Advice from the owners - Casa Rosa, Tankah Bay, Mexico

back   Casa Rosa main page

Casa Rosa Welcome Book (information from the owners)

Casa Rosa
#5 Tankah Tres,
Quintana Roo, Mexico

Summary

  1. Directions to Casa Rosa from the Cancun Airport
  2. Tips for Driving in Mexico
  3. Contact & Emergency Information
  4. Telephone Use
  5. Packing Checklist
  6. About Casa Rosa
    • Bernardino & Maria's hours
    • Latitude & Longitude of Casa Rosa - Google Coordinates
    • Drinking Water and Cooking
    • Air Conditioning
    • Plumbing/Toilets, Sewage Treatment & Wetland
    • Security
    • Power Outages
    • Outside lights and their effect on turtles
    • No Smoking in the House
    • Pool Rules- No Diving!
    • Snorkeling, Swimming and Kayaks
    • Laundry
    • High Chair and Play Pen
    • Tipping Bernardino & Maria
  7. DVDs
  8. Grocery Stores
  9. Restaurants
  10. Bernardino & Maria's Home Cooking
  11. Activities: Mayan Ruins, Snorkeling, Scuba, Cenotes, Fishing and Spas
  1. Driving Directions to Casa Rosa (Tankah Tres) from the Cancun Airport
    • As you head away from the airport on the access road, follow the signs for Tulum and turn right (South) onto Highway 307, which is the main highway of the Mayan Riviera. Do not follow the signs for Cancun, which is to the North. The first town South of the airport is Puerto Morelos. Keep heading South and you will pass Puerto Morales, X'Caret Eco Park, Playa Del Carmen (whose 5th Avenue is a fun place for drinks, meals and shopping), Puerto Aventuras, Akumal (an excellent spot for dinner as well as the Super Chomack grocery store), and Xel-Ha Park. Don't speed! There are radar speed traps all along this road, especially around the exits and entrances for the above-mentioned destinations. When you see the sign for Xel-Ha Eco-Park (pronounced Shell-Ha) you will be exactly 8 km north of Tankah Tres. South of Xel-Ha, watch for a green highway sign that says "TANKAH TRES". You'll go a few hundred more feet and make a left onto a paved road and then travel East through the mangroves. When you come to the end of the road, go left and 300 feet on your right, you will see the pink wall that says CASA ROSA. You will have reached your tropical home away from home!
    • Driving time from the Cancun airport to Casa Rosa is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. However, driving time from Casa Rosa to the Cancun airport can take a little longer since usually it's during the day time and there's more traffic.
    • Gas stations are located at Puerto Morelos, Playa Del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras and Tulum. To fill up, say "lleno con magna", which is the regular unleaded gas. Be cautious about asking the attendants to check the oil or anything else. The one time we had the attendant check the oil, he left the cap off and oil spilled everywhere. Also, on our 6/2006 trip and on 6/25/07, we have reports of very friendly and nice Pemex attendants pretending that they were not paid the right amount of pesos. To avoid this situation COUNT OUT THE PESOS VERY CLEARLY IN ENGLISH OR IN SPANISH!!! DON'T SIMPLY HAND THE MONEY TO THE ATTENDANT.

  2. Tips for Driving in Mexico
    • Mexican driving customs are different from American ones. Hwy 307 from Cancun to Tulum is a great improvement over the old road, but you should drive it with care; many drivers are driving the road at high speed and will quickly pass the slower tourists, "continuas paradas" buses (which stop frequently), tour buses, and 18 wheelers. There is a lot of high speed passing. You will see oncoming vehicles overtaking other drivers by using the "center" lane of the highway. Don't freak out and freeze up when you see their lights headed straight for you!!! Simply give way into your breakdown lane. When the car has passed, you can return to your lane. Similarly, when someone is passing you, pull over to the right and give them more space, and once the car has overtaken you, move back into your lane. The driving is fluid here. It's a little like playing Pac-Man! Stay out of their way and you'll be fine! When in doubt, slow down and pull over! Making a Left Turn: When making a left turn off the Hwy 307 (and other roads as well), keep in mind that, according to the local practice, you don't make a left from the center lane; it's just the opposite. To make a left turn, pull over to the right (into the breakdown lane) as far as you can, slow down, and put your left turn signal on. When the driver(s) behind you have gone by and there is no oncoming traffic, make your left turn. Alternatively, when there's no one around, you may make a left turn in the more familiar style of pulling over as far to the left as possible without crossing the yellow line and putting on your left turn signal. That is one good thing about the new highway - it has a very wide breakdown lane to pull onto. Akumal: To enter Akumal (which is on your left side as you head South on the highway) there is a special "exit" lane. You will actually exit the highway off to your right, curve back around, stop, and then cross the highway into Akumal. Pedestrians: There are many pedestrians walking, sitting, and waiting all along the breakdown lanes of Hwy 307. They are waiting for the mini-taxis, also known as Paradas Continuas. So, when giving way into the breakdown lanes and turning, watch out for pedestrians.

