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Reviews of Secluded Casita in Lush Garden, Palapa, Small Pool, Near Beach

Secluded Casita in Lush Garden, Palapa, Small Pool, Near Beach
San Pancho, Nayarit

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 29 out of 33 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 33 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 33 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 33 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 33 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Maarten R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Heavenly seclusion
This is a completely lovely villa. This was our first trip to Mexico, and you might ask how we'd know to compare, but we're avid walkers and went everywhere in town and around the neighborhood, sniffing around and looking at houses, and there's something special about this one. Of the 3 villas in the complex, this one is the smallest, but in our opinion the nicest, and for one reason: it's patio. It is large and shaded. We needed that. Our kids are redheads and got roasted in the sun on the first day. They spent hours on this patio, and exploring the forest around the villa, while the sun was too harsh to go out. The patio is also private and a natural extension of the house. Marie, the concierge, was wonderful, as were the other staff. We'll definitely come again. One thing to note is that there are 93 steps from the house down to the dirt road that leads to the beach. We used this a couple of times a day, but we're the fit types. If you're not, you might struggle. We got a golf cart because the trip tp town is about a mile, and while we walked and jogged it a few times, doing so 3 or 4 times a day for lunch and supper and what not, would be too time consuming. Get a cart!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Jun 2023
We are so happy to know that your entire family enjoyed the extension of the living area of the Casita to the area under the palapa. It is especially nice in the summer when it's hot. It must be close to 10 degrees cooler because of the jungle and palapa. While our main house was being built we stayed in the Casita--and I was always delighted to descend those many stairs! By the way, I have counted 125 steps, but I'm not sure how far up I went...maybe to the pool. We will look forward to a return visit from you. And perhaps we will be on property at that time.

10/10 Excellent

Megan H.

Liked: Cleanliness
It was the perfect spot for us
We loved San Pancho and we absolutely loved staying at this location. I specifically wanted a place that was nice to hang out in because this was our 13 month old son's first beach trip and I had a feeling I'd be hanging out at the Casita more than at the beach. I was right about that and couldn't imagine a better place to be. The setting was absolutely beautiful, the Casita was super comfortable, the pool was wonderful, and we felt very attended to by Marie and Noemy. It truly couldn't have been a better experience. We drove in from Guadalajara so we had a vehicle with us, which I did appreciate. We walked to the beach from the Casita but we drove into town for dinners and to go to the markets for groceries.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Aug 2023
Oh, Megan! We know that you arrived during the tropical storm and that Noemy came to lead you to the Casita. I am so glad you were happy with it and the care you received from our staff. They told me that you and your family were terrific and they are hoping for a return visit! Melissa

10/10 Excellent

Bill R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful house, location & town!
We loved staying at Melissa & Bills lovely casita for 5 nights. The staff that greeted us and solved (the few) questions we had were friendly and helpful. The casita is perched in heathy forest above the end of Playa San Pancho. Bird sound, waves crashing below, and breezes were the only sounds at evening and morning. A fully appointed kitchen made fixing breakfasts and lunches fun & easy. The gardens, full of tropical flowers and mexican art integrate beautifully with the surrounding forest. A lovely pool area gets full sun or shade depending on your tastes and will tempt you to stay at your house. We visited in the dry season of early April and so hanging out in the lovely evening was possible without any biting insects. Lovely. This house is up from the beach quite a few steps, but the path down to the road/beach is a pleasing 2-3 switchbacks down the hill to a locked gate at the road. The beach at the north end is uncrowded even on one of the most busy weeks of the year. We availed ourselves of the Tierra Tropical Beach Club for a day-pass... pricier than town but quite beautiful relaxing and good food. There is a mezcal bar in the north end of the beach where you can learn all about this green agave spirit. Maria, the friendly consierge who helped us with any questions we had arranged a golf cart that we rented for 4 days to get to town. I was glad for it as I currently have a back issue... however, walking to town is quite easy down the beach in 25-30 minutes . San Pancho itself is delightful, friendly, artistic, musical, full of amazing food and dinner options, a Tuesday farmers market, an fantastic and energized community center. We were here for "Santa Semana" which is essentially spring break for the Mexican folks who flock to the beaches with family for spring break and we found the vibe at San Pancho a friendly, safe, family-oriented, fun party that was super fun in the evening but not overly crowded. Loved our stay and loved San Pancho.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Apr 2023
Oh my goodness, Bill. You should be a travel writer! Or maybe you are....At any rate, we are so pleased that you enjoyed our property as well our community of San Pancho. You mentioned the night sounds (waves crashing, etc.). Being out of town has many advantages--but certainly one of the chief ones is not being kept awake at night by overzealous vacationers in the center of town. We do hope to see you again!

