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| Details | |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms | 8 |
| Bathrooms | 3 |
| Sleeps | 18 |
| Other | |
| Suitability |
|---|
| Not Suitable for Elderly |
| FlipKey traveler rating |
| 16 reviews |
| Stayed here? Write a review. |
Get the real scoop!
All reviews are written by verified travelers
Details
| Rental type | Other |
| Minimum Stay | 3 nights |
| Bedrooms | 8 Total |
| Bathrooms | 3 Total |
| Sleeps | 18 |
| Suitability |
Pet friendlyAsk Smoking allowedAsk Suitable for childrenAsk Suitable for the elderlyNo Wheelchair accessibleNo |
Description from the owner
Casa Santa Cruz
is an intimate cluster of three rustic, yet comfortable palapa houses which can be rented individually or as a group. All casas are equipped with a full kitchen including four-burner stove, refrigerator, and hot water. Casa Sol has four full-size beds in separate sleeping areas. The bathroom includes a toilet made from river rock and a bathtub/shower. The spacious living area and kitchen downstairs looks over the water in a way that makes you
feel like you are a boat at sea.
Casa Luna, our honeymoon suite, has a hanging bed upstairs with a
spectacular view of the ocean. There is also a sitting area...Read more
Amenities
Location
Casa Santa Cruz- Palapas in Yelapa Mexico
Yelapa, Mexican Riviera-Pacific Coast, Mexico
located in Yelapa, Mexican Riviera-Pacific Coast, Mexico, but cannot be displayed on a map. Contact the owner for more details
Additional Location Information
Casa Santa Cruz is nestled in a small cove on the edge of Banderas Bay, surrounded
by the Sierra Madre mountains. It is a short 10 minute hike to Yelapa pueblo. Although there is a dirt road that goes to Yelapa, there are no cars in the pueblo. Yelapa is a short water taxi ride from Puerto Vallarta. It is the perfect place for a wonderful adventure.
Rates
Rates shown in $ USD (change)
| Date | Weeknight | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly | Minimum Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Summary | $115 - $135 | $115 - $135 | $730 - $875 | $2,660 - $3,160 | 3 nights |
| Nov. 1 2012 - Apr. 30 2013 Casa Estrella |
$115 | $115 | $730 | $2,660 | 3 nights |
| Nov. 1 2012 - Apr. 30 2013 Casa Luna |
$115 | $115 | $730 | $2,660 | 3 nights |
| Nov. 1 2012 - Apr. 30 2013 Casa Sol |
$135 | $135 | $875 | $3,160 | 3 nights |
| All Other Dates | $115 | $115 | - | - | 3 nights |
| Can't find rates for your travel dates? Contact the owner | |||||
Rental fees
- Additional guests - $20 / person - Per-Person Adjustment - Fee applies to parties of more than 6 guest(s)
Additional notes from owner
The additional guest charge is applied for over the advertised accommodations
Availability
AvailableUnavailable Last updated: May 01, 2013 ◀▶
What Past Guests Are Saying
Overall Rating
ExcellentVery Good
Average
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Megan S
Madison, WIWonderful
Left on 03/12/2012 for a stay in January 2012
We really enjoyed our stay at Casa Luna. When we asked for anything, such as extra towels, they showed up right away. Breakfast and happy hour ceviche at El Jardin were delicious and relaxing! The home was great, especially the beautiful patio. It was rustic, but exactly what we were looking for. The kitchen set-up was good. Our only complaints were regarding the bathroom. There seemed to be a leak in the toilet that leaked water all over the floor, which came out into the living room area. Also, the shower was very hard to regulate temperature, so was either freezing cold or scalding hot. Very minor complaints considering all the pluses. We loved the proximity to the water and the little beach, and the walk into town was beautiful and relaxing every time. I would recommend Casa Luna to friends and would love to stay there again!
Response from Chrissi Brewer - 03/31/2012
Owner
Toilet is fixed, thanks for the info.