  3. Contact & Emergency Information
    • Property Manager: Gina Austin (and her assistant Julia) is our property manager and will greet you within a day or two of your arrival. To contact Gina from U.S. cell phones, call Gina's cell (984) 116-3602 or business line (984) 875-9018.
    • Fire: There are fire extinguishers located in the kitchen, by the outside BBQ, and in the upstairs palapa.
    • First Aid Kit: There is a first aid kit in the downstairs kid's bathroom.
    • UNVERIFIED USEFUL NUMBERS
      • Emergencies: 066
      • Fire Department: (984) 879-3669, 879- 3670 Cell 116
      • Ambulance: (984) 879-3669, 879-3670 Cell 116
      • Playa Del Carmen Police: (984) 877-3340 Cell 113
      • Tulum Police: (984) 871-2055
      • Foreign Consulates in Mexico: Belgium - (998) 892 2512; Belize - 55 5520 1346; Canada - (998) 883 3360; Cuba - (998) 884 3423; Denmark - (998) 881 0600; France - (998) 267 9722; Germany - (998) 8841 598; Great Britain - (998) 881 0100; Holland - (998) 886 0070; Italy - (998) 884 1461; Norway - (998) 887 4412; Poland - (998) 884 5233; South Africa - (998) 884 1041; Spain - (998) 848 9900; Sweden - (998) 884 9435; Switzerland - (998) 884 8446; USA - (998) 883 0272; Russia - 55 5516 0870
    • Doctors in Playa Del Carmen
      • Dr. Jorge Ivan Alcocer Av. 34 # 3 con Av. 30 y 25 Tohoku, Telefono: 873-15-05
      • Dr. Doris Yadira Arcila Sosa Av. Juarez por 45 Nte. y Carr Federal. Telefono: 873-06-33
      • Dr. Yanes Roberto Bermudes Av. 34 # 2 Tohoku, Telefono: 873-20-54
      • Dr. Jorge A. Polando Benois Av.30 Lt.4 Depto B altos x con 30y32. Tel: (044-984) 8976-23-37.
      • Dr. Cesar Ramirez Av. 15 Lote 16 por 38 y 40 Fracc. Zacil-Ha, Telefono: 876-21-75.
      • Dr. Javier Contreras Av. 35 Priv 2 Norte y calle 2 norte, Telefono: 873-00-87.
      • Dr. Jose Arturo Vasquez Perez Av.25 Nte. # 115 por Av. Juarez y Calle 2 Nte, Tel: 873-26-97.
      • Dr. Jorge Ivan Alcocer Av. 34 # 3 con Av. 30 y 25 Tohoku, Telefono: 873-15-05
      • Dr. Jose Luis Gonzalez Luna 10a. Av. Norte esq. Contituyentes Local 7, Tel: 873-3011 / Cve.1171.
    • International Medical Center: Emergency and Tourist Medicine: Dr. Victor Macías Orosco M.D. Medical Manager, Medical Services: Emergencies 24 Hours: Land and Air Ambulance. X Rays. Laboratory. Hospital. Ultrasound. Childbirths. Surgeries. 35th. Avenue, between 2th & 4th. sts., Playa del Carmen e-mail: icai@chichen.com.mx
    • Dr. Mike McFall at the American Medical Center in the Cancun hotel zone. He is from Indiana, but lives in Cancun. He and the staff know how to deal with American medical insurance companies, have a hospital room in-house, can help with med-evac situations. He is on call for emergencies 24 hours a day at: (998) 887 1455 code 10844 and office number (998) 883-0113, e-mail: mcfallmd@prodigy.net.mx
    • If you have a dental emergency, Dr. Sandra Melendez speaks Spanish and English. Her office is on 30th Avenue in Playa del Carmen, on the South side of Juarez (984) 873 0605.

  4. Telephone Use
    • Your Cell phone: Cell phone coverage keeps improving in the area, so chances are that if you have a recent generation, such as GSM cell phone, it will work at Casa Rosa and in the area. There are also regular land line phones in Akumal and Tulum which accept U.S. phone cards. If you want to make or receive calls, contact your provider before leaving home to add an international calling plan that covers your usage in Mexico (once you are home, you can cancel the Mexico plan).
    • Casa Rosa phone: We have for your use a Mexican TelCel cellular phone. The number is 984-133-7768. You can use this to call Gina or make international calls. We have it loaded with USD $10.00 ($100 pesos). It can make and receive calls, and charges apply to both. We think the charges are as follows, but we are not sure! $10 pesos/min. to the US and $3 pesos/min. for local calls. We don't know if you charged if a call comes in from the States. If you need more money, you can buy a phone card in $100 peso increments at one of many Telcel stores and/or internet cafes.
    • How to Use the Casa Rosa Phone
      1. Punch in *133# then the green talk button to check the minutes.
      2. If more minutes are needed, purchase a phone card at local store.
      3. Open the newly purchased card and SCRATCH the film off the code (like a lotto ticket) USING A COIN. Punch in *0333 and press 2 to add time. Phone will prompt you how to add minutes. When you first call, you hear a bunch of Spanish, then the call is connected.
    • It you get a second burst of Spanish and then the 2 paragraphs repeat, then you are either running low on $, the phone number doesn't work (sometimes they work and sometimes they don't - it's a mystery), the recipient of the call is out of range, or the clouds are in the way. Calls to local numbers sometimes need the 1 - 984 in front and sometimes not (same comment as above!)
    • Please prepare yourself to reimburse us US$80 if you lose or ruin the Casa Rosa phone.
    • Dialing in general: When dialing a local number, just dial the area code and number, no 1's or 0's (that is, dial (984) plus the eight digit number). To dial the U.S., try dialing 0-0-1-(area code)-number - although this does not always work for reasons that remain unclear to us. Our apologies - you'll just have to experiment!

