Frequently Asked Questions

How do we get to the Villa from Cancun?
You can rent a car at the airport … Avis, Budget, National, Executive, etc. It is an easy 60 miles drive south on four lane highway 307 to Tankah Bay. See our map. You can also fly into Cozumel and ferry across to Playa Del Carmen and rent a car.

What about groceries?
You can stop in Playa Del Carmen at the "San Francisco" which is a modern grocery and department store. It is only 30 minutes north of the house. It has everything. The village of Tulum also has small grocery stores for wine, juices, eggs, cereal, snacks, fresh tortillas, ice, etc., and an excellent fruit and vegetable market. You can buy fresh fish in Tulum and there is a butcher shop for meat and chicken. If you are squeamish about the meat, you may want to stock up at San Francisco … eating out is very reasonable.

Is there safe drinking water at the Villa?
We provide bottled water at the house and there is drinking water in all the bathrooms. The water for showering is clean and brought in by truck but should not be used for drinking water.

What about security?
You have to be security conscious even though we have an onsite caretaker – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – and their watchdog, Chen. Take your valuables with you to the bedroom at night and lock anything valuable in the trunk of your car as well. There have been occasional reports of theft in the area but not at our house.

Do we need to bring snorkeling equipment?
Please bring your own … in a pinch we would let you use some of ours. There are two sea kayaks for guest use and several life jackets. Use good sense when swimming and snorkeling. Always swim and snorkel in pairs.

Do you have a telephone at the house?
We do not have a telephone … for your benefit. People do make arrangements to use their own cell phones but I'm afraid I don't know much about that. There are phones at the small hotel down the beach and in Tulum. In an emergency there are several neighbors with phones and folks at Casa Cenote are always willing to help. The caretakers, Erasto and Consuelo, have a cell phone and can contact our English-speaking property manager in Akumal.

How many quests (including children) are allowed?
We limit adult guest to six … we are flexible on the number of young children but please discuss it with us in advance.

Are there adequate cooking facilities?
The house has a full kitchen with all the basic kitchen utensils. We have a good-sized refrigerator and there are some coolers for guest use so you can keep plenty of ice. We have a coffee maker and a blender for drinks.

What if I have to cancel?
Please review our cancellation policy … we will do everything to re-rent the house and avoid any loss to you.

What about laundry?
We provide fresh linens. There is a washing machine at the house for guest use.

Is there anyone available to cook?
Our special friends and caretakers, Consuelo and Erasto, may be available to cook a meal or two for a reasonable fee but we leave it to them to decide.

Are there people around who speak English?
Erasto and Consuelo do not speak English but if you know a little Spanish and have a good sense of humor, you can have fun communicating the basics. Bring your Spanish book and practice. There are several year-round English speaking residents and the owners of the dive shop and Casa Cenote are Americans who can help if the need arises.