"Hola" and welcome to Margarita Villa. We are glad that you have chosen to stay in our house, and we hope that you have an excellent time. There are many things to do on Soliman Bay as well as other parts of this beautiful coastline.

Rosa Chavez is the onsite manager. You should be greeted by her, or the caretakers, Paco and Sarah, when you arrive. If you are arriving on a Sunday, please make sure that you indicate this to Loco Gringo or your agent so that we can make sure that someone is there to greet you and let you in the house.

Margarita Villa was named after Margaret Baker Cochran, a very kind and generous woman who loved children. Hence, in honor of Margaret and her very caring nature, we have made this house very child friendly and have provided a number of amenities for the children.

Make yourself at home and enjoy your stay with us at Margarita Villa on Soliman Bay.

Caretakers

he caretakers names are Paco and Sarah. The caretakers can be very helpful. If there is an emergency with the house, be sure to immediately contact the caretakers. Frequently, the caretakers leave on Saturday afternoon and do not return until Monday morning. If you have a problem during that time, you can attempt to get in touch with Rosa Chavez. If you arrive on a Sunday, hopefully Rosa will greet you. If no one is there, or if you have an emergency on Sunday, some arrangements should be made to let you in, or you can try to find Rosa at Casa del Corazon or try to find a Mexican phone and call (011 52) 1 984 114 9971.

The caretakers usually receive a tip from the guests. This can range from $50 to $250 depending upon how many people and how long you stayed in the house, and how good of job that they did cleaning.

General Information

Rosa Chavez is a great source of information about local activities, restaurants, shopping and other activities. There are many local activities including snorkeling on the reef, exploring Coba (that has the highest pyramid in the Yucatan), floating the freshwater lagoons in Muyil (which is 20 minutes south of Tulum), visiting the cenotes and various other activities. We have attempted to provide some information in the back of this book with regard to the things to do locally.

Water Usage

The water for the house is trucked in periodically. Water is expensive, and there is not an unlimited supply, although we have a large cistern. Please be careful with your water usage. You are welcome to use the stackable washer and dryer on a limited basis. The washer and dryer use a substantial amount of water, so please use the stackable washer and dryer sparingly. In that regard, please hang up your towels and reuse them.

Locking Doors

When you leave the house, make sure that you lock all the doors. The front door and each of the bedrooms has a combination lock. When you first check in, Paco will help you set each of these combination locks with your own personal four number combination. You can set each of these combination locks with a different four digit combination, or you can make them all the same. Since each of the bedrooms has a combination lock, each of the bedrooms can be locked separately with an independent combination for added security when you leave the house. The combination locks will automatically lock when the door is closed if the lever on the inside of the door is placed in a horizontal position. Your personal combination will then have to be entered to unlock the door. If you forget your combination or, for some reason, the combination does not work on the door, you can contact either Paco or Rosa to reset the combination.

Safes

There are safes in each of the bedrooms. Instructions are provided on how to use the safes. At the end of your stay, when you are finished using the safe, leave the door open to the safe and do not turn the knob. If you turn the knob so that the plunger is extended, a key will be needed to reset the safe. If the safe has been left for you in that condition (plungers extended), you will have to contact the caretakers or Rosa Chavez so that they can reset the safe.

Swimming Pool

Although the pool is setup for children, please watch your kids at all times. Also, please use contained swimming diapers. If an accident happens, please cleanup the best that you can and inform the caretakers to add additional chlorine to the pool.

Pool Heater

Margarita Villa has a propane pool heater to keep the water in the pool at a comfortable level. We normally keep the pool temperature between 86° and 87° F. If you feel the pool is uncomfortable, please ask the caretakers to adjust the temperature. The pool heater has a very high capacity so that the temperature can be changed very quickly in the pool. In addition, the kiddie portion of the pool receives more hot water, so that it will be warmer than the rest of the pool. The caretakers will increase the temperature of the pool, within reason, upon request.

Children's Amenities

We have tried to make Margarita Villa friendly to children and babies. We have provided two cribs/playpens, a highchair, three baby gates, a stroller and bed side rails that can be inserted under the mattresses so that toddlers do not roll off the bed. All of these items can be found in the hall pantry under the steps. Be sure to watch your children carefully at all times, especially around the pool and balconies.

Electricity

The electricity frequently goes out for short periods during the day. We have a battery backup system with an inverter that runs all of the basic systems in the house. The Bovada (master) bedroom lights are not wired into the battery backup system so that when the electricity goes off, the lights will be off in the Bovada bedroom. Also, at the present time, the battery backup system does not run the air conditioning system (we are in the process of changing that situation). The transition from the regular power system to the battery backup will normally not be noticed except for the fact that the air conditioning is not running. Also, you may see a quick flicker of the lights when this transition occurs.

While the electric grid is down, try to limit your usage of the electricity, including the TVs, hair dryers, dishwasher, washing machine, hand dryers and water. Margarita Villa has a pressurized water system so that the water system is run from the electrical system. If the batteries are depleted, you will not have any water. If you conserve your usage of electricity when the electrical grid is down, the batteries should last a long time, at least 12 hours or more.