  5. Casa Rosa Packing Checklist
    • Passports: Each person in your group must have a Passport. If you are traveling with a minor whose parents are not traveling with the minor, you must have a notarized letter from both parents giving you permission to do so; check with your carrier for more detail.
    • Medical Insurance cards and non-(800) phone numbers to contact your provider
    • PADI/Scuba Certificates
    • Snorkel gear: While you can rent a mask and fins locally, it is more economical and easier to bring your own mask and fins! We do tend to have a selection of gear here at the house, but we can't vouch for its completeness. Ask Bernardino/Maria to show you what we have if you need something.
    • Prevention for Ear Infection: Some people may be sensitive to the different flora/fauna in the Cenote and ocean water here. As a precautionary measure, it is a good idea to put drops in your ears after swimming of a 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and alcohol (rubbing, not tequila). A couple of drops will clean things out. Our suggestion is to make the 50/50 solution before you come down and put it in a small bottle (you won't need much) and also bring a dropper (or use a bottle that dispenses drops). If you forget, it costs about $5 for the peroxide (call aqua oxiginado) and alcohol and droppers (called popetes) at the farmacia at St. Francisis of Asis grocery store. If someone does get an ear infection, antibiotics are readily available at the Farmacia. Our suggestion is to check with your physician before you come down to make sure what antibiotic they would recommend for you should this happen. Amoxycilin (500mg and 1g) is about $4/20 tab box. Ampicilin is also available.
    • Flashlights and AA Batteries: Bring flashlights and extra AA batteries for the flashlights we have left in the house, as well as 4 each for the old-style arcade games (the batteries are needed for the controllers; games plug directly into the TV), if you are so inclined.
    • Bathing suits, sunglasses, suntan lotion, hats, lightweight windbreaker, sweater or shawl, shorts, lightweight shirts, lightweight long pants, socks, comfortable shoes, camera, film, batteries, and all needed medicines. For the June - October months, bug spray and itch cream. Tiger balm works great as itch relief for mosquito bites.

