When you are ready to reserve, simply call us: 507-281-0961 or toll free at 1-866-564-4427 or send us an e-mail. Tell us which property and dates you would like to reserve. You may want to have a second choice in mind in the event your first choice is booked. Here are more specifics:
If paying by e-check (electronic check) or credit card (MasterCard, Visa or Discover), a deposit of of 50% is required. Full payment is then due 45 to 60 days prior to arrival. Holiday reservations require payment in full.
Some properties have a refundable security deposit. Security deposits are refunded within 14 days after departure from the property, barring any damage to the property. Some properties require a non-refundable damage waiver of $40 to $45.
Some properties are rented Saturday to Saturday only
Rates quoted on website are for one week (7 nights). In the off-season there may be more flexibility in dates, but a minimum of 3 nights is usually required; rate will be pro-rated on a nightly basis. For stays of more than 7 days, the rate is also pro-rated.
When paymen has been made in full we will send you a final confirmation with directions to the property and instructions for check in..
Individual properties have different cancelation policies. Some offer a partial refund if canceled at least 30 to 60 days in advance (less a $150 cancellation fee). Some offer the option of rescheduling if you need to cancel (withrescheduling fee of $50 to $100 plus credit card fees if applicable). For those that do not offer either of those options, if you need to cancel your reservation for any reason,we can offer a refund of the amount paid if we can re-book the property for the same travel dates and same rental rate (less cancellation fee of $150 to $250 and credit card fees if applicable.
Please realize that the earlier you cancel, the more likely that the property will be re-booked. If you cancel at the last minute, we will often cut the rental rate to attract a booking. If this happens, your refund will be deducted based on the difference between the full rate and reduced rate. In most cases, last-minute cancellations do not get re-booked in which case refunds will not be issued.
Travel insurance is available from Travel Guard, to learn more CLICK HERE
Or you can call Travel Guard at: 877-249-5376
On a personal note: We have purchased travel insurance ourselves and we have had to use it. We found that AIG was very responsive and we were compensated quickly and without a lot of red tape. We were VERY thankful that we had the foresight to invest in coverage. The investment in travel insurance saved us THOUSANDS of dollars! It was well worth it!
Rental rates are published on our website. Most villas and condos have various rates depending on when you plan to travel. High season rates generally apply to Thanksgiving week and winter months. Lower season rates apply in summer and fall months. Christmas and New Year's rates are higher. Please note that occupying both Christmas and New Year's Day requires payment of a full two weeks (14 nights).
See individual properties for rate schedules.
Though we try to post current rental rates, prices can change at at any time. Once a reservation has been confirmed, rate will be guaranteed.
A 19% tax is collected by the Mexican government on all tourist rental properties, including hotels, villas and condos. In some cases the rates quoted include the 19% tax; others do not (see individual properties for clarification).
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Maid service
Unless otherwise stated, maid service is provided 6 days per week (excluding holidays). Most properties also have a gardener who cares for the grounds and the swimming pool. In some cases, staff lives onsite in separate quarters.
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Meal services
Some properties offer additonal guest services such as meal service. In most cases, the meal service must be reserved in advance. Let us know if you are interested and we will make the arrangements for you.
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Laundry
In most cases, washers and dryers in villas and condos are for use by the maid for laundering the property's linens and towels. Sometimes, the maid may be able to do a load of laundry now and then for guests. However, this is not always possible. There is a same-day laundry in Akumal (Mulgrew's Laundromat, across from Super Chomak); for same-day service, drop your laundry by 9 a.m. There is also a laundromat in Puerto Avenuras and Tulum.
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Tipping
Tipping of the staff is discretionary but a good rule of thumb is 5% of the total paid for the rental of the property. The maid and support staff work very hard to make sure that your stay is pleasant and the property is in tip-top condition. They are most appreciate when you show your appreciation.
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What you can expect when renting a villa or condo:
Your home-away-from-home will be clean and well-kept.
Unless otherwise noted on the property description, maid service will be provided 6 days per week (excluding some Mexican holidays)
All villas and condos are completely furnished, including all linens, towels, cooking utensils, etc.
Purified bottled water is provided in rental villas and condos.
A local caretaker or property manager is onsite or in the area in the event you have any problems or questions.
If would like to have a cook in your villa or condo, we can make arrangements at most properties.
If you have any feedback after your trip, we want to hear about it.
Your vacation home is not owned by a large corporation; it is owned by people just like you. They welcome you to make yourself at home and trust that you will treat their home as if were your own with proper care and respect.
