|
|
 |
|
and
|
|
|
Comments from a few of our guests at Tankah Shores
|
|
 |
Casa Soleada
|
First, let me say that Casa Soleada is a BEAUTIFUL home. We have stayed at several homes in Tankah Bay and feel Casa Soleada is the BEST. I appreciated the variety of kitchen amenities, and the margarita maker was an excellent touch! Our group consisted of kids and grandkids, 3 generations all together, and we ALL had a glorious time at Casa Soleada. When Saturday arrived, the grandkids were looking for ways to extend their stay. . . suffice it to say. . . we will definitely return for future visits! Thank you so much for providing such a great home on a fantastic beach!
Karen
|
|
We loved your house in Tulum! We had a blast, and we’re planning to come back. Your caretaker and family were unbelievable, and you are really lucky to have such wonderful help. Our meals were outstanding, and we couldn't have asked for anything more. The house, yard and beach were kept spotless, and what a beautiful beach front. We went to several places during our stay; Chichen-Itza, Xel-Ha, a local beach near Tulum, and just by chance, we saw the Independence Day parade in Tulum while shopping. We had the time of our lives, and thanks for sharing with us a little piece of heaven.
Rob & Joanne and friends
|
We had a wonderful stay. The house is perfect for families, couples, girls or guys get-aways. The bedrooms were spacious and the private bathrooms were great. I made a point of sitting at each of the 4 beautiful dining spaces. Besides the house, verandas and beach, we received wonderful attention from the caretakers. Fresh guacamole and salsa, the breakfasts and the dinners were a treat. The outdoor massages services were great as well. I look forward to a return visit.
Kathleen
|
What a place! We drove up and I thought "we get to stay here ALL week!" It was beautiful. The beach was the best in the area. The house was set up to perfection. Your caretaker couple were very accommodating and made the most amazing Chiles Rellenos!!!! We brought our 2 young kids and they had a BLAST! It's truly perfect for families. We will definitely be back -- hopefully sooner than later! Thanks so much for sharing your home!
Casey
|
We were fortunate enough to be the first guest ever to stay in Casa Soleada! What a pleasant surprise! The house is impeccable and the view out back is simply incredible. We could have easily had a large group and still had plenty of room to relax. The villa is very close to Tulum, which was a nice surprise in itself -- Mayan ruins, spectacular beaches, friendly bars and shops. The security for the beach road made us feel quite safe, and the guards knew us by sight within the first day. Best vacation we have had in a long time!
Jacque
|
Casa Playa Azul
|
I just wanted to say that my husband, my friends, and I had an absolutely wonderful time at Casa Playa Azul. The house is beautiful, the views amazing, and it was stocked with everything we could have needed. We did a lot of cooking and also had the cook create quite a few delicious treats for us (esp the ceviche and key lime pie...yum). We all hope to return someday in the not too distant future (we even found a public tennis court in Tulum:) Thanks for everything.
Jen
PS Everyone wanted me to mention that we went to college at Carleton in Northfield, MN so we took it as a good omen that you were from MN:
|
Just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful stay at your home in Tankah. Your house is beautiful and VERY well taken care off. We had such a great time that we are hoping to go back again next year. The weather was
amazing, your care takers were very kind...even through the language barrier, and your dogs loved tummy rubs and hanging around! What the life!
Thank you again.
Ginny Ruimveld!
|
We absolutely loved your home at Tankah Shores and are already trying to decide when we can return this fall with our children! Everyone was so surprised that we ended up in paradise. We all had such a fabulous time!
We loved both your caretakers--they were terrific! Our meals were delightful and our beach was pristine each day! The new pool is just beautiful! And, we loved the snorkeling--did it for hours as well as the cenotes!! Everything was such an adventure--great fun!! Fell in love with the bakery in Akumal--went there almost daily!!
Thank you again!
Kelly D. and friends
|
I'd like to let you know how much my family and I enjoyed staying in your wonderful beach house in Tankah. This vacation was one of the most pleasurable ones we've ever taken and we definitely would like to visit again.