10/10 Excellent

William s.

Liked: Cleanliness
Casita Celestial/ A little slice of heaven
Just perfect for me and my sisters. Quiet, peaceful, beautifully decorated and cared for. In a wonderful location. Could not have been nicer!
Stayed 25 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Mar 2023
Loved having you here and knowing we will see you again next February!

10/10 Excellent

Janina S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Happy travelers
The casita is in the jungle off the beaten path. Exactly what we wanted. The property is amazing. Delightfully artistic and peaceful. Felt very honored to be able to spend 4 nights there. Everything provided and staff was so helpful too!!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

6/10 Okay

Lexi M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great for the adventurous person, not really for us
My husband and I went here for our honeymoon, and we were so excited to visit this little town of San Pancho and stay here! The second day we were here, I got sick from some Unknown allergies, so that made our stay kind of difficult. The private beach access listed on the listing is a good 5-10 minute walk from the house, and town is an exhausting 30-minute walk in the dead of summer heat. We didn’t rent a car or golf cart because we thought it was accessible and close, but it’s really not. To stay here, I recommend you be in VERY good shape (to walk up the steps and hills and long walks to town). Town is a little over a mile away, depending on where you go. A car would be nice if you play it safe! So plan to either walk a lot or save for transportation. There are taxis in San Pancho, but we didn’t want to blow all of our money on that for one week. For us, I gave it a three stars simply because it wasn’t what we expected. It had a beautiful view, don’t get me wrong!! The jungle animals are no joke, you don’t really want to sit out on the palapa at night. So our stay had to be spent walking to town or sitting indoors. Also, only the two bedrooms have AC, so the kitchen and living room can get a bit toasty. The appliances and everything worked great, it was a very private place, but just not as idyllic as we dreamed of. The owners and staff were amazing, so that’s another plus. I would say that San Pancho and this house is great if you’re looking for an adventure vacation, not a face-mask-and-relax-all-day vacation.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Jul 2022
Dear Lexi, Bill and I are disappointed and disturbed that your stay in our Casita Celestial was not up to your expectations. And of course we also realize that your illness colored your experience. We have read and re-read your review several times because we appreciate all feedback. Your review is particularly significant since we have never gotten a 3-star rating for any of our three homes on the property since we began renting in 2009. I wonder whether you read the informational document that Bill sent you about the pros and cons of renting a car or golf cart and the the time it takes to walk to town (25 to 30 minutes). Many guests choose to walk. Bill, who is 80 years old, walks to town on the beach most days, including during the recent period when you were staying in the Casita. At the end of his walk he climbs those same stairs. I grant that he huffs and puffs but he chalks it up to good exercise. My big regret is that somehow we didn't help you with your issues more. After all, we were in the Big House during your stay in the Casita.. We believe we could have helped if we only knew how sick you continued to be. And we could have shared our experiences with you. We know that there were no "beasties" in the jungle outside the palapa that could hurt you--and that there was no reason to be fearful at night. And that the fans were there to keep mosquitoes away, should they become a problem. We could have given you suggestions about using the air conditioning, opening the bedroom doors to cool the living area. The air conditioning was always sufficient for us on the hottest of days. I trust you received the $500 refund that we sent you for you early departure. Melissa

