IN ISLA MUJERES DAILY News & Events

Saturday, January 31, 2015

In Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Saturday, January 31

The second issue of The Isla Mujeres Magazine to benefit Isla charities will be published soon, featuring a variety of talented writers and photographers! Thank-you to everyone who has visited & shared it!
Check out the Charity document, patronize the supportive businesses & visit the blogs of the talented contributors! Contact me at westofcuba@gmail.com if you'd like to donate $15 to your fav charity, for an ad. Good causes, good exposure. 100% is contributed. Donations will be totaled, published & turned over to the charities soon...some have already been donated.
Update...The content & layout are finished, and awaiting publication, while I am creating & posting the new ads. It is going slowly because I am busy with other things, your patience is appreciated. Feel free to copy & share the Charity document! Telling your friends about the Magazine & sharing links helps Isla Charities, too. Your support is appreciated & small efforts add up to big differences. Thanks!

Here's a link to the Magazine

This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte

From Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo ....

Has article about an event in mainland Isla Mujeres.

From Tvisla Mujeres

From the Municipal Facebook site.....

Carnaval 2015 Schedule...It's coming soon!

El Carnaval 2015 cada vez esta más cerca.
Conoce el programa general.

Friday, Feb. 13
8pm Town Square: Gala Night
Coronations of the Senior Citizen King & Queen & of the King & Queen with disabilities/special needs & of the 2015 Carnaval King & Queen: Jose Carlos & Yoselin

Saturday, Feb. 14
9pm Town Square: Cuban Night
Presentation of the 2015 Carnaval King & Queen's troupe
Children's Costume Contest
Music & dancing: Ameniza: Huracan del Caribe from Cuba

Sunday, Feb. 15
3p Rueda Medina Avenue Parade: Beach Carnaval
8p Town Square: DIF Carnaval
Children's Costume Contest
Pet Costume Contest

Monday, Feb. 16
3p Rueda Medina Avenue Parade
9p Town Square Regional Night
Presentation of Dance Troupes
Costume Contest: Open Category
Music & Dancing: Orquesta Jaranera

Tuesday, Feb. 17
12p Downtown Streets: Fat Tuesday
Negrada by Dance Troupes & Toro Petate
8p Town Square Night of the Dance Troupes
Presentation of Dance Troupes
Burning of Juan Carnaval & Presentation of his Will
Music & dancing: Ameniza: Huracan del Caribe from Cuba
TRANSLATION FROM ISLA MUJERES DAILY NEWS & EVENTS

From por esto

Privatization of part of the boardwalk

Privatizan parte del malecón[+] Ver mas

The property is located within 100 meters of the Federal Electricity Commission, along the eastern malecon sea walk, which is a popular area for people to walk, especially in the morning hours. Walkers must climb steps if they want to continue to the other side. A resident said "I do not understand why the authorities have allowed this homeowner to steal part of the walkway to make their house larger."

Mystery of the balsero boat continues

Sigue misterio de la embarcación hechiza[+] Ver mas

This has the information translated yesterday, and in addition notes that as of Friday morning, nothing had changed. The remains are in practically the same place, and no reports have been released from officials. There have been no reports of sightings of refugee Cubans who may have arrived on the island. The Harbor Master said they know there was a fire at sea, and that the burnt up remains of a boat washed up, but for now they do not know what happened and they are investigating.

Following the footsteps of Marti

Tras las huellas de Martí[+] Ver mas

The Vice Consul of Cuba, Erich Herrera, along with Julio Acanda García, accredited Cuban journalist, visited Isla Mujeres to gather information on the stay of José Martí on the island, for the 162nd anniversary of Marti's birth, as well as find cultural, gastronomic and other links between both islands. They were accompanied by historian Fidel Villanueva Madrid and toured various parts of the island to document the presence of Marti and investigate other topics such as religion and culture. They were on a tight schedule and had to leave without trying the island culinary delights.
Links between Cuba and Isla Mujeres are strong historically and include fishing, religions, culture, and many other aspects, said the journalist. They are also working with editor Adrian Miguelez to create a television program to be shown in Cuba, documenting the links with Isla Mujeres that go beyond the visit of Jose Marti. It may focus on the establishment of a popular following to the virgin of Caridad de el Cobre which is venerated in Isla Mujeres as the patron saint of fishermen and is the patron saint of Cuba. There are links between the two islands that go back for generations, but many Cubans don't know about this connection. "It is our goal to make it know so they can appreciate and enjoy it," he said.
They have also collected material in Mexico City about the life of Marti, and he noted the links between Marti and Mexico are endearing and deep and he plans to capture them in this series. Gratitude was expressed for all those who have cooperated with these projects.