The view is breathtakingly beautiful and the beach is kept very clean. Having use of the kayaks, life jackets and snorkeling equipment was a very big positive factor - not only did it save us any potential rental fees, but, more importantly, we didn't have to waste precious vacation time hunting for equipment!
We also used the high chair, play pen, and baby bath tub for our 10-month-old and our 4-year-old loved the sand toys, kid's videos and child-sized table and chairs! Oh, we also we made good use of the beach towels! We would have had to lug so much more luggage if this home were not so well-equipped. The house is beautifully decorated and was kept in pristine condition by your caretakers. The beach was likewise.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to enjoy your home. We hope to visit again.
Bonnie B. & family
|
|
I would like to "thank you" for the opportunity to stay in your house in Tankah, Mexico.
My wife, three children and I absolutely loved the house, the surrounding beaches, the beautiful reef and everything this house had to offer! Nothing could have been more perfect for our family vacation. The house is stocked with everything most people would have at home and then some. You have done a great job of anticipating what guests would need and you were correct in telling me "All you need is a toothbrush, a couple of swimming suits and some T-shirts".
The on-site help where very accommodating and made our stay a pleasure. As you promised, Lesley is a wonderful cook and treated us like royalty. She was professional and respected our privacy but at the same time was also warm and friendly. You have a real "find" in her and her lovely family!
The location of this house is perfect for day-trips to all of the surrounding natural wonders of the area; much more so than Cancun. This is one of the rare instances where my expectations of "the perfect vacation" were not only met but exceeded.
So....Thank you for your help, your hospitality and your home!
Mike L. & Family
|
|
Albert and I had a wonderful vacation. Casa Playa Azul was everything we expected and more. You have a beautiful home and we found all we needed there. Your two caretaker staff was excellent and treated us very well. We loved having the cook, we used her for a couple of times and we found her cooking superb.
This was truly the perfect vacation for both Albert and me. We hope to be back at Casa Playa Azul very soon! It was such a relaxing vacation yet we did so many things!
Thank you,
Albert and Penelope.
|
|
First of all, I want to thank you for renting you beautiful house to us this past holiday. I must say the house was everything we had hoped it would be. We loved the place, we adored you kitchen, and the rooms were perfect. Everything was always in perfect condition and Lesly was very helpful at all times.
The Christmas tree was a lovely detail. Especially the kids enjoyed the Christmas atmosphere very much. Definitely, the best part about your house is how well it is kept. Everything is just like new. So white and so full of light. We had a wonderful time and we definitely hope we can come back very soon.
My husband and brother enjoyed jogging in the surroundings. We found everything we needed in Tulum and we just had to make an occasional trip to Playa del Carmen for extra groceries (for our Christmas dinner for example). I am enclosing a few pictures that I scanned. My father loves to do watercolors and he found endless motivation for his work at Casa Playa Azul. Unfortunately, computers do not do justice to such works of art, but I hope you can appreciate your house and the surroundings in these pictures.
Best regards and I hope to be in contact so we can enjoy your house again in the future. Thank you very much.
Mariana D.
|
I just wanted to drop you a short note to let you know that we had a wonderful time staying in your home. Everything was just perfect and we fell in love with the caretaker family. They went above and beyond their job.
The house was beautiful. The rooms were very clean and had a nice, bright decorative feel. Having drinking bottles for brushing teeth was a great touch. We loved sitting in the hammocks, and we used the kayaks everyday many times. The snorkeling equipment was an added bonus. We went snorkeling in the cenote and everyday in the ocean. The house was well stocked with all the cooking supplies, and we also enjoyed that you had a CD player and VCR. We felt that everything we could have needed was there.
Overall I would absolutely recommend your home to anyone. It was beautiful, and we can't wait to go back. We don't have dates yet but we are definitely planning on the same place next year.
Thanks so much for the use of your home.
Kirsten R. -- Minneapolis
|
We had a great time on our too-short vacation. We feel very fortunate to have found your little piece of the Mayan coast. We visited Playa del Carmen and Cancun as well as other places along the way - and none matched our interests as well as Tankah Shores. As far as the house goes, we were very pleased with the accommodations.