10/10 Excellent

Rosalina V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Casita
We had an exceptional week in San Pancho and staying at Casita Celestial made it so special! We had entire property to ourselves so got to enjoy the pool! Daniel was exceptional in helping us with any question or need! Robert and Melissa were great in providing us with detailed info and making it a easy trip to plan. All of there contacts were great! Can’t wait to come back with our family! God willing!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jun 2022
How it warms our hearts to know that your time in our Casita Celestial and San Pancho were so enjoyable! And of course it's also good to know that Daniel was able to be helpful to you. He's a great guy who is like a ray of sunshine when he comes in each day, ready to do anything that needs to be done. We certainly look forward to welcoming you back to our property again at a later time! Melissa (and Bill)

10/10 Excellent

Alissa G., Portland, OR, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing property!!!
We stayed in the Casita which had everything we could possibly have needed but also had the entire property to ourselves! It is a bit out of town and off a dirt road so very thankful to have Otto meet us and guide us in the first time. Pool was fantastic for those lazy afternoons and the views and landscaping are just lovely. Beach is a quick walk down the road (take the stairs) and evenings were spent under the palapa!!! Just make sure to get your groceries on your way in!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kristin M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely Peaceful Property
Loved being immersed in the jungle, but within a 5 minute walk to a secluded beach. Owners were great!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Apr 2021
Enjoyed having your family, Kristen. We hope to be able to welcome you another time in the future. Melissa and Bill

8/10 Good

Jennifer S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful setting
Our hosts were friendly and accommodating. The house was just as described. Make sure to get all necessary keys.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Mar 2020
Thank you so much Jennifer. You were gracious guests and we were happy to have you on property.

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Easy to work with!
The owners were very easy to work with, reservations went smooth!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn K.

A tropical paradise
We adored the lovely Casita Celestial! It was beautifully designed and surrounded by a jungle paradise, with tropical flowers and foliage everywhere we looked. Yes, there are 69 steps from the parking area to the lush paradise retreat, but we considered it good exercise, and there was someone there to carry our luggage when we arrived and when we left. Along each step of the way there are flowers to admire, from bougainvillea to ginger, and others I couldn't identify. Melissa and Bill invited us to join them one evening for wine and a tour of the big house where they stay when they are in town. They are an amazing couple and it's exciting to talk with them about how the property was created. They are happy to share their information of San Pancho and indeed many parts of Mexico. They have a vast amount of travel information gathered in exploring Mexico to find the wonderful artifacts with which the property is adorned. The charming town of San Pancho is about a 12 minute drive from the house, and the beach is perhaps a10 minute walk from the property. San Pancho has a selection of good restaurants, and Sayulita is a 4 km. drive from San Pancho for additional shopping and restaurants. Don't miss the Tuesday market in San Pancho. It's wonderful and even better than the Friday market in Sayulita!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Mar 2020
Carolyn, thank you so much for your very positive review of our Casita Celestial as well as providing other information for prospective guests. We loved having you and your friends on our property and just wish we had even more time to get to know all of you. We very much hope we see you again!

10/10 Excellent

Ed C.

beautiful property & location
We enjoyed the week stay in the Casita (this is a separate house down a series of stairs from the larger house and pool level above). Relaxing and aided by attentive hosts and personnel on property.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Mar 2020
Good to know that you found the relaxation that you were looking for...and that you found us and the rest of the staff helpful. Come again!

10/10 Excellent

Judy R., Pleasant Hill, CA

Fantastic!
First of all, the hosts are just wonderful people! Very welcoming, interesting and helpful. As are their maintenance man and housecleaner... both speak enough English, but are great at speaking Spanish slowly enough that we were able to communicate in Spanish with them (even though our Spanish is limited). The casita and grounds are beautiful and relaxing, well maintained. Exceeded our expectations. There are two bedrooms each with adjoining bathrooms on opposite sides of the kitchen/main room. This would give great privacy for two couples. The road up is rough, but our rented VW Jetta did fine. No need to get a SUV, which would be a harder to park in town. We explored beaches further north and found Los Ayala the best for swimming. Chacala is also great, but a longer drive. San Pancho beach is lovely for watching the sunset and the dramatic huge waves, but this time of year it was way too rough to play in the water. Loved this place, definitely want to return, and highly recommend it!
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Mar 2020
Judy and Gene, I must tell you that when we drove up to the casa from church on Sunday and your car wasn't there, I knew that we had missed saying good by to you. And I felt a sense of loss. We were so happy to have you with us. You were perfect guests and a delight to get to know a little bit. We certainly hope to see you again! Melissa (and Bill)

10/10 Excellent

Leila W.