Snorkeling

There is excellent snorkeling and swimming in the bay. The reef has some of the best snorkeling in the area and can be accessed by the four kayaks on the beach in front of the house. Please tie the kayaks to the buoy on the reef and swim to the location where you would like to snorkel. There are also a number of beautiful coral heads in the bay which can be accessed by swimming. Along the northern part of the bay, you can actually walk out to the reef. The water is only about 4 to 4½ feet deep all the way out to the reef. We suggest that you use the water shoes that are stored in the plastic boxes near the pool when you go into the water and try to avoid touching or standing on the coral. Once the coral is touched or damaged, it dies and does not grow back.

Masks, Snorkels, Fins and Water Shoes

We have provided a supply of high quality masks, snorkels, fins and water shoes for use by our guests. These items are for the exclusive use of our guests and not others. You are welcome to use these items in the Margarita Villa pool and in Soliman Bay. When you are finished with them, please rinse them with fresh water and allow them to dry before returning them to the plastic boxes. These items are expensive and they are not to be removed from Margarita Villa or Soliman Bay.

Hand Dryers

Hand dryers have been provided in three of the bathrooms. They are excellent for drying your hair and body after you get out of the shower. They are also excellent for drying off your children.

Linens

The linens are changed twice weekly. After you shower, it is helpful to hang up your towel to let it dry. It is also helpful to remove any suntan oils before getting in bed or sitting on the furniture. The colorful beach towels are for use on the beach. Please do take the bathroom towels to the pool or beach.

Gray Water System

The shower and sink are connected to a gray water system that feeds the plants. Please do not put coffee grinds or food down the sink drain, but rather, in the trash.

Food

Eggs and juice should have been left for you for breakfast for your first morning. Please feel free to eat any of the food that was left in the refrigerator and in the pantry.

Pantry

The pantry is next to the stairway on the first floor. All of the items in the pantry are for use and consumption by the guests. There is a first-aid kit in the pantry that includes some medication for children. There is also extra food and staples in the pantry for consumption by the guests. Flashlights and batteries have also been placed in the pantry and additional items for children, such as extra cribs, strollers, baby gates and bedside rails. We have also included sunscreen and bug repellant. Feel free to use any of these items and leave items that you do not use for use by future guests.

Liquor Cabinet

There is a liquor cabinet under the big screen TV in the living room. The owners have provided some liquor, including tequila and liquors for making margaritas. There may also be liquor that has been left from previous guests. Feel free to use these items and leave any unfinished bottles for future guests. Open bottles of liquor cannot be taken into the U.S.

Driving

The rules of the road in Mexico are different from the United States (except Texas). If you are turning left on the two-lane highway, and you do not have a clear space to turn left, considering both the oncoming traffic and the traffic behind you, you must pull over to the right shoulder and turn on your left blinker until there is sufficient space to turn. If you put your left turn blinker on and stop in the middle of the road to make a left hand turn, there is a high likelihood that you will get rammed from the back at a high rate of speed.

In addition, when you are turning right onto the highway from the dirt road, be sure to look right before entering the highway so that you do not run head on into a passing car traveling south on the shoulder. Most people are used to looking left when making that right turn and do not look right until the very last minute. Make sure to look right before you start to make the turn and always turn initially onto the shoulder.

When driving down the two-lane highway, you cannot expect to have the right-a-way for your lane with regard to oncoming traffic. Oncoming traffic will pass, and they will expect you to pull to right and drive on the shoulder so that they can pass. Hence, you must be very aware of oncoming traffic at all times, especially if you are the head car in a group of cars, or if you are a lone car on the highway.

Driving at night in Mexico is especially dangerous. Use extra caution during night driving. Watch out for pedestrians on the shoulder. The oncoming traffic may require you to drive on the shoulder and it is easy to hit a pedestrian or bicyclist at night. It is not illegal to drive while drinking in Mexico. It is only illegal to drive if you are drunk. Please watch out for other drivers and drunken pedestrians and bicyclists, especially at night.

The entry to Soliman Bay is at the Oscar and Lalos sign. There are now signs on the highway for Oscar and Lalos. The Oscar and Lalos sign at the road entrance is now lit by solar powered lights, but they are very dim, and you have to look carefully for the sign. If entering from the north, the road is the next left turn after the entrance to Xel-Ha. Since this is a left turn, remember to pull to the right and turn on your blinker if you do not have a clear left turn. When entering from the south, the road is the next right turn after the Tankah Tres/Casa Cenote turn. Again, look for the Oscar and Lalos sign on the highway and then look for the Oscar and Lalos sign, at the entrance to the road, that is dimly lit by the solar lights.

Security

We have had very few problems, but it is probably a good idea to not leave items lying around, especially outside. For example, you should not leave cameras lying around by the pool or out by the beach when you are not there. In addition, do not leave money or passports out in the open. Lock your doors at night and when you leave. Each bedroom door has a combination lock that is individually programmable. The front door also has a programmable combination lock, so that you can separately lock the front door and each bedroom door.