  6. About Casa Rosa
    • Gardener: Bernardino (Monday - Friday 8 - 4; Saturday 8 - 1:30 pm)
    • House Cleaner: Maria (every day except Sunday)
    • Google Earth Coordinates: 20° 15’ 42.20” - 87° 23’ 41.90”
    • Drinking Water and Cooking: The bottled water located in the kitchen is provided for drinking, brushing your teeth, and cooking. The rest of the water (tap, sinks, showers, and toilets) is trucked in and stored in our underground reservoirs. Since we pay for water we consider it a valuable resource and kindly ask that you not needlessly flush toilets or leave water running! Although the water is sold as "potable", we recommend that it only be used for bathing and washing dishes. We don't drink the water when we are in the shower, and we thoroughly dry all the glasses/dishes before using them.
    • To wash vegetables and fruit, run a sink full of tap water and add 2-3 drops of Microdin, which you will find on the windowsill. Soak vegetables and fruit for 15 minutes; drain dry and refrigerate. You don't need to soak pineapples, mangos, avocados, oranges, limes or other fruits or vegetables that you peel before eating.
    • The kitchen is fully stocked. There is sugar, salt, oil, olive oil, vinagre, and a selection of spices, teas, and coffee. We have the Mr. Coffee drip machines and also a drip system with a thermos, and their respective filters. The stove is fueled with propane and the oven temperature is measured in Celsius. To set the oven at approximately 350 degrees Fahrenheit, set the indicator at 150 degrees and check food frequently. The oven runs hot.
    • To light the oven: Have a butane wand ready. Open the oven door as you turn the HORNO knob on, lift up the piece of metal at the bottom of the stove (really, it's the whole bottom of the stove!), revealing the gas mechanism. Place the lit butane wand on this mechanism and the flame will ignite the gas. You will hear and be able to see the lit gas when the oven has been lit.
    • The BBQ is also fueled with propane, which is wonderful on non-windy nights. Please return the BBQ tools to the kitchen. We also have a regular charcoal BBQ. Ask Bernardino and he will get it out for you.
    • Air Conditioning: The air conditioning units are provided in the bedrooms for your sleeping comfort. You can keep it on "AC" or change the "modo" to de-humidify for a less icy cool. We set the temperatures around "24" and then you don't get goosebumps when you come in from the outside world. The trade winds should provide a cool breeze during the day with the windows and doors open. Please close the doors and windows when the air conditioning units are on and remember to turn off the air conditioner when you leave. They are very quick to re-cool the house so you don't need to leave them on when you go out to dinner.
    • Plumbing/Toilets: We have upgraded the sewage and wastewater at Casa Rosa to an environmentally friendly wetland treatment system. It is located right next to the front wall, in an above ground concrete pad. It is very important that every one in the house realize that our environmentally friendly wetland cannot process anything other than toilet paper. Please put TOILET PAPER ONLY in the toilets or it will block up and be a big mess for everyone. Please discuss this with teenage girls or whomever else might put extraneous materials into the toilets, not realizing the delicate wetland process by which we convert our sewage into "gray" water. We and every other property in this area are careful to prevent leakage into the reef, and we need your help!
    • Security: Although a tranquil and beautiful place, Tankah Tres is not free of petty theft. Unfortunately, there have been some burglaries to homes with opened/unlocked doors/windows. Typically, computers and cameras that were left on kitchen counters, chaise lounges, on the towel down by the beach disappear, never to be seen again. Therefore, when you go out or leave the house empty at any time (even for a swim), lock the doors and windows, especially on the street side!!!. Make sure that the house key is secured in the lock box and the front door is closed/locked when you are at the pool or on the beach. Don't forget to lock up valuables in the safes and always lock doors and windows when leaving or when upstairs. We also highly recommend locking up the front of the house when enjoying the pool or beach. Don't leave your laptop or camera out when you take a swim unless you lock up or unless someone is in the house.
      • To address the security issue, we have three levels of security, as follows:
        1. Safes: Please use them! We are not responsible for loss of valuables, use the safe for all valuables, the combinations to the lock boxes are printed on your Rental Agreement. If you can't find this, call us in Berkeley CA and we will give you the combinations. Bernardino and Maria do not have these combinations to the safes.
        2. Locking Windows and Doors: Each of the windows and sliding doors locks - please lock all windows and doors when you go out even for a short while. Make sure the front door is shut when everyone is out back at the beach. In addition, we have short sticks that can be used when you are in the house but maybe at the beach that allow the windows to be opened a few inches. This helps keep the breeze moving. Be certain to always return the house key to the lock box by the front door once you have opened the door so you do not get locked out - there are no spare keys to the house!
        3. Nighttime Security: We have contracted with a local security service to provide a security service for Casa Rosa from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The guard is there to protect the guests and the property. He can be as "invisible" as you like. Depending on the time and the use of the patio/pool, he will stay on the edges of the property or may sit in a chair near the house. He can also make his patrols so you will not know that he is there. When you first see him in the evening, say hello, exchange names, and offer him a glass of ice water. Beyond that, very minimal interaction is expected or required. Also, keep in mind the guard can help you if an emergency arises. If he is too close to the house for your comfort, call Gina and she will talk to him.