Destruction continues in Makax
Persiste destrucción en la Makax [+] Ver mas

It is said that docks that are being constructed in Sac Bajo do not have official permits and that they are causing destruction of mangrove plants, which are protected. Authorizations for docks are not given by API, but are the responsibility of ZOFEMAT or SEMARNAT, said representative of the Port Authority (API) Ricardo Ancona Argaez. He said his agency collects the information regarding whether a pier has an Environmental Impact Statement, a property concession document, and payment for the square meters in the water. He said his office has not received any EIS's in 2015, but that some EIS's were submitted and received API approval before 2015.
An anonymous complainant has requested that PROFEPA investigate the docks in Sac Bajo.

This blog is brought to you by....

View from the rooms.

MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach Three rentals with large glass doors overlooking our white sand beach and the beautiful Caribbean sea, with kitchenettes & free WIFI. In the coastal neighborhood of Bachilleres, among upscale villas & boutique hotelitos, convenient to downtown or the colonias, yet separate. Quiet & Private.

Kitchen in a large studio. (Sur & Norte are identical)

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

A large slider opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table & chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole, and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left.

Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen

Free amenities such as hammocks, bikes, outdoor shower, portable beach chairs & beach towels, washer, loungers & BBQ. Breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available. Downtown is ~ a mile away; if you don't feel like walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi or hop on the bus. We also have room for parking,You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then come home our quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts

Large studio (Sur) with Queen & Single bed. Slider door & view are behind me.

Fine dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll five minutes down the coastal sidewalk to Mango Cafe, Bufalo, Bahama Mama, Compadres Barbacoa or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes to shop at Chedraui or to dine at Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, or Seso Loco. Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks away in the village, as well as a variety of other stores and small local restaurants.

Charity Info
See tab at top of page!

Donation Drop offs:
Red Cross: Social Justicia Restaurant (south of ferry terminal, north of car ferry)

Books for Grade School Reading Program, Items for Isla Animals, Diabetes Supplies, Items for Little Yellow School House, Moto Helmets for kids...Barlitos @ Marina Paraiso

For donations to Zapatos Para Los Ninos.. please contact Greg at bullridersnider@yahoo.com, or find them on Facebook at "Shoes For The Children."

Music

Miguel's high season schedule:
Sunday: The Sol Rockers @ El Patio 9p - 11p
Monday: Miguel solo @ El Patio 6:30p - 8:30p
Tuesday: La Banda Sin Nombre @ El Patio 9:15p - 11:15p
Wednesday: The Sol Rockers@ El Patio 7p - 9p, Faynes 10:30p - 12:00a
Thursday: Miguel Solo @ el Patio 6p - 8p, Faynes 10:30p - 12:00a
Friday: Marina Paraiso 7p - 9p, Faynes 10:30p - 12:00a, Adelita's 12a - 2a
Saturday: Marina Paraiso 7p - 9p, Faynes 10:30p - 12:00a, Adelita's 12a - 2a

John Cain's schedule
Wednesday 7pm - 9pm ElPatio Sol Rockers
Thurs 9-11 El Patio
Sats. El Patio 630-830
Sunday at El Patio w Sol Rockers from 7 to 9 pm

El Patio House of Music...(formerly Comono)

Sundays 7-9 - Sol Rockers
Mondays 630 to 830 Miguel / 830 to 1130 Ryan Rickman -
Tuesdays 9-11 Banda Sin Nombre
Wednesdays 7 to 9 Sol Rockers / DJ 9-12
Thursdays 6 to 8 Miguel / John Cain from 8 to 11
Fridays 630 to 815 Fabio & Ryan / band 830 to 1130
Saturdays 630-830 John Cain solo Country music / 830 to 1130 Ryan and Band..