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adoylble
Colorado, USAThe Best Vacation Ever
Left on 02/29/2012 for a stay in January 2012
This was the best vacation spot we have ever gone too. In saying that, you would need to understand that we do not care for busy Mexico resorts or staying somewhere that is just like home. We want an adventure and with two kids this was an adventure. They love the movie Swiss Family Robinson and that was all they kept saying about the house was that it felt like the house on the movie. Our kids were 9 and 7 when we stayed. Yes you are roughing it in the aspect of animals could come through the house, no doors, very open to the elements. But are you really roughing it when you have an awesome kitchen to cook in, everything you need and hot water for a shower? No TV or phones were the best part. There is a small beach that most of the time just had us on it. The house is in the shade and the small beach most of the time is as well. But the nice thing about that was that it was not too hot. A beach in the sun is not too far of a walk away. The restaurants near by were great. and prices at the markets were very reasonable. Chrissi was very helpful getting us settled and making us feel at home. I knew that if we needed anything she would help us, which is a great feeling when you are traveling in another country with kids. The whale watching from the living room was spectacular! We didn't want to leave and will be going back!
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slogrl
San Luis Obispo, CAYelapa...Wow!
Left on 02/11/2012 for a stay in November 2011
We spent 10 days in Yelapa in early Nov. Casa Sol was our Swiss Family Robinson retreat. Our children (3 and 5) loved exploring the house. We had never been somewhere so exotic and our children acclimated -thrived even- in short order. The jungle in our backyard and the ocean a stones throw from the living room (literally, our 5 year old tested it). Did we have to get accustomed to the wildlife (mostly insects that did not bother us, except by virtue of being)? Yes. Was it closer to camping than resort living? Yes (we had all the amenities we needed, hot water, full kitchen, electricity). Was it the best family vacation we have had? Yes!
The people of Casa Santa Cruz and El Jardin were incredible. We enjoyed happy hour meals at El Jardin several times and met the most wonderful people, both staff and other guests. The town of Yelapa felt authentic, and it took us a few days to get comfortable, but once we did, life was a breeze and the people were very nice (the dogs in town were amazingly well adjusted). The trail into town (10 minutes) was fun with creek crossings, ocean life and fireflies at night. Playa Isabel was just outside our door and was a fine beach for swimming with our young children. When we really wanted to get some serious beach lounging in we went to the main beach, but the sand was course and the surf was a bit harsh, it was also a bit of a walk including a river crossing (though we finally tried a water taxi from Isabel to the main beach and that made us feel like royalty).
We snorkeled right in front of the casa and fished off the rocks (with success nearly every time, which thrilled our 5 year old). Carolyn at El Jardin arranged to have a panga pick us up on Playa Isabel so we could do more fishing. Our goal was to catch fish of any sort. Once on the boat we were told that we were going for Yellowfin Tuna! We each caught one within a short distance from town and within an hour. It was amazing, and if you ever cross paths with our son he will probably let you know about the Yellowfin tuna he caught that was, literally, as big as he was. Wow!
We would love to return. We would only recommend this trip to the adventurous type, but if you fit that description you will enjoy your stay at Casa Sol in Yelapa. -
Tom and Karen
Bend, Oregon and San Pancho, NayaritYelapa Getaway
Left on 02/08/2012 for a stay in January 2012
We stayed in the Eagle's Nest palapa of El Jardin de Yelapa. The views of Yelapa bay were astounding from this aerie above the shoreline. At night the wind and surf rocked us to sleep in the hanging bed. Chrissi, the resident manager, prepared excellent meals and was very generous with her time when we sought advice about the activities and attractions of Yelapa. El Jardin, like many of Yelapa's accommodations, is open and semi-rustic. The paths from the water taxi landing areas to the Inn and up to the rooms are rocky, narrow, and steep in some sections. This adds much to the charm but requires that guests have a certain level physical ability. Leave the roller bags at home.
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Roger H
35394Amazing setting, great people...felt like a part of Yelapa life!