We liked the layout with the separate bedrooms and open porch upstairs. We all enjoyed the hammocks - especially the children. We liked the kitchen; everything was within easy reach. We also loved using the kayaks and snorkel gear.
Your home caretaker, was great. She was very nice, and kept the place immaculate. She lit the candles in the evening, and that was very nice - just like home. The creative use of the available fresh flowers was very nice, too.
We crammed a lot of sight-seeing into our 4 days....ruins at Tulum, Chichen-Itza and Coba....we loved them all...got to Chichen-Itza in a little over 2 hours which was a pleasant surprise. We enjoyed the small commercial strip in Tulum....especially the fresh-grilled chicken which we ate for 3 different meals. Tulum has a great fruit and vegetable market and decent grocery stores for basics. We visited Play-del-Carmen and enjoyed the shopping on 5th Avenue.
Again, we loved our trip and loved your house! We're glad we found it and hope to visit again.
Bill M. -- Ohio
|
I can't help but to say that Tankah is paradise! We had such a wonderful time at your home! It is even more lovely than you could have ever explained. The home, the location, the people, the caretaker couple. Just everthing. It was truly fantastic.
Those ocean kayaks are the best! We enjoyed them everyday. The whole experience was positive. I just can't think of more because you have done it all! And so well.
We would like to come back in the Fall; could you tell me when your home is available? We would like our other children to have the Yucatan experience.
Thank you again so much for letting us have the pleasure of enjoying what you have accomplished. You have created a very lovely home.
Elizabeth Z. – San Francisco
|
 |
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions
|
|
| How do I pay - do you take credit cards? |
 We pay via Check to Tankah Shores, Inc. or Credit Cards by Paypal.com. You do NOT need a paypal.com account to make a credit card payment. Learn More
|
| How do we get to the villa from the Cancun Airport? |
For those who choose to relax for the week without a car - Cancun Airport has several shuttle services - view our choices listed on our links page.
If you wish to rent a car - Cancun Airport and other major Mexico Airports have most of the major national car rental companies. Then, it's a quick 65 mile (100km) drive south along the coast on Highway 307, which is a divided 4 lane express highway.
What Exit off Hwy 307 do I take?
Just past mile post 237 from the north, or mile post 238 from the south - exit at "Casa Cenote / Tankah Tres" green highway sign. Turn East - On to a Dirt Road east, towards the ocean.
Double Lane Divided Highway - Approach coming from the North: NOTE - Turning into the Villa. The highway is divided. If you are driving south from the north, you must drive PAST the "Tankah Tres" sign 1/2 mile to the green RETURNO highway sign at "Dreams". At the RETURNO make a "U-Turn" north again for about 1/2 mile. At the sign, turn right - follow the dirt road (there is a red and white radio tower near the exit) at the ocean the road will turn Left at the guard post - introduce yourself to the guard that you'll be here all week. Casa Soleada is "Lot 24", Casa Playa Azul is "Lot 26". Our staff lives in the casita behind Casa Playa Azul.
 Helpful Map Links/Downloads:
- Google Maps Web Page: Tankahshores.com GPS:
- JPG Map: [YUCATAN HIGHWAY MAP] Best For Printing Out - ( www.cancunmap.com)
- Google Earth 'KMZ Thumbnail' Download tankahshores.com.kmz - (requires Google Earth)
- Federal Hwy Maps - By State: http://dgp.sct.gob.mx/index.php?id=440
- National Map-PDF (spanish): (http://dgp.sct.gob.mx/fileadmin/Atlas/turis2008.pdf)
- Quintana Roo State Map-PDF (spanish) [download] or (http://dgp.sct.gob.mx/fileadmin/Atlas/qroo.pdf)
 |
| Is the road on the Villa secure? |
 The road to the villa is a dead-end dirt road. Only people going to a destination on the road travel there. On the road as ou take a left on the beach, there is a guard post - introduce yourself to the guard that you'll be here all week. |
| Where can I get Stamps for Post Cards and Mail Post Cards? |
 Mail in Mexico is notoriously slow. The best place to buy stamps and mail letters is the official Mexican post office M-F. Tulum Post office (google Maps) (very small - but short lines) is two blocks south east off Main Street (307) on Orion Sur at the intersection of Sol Ote - north east corner. Very Small. Playa del Carmen Post Office (busy and longer lines) is located on the main street of Juarez. (Stop Light on 307 - The same street as the pier). Located on the North side of Juarez about 4 blocks in - half way from the Hwy 307 and the beach pier. For the best mail service, we suggest using the official post boxes at one of these two locations or at the airport in Cancus. Other locations, mail can take months.
