a desert fete

Johann and Anne were kind enough to give us a discount on our stay at Casa Ninamu, and in return I am reviewing it here. But don't tell them I probably would have anyways. I mean, I kind of do that, right?

There is little I love more than taking a vacation in a beautifully designed home, which is what attracted me so much to Casa Ninamu from the website. And awesome design, it is. But what I wasn't prepared for was just how luxurious our stay would be. Guys, it was like staying in a full service hotel, but with the benefits and privacy of a private home. When we arrived the staff was there to help us unload our gear. Then they were gone, of course. When we didn't want to scoot into town for dinner one night, we were able to arrange a meal cooked in-house, that was to-die-for. (And came to about 15 bucks a person. Dorian and Aimee had catch of the day, we had chille rellanos, and we all had more fresh grilled vegetables, rice, beans, and guacamole than we should have.) The house sits privately on a larger piece of property (Johann and Anne's home is adjacent- and surprise, it is stunning), with an expansive and well manicured lawn, and a gorgeous beach that felt super private. We had an all terrain type golf cart at our disposal to get into town, so we didn't need to bother renting a car. The horseback ride Aimee and I took on our last morning was arranged for us, so instead of having to meet in town they picked us up right on our beach. In short, vacation rental houses are cool, vacation rental houses with kick ass staff? Rad. 

The other aspect of Casa Ninamu that drew me in was the open spaces! All of the common spaces (the top floor kitchen and dining, the lower floor living room, and the rooftop deck) are completely open to the exterior, taking full advantage of the tropical Mexican climate. The thatched roof hanging over the deck (/living room) gives a pleasant nod to it's Pacific Mexican location, and let's in the killer dappled light. (But of course a hardly noticeable plastic layer above keeps out the water during a tropical afternoon rain.) It was pretty much the ultimate indoor/outdoor living space (so far as I have ever experienced.) Henry and I could be chilling out in the cool shaded living room with some toys while our friends were swimming in the pool, but we were all basically in the same space. Yes! The furniture and accessories and art are all lovely without being fussy.  (Aimee went into town and bought the same pillow covers that are on the couches. Did you SEE those?) I didn't worry a bit about Henry running around. Everything was sort of sturdy. This is something else that pleased me right away when I was planning our trip; so many rentals are quick to say that they are not "baby or kid friendly", and while this house clearly requires constant adult supervision for one so little as Henry (see where the living room becomes the deck becomes the pool), they don't feel the need to micromanage your own ability to watch over your family. 

At 500 a night, not a bad rate if you want to split it with friend. Oh, and it is perfect for splitting with friends. With one bedroom on each floor there is a bit of separation. And each of the 2 bedrooms feels equally "master", with a king bed and a bathroom, no need for an awkward dance over who gets the choice room. Actually, I wouldn't call the rate "not bad", I would call it a total steal. 

Casa Ninamu, I love you. So, all of you who said you want to go there? Dudes, do it. We are going back, for suresies. Let's plan a trip together, eh? Alternately, get married there, hire one of us to take photos, will you?