Notes from the host
Casa de Paloma
Combine the most gracious and spacious beach home in the best location in Xcalak with the gorgeous Caribbean Sea and the second longest Coral Reef in the world in the back yard, and you have the formula for a truly amazing and relaxing get-away vacation. The marine area was recently designated a National Reef Park ensuring future protection.
Casa de Paloma – House of the Dove – was aptly named. Early risers wake every morning to the soft cooing of the birds and a spectacular sunrise that changes every day. A huge clay dove planter is a landmark that nests in our circle drive. What we did not know then, is what a place of peace and calm Xcalak really is. A place to recharge, relax, slow down and smile. We invite you to enjoy Casa de Paloma...in Xcalak...on the Costa Maya...in the state of Quintana Roo...on the Yucatan Peninsula!
Built in 2004, Casa de Paloma was designed for relaxed beach living and to capture every ocean breeze. Every room has a sea view. We enjoy our time there each year with our family and friends and pride ourselves in keeping it attractive, clean and comfortable for ourselves as well as our guests year round.
There are 4 King size bedrooms (2 down, 2 up) each with 2 bedside reading lamps, double closet and their own private bathroom. Both levels have a complete dining, living and full kitchen area. Mexican accents include rugs, blankets, pillows, Talevera sinks, dishes and glasses. Framed maps of the area hang on the walls and are helpful when planning excursions. Our handsome Mexican hardwood furniture is sturdy and comfortable and was built by craftsmen in a local sawmill/carpentry shop.
Rental options include the entire house to sleep 8 or half the house to sleep 4. A single brm or single brm w/kitchen/living/dining are also available. The unique design of the casa makes it a perfect flexible unit to rent as a whole or in parts. Contact us for details on renting just one level of the house. Rentals are available for a three day minimum up to several months.
The house is beautifully landscaped with bougainvillea, frangi pangi, hibiscus, and coconut palms and has large balconies, hammocks and lots of sea breezes and mature palm trees to keep you cool and in the shade.
Our green construction of solid masonry includes solar panels for electricity along with our generator, on-demand water heaters for ready hot water and a rainwater cistern for bathing, laundry and dishwashing.
And, best of all, it all comes with ROSA AND CECILIO, THE MOST WONDERFUL CARETAKERS ON THE YUCATAN PENINSULA! Excellent employees and problem solvers, they are our secret ingredient in guaranteeing a truly relaxing get-away with few concerns. Laundry, house maintenance, all paper products as well as daily beach cleaning are included in your rental.
Our location in Xcalak is the best for several reasons. Just 1.5 miles to town makes it a nice walk or easy flat bike ride for groceries or exercise – or to visit the school or the park office – or to get a pedicure from Candy in her pink and purple “salon” – or to get to a great meal. The dining in Xcalak is one of the biggest surprises of all. As small and remote as we are, the area continues to attract outstanding inventive chefs who are looking to slow down their pace of life and still practice their craft with local ingredients. Casa de Paloma is very close to the three perennial best:
Leaky Palapa - always amazing 5 star gourmet dinner creativity. (1mi.)
Costa de Coco’s - fish tacos, and lobster pizza (1/4 mi.)
Tierra Maya - local tasty dishes from soup to dessert (3 doors away)
Toby’s - in town with excellent fish fingers and conch/ shrimp ceviche and hosts special events like Super Bowl and Chicken Night.
New ventures appear yearly.
FYI for your own cooking, the venderos (small grocery trucks) deliver fresh produce and hot tortillas right to your door several times a week. There are also some small tiendas in town with an amazing amount of staples. Ask our caretakers about the bakery and the local fishing co-op and possible tamale and shrimp deliveries.
Xcalak is heaven for fishermen/women, snorkelers, divers and birdwatchers. Snorkel and fish right off the dock for snapper and bonefish and swim to numerous nearby coral heads to see Angelfish, Clownfish, Puffers Snappers, etc. etc.
Or charter one of our incredibly knowledgeable local fishing captains (Capt. Victor is our favorite…and he has brothers and sons!) for a day in their boat to go a little farther for tarpon, barracuda, permit, snook or bonefish in the flats of Chetumal Bay. Scuba divers will find several dive masters ready to certify or guide to outstanding nearby locations on day trips including Chinchorra Reef, the largest diving atoll in North America, just 30 miles off shore. For birdwatchers, there is Bird Island with the hefty Woodstork, but everyday you can see Frigate Birds, Yucatan Jays, Baltimore Orioles, Goldfinch, Pelicans, Egrets, Ibis, Parrots, Frigate Birds, Doves right around Casa de Paloma.
So – why decide to choose Casa de Paloma?
• Accommodations – comfortable, attractive, spacious, well-designed and maintained.
• Location - close access to town, restaurants - between well known Coco's and Tierra Maya resorts
• Rosa and Cecilio – the best caretakers on the Costa Maya – helpful, considerate, honest, polite
Features & Amenities:
On-Site Caretakers
Daily House and Beach Cleaning
Quality Towels and Sheets
Paper Products
Beach Towels
Upstairs Dining for 8 up + bar for 5
Downstairs Dining for 6
2 Full Kitchens - 1 each level
Picnic Tables on balconies
Wireless available
Book and DVD Selection
Flat Screen DVD Player
CD Player and CD Selection
NO phone, NO TV - available at resorts
Chaise Lounges and Hammocks
Safe in each bedroom
Bikes
On-Site Parking
Cards, Poker, Dominos, Rummikub
Keywords: House