|
| Free Internet Access, computer and Internet Based phone included in the villa |
 The villas include a personal desktop computer. We also have 802.11b wireless internet access for your personal computer or smart phones. If you need to plug in your laptop, you must bring your own RJ45 eithernet cable to plug into our router. We also have Internet Based phone service at no charge - Call can be made to the USA at no charge.
|
| Can I snorkel near the villa? |
 Yes - right out front is the world's second longest barrier reef, which attracts fish of all types. Or, just steps from the villa is a subterranean river cenote that is popular with snorkeling enthusiasts. There are also many dive shops very close for scuba diving.
We provide masks and snorkels at the villa - we have many sizes to fit all.
Two ideas are, Just to the south is a floating platform the neighbors anchored. Kayak out, tie the kayak off and snorkel there. Another fun place to snorkel is right off the beach of Casa Cenote where the fresh water of the Cenote rushes into the ocean - where they anchor their boat. The fish feed off the nutrients of the fresh water. It can get brackish as the fresh and salt water mix, but 1,000's of fish!!.
Snorkel away from the Villa: Up and down the coast - every little town has good snorkeling. Another favorite place to have lunch and snorkel is Akumal - about 15 minutes north of the Villa. It has a grassy bottom where sea turtles can be spotted.
|
| Where can I take scuba diving lessons? |
 The Akumal Dive Center, Akumal, (www.akumaldivecenter.com) known around the world for its professional staff and ecological projects, is located only 15 minutes north of the villa. Great place to snorkel and see Sea Turtles. Many in the bay out front the dive center.
|
| What if I cancel? |
Please see our Cancellation Policy on our rates page. There are third party "Trip Insurance" companies on many sources. Airlines etc, we have them listed on our links page.
|
| How many Guests do you take? |
Casa Playa Azul - 3 bedroom - 6 adults - the villa sleeps 6 in 3 king beds and 1 bunk bed, but we can take 8 people if the additional two are children.
Casa Soleada - 4 bedroom - 8 adults - the villa sleeps 8 in 4 king beds. 2 of the rooms also include bunk beds for a maximum of 12 people. You can rent both villas and combine these numbers.
You can rent BOTH villas at the same time for groups up to 20.
|
| Are there restaurants nearby? |
 Walking Distance: The Casa Cenote restaurant is located only 1 block away from the villa across from the Cenote, a great spot for a beer and a quick snack.
Next door is Blue Sky Restaurant. They have a fantastic Brick Oven Pizza. Each night they have a unique special. Very, Very good for dinner!
South of Villa:
Tulum & Tulum Beach Hotel Zone: There are several restaurants located in the town of Tulum, 4 miles to the south. Or if you turn west in Tulum to the Tulum Beach Hotel Zone, Many of the Tulum beach hotels have restaurants for both lunch and dinner. These can change from year to year, but walk up and down and check menus.
North of Villa:
Akumal: Akumal, 10 miles to the north has several Resturants for both lunch and dinner intertwined with shops.
Puerto Aventuras: Dubbed the "Little Drinking village with a fishing problem" Puerto Aventuras 15 miles north has several Resturants for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A few of these are next to the "Swim with the dolphins". Its fun to watch as you dine.
Playa del Carmen: Playa del Carmen has many, many restaurants both on and off the beach. To many to list.
Restaurants come and go yearly, grab a guide at the airport to she whats new or trendy.
|
| Is the water at the villa safe for children? |
 Water for bathing and washing water is brought in by truck to our private water system for use in the villa.
