Thursday, May 20, 2010

House Of The Waves

I knew Heather long before I met her. Like many of you feel you know me, although we have never met. She was one of the reasons I decided to organize the first Latin American Bloggers Meeting. I wanted to meet her in person. From the instant we actually laid eyes on each other, we clicked. It was like I found a little sister here in Mexico. We have been great friends ever since.

So, it was with great joy that I received an invitation from her to come visit her at her new job in Tulum. She is caretaker and manager for a beautiful villa type home there. You can read all about the official version of this beautiful rental spot here, but I am going to give you my unofficial impressions.

Like any journey involving your own car here, it has to start with that awful car ferry. It is the only way to get over to the mainland. I timed my arrival in line so that I was not towards the front. I had the Tracker and wanted to leave the top open. Being first in line will put you way up front on the boat and the waves splash over, covering your car and, in my case, the inside with sea water.



As it turns out, I was way back on the boat, which was actually the front. The stupid boat had motor problems and we actually backed our way across the bay to Cancun! Once there we had to pivot around so that the cars would be facing forwards to unload. What should have been a 45 minute crossing took well over 1.5 hours! I was glad to drive off that thing!

Following Heather's directions, I had no problem locating the house. It is actually the last house on the left just before you enter the Sian Kaan Bioreserve. Can't miss it! Well, you can't miss the driveway. The house is not visible from the road. Giving even more of an air of privacy.

Here's a shot of the front of the house, showing the front patio, which was my exclusive domain while I stayed there.





Oh yes. Heather knows how to treat her guests! She is a great hostess and this beautiful house makes it even more wonderful to visit her.

Although there are smaller rooms on the second floor, each with a kitchenette, I was placed downstairs in the Master Suite. And what a suite it was! Take a look at my bed for the weekend.





Being a landlord myself, I really appreciated this lovely touch on the bed. So beautiful, so organic and so original. It is a palm frond with bougainvillea flowers.





To say that the bathroom is expansive is to put it mildly. That room is huge! And fully decked out. What you are looking at here is the sink/shower/bathtub area, complete with rain showerhead. And plenty of room for two, should you have company with you!




I love these free standing marble sinks. So elegant.




Some bath supplies are provided. Even though I travel with my own, I was happy to use these. Mostly because the owners of this place are very forward thinking and environmental conscious. Biodegradable shampoo and soap, both safe for the water system and land.




A closer look at the play area. Or shower, if you prefer.




This is the view I had from my bed. I should mention here that there are two beds in this room. It's that big. A comfortably appointed sitting area and a picnic/family style dining table. We enjoyed a couple of great meals at that table, what with Heather's boyfriend being a chef! I could write a whole post about the beautiful leg of lamb dinner he prepared for us Saturday night!





The kitchen area is full appointed with full size appliances too! Notice that the stove is a six burner which can be converted into a grill. Perfect for pancakes!




I was really happy to see this purified water dispenser sitting on the kitchen counter. I've always wondered how they work, if they are better than just dispensing straight from the water jug itself. I was so pleased with the rush of water that came out of it, I will probably get one myself for my kitchen.



Even though this room is a steal at $400 per night, it doesn't end with just this room and the beautiful full terrace that overlooks the Caribbean. Which is literally just feet away. Oh no. There is a private beach included also. Well, as private as Mexico allows a beach to be. I'll be sharing that piece of heaven with you tomorrow.
In the meantime, if you know of anybody who is looking for a secluded, private, comfortable getaway, steer them towards this place.
They won't be disappointed!

12 comments:

lisa said...

WOW! Now that is some kind of room! I have to agree I love those kind of bathroom sinks, I told the husband I wanted one too, but he doesn't like them, go figure!(but mine wood not be granite of course)

Jane said...

Wow! After that, it must have been difficult to come back to paradise.

MD in Texas said...

Wow! Absolutely beautiful features. Can't wait to see the beach!

jeanie said...

Fantastic post Wayne, thank you! I have been anxiously awaiting news and pix from Heather about her new life. How beautiful !!!!! I can't think of anyone more deserving than Heather. Thank you Wayne....Jeanie XX

Life's a Beach! said...

Amazing! Just beautiful!

Nancy said...

Beautiful!

And I know what you mean about knowing people before you meet them and loving them right away! XO

Calypso said...

You lead a charmed life my friend!

Anonymous said...

For $400 I could spend a week on Isla! Beautiful enuff for me!!

Gloria
Roanoke, VA

KfromMichigan said...

Absolutely beautiful! Can't wait to see more pics tomorrow. Glad Heather is doing good and has a new man in her life.

Anonymous said...

I loved your visit. I wish you could stay forever. xoxo

Heather

P.S. Jeanie, more blogs coming, I swear.

Anonymous said...

absolutely beautiful! perfect for someone who has a lot of money. i agree with gloria. heck, my first winter in chacala i spent $300.00 a month on rent-that was just 3 years ago. if i had the money, i wouldn't mind being spoiled in that place, even if just for 1 night. glad you were able to enjoy it. how is b. doing? haven't heard you mention him in a while.

have a great weekend!

teresa in lake stevens

Anonymous said...

Tulum beach isn't cheap; even rustic cabanas with palapa roofs rent for over 100 and 200 usd per night. We're fortunate to be the very last beachfront house before Sian Ka'an and so enjoy true peace and solitude.

In addition to the Master Suite (where Wayne stayed) we do have suites which range in per night cost from 145-245 usd per night during low season. We're currently offering every 4th night free for stays until Dec. 15.

For more info or a list of amenities, write me at heather@casadelasolas.com

Come see me!

--Heather