    • Power Outages: There are occasional power outages. Candles and flashlights are located in the kitchen and in the bookcase drawers in the dining room. The fuse box is also located in the kitchen. If power is not resumed within several hours, please contact Gina. Be sure to bring along extra flashlights and batteries, especially, AA batteries, as we have left several flashlights that require AA's in the house but we can't be sure they will still be there when you get there! Lights: Casa Rosa has both inside and outside lighting. Please turn off all lights when you leave the house during the day and before you go to bed at night. Please notice that because of hatching turtles on our beach, all the ocean facing lights are red or yellow.
    • Casa Rosa is a Non Smoking House: Casa Rosa is a non smoking house. If you smoke, please do not smoke in the house. Also, we ask that you be very careful when smoking under the palapa for obvious reasons!
    • Shallow Pool: No Diving and No Glass around the pool. The pool is only 4 feet deep. Please DO NOT DIVE into the pool. Children should not use the pool unless a responsible adult is present. Please use the plastic ware that is provided when around the pool and patio, broken glass in the pool is a big and expensive problem.
    • Snorkeling, Swimming, and Kayaks: The best snorkeling is straight out from the empty lot just North of the three story orange and blue trimmed Casa Caribena, which is the guest house 8 houses to the North of Casa Rosa. We walk on the beach with our gear and enter in front of the empty lot just South of Casa Caribena (there's often a boat tied up right there). The biggest reefs are directly out from this spot. To get to these big reefs, you swim (with flippers on) about 10-12 minutes. You can easily swim this distance with fins on. You'll feel like you are pretty far out there, but you are still 100' West of the reef break! When you look up, you should be more or less perpendicular to Casa Caribena - it's bright orange color and third floor height make it an easy marker to check your location. There is another great spot to the north of Casa Rosa, at Freedom Paradise resort, marked by a floating bottle/buoy. Great snorkeling is 20 yards east of this buoy. You can also kayak out to this spot. It is marked with a red buoy. Make sure you tie the kayak and paddles securely before starting your snorkel. There is a book of how to tie knots in the house for your amusement and this important reason! If you lose a paddle, they are $80 to replace.
      • Do not swim or kayak out past the reef break - you'll end up in Belize! It's dangerous to go past the reef unless you are in a motorized boat. You will know that you have found the big reefs when you encounter Atlas-sized boulders that are all connected and surrounded by 10' sandy expanses. This is where you will see turtles and rays, as well as all the incredible schools of fish. There are also tons of sea urchins and sea slugs. These reefs are all semi-connected and you can snorkel around from one to the other.
      • Before your mind turns to thoughts of sushi, the Tankah Tres bay is a protected marine zone and no fishing is allowed. Talk to Willy at Tankah Inn (just a few houses to the North of Casa Rosa) about sport fishing. His marineros will happily take you out to their favorite snorkel, scuba, and fishing sites.
      • Casa Rosa's Beach: We have a beautiful white sand beach with no rocks. When you enter the water, there is soft sand and rock interspersed with beach grass. Some folks prefer to wear beach shoes when playing in this shallow water. Our young boys play in the water without needing them; but you might want to bring shoes just in case. I wear water shoes because I'm squeamish about seas grass! The water in front of Casa Rosa is super shallow and remains shallow for approximately 100 feet. You can also walk north 2 lots to Freedom Paradise for your entry into the water - this entry has more grass than rocks.
      • For a New Jersey-style, all-sand, no-rocks, no-coral, and no-sea grass-style beach with GORGEOUS turquoise water, drive South toward Tulum. Before arriving at the Tulum Pueblo, turn East (left) at the Punta Allen/Sian Kahn Road and head toward the beach. Go 1-2 miles and at the "T" make a left and drive to Playa Paradiso (it has a big black sign) and use their beach. You can rent umbrellas and chairs by the day or by the hour and be served in fine style! They have a beach side restaurant and bar. Don't miss this beach!
      • Don't Touch or Stand on the Coral: For your sake as well as the coral's, please don't touch or stand on any coral. Even if it looks dead; it's not. Stepping on it kills it! Also, please be aware that there is fire coral out in the reef, you really don't want to touch this. They are bright yellow-green with a brown skeletal covering. Divers mistaking fire coral for seaweed will suffer from any accidental contact. If you do touch it and feel any stinging, rinse with seawater (avoid fresh water because it will increase pain) and apply topical acetic acid (vinegar or urine) or isopropyl alcohol. There is a first aid kit in the shared downstairs bathroom.
    • Laundry: Maria will gladly do your laundry. The cost is 50 pesos per load. This "potable" water is not good for your fine washables! Save your Woolite items for back home.
    • High Chair and Play Pen: We have both a high chair and play pen. Ask Maria or Bernardino and they will assemble it for you. Many families have used the play pen as a crib.
    • Tipping: If you would like to tip Maria, our housekeeper, and/or Bernardino, our gardener, as a show of your appreciation, you may leave them a tip on your last day. Please tip them separately- they are not married. They will be very appreciative. A suggested tip would of $10 - 15 USD each per week per person. If they cook for you, you may want to leave a little more.

