How do we book?

Completing the on-line booking form is the most convenient way but you can also email/phone or write if you prefer. Special offers should not be booked on-line since the system may not recognize it.

Still got questions?

Please contact us we will try our best to help you. e-mail us at info@villa-costa-maya.com

How do I get there?

Airlines from U.S fly to Cancun and Merida. Charter flights may also be available. In the future, direct flights to Chetumal may also be available. Passports required for return to U.S. in 2007.

What about car rental?

Book a car before arrival: Expedia, rental agency, you name it. There is a new rental company called Easy Way car rental that is located away from the airport. They do not pay the 10% airport tax the others have to, and their quote includes insurance coverage. Most popular agencies have a booth in the Cancun airport. If you have a reservation, they will whisk you to their rental agency less than 2 minutes from the airport. Typically, your credit card provider will cover your collision coverage for insurance, but check before you go. Most of the rental agencies will swipe your card for a $2000 deposit "just in case" when you opt out of their collision coverage, since reimbursement could take several weeks in the event of an accident.

Where to stay on 1st night?

If you did a red-eye, and arrive in Cancun before 11:00 A.M., you can travel straight through to Villa Costa Maya, and arrive before dark (6:30-7:00). We drive at night on the highways; however, once you arrive in Costa Maya, the house is rather hard to find at night. For later arrivals, plan on an overnight in the town of Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, or Tulum. Check online for available hotels. You can stay at many places in Cancun, but you are back-tracking, making your trip southbound a little bit longer. We can provide some hotel names in the area if you email your request to us.

Where to get groceries?

Mexico has a chain store called Chedraui in most major cities. There is one in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Chetumal. Leaving the Cancun airport, heading south, Playa is your first choice for shopping. Alternatively, for less hassle shopping, stop at San Francisco market in Tulum: right side of hwy 307 at first traffic light. There's a brand new shopping center on the right side going south in Playa, plus a Sam's club in both Playa and Chetumal. Pedro Santos, 5 km south of the Mahahual turn-off along hwy 307, has several roadside stands for fresh fruits, and also hosts a bakery store. If you're staying a week, look for a burlap bag of fresh oranges. They sell for about 50 pesos. Flip a coin in the morning to see who gets to do the squeezing. Currently, two fruit and vegetable trucks come by our house a couple of times a week> pineapple, mango cantaloupe, tamales. It varies by what has been harvested. In Mahahual, you'll find fresh meat, fish and chicken in small mom and pop stores.

What to bring?

Snorkel Equipment: You may want to bring your own. The surf is gentle, but you may want water socks in case of sting rays, jelly fish (no sightings as yet). Walk the surf by dragging your feet in the sand. Sting rays only sting when they are stepped on. Again, no sightings yet. Bug spray for after a rain shower, or when wind isn't blowing. No-see-ums can get you quick. Bring something with deet. This is the time to turn on the fans and close the windows. Sun tan lotion, Hiking shoes for ruins, camera, camcorder, bird book, binoculars, good books to read, DVD's, lap-top that plays DVD's. Spanish English phrase book.

Where to eat?

Twenty minutes north along the primitive road is an intimate restaurant, Travel In, hosted by Justa. The menu is limited, but you won’t be disappointed. Driving an additional 10 minutes north along the beach road puts you in Mahahual. Maya Luna restaurant comes recommended for dinner. Our favorites are: Pez Quadro located at La Posada de los Cuarenta Canones, Le Terrazze on the malecon, Corona House in Casitas, and Quinta Sol (best pizza in the area) near the Tequila Beach Club on the malecon.

Directions from airport?

From the airport, head south on Hwy 307. This 4-lane highway reduces to 2 after Tulum. Most of the road has been newly constructed but there is still some construction underway along the southern most stretch. Your next city is Felipe Carillo Puerto. Continue south through 3 small towns to the Mahahual exit. Turn left, go km 51 to first speed bump into town. Continue straight past two more speedbumps. As you approach the lighthouse, turn right and drive to the end of road where it curves sharply to the left, just past 40 Canones. This takes you through the town and we recommend going that way so you can scope out restaurants and other businesses, stores, etc. Once you make the sharp left, the road continues south along the water. Continue on the road until you hit KM14 and the highway cutoff road. Once passed the cutoff road, the house is on the left. The caretaker cottage is on the right. The caretaker will show you in.

What about security??

Use common sense. Lock your rental car. Lock the house when you leave. There is a deadbolt on the front door. There is a small wall safe in both bedroom closets that will hold keys, wallets, and documents. Please turn off the lights and fans when you leave. If it's threatening to rain, also close the windows. Heavy rain showers can blow rain into the house.

Hows the snorkelling?

