms in the front, so even with 12 guests, we had a lot of privacy. Also, the home is constructed of the most luxurious finishes and furnishings, but all under a thatched roof! It's like being in nature, but with all the comforts of a luxury hotel.
Luxury accommodations make this home distinct, but you can find this elsewhere for a similar price. What you can't beat here is the experience, and this is what makes this home the only spot you should consider when visiting Cancun/Playa del Carmen.
Your visit starts with a drive down a dirt road to a palapa (hut) where a golf cart meets you to take you down a wooden deck road to the home. Although a small hotel is next door, you feel as if you are in the middle of nowhere, in a luxury retreat. The location of the home in a nature preserve adds to the ambience. And the area under the home (which is literally feet from the ocean) has all the amenities you will need to have a great beach vacation (surf boards, kayaks, etc.). There are hammocks to lay in and watch the sun rise, and there is even a bar with swings for seats!
The concierge services, from the house manager to the chefs (yes, three very elegant meals were provided per day!), housekeeping and 24 hour security made us feel as if we were in a hotel with just our family. In fact, I haven't received services as good in many five star hotels and NEVER in a private home. When you stay at Casa Vela, they take care of every detail, no matter how small or large, and they made us feel like royalty!
You simply must experience Casa Vela. It reminds me of traveling during a time were luxury and world class service were not optional when traveling. They were an absolute must. And the owner and manager take care of every de