Welcome
Coastal Casual, Beach Bliss
Discover this stunning beachfront house in the charming Mexican town of Chelem
Discover Casa Playa Vida
Our Vision
All of the beauty of Mexico's beaches with none of the sargassum (a smelly nasty seaweed that turns the water brown).
We fell in love with the Riviera Maya but the sargassum there ruined too many of our vacations. So we looked at the opposite side of the Yucatan peninsula where it would be sheltered from Sargassum and found the Costa Esmerelda (Emerald Coast).
We found that, without all of the resorts, we could enjoy the beach without people constantly trying to sell us cigars, shirts, blankets and such. It had none of the tourist vibe that the Cancun-Playa del Carmen-Tulum area did, but with all of the beauty and old-Mexico charm we used to find on the Caribbean side.
The historic colonial city of Merida is only 40 minutes away and is a treasure for day trips and has an international airport easily accessed from the US and Canada.
If you do want a little of the tourista experience the cruise port city of Progreso is only 15 minutes away and has a malecon (boardwalk) with lots of great restaurants and shops, as well as good sized grocery stores and places to buy anything you might have forgotten at home.
The House
The Bedrooms
The house has three big bedrooms. Two of them are quite large with their own full bathrooms. The third is still big enough that with a queen sized bunk bed, and a queen sized trundle bed under the bunk beds, as well as a six drawer dresser, there is still plenty of space to move around and for kids to play. There is a third full bathroom next to the third bedroom that also serves as the guest bathroom. There is air conditioning in all three bedrooms as well as the common areas.
The Kitchen and Dining Rooms
You can start your day with a Mexican coffee with a little Kahlua to sweeten it, or a latte; we have both a traditional coffee pot and and a espresso machine that will steam your milk for you. The kitchen is spacious, two cooks could easily work in the kitchen with a large island that invites others to gather. The dining space easily fits a gorgeous table and chairs for ten guests. The views of the crystal-clear Gulf of Mexico make it hard to focus on the cooking so you may want to hire our chef to come do all of the cooking and dishes for you while you enjoy authentic Yucatecan dinners and desserts; you have to have her out for at least one meal.
The Great Room
Be prepared to be wowed when you first walk through the traditional colonial front doors into the great room. The ceiling soars to 25 feet with hanging lights that brighten the room well at any time of the day or night. Two full sofas and additional chairs seat everyone in the house around the 3 coffee tables and the large smart TV.
The Pool
The front of the house is fully walled in for security and privacy. There is parking for at least 3 cars and for when the Mexican days get hot you can cool off in the pool with a traditional Mexican finish, called chukum, that lends quite the luxurious look to the pool. Turn on the waterfall into the pool and you will feel like you have a resort all to yourself.
The Beach
On the other side of the house is the Cost Esmerelda (Emerald Coast). This house is not close to the beach, it is not steps from the beach, it is ON the beach. The bright white, sugar-soft sand comes right up to the patio and the outdoor dining table; perfect for eating al fresco listening to the surf while you enjoy a margarita and tacos made with locally caught fish. Most days the waves are calm and its easy to enjoy the Gulf waters. There are some plenty of little fish you can see right through the water that will swim right up to you, but the view from under the water is even better, so go grab the snorkels and masks from the bodega and take a look at what's below the surface. You may find that you need to work off some of the incredible meals you have been having; fortunately, the house comes equipped with a tandem kayak you can launch right from the beach to enjoy the water and the cool ocean breezes while getting a little fitness in.
The Rooftop
The part of the house that really stuns is the rooftop deck. A rooftop gazebo provides plenty of seating under shade when you could use a little less sun but down want to hide indoors on such a beautiful day. There are lounge chairs and Bali Beds that look right our over the beach for those that want to do a little more sun worshipping. The rooftop deck faces due north so it is a great place to watch the sun rise to the east and to see a stunning sunset over the water in the evening to the west. You really get the best of both worlds.