Javier Martinez Cen La Banda Sin Nombre has played for 12 years at Faynes, we needed some days off, so less than a year a go, we let the band Radios play for us (at the same stage same time), they are great! LBSN play Weds/Saturday from 10:30 till 12, Fridays and Saturdays we also play next door, at Adelitas, just salsa music, from 12:39 till 2:00 (I'm not sure if this is still current)

Banda Sin Nombre at Chuuk Kay 3:30p Sat & Sun

Fenix Sun 1p Salsa They are again having music in the afternoons including the Cuban musicians, and Chucho (Jesus Campuzano)

Marina Paraiso has live music Thursday, Friday, & Saturday 7-9

Bahia Tortuga has live music at times...announced on their streetside signboard.

You may find live music after 9 or 10 on Hidalgo at Fayne's, La Terraza, or Comono, and at Poc Na Hostel.

Saturday afternoon ~3-5 Cuban music at Veradara's Cuban restaurant

Here's Music by day of the week...with a thanks to Jean Lemke for rearranging it!

Monday - Miguel solo @ El patio 6:30 - 8:30
Ryan Rickman @ El patio 8:30 - 11:30

Tuesday -
Banda Sin Nombre @ El Patio house of music 9:15-11:15

Wednesday - Sol Rockers @El patio house of music 7-9
La Banda Sin Nombre @ Faynes - 10:30 - 12:00

Thursday -
Miguel @El Patio house of music 6-8/ Faynes 10:30 - 12
John Cain @ el Patio 9-11
La Banda Sin Nombre @ Fayne's 10:30 - 12

Friday - Miguel @ Marina Paraiso solo 7-9
Miguel @ Fayne's 10:30 - 12
La Banda Sin Nombre @ Adelitas for Salsa 12:30 - 2
Fabio @ El Patio house of music 6:30 - 8:15
Ryan and Band @ El Patio house of music 8:30 - 11:30

Saturday - Cuban Music at El Veradaro's 3-5
Banda Sin Nombre - Chuuk Kay 3:30
Miguel @ Marina Paraiso solo 7-9
La Banda Sin Nombre - Faynes 10:30 - 12:00
Banda Sin Nombre - Adelitas for Salsa 12:30 - 2
John Cain 6:30-8:30 @ El Patio house of music Ryan and Band 8:30 - 11:30

Sunday - Fenix for Salsa 1-3
Banda Sin Nombre @Chuuk kay 3:30
Sol Rockers El Patio 7-9

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EVENTS

Artist Fairs on the Town Square, usually first Thursday, 4p-9p Dec~April.

FEBRUARY>>>>

Sunset ~6:30p
Moon rise...
Feb. 4 5:45 (FULL)
Feb. 5 6:32
Feb. 6 7:17
Feb. 7 7:59
Feb. 8 8:38
Feb. 9 9:21
Feb. 10 10:10
Feb. 11 10:58

SUNDAY, FEB. 1

TONIGHT>>>>>If you live in Isla Mujeres, on Saturday, Jan. 31, before you go to bed, change your clock ahead on hour.

The time change (an hour ahead) is scheduled to take place at 2am on Feb 1st. This is a 'permanent' change voted in by the Legislature last year, that has been discussed, and promoted by the tourism industry, for years. It will sync us up with a coupla dozen airports in the US & Canada, "add an hour of daylight" & supposedly save money on energy.
The internet indicates we will no longer participate in the changing back & forth with Daylight Savings Time. Currently we are in sync with Central time, and will continue to be when that zone is on DST, but the rest of the year, we will be in sync with Eastern Standard Time.
DST is March 8-Nov. 1 in the US, and April 5-Oct 25 in Mexico, when Isla will be in sync with CT. During the fall/winter Isla will be in sync with EST.

Monday, February 2 no school/day off for February 5th Constitution Day. (And if you got the baby in your rosca on Kings Day, you're hosting a tamale party on 2/2.Candlemas)

Thursday, Feb 5 Artist Fair on Town Square 4-9p with Taste of Isla 5-7p

February 2-8 Island Time Fishing Tournament -- a week of music and fishing to benefit the Little Yellow School House. Here's the schedule as it stands now. Wednesday's Margarita Madness at Fenix and Friday's Fiesta at El Patio have no cover. If you want to purchase tickets to the Monday, Tuesday, or Saturday events, please send an email to: hasc0729@aol.com

Island Time Fishing Tournament

Sail fishing Tournament February 3-7 2015 register online @ islandtimefishingtournament.com info@islandtimefishingtournament.com
To benefit the The Little Yellow School house Isla Mujeres

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We're celebrating Carnaval Feb 13-17

Saturday, Feb 14 at 9pm: Children's Costume Contest on the Town Square for those under 13

Sunday, Feb 15 at 8pm: Pet Costume Contest on the Town Square. (Foreign residents are encouraged to participate. Register now during office hours (9a-3p) at the Dept. of Culture next to the library in the park "Las Gaviotas" in colonia Salinas, or in the offices of the Dept. of Ecology at Hacienda Mundaca.)