Purified bottled water is provided for your drinking needs - 5 gal. dispenser in the kitchen, and individual water bottles are in each bathroom.
|
| Where can I clean laundry? |
 Laundry services are available for a nominal fee in the villa. As the staff in the morning, they can have your items cleaned by the afternoon.
|
| ATM machines - in the town of Tulum |
 ATM machines are popping up everywhere now. They are all over Playa del Carmen. The closest machines to the villa are located in Tulum. Here are a few:
Super San Francisco De Asis or next door at Bancomer. [google map]
HSBC Bank - East side of Avenue Tulum half way through town. [google map]
Scotiabank Bank - East side of Avenue Tulum next to ROCA. [google map]
Tulum Ruins - the machine is made to look like ruins. [google maps]
|
| Where can I buy food, supplies? |
 Playa Del Carmen Stores: (15 miles north of villa)
Landing from the Airport in Cancun - You can stop in Playa Del Carmen on the way down.
Soriana is a great grocery store on the right hand side of the highway heading south - just make sure you are in the far right lanes to turn right into the shopping complex. Open daily 7:00 am to 10:00 pm - Accepts major credit cards. Address: Col Ejidal, Playa del Carmen. Tel: 01984-803-90-57 [google map]
Super Chedraui at the Second Stop Light heading south - South East corner of Juarez and Hwy 307 (Behind the McDonalds). Open daily 7:00 am to 10:00 pm - Accepts major credit cards. [google map]
Walmart is located on 30th Avenue Norte between 8th and 10th Street and is open 7 days a week from 7:00 AM until Midnight. (After much resistence by local Playa residence). Address: 30 Av. Norte LB, Playa del Carmen. If you like Cuban cigars - Walmart is the BEST place to buy Cubans. [google map]. There is also a Sam's Club right on hwy 307 for members only.
Puerto Aventuras Stores: (10 miles north of villa)
Super Chedrauis on the east side of 307 at the Puerto Adventuras Entrance.
Tulum Stores: (5 miles south from villa)
There are several shops of all types in Tulum,
Super San Francisco De Asis store right in Tulum as you enter from the north for complete grocery and supply needs including full wine, liquor and beer. This new grocery store provide brand-name goods of all types as well as prepared take-out foods for quick meals at the villa. NOTE: Open daily 8:00 am to 9:00 pm. Limited Credit Cards - their credit card machine goes down a lot for days on end - there is an ATM in the store. [google map]
and Bodega Aurrera a local store just off the road to Coba. Take a right in tulum at the first light to COBA - the store is 2 blocks up on the left
Tankah Tres: (walking distance from villa):
There is a "Mini" Mini Super Cenote store just 50 meters north of the villas - steps up the beach. They have a very small selection of items, but are very convenient for the few items you need. A little expensive. Right across from the Cenote. [google map]
|
| What if I don't want to cook? |
 Yes - life is too short. Edith will cook from our menu and prepare a full menu of breakfast and dinner selections. This is one of the services INCLUDED in your rental! - everyday except sunday. [learn more]
|
| Meet Our Dogs! |
 Maya: My name is Maya, I have been here since 2001, I am a great watch dog and I am lead dog. Please don’t feed me, The villa staff takes care of that and he bathes me weekly. If you see me scratching and biting, please understand that it is a nervous habit I have and my Frontline is applied regularly. I had a very difficult life previous to my adoption so my hearing isn’t so good and I may bark at things that are not there. I love guests and children, but I will go after anyone that doesn’t belong here so if I am barking, please ask Yobany to investigate if he hasn’t done so already. Please leave me outside.
PeeWee: My name is PeeWee, and I am young and sometimes do foolish things. Please don’t feed me, Yobany takes very good care of me. If you see me sleeping on a lounge chair please shoo me off because I forget my manners sometimes. If I am barking, please alert the caretakers if they haven't already come out. Please leave me outside.
Camilla: My name is Camilla, I live in the casita with the caretakers and keep their girls company. I sometimes hang around the Casa with my friends Maya and PeeWee. Please do not feed me, or let me in the house, I am well cared for. If I sneak in the house, please shoo me out.
|
| Fishing. Any place to go fishing? |
They are many fishing providers. We suggest you grab a guide at the airport. Puerto Adventuras is a deep water port, Many guides run out of there. Ask around near the harbor.
|
|
|
color brochure with rates