Left on 12/05/2011 for a stay in November 2011
Spent 4 great days in Yelapa with our 8 and 10 year old kids. The concierge service (delivery of food and arranging trips) was a great bonus and really helped make the stay much more enjoyable. You can just hang out with the amazing views and snorkel or swim right off the beach next to your palapa or take advantage of the many excursions...loved the quick trip to the city waterfalls and sea kayaking around the bay. Walk to town is a nice trip and always get to see the local life around you...amazingly welcoming people andno where near the hassle you get in Vallarta with everyone trying to sell you stuff...great places to eat, Los abuelos and El Cerrito. Would certainly travel here again and stay at Casa Sol!
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cheesehead571
Madison, WIWeek in paradise
Left on 11/17/2011 for a stay in November 2011
We stayed in "Casa Luna" the smallest of the 3 palapas in Casa Santa Cruz. This was an amazing beautiful location, the place was better than advertised! Cute, comfortable, efficient, clean! There is a flush toilet, shower, hot water, stove top, fridge. We were on our honeymoon an it was quiet and romantic. This is not a 5 star hotel with daily maid service, a swim up bar, and 10 person jaccuzi tub but rather a quiet and beautiful place to enjoy nature, your family or partner. Next door is the El Jardin retreat managed by the same people so there is someone there if you need something or have a question. We enjoyed the view from our private little patio and spent lot of time reading. There is also an area shared with next palapa that you can have a fire, while overlooking the ocean, very cool! The walk into town is a short 10 minutes, but it is not a sidewalk, the path is good but up and down hill and uneven. This was for us a posative but if you have anyone older or with problems with walking or balance be aware. The people in Yelapa are so friendly it was wonderful. We feel we left having made some true friends that we are already keeping in touch with, and planning a return visit. We ate at Pollo Bollo, Eclipse Cafe, Magnuito's, Angelina's, Yolanda's and all were good. Taco's at Yolanda's if she is open is a must and $1 each is such a deal. Maguito's was our favorite and the service was awesome. We found it affordable and fun.
Also we have never felt any more safe than we did in Yelapa, a 3 hour hike by ourselves up river, boating, walking at night, never felt unsafe.
Overall this was an amazing place and we will be going back! -
Spencer
Bakersfield, CALiving in a Corona commercial!
Left on 11/03/2011 for a stay in April 2007
We stayed in Casa Luna in april of 2007, and it was all we could have hoped for - and more. I had stumbled across a magazine article espousing the simple pleasures of a tiny, landlocked little indian fishing village south of Puerto Vallarta - and the more I read, the more intrigued I became. It sounded rustic but livable, so we decided why not? As we waded through the online guides to places to stay, the write-ups for Casa Luna sounded perfect, so we made our reservations online, and flew to Puerto Vallarta. As we jumped out of the Captain Jack's taxi boat into the surf of Isabell's beach, I couldn't believe it... yep, it looked just like the pictures, except maybe even nicer! David appeared within minutes to make us feel welcome in our new home for the week, and soon we were unpacked and walking the 1/4 mile path into Yelapa proper. The whole next week was one of daily adventure treks into town, where something new always awaited us... either a different restuarant, little store, or more fascinating people from all over the planet to meet and talk to. We had worried about being bored with no TV and questionable electricity, but those worries proved groundless, for every day and night were full of peace and relaxing interludes.. we didn't even get into our "in case we get bored" stash. The most enduring memory I have of our week stay is sleeping in the hanging bed. The gentle swaying of the bed while the waves gently crash into the rocks almost underneath you induced a strangely wonderful sensation.. of floating in a dream-like state. I was literally never quite sure how much time I had spent sleeping or dreaming. And I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much we enjoyed the impromptu company of our little house-kitten, who apparently came with the place. She even defended us from marauding raccoons or coatimundi's one night! All in all, our stay at Casa Luna is probably the best vacation experience I have ever had, and hope to get back there soon.