Monday, Feb. 16 at 10pm: Open Category Costume Contest on the Town Square for residents of Isla Mujeres over 13
The prizes and location to register are given on the posters.

Upcoming holidays

Monday, March 16th is day off for March 21, (birth of Benito Juarez).

Fri March 27 - Sun April 12=Easter Break w lotsa daytrippers/busy ferries.
April 2 & 3 are Bank holidays.

Friday, May 1=National holiday (Labor day).

The kids summer vaca starts July 14th.

Texas Hold 'Em Poker Mon & Thurs at El Patio 6p on Hidalgo..more info HERE.

Friday, January 30, 2015

In Isla Mujeres Daily News & Events Friday, January 30

Here's a link to the Magazine

This is the live webcam at North Beach / Playa Norte

From Noticias de Diario de Quintana Roo ....

Reaching out to those who are vulnerable

City is providing prescription glasses for children, teens, and adults

El Ayuntamiento entregará lentes graduados a niños, jóvenes y adultos

Lanrry PARRA

ISLA MUJERES, 29 de enero.-

See translation in the City section

From Tvisla Mujeres

From the Municipal Facebook site.....

Saturday morning the Social Development Agency, in coordination with the Municipal DIF and the State Ministry of Education and Culture of the State, will deliver prescription glasses to children, youth and seniors who participated in one of the campaigns conducted periodically.
PRESCRIPTION LENSES DELIVERY BY THE CITY TO CHILDREN, YOUTHS AND ADULTS
The glasses will be delivered to those who participated in the campaign of eye exams conducted during October and November. The prescription glasses cost 200 pesos, of which the City covered half and the recipient paid the rest in two installments. In the case of senior citizens, the cost is 800 pesos of which the City paid 90%, making the final cost to the beneficiary of 100 pesos. On Saturday, 240 pairs of glasses will be delivered to recipients as follows: 70 to senior citizens, and 170 to children and youths of the island, of all educational levels. The City's investment in this campaign is 66,000 pesos. The event will take place at the Las Hormiguitas Obreras park and the Mayor, Agapito Magana Sanchez will participate, as well as his wife the president of the municipal DIF, Marthy Vargas Leon de Magana.

EL AYUNTAMIENTO ENTREGARÁ LENTES GRADUADOS A NIÑOS, JÓVENES Y ADULTOS

Yield to pets
The law protects our animal friends
Law for the protection and welfare of animals
Cede el paso a las mascotas.
La ley protege a nuestros amigos animales.
Ley de Protección y Bienestar Animal.

On Thursday an organizational meeting was held with the Ministry of Education and Culture, which was chaired by Lilian Chan Villanueva; the important meeting was attended by officials of the 10 municipalities and the State Government. Issues were addressed for 2015 relating to infrastructure, entertainment, and patrimonio. The Isla Mujeres director of Culture attended, Ruben Perez Martin.

Don't forget...today, Friday, the Korean folk dancing group IRE will perform at 7pm at the Mundaca Hacienda palapa, free.
No se pierdan el día de mañana la presentación del grupo coreano de danza floklórica "IRE" a las 19:00hrs en la palapa de la Hacienda Mundaca, la entrada será gratuita.

With paper, glue and paint, workers of Hacienda Mundaca create a beautiful sea turtle. The ingenuity, creativity, and sensitivity of islanders are traits that distinguish them.
Con papel periódico, pegamento y pintura, empleados de la Hacienda Mundaca elaboran una bellísima tortuga marina.
El ingenio, la creatividad y la sensibilidad de la gente isleña, es uno más de los rasgos que nos distinguen.

We take charge of periodically maintaining the street light system of Isla Mujeres for the security of families.
Nos encargamos del mantenimiento permanente de la red de alumbrado público de Isla Mujeres para seguridad de las familias.