  7. Casa Rosa's DVD's Casa Rosa is furnished with a selection of DVD and CD's, for your viewing and listening pleasure. Here is our DVD list as of June 2007:
    • Seabiscuit
    • The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
    • Finding Nemo
    • Pirates of the Caribbean - Curse of the Black Pearl
    • Edward Scissorhands
    • Romeo and Juliet
    • Kill Bill
    • Ice Age
    • Sweet Home Alabama
    • Old School
    • Reign of Fire
    • My Big Fat Greek Wedding
    • Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon
    • Ferris Bueller's Day Off
    • Jerry Maguire
    • Analyze This
    • Ocean's Twelve
    • Catch Me if You Can
    • XXX - Claude Van Damm
    • Clueless
    • Forest Gump
    • Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen

  8. Grocery Stores
    • Akumal (10 Minutes North):
      • Las Palmas Mini Super: Grocery store with mostly national brands, snacks, beverages, liquor, beer, wine, some cooking items and house supplies. Open 7:00 am - 9:00 pm, Closed Sunday. Location: in the village of Akumal, on the left before the arch.
      • Super Chomak: Very well stocked grocery store with plenty of US import items and national brands. General groceries, some veggies, liquor, beer, wine and an ATM machine! On the expensive side, but hey, they do sell Oreo's and Snickers Ice Cream, as well as the New York Times (and that's priceless on a Sunday morning as you head into Turtle Bay Bakery for breakfast) Open 7:00 am - 9:00 pm, daily. Location: in the village of Akumal on the right before the arch.
    • Tulum Pueblo (10 Minutes South):
      • San Francisco de Assisi: The largest supermarket in Tulum Pueblo for general grocery shopping. Open 8 am to 9 pm, Monday-Sunday. Location: South on Highway 307 on the right side @ the traffic light at the intersection of Hwy 307 and the Coba road (super convenient from Casa Rosa, just about 10 minutes further South on the West side of the road). They have a bakery, hot food to eat in or to go, roasted chickens, fresh tortillas, and all the basics. They take Visa.
      • El Atlantico: Grocery Store in Tulum Pueblo that sells fresh fish filets, lobster and shrimp. Location: Calle 4 East between Saturno y Satellite Street. Stop N Go: Grocery Store in Tulum Pueblo that sells groceries, liquor, beer, various sundry items. Lots of import goods. Location: On the Coba road just West of the Hwy 307 and Coba Rd. intersection.
      • Super Mar Caribe: Small grocery market in Tulum Pueblo. Location: next to Don Cafetos' (which is good for breakfast/coffee) restaurant on East side of Hwy 307.