Very good. Go early while the water is still calm. Best viewing is at a 45 degree angle from the house in either direction. There are some breaks in the reef in front of us. This can cause larger waves than other parts of the Costa Maya, but it keeps the turtle grass under control, and brings a joyous lullaby of sound throughout the day and night. If it's too rough for snorkel, try a boogie board. It's alway a little calmer in Xcalak, so you can drive there for snorkeling on rough days. If you're interested in scuba, talk to our caretaker. She is a dive instructor.

What is the source of water?

Our cistern is located below the house, and is replenished by rainwater collected on the roof. Periodically, the caretaker activates the pump in the bodega, and sends water to the black containers on the roof. When you turn on the faucet, gravity allows the water to flow to sink, shower, or toilet. The water is safe enough for bathing, brushing, and dish cleaning. Use bottled water provided for cooking and drinking. Please conserve on water usage. When the cistern is empty, there is a fee to bring a truck out with water.

Will I see fauna?

You will see fauna. Sand crabs, iguanas, geckos share the outdoors with us. Leave the doors open, and they'll share the indoors, also. We have a couple of indoor geckos who help with insect control. During rainstorms, outside critters will seek the dry indoors. Shake curtains, shoes, and clothing on a regular basis to check for vermin. Know also that most poisonous snakes loath the salty environment. Watch for sand crabs on the road, as well as tarantulas and buzzards; seagulls, frigate birds, and pelicans do fly by's daily over water.

What is the internet service like??

Satellite internet is faster than dial up, comparable to dsl. If your laptop is wi fi ready you should have no problem with connectivity. Experiment with where you get the best reception in the house. First floor dining room is the best reception. Upstairs dining room is o.k. but jungle side terrace is better since it puts you closer to the modem. Signal does not like to travel long distance through concrete. Limit laptop usage to one at a time. Turn off the laptop when not in use. Our modem slows down rapidly with more than two users.

What is the status of Villa Costa Maya after Hurricane Dean??

Dean passed about 10 miles to the north of our house. It did considerable damage to the town of Mahahual. But outside of broken windows and missing solar panels, our house survived with no major damage and no storm surge. The town of Xcalak to the south was similarly unscathed.

How can I help the people in Mahahual??

The worst of Hurricane Dean aftermath is over. You can help the townfolk by supporting the local businesses. There are also organizations that help the local children. Please email us for more information.

Where do we pick up the key??

Let us know about what time you will arrive, and Selma, our caretaker, will meet you at the house and give you the key.

What's new in the area??

The malecon, a 3 km length walkway, is completed. It starts at the lighthouse and runs close to the new small boat pier. Expect lots of tree plantings, night lighting, bathrooms, and restaurants overlooking the new seawall. There are lots of new restaurants and shops in the area. Local artisans sell their artwork and ware along the malecon.

How's the fishing??

Victor Castro is your local expert on bonefishing and other flyfishing species. Go to resources page for a link to his website

Can I have cleaning done daily and laundry service??

Please speak to our caretaker for special services regarding daily cleaning, grocery shopping, and laundry service.

Is a coffee pot available??

We do not have an automatic coffee maker. It is too hard to use with the solar power electricity. We boil water to make instant coffee. We are adding a french press style coffee maker in July.

Is a safe available??

Small wall safes are available in each of the "master" bedroom closets. If the door is closed and locked, use the safe key attached to the house key to open. Fully open the door and depress the button on the hinge side of the door. When you hear the tone, enter a 4 digit code , then press the # button. This will be your new code for opening. Leave the door in the open position for the next guest when departing.

Is the refrigerator efficient??

The refrigerators are quite efficient. There are two in the kitchen area. However, it's normally unplugged when the house is vacant, and takes awhile to cool down on your arrival. Turning the temperature control will not speed it up, but only cause food in the lower section to start to freeze up. We can have the caretaker turn them on upon your arrival if you let us know your expected arrival time.

What's new in the area??

Several new restaurants have opened since the return of the cruise ships, so there's more to sample from, including a sports bar in the casitas area. An ATM has been installed near the middle of the malecon and a money exchange. Arrive early, since it can run out of money. A guided kayak tour of the lagoon about 18 km south of us is back in operation. Will have more info after we take the tour.

What does "living off the grid" entail??

Living off the grid means you forget about your carbon footprint and concentrate on your water and electron footprint. When you shower, you wet yourself down, turn off the water, lather up, then turn on and rinse off. If you are a true believer, you don't waste water waiting for hot. When you towel off, you hang up the towel and reuse it several more times, because you know how much water the washing machine devours. When you leave a room, you turn off the light. You use cross-ventillation instead of turning on a fan. If you do use a fan, you turn it off when you leave the room or leave the house.

The media is warning about drug problems in Mexico. Should I be concerned?

The bulk of drug problems are at the U.S. Mexico border. If you fly into Cancun, you should expect nothing out of the ordinary. Mexico's military is very proactive in searching for guns and drugs, so it is not unusual to encounter inspection points along the road to Mahahual as you drive south. You may be asked to open the trunk of your car. While you may consider this a hassle, it's also for your protection.