The owners and residents of the Riviera Maya are passionate about preserving the fragile local eco-system and hope you will help. Here are some tips:
Conserve energy and save precious resources by being environmentally conscious. Please turn off all lights and air conditioners before you leave the property.
Water is another precious resource, so in interest of the environment, towels and sheets will not be changed daily. Here's the general rule: if you want towels changed, drop them on the floor. If you plan to reuse them, hang them on the rack. Sheets will be changed upon request.
Recycle whatever and whenever you can. There are designated trash cans in some areas for recycling. You can recycle glass, cans and plastic bottles.
If turtles nest on the beach where you are staying, please limit the number of lights you use at night. Lights can frighten the turtles and they will go back to sea without nesting. If you find a nesting turtle on the beach, please leave her alone. Do not touch her and do not allow anyone to go within 15 feet of her. Stay quiet and move slowly until the turtle has gone back to sea. Also, please refrain from nighttime activities on the beach and respect the marked nests. Do not step on them or disturb signs. Turtle breeding and nesting is from May to November. It is facsinating to watch, but please respect the above guidelines.
The coral reef has been around for a long time but it is a fragile, delicate living organism. Please to not touch, handle it or step on it. Doing so, can kill it. Be careful when snorkeling so you don't kick coral or cause sand to cover the coral. This also can kill the coral. Sunscreen can also damage the coral. Instead wear a t-shirt when snorkeling to protect you from the sun. And, finally, if you find any type of coral washed up on the beach, leave it there. It is still a valuable part of the ecology and it is illegal to take coral into many countries.
Follow all of these tips and our children, grandchild and great-grandchildren will have the chance to enjoy the natural beauty that exists today.
For your safety, comfort and/or convenience:
As you would at home or at a hotel, please remember to close and lock windows and doors before you leave the property. And, lock the doors on your rental car(s).
Use the safe(s) to store valuables; management cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items
Please do not leave items of value outside on the patio or on the beach.
Akumal is a very laid-back, casual area. Don't wear flashy jewelry as it can draw attention to you. Leave your expensive jewelry at home.
Purified bottled water is provided; do not drink the tap water.
For your safety, please DO NOT DIVE into the swimming pool; most pools are not deep enough for diving. And, please, always supervise children when they are in or near the pool or the ocean.
Remember that sunburns can be dangerous and can take the fun out of your vacation. Use suncreen (except when snorkeling or swimming in the ocean). Wear a hat and stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Drink plenty of water and juices to stay hydrated.
The majority of the restaurants are clean and safe, but use your judgment. If the kitchen and dining area look clean, then chances are the food will be okay.
If you happen to get a touch of Montezuma's Revenge, use Imodium or Pepto Bismal to keep it under control. A liter or two of Pedeolyte will help replace lost fluids. And, 400 mg. of Bactrim daily is a good preventative. All pharmacies and grocery stores carry it.
Keep in mind that too much sun, too much tequila and too little water can cause illness.
Other notes:
Please respect the terms and conditions of the rental agreement
If you have a problem, notify the local representative
Out of courtesy to the in-coming guests, please observe the check-out time. The staff needs to prepare the property for in-coming guests.
With so many great choices it can be difficult to decide. We can make it easier for you. We've seen all of the properties that we offer and we can make some suggestions if you give us some information about your group. Here's what we need to know:
• How many people will be traveling in your group (provide number of adults and children).
• Are you looking for casual beach bungalow, luxurious oceanfront villa or comfortable condo. Rates vary depending on size and amenities, from as little as $420 per week for a 1 BR oceanfront condo, to $12,000 per week or more for a luxury villa with all meals and beverages. (Holiday rates are higher)
• Give us an idea of the price range you are seeking.
• Let us know the dates are you interested in traveling and whether you have any flexibility in dates
• Tell us what amenities you require (pool, air conditoning, etc.)
• If you have a particular area you prefer (Akumal, Puerto Aventuras, for example), let us know.
We'll make some recommendations and we can go from there.
At the present time, we do not handle air transportation to Mexico. Many major airlines fly directly to Cancun and some connect via Houston or other major airports in the US
In addition to major airlines, we have found that reasonable fares are available through local charter companies. These charters are often cheaper than the major carriers but have more restrictions and in some cases need to be booked through a travel agent. If you are not aware of any charters flying from your home area, please contact a local travel agent and specifically ask for a charter flight to Cancun or Cozumel.
You might also check special package deals and flights advertised in major newspapers in the Sunday travel section. Some airlines also offer specilas on their websites if you book directly with them online.
Do book your airfare early! You do not want to end up with a reservation for a private villa and no way to get there. Flights fill up, so don't wait too long before securing your airfare.