  9. Restaurants
    • Tankah Tres: Blue Sky is located in Tankah (just North of Casa Cenote) and serves excellent, though not inexpensive, Italian cuisine. Every meal here at this little gem has been excellent, seafood, homemade ravioli, salads, and tiramisu. They even serve vegetables! Real Italian chef. Open Breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday - Sunday. Location: See directions below: north past Casa Cenote, and Blue Sky is next on your right. Casa Cenote is located in Tankah, next to the cenote, about a 5 minute walk south from Casa Rosa. We have drinks and guacamole and salsa and chips at this picturesque establishment, but we are currently not eating at the restaurant due to some spotty meals.
    • Soliman Bay (Bay just North of Tankah Tres) Oscar y Lalo's in Soliman Bay offers a variety of delicious seafood and a great selection of white and red wines, beer, and desserts in on the highway at the Soliman bay access road. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Location: travel North on Hwy 307 maybe 3km and make a left into their parking lot.
    • Akumal: Turtle Bay Bakery is everyone's favorite for breakfast and lunch, and with good reason. It is in the heart of Akumal and makes excellent baked goods daily (try stopping in at 7:30 a.m. for fresh muffins, fruit salads, super omelets and rich coffee), and lunches and dinners that boast very fresh ingredients. Location: from Casa Rosa return to 307, travel North about 10-12 minutes until you see a sign for Akumal; turn right and then travel East about 1.5 miles until you find yourself in Akumal, continue past the arch and curve to the left into a parking lot; Turtle Bay is on your left, along with La Cueva Restaurant (another good choice for dinner). See description below. La Cueva Del Pescador is right next door to Turtle Bay and serves freshly caught seafood for lunch and dinner. The food is top rate and reasonably priced. The owner, Carlos, has been fishing the coastline for many years. The restaurant has a sand floor, interior and exterior seating, and a romantic atmosphere under candlelight. Open Lunch and dinner, daily. Location: It's located in central Akumal next to the north Akumal road by close to Turtle Bay Cafe. See above. La Lunita offers indoor or beach seating and is quite romantic under the moonlight and specializes in Mexican cuisine and seafood. Finish your meal with dessert and their special Mayan coffee! During the winter months La Lunita is also open for breakfast. Location: See above; it's in Hacienda de Las Tortugas in north Akumal, pass by downtown Akumal and keep going north, it'll be on your right in a couple miles. Lonchería is called Económica by the locals. Excellent Mexican and American dishes (burgers), breakfast (pancakes), lunch and dinner. This is counter dining at its finest. Can't beat the taste or the prices. Open 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, daily. Location: same directions as above, it's in the center of Akumal before the arch on your right, next to the Super Chomack grocery store. Try to figure out what the hanging plastic bags of water are? Lucy's Kitchen makes hand-made gourmet ice cream and sorbets. You will scream for more ice cream after you get a taste of these! Open 12 - 5:30 pm, Monday - Saturday. Location: same directions as above, go to the center of Akumal, before the arch make a left after the Las Palmas Mini Super grocery store; Lucy's faces the basketball courts. Lol Ha Restaurant is the grand dame of Akumal restaurants. There are three connected restaurants. There is the main dining room, a somewhat upscale breakfast and dinner place, a pizza restaurant that is open for lunch and dinner, and The Palapa Bar, also open for lunch and dinner. The pizza restaurant and Palapa Bar are basic lunch places for people who are hanging out on the beach of Akumal Bay. They serve tasty tacos, hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, guacamole, fries, soft drinks & cold beer. The food is good and you are eating right at the edge of the sand in an open air atmosphere. You can also sit at the bar on round stools. It's very pleasant! They accept credit cards and feature the only big screen satellite TV that we've seen in these parts. Location: Go to Akumal; go thru the gates and park anywhere in the parking lot on your left, then head for the beach - you can't miss it on your right. Half Moon Bay (exit 307 into Akumal, thru the arches, continue North on Akumal Road about 2 miles, it's on the way to Yal Ku Lagoon) La Buena Vida Restaurant: Half Moon Bay's most popular hang out. Offers something for everyone...beef, chicken, fish, pasta, salads & Mayan specialties. The restaurant is a 2 story affair with a bar downstairs (you sit on swings at the bar-fun!) or outside on the beach. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Moderate prices and food is consistently good. Location: exit back to 307, travel North about 10-12 minutes until you see a sign for Akumal; turn right and then travel East about 1.5 miles until you find yourself in Akumal, continue past the giant gates and curve to the left; pass the parking lot for Turtle Bay and continue on this road for 2-3 miles; it's on your right. Look for the skulls! Send you kids (or your husband) up the palm tree pirate hangout. La Lunita: A very popular restaurant on Half Moon Bay located on the 1st floor of La Tortuga Condo building. Offers a variety of food including beef, fish, chicken along with house specialties & daily chef specialties. Seating is either inside or right on the sand under the stars. Prices are moderate. La Lunita also serves breakfast. Location: same directions as above. Que Onda Restaurant: This small restaurant is tucked away near the Yal Ku Lagoon. Breakfast was very good with fresh croissants. If you want a leisurely meal in beautiful surroundings, give this a try. We found the chef is willing to custom prepare pasta dishes to include ingredients of your choice. Prices are moderate. They also occasionally prepare homemade desserts. Que Onda is closed every Tuesday. Location: same directions as above.
    • Tulum Pueblo: Tulum has gorgeous beaches and numerous restaurants. It's not Playa del Carmen and people seem to like it that way. There are two sections to Tulum: Tulum Pueblo and Playa Tulum. Tulum Pueblo (located on Hwy 307): There are sooo many restaurants in the pueblo of Tulum that it's hard to decide where to eat. You can see by the crowds which places are popular. Here are our favorites: La Nave (on East side of 307) is our favorite in all of Tulum Pueblo. Great ambiance and extremely tasty Italian and traditional food. Everything from the world's thinnest and crispiest brick oven pizza to the fresh salads to the grilled fish is delicious. Great lunch and dinner choice. Cash only. Don Cafetos (on East side of 307) is one that stands out. Consistently great for breakfast, lunch, coffees, as well as Mexican food.
    • Playa Tulum: Alternatively, before you hit Tulum Pueblo, you can turn off of 307 at the Punta Allen/Sian Kahn Road and head East (toward the beach). Go 1-2 miles and at the "T" you can go either left or right and discover another 5-7 restaurants on the beach. El Paraiso (North/Left at the T): Wonderful and expansive white sandy beach provides a fine setting for casual but good food and reasonable prices. Fresh juice bar is worth the drive! Bring swimsuits, towels, and a deck of cards and you are good here for the afternoon. This location is our favorite for a day at the beach in Tulum, and the food and fruit drinks makes many hours spent here a joy. Come here for free easy access to fantastic WIDE beach. Don't leave anything in the car and don't leave valuables on the beach!!!! Piedro Escondido (South/Right at the T): Relaxed bar and restaurant that serves exceptional Italian, Mexican, and seafood specialties in sweet beachfront setting. This is a lovely restaurant. Breakfast 7:30 - 11 am, lunch 12:30 - 3 pm, and 6-10 for dinner, 365 days a year!
    • Playa del Carmen: There are sooo many restaurants in Playa del Carmen that it would be impossible to list them all. You can have tons of fun here, it's a scene! One special favorite of ours is Media Luna on the strip on Fifth Street. Its drinks and fruit juices are unparalleled, and complex dishes ranging from yellow curry to paper thin sashimi to a variety of very elegant dishes make this a favorite. We, and the locals, love Babes Noodles and Bar, open from 12pm to 12am and closed on Sundays, located on Calle 10 between Avenida 5 and 10. Locals also recommend La Pummarola as the best pizza/Italian restaurant in town and we agree. Sure, we liked the big screen TV (tuned to soccer at all times) but the star is the excellent, authentic, delicious Italian cuisine. It's a bit north of the strip and hard to fine, its on Flamingo road near the Reef Coco Beach Hotel. Our other favorites also happens to be Jacques Pepin's fav's - La Cueva del Chango, open air café. On 38th Street just off Fifth Avenue. La Bamba Jarocha, for Mexican seafood, on 30th Avenue between 34th and 36th streets. Dr. Taco, for you guessed it, tacos! On 10th Avenue between 8th and 10th streets. Chicago Don Jose, pizza and steaks. On 6th street, between Fifth and 10th avenues.