The Ministry of Economic Development through the Undersecretary for Economic Promotion, is announcing a cordial invitation to participate in an introductory workshop for the business model CANVAS .The course is free. (LINK to explanation of CANVAS in English)

From por esto

Possible landing by Cuban refugees

Posible desembarco de balseros cubanos[+] Ver mas

In the wee hours of the night/early hours of the morning on Thursday, a cabbie was driving down Guerrero street near the Church of Immaculate Conception, when he noticed something that appeared to be flames emitting from the sea. He got out of his car to have a better look, and noticed a boat was burning. He said, "At first I thought it was a freighter or something about five kilometers offshore, and then I realized it was much closer and was a much smaller boat than I thought at first." He said he reported it to the authorities, but there were no longer any flames when the municipal police arrived. "When I came over it was burning but the flames were dieing gradually until they all went out....it was very fast indeed. When the municipal police arrived, there was no fire." He said although the report was also given to the Navy, he didn't see any of their personnel until 7 or 8am when he saw a Mexican Naval ship apparently patrolling in the area. He was interviewed by Por Esto.
The remains of what could have been a balsero boat used by a group of Cubans to reach landfall on the northern shores of our island are located off the east malecon/sea walk some meters from the rocks and cages that were constructed to protect the seawall from hurricanes. Among the rocks are some tubes of metal banded together that probably once formed part of a balsero boat. Stranded in the sand near the beach is a metal structure to which a small propeller is connected by a rod which was possibly once connected to an inboard motor. There are guesses that the boat could have caught fire out in the Caribbean sea by accident and sank while the occupants were trying to reach shore, or that it was set afire after an unknown number of undocumented Cubans approached and were near the shore, who entered the island.

Finishing touches for the "Debutante Night"

Ultiman detalles para la “Noche de debutantes”[+] Ver mas

The final details are being done for the "Noche de Debutantes”, a dance for the members of the 2014 generación of quinceañeras (they turned 15 in 2014), which is a major event in their lives. It will take place on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Taxi Union Lodge in colonia La Gloria, after the special Mass at the Church of Immaculate Conception downtown. Usually there are 12 or 13 young ladies, but this year there will be 18 debutantes. An open invitation is given to anyone who wishes to attend and give encouragement to the young women who will offer a dance presentation, and another with their attendants, as well as cake and a toast, as well as entertainment of lights & music. There is no entrance fee and there will be soft drinks and snacks.

Notice about ship that is adrift

Alerta por buque a la deriva [+] Ver mas

The Director General of the Merchant Marines issued a caution notice in the coastal area and seas near Quintana Roof because the ship "Montevideo Express", flying a Liberian flag, is adrift. Its last known position was on January 27 at noon when it was ~421 kilometers N-NE of Holbox. It was maintaining its navigational lights and communication system in service with its emergency power system. Vessels are asked to keep an eye out for the ship and to report any sightings, in case the ship comes near the island.
The port remains open for general navigation with precautions for small boats due to the prevailing southeast winds of 25-35 kilometers per hour. The Harbor Master reports the temperatures were a little warmer this morning at 6am compared to the last two days, with at temperature of 22 degrees Celsius. Other sources reported a low of 16 degrees Celsius. (61 vs 72 Fahrenheit ).

This blog is brought to you by....

View from the rooms.

MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach Three rentals with large glass doors overlooking our white sand beach and the beautiful Caribbean sea, with kitchenettes & free WIFI. In the coastal neighborhood of Bachilleres, among upscale villas & boutique hotelitos, convenient to downtown or the colonias, yet separate. Quiet & Private.

Kitchen in a large studio. (Sur & Norte are identical)

Kitchenette in small room, Medio. There's a table & chairs across from it & a double bed.

A large slider opens from each of the 3 rooms onto the patio where each has a table & chairs, hammock & clotheslines. The BBQ is behind the pole, and the outdoor shower is outa the pic at left.

Large studio (Norte), I'm standing in the kitchen

Free amenities such as hammocks, bikes, outdoor shower, portable beach chairs & beach towels, washer, loungers & BBQ. Breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Upstairs room also available. Downtown is ~ a mile away; if you don't feel like walking or biking, flag a $2 taxi or hop on the bus. We also have room for parking,You can enjoy the music & crowds downtown, then come home our quiet neighborhood of Bachilleres where you'll sleep to the sounds of the sea.. $275/$325/$425 wk $40/50/$65nt Monthly Discounts

Large studio (Sur) with Queen & Single bed. Slider door & view are behind me.