Relaxing and enjoyable!
Casita Celestial is exactly what you see in the pictures. Large bedrooms with your own bathrooms. Large working kitchen and a secluded palapa to sit and enjoy your morning coffee or night cap with the distant sound of the crashing waves. Short walk down to the beach to relax, take sun, watch the pelicans dive for food or watch the fishermen catch fish off the beach. The waves are good for surfers or boogie boards and to enjoy to cool off. Everyone in San Poncho is friendly and helpful and for the foodies, the restaurants are fabulous!! You can walk into town either by road or beach, approx. 20-25 mins and very safe. Just be prepared for the stairs from the road to the Casita it is a hike up. At the Casita and the property of Villa de Vista the staff of Iris , Rodrigo and Naoymi are wonderful. You ask and they will provide the best they can and ever so helpful. The owners, Bill and Melissa are gracious hosts and you can see the pride in the way they talk and take care of their beautiful home. Muy Beuno!!
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Mar 2020
Leila, we are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay in our Casita Celestial with your husband and friends. Sometimes we are on property--and this was one of those times--so we had a chance to interact with you and see your wonderful zest for life!

8/10 Good

Mark F.

Nice quiet location.
The property is very nice. The unit we stayed in is rather dark. Be sure to agree on price for travel to and from airport or into Sayulita
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Lise M., Brisbane Australia

Being here is like taking a calming breathe of fresh air.
We only had time for 5 days here but even that was enough for us to become refreshed. The information we received pre visit from Bill and Melissa was very complete. I have found it much easier to "do what I have been told" when staying in an area that is not familiar and we took full advantage of their suggestions - airport pick-up, rental cars, massages, restaurants and so on. Their home has been carefully thoughtout and decorated with attention to detail. We leave here today with complete confidence that we shall return. LM
Stayed 4 nights in May 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Mar 2020
We are delighted to know that you found our Casita Celestial to be a place of refreshment and renewal.

10/10 Excellent

Rob D., North Vancouver, BC Canada

Great casita, hidden oasis!
Words can't adequately describe this little oasis! Situated in a perfect setting, well appointed, excellent attention to detail in design and simply a very enjoyable and comfortable place to spend time. We used the casita as a base for our time in San Pancho and it was a perfect setting to start your day, just hang out or return to after a long day of exploring. Minutes from the beach yet tranquil in a quiet jungle setting. The casita is part of a larger complex with a the main house and another two bedroom unit but set off affording privacy. The owners, who were gracious enough to spend some time with us, take pride in their home and provide an excellent place to stay. The staff are very helpful and attentive taking great pride in in maintaining the grounds and the units. We have stayed in San Pancho many times and would rate Casita Celestial as one of the best. We'll definitely look to return our next time in SP.
Stayed 11 nights in Mar 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Mar 2020
It gives us great pleasure when we hear that our guests experience our Casita Celestial as an oasis in the jungle, a comfortable place to relax and renew. Thank you for telling us--and others who read your positive review.

10/10 Excellent

Charles C.

Most relaxing San Pancho vacation of the four we have taken
We came back to the Casita Celestial because of our great experience three years ago. "Casita" may convey the wrong impression - it's not a tiny unit: two full-size bedrooms with comfortable King beds, a full-size kitchen with a huge island for preparing meals, working, laying out your "compras", etc. drinkable water from the tap, lots of hot water feeding two large tiles showers, short 10-minute walk to the North end (least used) of the gorgeous San Pancho beach, lots of room under the large palapa for yoga, reading, etc. This time, the Roberts (owners) were in the "big" house - the Casa que Canta - and could not have been more gracious, reaching out to their two guest couples with local background and information, and to ensure we were comfortable. We always enjoy walking into town and back, sometimes pausing at favorite stops along the way, such as the Café Manana (for Oaxacan coffee roasted onsite, baked goods, and books) or for breakfast at any number of places - large or small, gringo-fied or local - along the Avenida Tercer Mundo.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2017