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J Lewis
Cayucos, CACasa Santa Cruz is like a time machine
Left on 10/30/2011 for a stay in October 2011
Having visited many remote Mexican beach towns in the 70's and 80's, it was such a great pleasure to find Yelapa, a lush, gorgeous and lazy tropical heaven. The folks that operate Casa Santa Cruz are fabulous and they helped make our stay perfecto!!! Anyone with a sense of adventure and looking for real Mexico (with a few enhancements-internet and access to massages) should get in touch with Chrissi right away! You won't regret it!!
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Happy Honeymooners
Fort Collins, CORustic Paradise
Left on 05/12/2011 for a stay in May 2011
My husband and I just returned from Yelapa, where we stayed at Casa Luna. Upon arrival we were greeted by Shelly, who showed us to our Palapa. The place was clean, with fresh flowers in vases, fresh linens and towels. Were were given the run down of the details about this uniquely rustic accommodation. They had specific containers for recycling, compost and trash. We were instructed to keep our food locked away so the animals wouldn't get to it, and to burn our T.P. so as not to ruin the septic system. I was very pleased with the environmental awareness about limiting trash, recycling and composting. We were also provided with plenty of clean filtered water for drinking. And I was pleasantly surprised that they had a tankless water heater for warm showers.
Casa Luna overlooks the ocean, and has no windows or screens. The waves were very loud at night, but we got used to it. The beds had mosquito netting which was a comfort, but there were no mosquitos at the time we were there. We did however see a scorpion in the house our 1st night...just make sure you use a flashlight or turn on the lights when walking around at night, they are more scared of you than you need to be of them.
Though Yelapa is very safe, we were provided with a lock box and locked closet for our valuables.
It was slow season so there weren't a lot of other people around, which was nice. A few times we were looking for a concierge for assistance with some things and they were no where to be found. Ultimately it all worked out though. And they did help us plan a boat trip to Isla de Marrietta.
We couldn't have asked for a better vacation! -
Bri
Los AngelesI still dream of my week at Casa Luna
Left on 05/05/2011 for a stay in October 2010
This place is freaking awesome. I only gave it 4 stars for comfort because there's a slight amount of roughing it (compared to a hotel or something) but the house itself is flawless.
My boyfriend and I stayed at Casa Luna for a week at the very beginning of the high season in October. The weather was perfect and everyone in Yelapa is friendly and helpful.
I highly recommend staying at Casa Luna. It is magical. It's the only place I've ever been where I felt no guilt whatsoever about doing nothing all day long. Margaritas, fresh fish, gorgeous view... you can't help but be in love! With everyone and everything! -
Tiffany
Seattle, WashingtonGorgeous spot on Playa Isabel
Left on 01/31/2011 for a stay in November 2010
We had an amazing time in Yelapa and at Casa Estrella. Gorgeous views, great service and everything we needed for a relaxing getaway.
These casas are all on Playa Isabel--a 10 minute walk into town, 15-20 minutes to the main beach. We went to sleep to the sound of the ocean every night and never heard any other noise. Carolyn, our concierge, was very helpful arranging activities and making sure we had some refreshments waiting for us when we arrived (a service I highly recommend). The house was adorable and comfortable. Our only complaint was that, at least in November, it got very little direct sunlight. But we could always head to the beach for that!
The set-up--Casas Santa Cruz and Yelapa itself--isn't for everyone. As others have noted, it's a bit like upscale camping. There's a kitchen, beds, and bathroom but there's not much in the way of walls (better to enjoy the views!) and you'll need to take precautions to keep critters from getting into your food, garbage or compost.
It's not a hotel so you will be expected to deal with recycling, garbage and compost yourself. ("Bathroom trash" also needs to be burned in the fire pit.) Walking into town at night absolutely requires a flashlight or, better yet, a headlamp. And the fastest way from Playa Isabel to the main beach requires a wade through the mouth of a river. The depth of the water varies but one day it was up to my waist (I'm pretty short though). You can walk across a bridge if you like but it's a longer walk.