Fine dining a few steps away at Da Luisa or try the traditional neighborhood eateries a couple blocks farther. Stroll five minutes down the coastal sidewalk to Mango Cafe, Bufalo, Bahama Mama, Compadres Barbacoa or Manolitos. Walk less than 10 minutes to shop at Chedraui or to dine at Green Verde, Kash Kechen Chuc, or Seso Loco. Visit marinas, bars, & beach clubs that are minutes away by bike or on foot. Our guests recommend the Yoga classes a couple villas away at hotelito Casa Ixchel. Fresh juice, produce & tortillas a few blocks away in the village, as well as a variety of other stores and small local restaurants.

Music

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EVENTS

Artist Fairs on the Town Square, usually first Thursday, 4p-9p Dec~April.

You are invited to enjoy a presentation by the Korean folk dancing troupe IRE on Friday, Jan 30 at7pm at Mundaca Hacienda, admission is free.

FEBRUARY>>>>

Sunset ~6:30p
Moon rise...
Feb. 4 5:45 (FULL)
Feb. 5 6:32
Feb. 6 7:17
Feb. 7 7:59
Feb. 8 8:38
Feb. 9 9:21
Feb. 10 10:10
Feb. 11 10:58

SUNDAY, FEB. 1

If you live in Isla Mujeres, on Saturday, Jan. 31, before you go to bed, change your clock ahead on hour.

Island Time Fishing Tournament

Sail fishing Tournament February 3-7 2015 register online @ islandtimefishingtournament.com info@islandtimefishingtournament.com
To benefit the The Little Yellow School house Isla Mujeres

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We're celebrating Carnaval Feb 13-17

December 2013: Taunya from Washington wrote

Hi Ronda,

I want to say thank you again for a fabulous vacation! Your studio was perfect! Having the extra space, kitchenette and dinning table made the space perfect for a long stay. Your little details like coffee filters and ice cube trays made it feel like home. I also really appreciated that you were there if I needed anything, but that you also let me have my space.

Being out of downtown, yet close to everything made the location perfect. Add the beautiful beach and it couldn't have been any better!

Thank you so much! When I return to Isla I will be back on your doorstep. Happy Holidays!

MaraVilla Caribe Bed & Beach Guests Say..

Judy from Ohio wrote...
I stayed at Maravilla and absolutely loved it. Beach and patio was kept very clean and since handicapped I would spend the days on patio with my laptop at table right outside my room. Each room had table/chairs in front of room. Not many places on isla you have the beach right outside your door-saves alot of money instead of renting beach chairs and buying drinks downtown. I also do not like crowded beaches and stacks of chairs next to each other as on the north beaches. You hear absolutely no street noise just the waves hitting the shore. There were bikes free to use, beachchairs free to take to downtown, and free washer/dryer to use. The price is excellent value and the owners live there so they do not need to list with an agency giving renters better $ value. Isla is not for everyone. But condo/luxury hotels now line the once beautiful North Beach for those wanting the Cancun version of places to stay, so sad, plus $$$$. I prefer peace,quiet, and great value. Not many places with sunrise/sunset views.

...

Guests from Ontario wrote...

We have returned to Maravilla Caribe and we consider it to be a gem. Is it a luxurious resort? No. On the other hand, it's the kind of place where you feel comfortable sitting outside with a beer and watching the ocean, reading all afternoon in a hammock or going for a long walk along the shore. To sit on the patio with a plate of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee is my idea of the perfect morning. It's like having your own little private beach cottage - it's not fancy but that's not what we're looking for. A 15 minute walk takes you into the busy little town, full of great little restaurants and shops, and a $3 taxi ride will get you just about anywhere on the island. The landlord is friendly, accommodating and genuinely cares about and knows the local community. For anyone who wants a lavish package vacation, this obviously isn't the place for you - there are plenty of resorts that will fit your needs. Maravilla is a simple, lovely place to get away from it all.

Jane C from Penland wrote...

My friend and I just stayed at Maravilla Caribe, December 20-25, 2012 and we had an absolutely wonderful experience. The owner, Ronda made me feel comfortable before I arrived, providing helpful information about travel to the area. She made an extra effort to secure a larger room for us, which was perfect. Maravilla is quaint, charming, clean & comfortable. We loved the bright green color of the house! The kitchenette was simple, clean and well equipped with everything we needed to prepare meals. The beds are very comfortable and Ronda provides lots of clean towels. She even offered to let us use the washer/dryer and bicycles for free! The best part (other than the low cost) is you have your own private beach in the back! It is a beautiful place that I highly recommend.