  10. Bernardino and Maria's Cooking
    1. Please review the menu to get an idea of whether you are interested in having Maria and Bernardino cook for you. Once you arrive at Casa Rosa, you can speak with Maria and Bernardino and agree on the night and your selection. This home cooking is not available on your first night due to several instances of airplane delays.
    2. The cost for each adult is US $9.00 plus the cost of the groceries. You need to pay the cost of the groceries in advance, so Maria and Bernardino will have enough cash to go and buy groceries (they will bring you a receipt and change). The service includes shopping and preparing for the meal, setting the table, serving the meal, cleaning up the dishes.
    3. Please give Maria and Bernadino at least 24 hours advance notice of what you would like to eat for dinner.
      • SOPAS (Soups)
        • Sopa de Lima ( Lime Soup)
        • Sopa Azteca (Tortilla Soup)
        • Sopa de Vegetales (Vegetable Soup)
      • ARROZ (Rice)
        • Arroz Blanco (White Rice)
        • Arroz Rojo (Rice with Tomato Sauce)
        • Arroz c/Vegetales (Rice with Vegetables)
      • FRIJOLES (Beans)
        • Frijoles de Olla (Mexican style)
        • Frijoles Refritos (Refried Beans)
      • CARNES; RES (Beef) & POLLO (Chicken) & PUERCO (Pork)
        • Puntas a la Mexicana (Mexican Style Beef)
        • Fajitas (chicken or Beef fajitas)
        • Brocheta de pollo o res (Shish Kabob, beef or chicken)
        • Pollo Pibil (Yucatecan Barbeque Chicken)
        • Pechuga de Pollo Empanisada c/ensalada (Breaded Chicken breast w/salad)
        • Poc-Chuc (A traditional Mayan dish of grilled pork tenderloin)
        • Pollo en Escabeche (Marinade Chicken, Mayan Style)
        • Filete de Res c/papas (Fillet of Beef w/potatoes)
        • Chiles Rellenos de Queso (Stuffed Peppers with cheese)
        • Filete Tampiqueña c/frijoles, arroz, guacamole & enchiladas (Fillet of beef w/ fried beans, rice, avocado sauce and enchiladas)
        • Pierna de Puerco en salsa de vino tinto c/papa al horno (Pork Roast in Red Wine Sauce served w/ baked potatoes).
      • MARISCOS (Seafood)
        • Camarónes; al mojo de ajo, parrilla, empanizado, (Shrimps; garlic, grilled , breaded)
        • Langosta; al mojo de ajo o parrilla (Lobster; garlic or grilled)
        • Filete de Pescado; mojo de ajo, parrilla, empanizado, Veracruzana (Fish Fillet; garlic, grilled, breaded and Veracruz style)
        • Filete de Pescado Horneado en mantequilla y Vino Blanco c/arroz y verduras (Fish Fillet Baked with butter and white wine w/ rice and vegetables)
      • POSTRES (Dessert)
        • Flan de Caramelo (Caramel flan)

  11. Activities: Mayan Culture, Snorkeling, Scuba, Cenotes, Fishing, Spa Services
    • Mayan Culture: Just five minutes south of Casa Rosa are the ruins at Tulum. This is an exceptionally beautiful site, and the only Mayan city on the coast. Plan on going early, as soon as they open if possible, as the crowds and heat are best avoided. Trips to Coba and Chichen Itza are also highly recommended. If you go to Chichen Itza, it's a solid three hour drive there and back. Consider an overnight trip if time permits and treat yourself to the nightly United Nations sponsored light show 'History of the Mayas' nightly at 8 p.m. and a night at either Hotel Mayaland or Hacienda Chichen (both of which showcase beautiful old style Mexico) - it will be an experience you will always treasure.
    • Snorkeling, Scuba, Cenotes and Fishing: Nearby and only 10 pesos per person, Manatee Cenote is an easy introduction to swimming in cenotes. Unfortunately, there are few fish there! But the water's cool and refreshing. We walk there from the house, have a drink at the Casa Cenote restaurant (we used to recommend eating here-but not lately) and walk home along the beach. We do love Yal-Ku Lagoon Cenote in Akumal. It's a big step up from Manatee Cenote and you'll see tons of fish in a very nice setting. There's a small snack bar that makes decent snacks and yummy smoothies. Put your sun block on before arriving. Hidden Worlds Cenotes (just South on Hwy 307 from Casa Rosa) is great and we applaud the owners' extensive efforts to protect the coastline. It's expensive and worth it for the 2 hour cave-like exploration. Xel-Ha was expensive and not better than either of these! Sian-Kian and Punta Allen also offer great beach and cenote swimming and diving. See the pamphlets that we've left around the house. If you have any suggestions on great snorkeling, scuba, cenote, fishing or other activities, please share them with us so we can pass it along to others.
    • Akumal Spa Services: Buddha Gardens Spa - massage, ear candling, reflexology, chair massage, located in Akumal, across from the Lol-Ha Restaurant. Massage by Salvador - Reiki Master and Massage Therapist - next to Turtle Bay Bakery in Akumal, upstairs from the Peak Gym, appts available Mon - Sat 9 - 3 Yoga with Leticia - above the reception area of Las Casitas Hotel in Akumal
    • Tulum Spa Services: Maya Tulum, Om Spa, Coqui-Coqui Spa

back   Casa Rosa main page