The Boring, but Important, Necessities
At Casa Playa Vida we have fiber optic internet service providing very fast internet speeds for not only enjoying streaming of your favorite online content, but also making working remotely a breeze.
We have enough solar panels to be almost off of the grid. Electricity is more expensive in Mexico than what you may be used to and many rental properties have to limit how much electricity you can use before charging extra but at Casa Playa Vida you get much more electricity at no cost to you.
Of even more value to you is is our whole-house backup generator. In smaller Mexican towns the power goes out often. Sometimes it is only for an hour or two but its not uncommon for it to be for more than a day. Having the backup generator not only keeps you working when the power goes out (for everyone else but you) but it keeps the A/C going on hot nights so you can sleep like a baby, instead of crying like one.
Merida and the Yucatan Peninsula
Merida
Welcome to Merida, where history, culture, and natural beauty intertwine to create an unforgettable getaway. Nestled in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, Merida is a vibrant city brimming with colonial charm, Mayan heritage, and modern amenities.
Colonial Splendor
Step back in time as you wander through the enchanting streets of Merida's historic center. Admire the elegant colonial architecture, with its pastel-colored facades and ornate balconies. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the region as you explore landmarks such as the iconic Cathedral of Merida and the grand Plaza Grande.
Cultural Treasures
Merida is a cultural melting pot, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with contemporary life. Experience the vibrant local culture through art galleries, traditional markets, and lively festivals celebrating music, dance, and cuisine. Don't miss the chance to taste authentic Yucatecan dishes, renowned for their unique flavors and fresh, local ingredients.
Gateway to Adventure
Beyond the city limits, Merida offers a gateway to adventure and exploration. Discover the wonders of the Yucatan Peninsula, from the mystical cenotes hidden in the jungle to the ancient Mayan ruins scattered throughout the region. Take a day trip to the majestic archaeological sites of Chichen Itza, Uxmal, or Ek Balam, and uncover the secrets of these ancient civilizations.
Tranquil Retreats
After a day of sightseeing, return to your own private oasis in Merida. Our vacation rental properties offer the perfect blend of comfort and luxury, providing you with a home away from home in this captivating city. Relax by the pool, sip cocktails on the terrace, and savor the tranquility of your surroundings as you recharge for another day of adventure.
Your Merida Escape Awaits
Whether you seek cultural immersion, outdoor adventure, or simply relaxation, Merida has something for everyone. Experience the magic of this enchanting city and create memories that will last a lifetime. Book your stay with us and let the journey begin. Welcome to Merida, your gateway to the Yucatan Peninsula.
Progreso
About 30 minutes north of Merida and 15 minutes east of Casa Playa Vida is Progreso (yep, just the one 's'), the Yucatan's largest port and where the cruise ships come in. There is a boardwalk right along the beach, called a 'malecon' in spanish, with a bunch a great restaurants and some shopping. Our favorite, and apparently everybody else's, is Crabster. It is a very cool vibe, the food is amazing, we've never had anything but excellent service, and the view of the beach and gulf is great. All of the same is true of Amadea a little further down the malecon. Crabster also has a great breakfast, whereas Amadea is just a lunch and dinner. You will want to eat at both for dinner and I recommend Huevos Rancheros for breakfast at Crabster, but they have a bunch of other great options, too.
An interesting little bit of trivia about Progreso is that they have the worlds longest pier at 4 miles long. its easy to see from the malecon, but you can see it from the rooftop deck of Casa Playa Vida too.
While down at the malecon walk a block over to see the Callejón del Amor (Alley of Love). It's such an inspirational transformation that really illustrates the renaissance happening in Progreso right now. Once an alley know for drug use, Callejón del Amor is now home to some very impressive large-scale art installations.
There are a few full size grocery stores in Progreso, as well as banks, and shopping.
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Escape to Casa Playa Vida Vacation Rental
Experience the ultimate relaxation in our luxurious vacation rental. Discover your home away from home and make unforgettable memories with your loved ones.