Our stay was fantastic and I hope to go back some day. But if you want resort life, this is not it. -
Camelot
anchorage alaskaa simple and unique place for the laid back traveler
Left on 01/05/2011 for a stay in December 2010
This is a great spot for anyone who enjoys getting away from the masses and is comfortable without a lot of frills and hotel type conveniences. For us, it was an upscale camping in a warm, safe, exotic place.
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SusiJ
Running Springs, CAPalapas in Yelapa provide a total kickback stay in Paradise
Left on 05/07/2010 for a stay in March 2009
With kitchen and bathroom accommodations, hanging or mosquito-netted raised beds in the open-air, thatched palapas, I found this little piece of Paradise wanting for nothing.
For those who want a bit more town life, the small town of Yelapa is just a short walk away with restaurant and grocery amenities. Likewise, the beach, with all its many food and drink establishments is just a short stroll.
The palapas themselves sit on a rock formation that juts out into the crystal Pacific Ocean. Nestled as they are in the trees, one feels as though one is in a very well-equipped treehouse right on the edge of the sea.
A beautiful, yet primitive, relaxing experience that I'll remember all my life.
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Susan's 65th
Austin, Texas, USAHow to Describe Paradise?
Left on 05/06/2010 for a stay in January 2010
From the moment the four of us arrived in Yelapa, we were enchanted. The ubiquitous sound of crashing waves, the fresh delicious food, both at home and in the Yelapa restaurants, the sights, smells, and colors we saw. Then, too, the ease of discovery as we walked the trails and beaches, fished the seas and hung out at a nature preserve eating fresh caught cerviche. We were at home in a wonderland none of us had experienced before. This was a user-friendly way to immerse ourselves in a different land and culture. Thanks for showing us the way.
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Patrick
Northern CaliforniaFound myself, on the Lost Coast
Left on 04/14/2010 for a stay in November 2009
I have stayed at Casa Santa Cruz three times now and I will definitely be going back again!
Regarding the service,it could not have been better. The people who own and operate it are such nice people that if it was located in downtown Fresno California I would still go there just to see them. They immediately give you the feeling that you are part of the family and they would do just about anything for you.
The Casas are all so unique, they are all hand crafted from floor to ceiling and have artistic touches everywhere you look. It is right out of pages of Treasure Island, from the stone walk ways to the palm leaf roofs. There is a fellow by the name of David who works with them and he makes all of the wood work and most of the furniture and it is all beautiful.
Each casa doesn't have a beautiful ocean view, each has an absolutely stunning ocean view!I've seen whales migrate and dolphins come into the bay to have their breakfast and sea turtles swim by (I saw a female sea turtle laying eggs on one of the beaches the last time I was there)
The Location? It's a short walk out of village of Yelapa along the ocean path to Casa Santa Cruz ,that's right walk, there are no cars and no roads there .
The casas are set between the ocean on one side and a tropical forest on the other.
Your neighbors are Coconut Palms, Papaya trees and tropical birds.
things to do? there are great restaurants, massages, yoga classes , waterfalls the river, great snorkeling ,swimming and kayaking,trips to the bird sanctuary to see the Blue Footed Boobies (I'm going to see them next time I go) Studying Spanish (I need to do that next time I go) and going into Puerto Vallarta for the night life (I've done that).
Let me tell you,I have been around and I have to say, this is probably my favorite place I've ever been.
What did I like best? The people, who own and run the place, they made me feel so at home that that I felt like I had a new family.
What didn't I like?........ Leaving -
jen
WyomingMexican Fun Adventure
Left on 04/08/2010 for a stay in November 2007
There is nothing like falling to sleep being rocked by the wind with the sound of the ocean crashing below.
Staying at Casa Sol was a mix between a tropical vacation and a camping adventure.
We loved kayaking, walking into town to enjoy the beach and margaritas and taking a boat adventure to a remote island to enjoy swimming, sun bathing and FRESH ceviche!
Nothing like it!
Thanks so much...
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