10/10 Excellent

Diana B., Corvallis, Oregon

Exceeded our expectations!
Staying in a lush garden/jungle setting was relaxing and refreshing. There were multiple areas for the 4 of us to spend our time either alone or enjoying each other's company. The house was nicely situated in a quiet area from which we had a comfortable walk into town each day. We thoroughly enjoyed the yoga center, walking along the roads, surfing, birding, watching the sunsets from the beach, and eating what ever we wanted at as many restaurants as possible (town deep water well provides clean water). We were lucky enough to meet the most gracious owners who could not have been more generous with their time and information. Bob, their property manager, was also very helpful and always responded to our email/text queries almost immediately. On short notice, Bob was able to arrange massages for my daughter and myself on the palapa of the casita. We had very positive experiences with everyone that we interacted with in San Pancho. This was a wonderful easy going trip for my husband and myself and our east coast daughter and her partner.
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2016

10/10 Excellent

Marit L.

Exceeded expectations
We had hoped that our stay at Casita Celestial would be a beautiful getaway from the dreary winter weather further north, but it turned out to be even better than we expected. It started out with a lot of helpful communication from Bill before our arrival, followed by a smooth welcome by Bob, their property manager. The property that Bill and Melissa have built in San Pancho is stunningly beautiful, very private, with every detail just right. We were fortunate that Bill and Melissa were at Villa de Vistas during out stay and they welcomed us into the main house and showed us everything. If you are remotely interested in architecture and design, this property is a true treat. Bill has even created a couple of coffee table books that show the project from start to finish and explain the ideas behind it. The beach and the lovely town of San Pancho are in easy walking distance, and we enjoyed exploring it. It was an all around perfect vacation and we look forward to returning in the future!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2016

10/10 Excellent

Carol S.

Property is as described on line. Exceptionally beautiful.
The facility (casita) was as described. It is we'll maintained and clean. We had excellent service. Would highly recommend to relatives and friends. We are considering going back again. Restaurants were very good,especially Marie's. The ocean was only a few minutes away and the town of San Poncho was within a 20 minute walk. Definitely a 5 star rating.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2016

8/10 Good

Beatriz R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful house close to the beach
This is the second time we stayed in this house and we enjoyed it very much. Just a couple of details, the jacuzzi was not working (no hot water) and was dirty and we could not clean up the sand from the beach before getting into the house because the shower available for that purpose was broken, we let this know to the administrator and the maintenance guy but they said the could get fixed it just after our stay ended. Out of this every thing was ok.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Aug 2021
So sorry Beatriz that the shower along the path was not working--and that the dipping pool did not heat the water and was dirty. We just got a new pump for the dipping pool in the spring, so there should be no problem with it. Thank you for your generous spirit about these issues. Rest assured that they will be taken care of before you come again. And we do hope that you will return, with one night gratis. Despite these issues I am happy to know that you still enjoyed your time on our property and in our Casita Celestial. Melissa (and Bill) Roberts

10/10 Excellent

Beatriz R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful house with amazing views
We enjoyed very much the house which is very well furnished and beautifully decorated and really clean. The internal little pool is great and you can enjoy extraordinary views from there. There is a pool for the three houses located in the property and from there you can enjoy of great views too. If you are a nature person you will love that the only sounds you can hear are the ocean, the birds and the crickets. Melissa and Bill are great hosts, they had a very good communication with us and responded promptly to our inquiries, as well as Iris, the property manager. In general, we received a good service from the staff, specially from Noemi, who cleans the house twice per week. In general, an excellent experience, we are eager to get back in the spring.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jan 2021
We are delighted that you enjoyed the fact that the Casita is nestled in the jungle amidst the sights and sounds of wildlife--and that you enjoyed both pools. We look forward to a possible visit in the spring. And by that time we expect to be there in person to welcome you! Melissa and Bill