Carol D from Peterborough wrote.....

Hello I stayed at MaraVilla, la Casa Verde :-), Dec 10 to 20 this 2012 for my first time and would not hesitate to return. This is my 11th year staying on the island and I have stayed at many places. The location is amazing, and the owners have modified the patio doors so that those of us who want to hear the waves all night can do so with security. They were super helpful at every turn and what meant the most to me is that they really care about their guests and are friendly. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch together. The room was spacious and clean. At MaraVilla there are only 3 rooms facing the water so it is peaceful, quiet and private. At MaraVilla, there were workers out painting the house in front and raking the beach and it was well maintained. There were no rocks on the clean tile patio. you do need water shoes to wade in to the water but it is worth it. And if you want to go to a more perfect beach i.e. no reef etc then one could go and pay 150-200+ per night at Playa Norte (but you won't hear the waves from your bed or have the privacy or owners that care about you!!). The bed was comfortable, mattress good, sheets in good shape and clean (more than i can say about the place i had the misfortune of staying in Progresso!!). Honestly you get what you pay for in this world and if you were to go to Tulum, or San Filipe or Progresso you are sure getting much more bang for your buck at MaraVilla in the 50-65 dollar range!!! If you are a 5 star resort person I would say stay at a 5 star resort, but if you enjoy the waves, quiet, privacy and caring owners then stay at this MaraVilla the Casa Verde :-)

Renee from Toronto wrote...

For some of us, there comes a time when we prefer peace and quiet to hustle and bustle. For a few regrettable years, I got off buses and lined up with the rest of the schmucks to check in for the all inclusive 'experience'. I set the alarm daily to head down with everyone else to make dinner reservations for the pleasure of eating soggy Sushi served by brusque Bahamians. I wore the wristband of shame, identifying me as an easy mark on any excursion. I tipped and cajoled the bartender for extra shots of rum. I listened to the drunken monologues of people who get to cut loose just once a year. With the all inclusive experience, your fate is not entirely your own...

And then I tried something else, the self catering experience - more a case of here's your key, here's your apartment, have fun! Settle in, stock your fridge, stock your bar and you're off to the races. Happy hour is whenever you choose. No lining up at a buffet. Snorkel on your own time. Open a bottle of wine and cook a leisurely dinner - no one's rushing you out for the next seating. Sleep in and eat breakfast when you want, don't worry about the dining room being closed.

That's the experience I prefer these days. And Mara Villa doesn't disappoint. You get exactly what you pay for: a clean and comfortable room with everything you need. The experience is great for people who like to 'do their own thing.' In essence, staying at Mara Villa is like having your own private beachfront villa.

Amenities include good wifi, towels, sheets, dishes, pots and pans, a fridge and freezer, drinking water, hammock hooks, and a clothesline. Bonuses include a patio with tables and chairs, a charcoal BBQ, a beach for watching the sun rise over the water, and a rooftop for watching the sun set over Cancun (also good for star gazing and extreme suntanning).

The local bus passes by the front door and costs 4 pesos to head downtown. A taxi is about $2 into town. Chedraui, the big grocery store, is less than 10 minutes away by foot. Grab a cheap cab home if you've really stocked up.

Ronda is a great host - a storehouse of island information about where to eat and what to do. Bruce, her husband, is an avid snorkeler and can point you in the best direction off their private beach for underwater wildlife. I was lucky enough to see dolphins swimming offshore one day. Close to shore I also saw a barracuda, a sting ray and a pair of graceful Caribbean squid. The usual tropical fish abound as well.

It's worth noting that Mara Villa is located on the east side of the island, windward. The shore is more dramatic and rocky, but there are very few, if any, mosquitos. The west side of the island is calmer and more traditionally 'beachy', but mosquitoes abound at dawn and dusk. With the rocky shore, you need water shoes for entering the water and swimming, but you have the beach all to yourself at Mara Villa. Head to the sublimely Caribbean style North Beach if you miss the crowds.

I spent almost a month at Mara Villa and it was the calm, casual and relaxing experience I craved. I will be back to Mara Villa, but I won't ever go back to an all inclusive.