House Burglar Alarm

The house is equipped with a burglar alarm that has perimeter control, internal motion sensors and external motion sensors. This system is primarily activated when the house is empty. However, if you wish to use the system, you can ask Rosa Chavez or Paco for instructions for use of the system.

Individual Hand Held Alarms

The owners have also provided individual handheld alarms (driveway alarms). Each of the handheld alarms has two parts. The first part is a motion detector that detects motion. The second part is the alarm, which is wirelessly connected to the motion detector, and which generates a beep when motion is detected by the motion detector. The systems have a range of up to about 50 feet, even through the concrete floors and walls. These handheld alarms are provided for your convenience only and are not considered to be a substitute for using proper precautions, such as locking the doors.

Groceries

Tulum now has a large grocery store called the San Francisco Market. This is a good place to buy your groceries. There is also a good convenience store across the side street across from the San Francisco Market called Stop and Go. It is a good place to buy cold beer, chips and wine. There is also a very large grocery store in Playa del Carmen called Chedraui. There are several fresh fruit and vegetable markets in Tulum. Check them out. Remember to wash or soak all your fruits and vegetables in sanitizer before using them. There should be plenty of sanitizer in the pantry.

Cooks

You may request a cook from Loco Gringo when you make your reservation. After you arrive, you can also contact Rosa Chavez to make arrangements for cooks to provide meals during your stay. Because of the high demand of cooks, you may not be able to have access to a cook at all times. Of course, it is better to attempt to arrange for cooks prior to your arrival.

Restaurants

There are lots of very good restaurants in the area. One of the very unique and good restaurants close to Margarita Villa is Oscar and Lalos. Oscar and Lalos is a short walk from the house, or you may wish to drive. There is usually plenty of parking. You should plan to go early to Oscar and Lalos. It is pricey but always good. Around 4 p.m. is a good time to go because it is before the bugs come out in the summer and before it gets too cool in the winter.

Don Cafetos in Tulum is a good place to go for breakfast. Charley's, near the bus station, is good for both lunch and dinner. They own an interesting store next door to the restaurant. There are many other very good restaurants in Tulum. Have fun and try them all.

Along the beach in Tulum, there are also a number of good restaurants. Turning north along the beach road from the "Tee," there are several restaurants. The Mezzanine is very pricey. La Vita Bella, which is just beyond the Mezzanine, is much less expensive and a great place to go if you

want to sit under a large palapa with a sand floor. The food is fine and reasonably priced. There are a number of other very good restaurants when you turn south at the "Tee." Zamas and other restaurants in the southern area along the beach are very good.

In Puerta Aventuras, you can sit by the lagoon where the dolphins swim and have dinner at Richard's. Richard's frequently runs a special with USDA filet minon and lobster tail that can be as low as $10 - $12. Also, Gringo Dave's in Puerta Aventuras is good.

There are lots of excellent restaurants along Fifth Avenue in Playa del Carmen. A great place for lunch in Playa del Carmen is The Blue Parrot on the beach.

Read the guest book and see where previous guests recommend good food and fun.

Insects and Lizards

You will see lizards of various types around the area. For example, Geckos frequently crawl on the walls. The Geckos are harmless, cute animals that make a small chirping sound. Please to not kill these animals since they eat the insects. Also, on the road you will see Iguanas. Please make an effort to avoid running over these Iguanas, since they play a valuable role in the local ecology.

Refunds

There will not be any refunds, under any circumstances.

Safety

Pool - The pool at the deepest part is only 4 ½ feet deep. If you jump off the balcony into the pool you will break your legs. Do not jump from the balcony into the pool.

Slippery Floor Surfaces - The tile in the house is slippery when it is wet. If you walk into the house wet, you may slip on the tile. Please be careful. Please watch your children carefully on the stairs and the decks. They can be slippery and dangerous.

Wetlands - There are two wetlands on the property. Plants are grown in the wetlands to de-humidify them. Please make sure your children do not walk or play in the wetlands.

Life Preservers - There are a number of life preservers for both children and adults. Please make sure your children use the life preservers in both the pool and in ocean. It is a good idea for adults to use life preservers when snorkeling, especially when on the reef, since currents and waves can pull you into the ocean.

Sun - The tropical sun is extremely strong and it is very easy to get burned. Make sure that you limit your exposure time and use protective lotions.

Coral - Do not touch any of the coral. Fire coral can sting you severely. It is advisable to use water shoes, supplied with the house, when entering the ocean to prevent cuts on your feet.

Appliances - The stove has an ignition lighter. To light the stove, turn on the gas and push the ignition lighter. Make sure that the gas is not left on or accidentally turned on without lighting it with the ignition lighter. Otherwise, the house will fill with gas. It is easy to accidentally bump one of the knobs on the stove when reaching for glasses, so please make sure that the knobs are always in the off position when the stove is not being used and be careful when reaching into the cabinets over the counter.

Guest Book

Please sign the guest book before you leave and give us your comments. We love to hear from you. This is one of the only ways that we can obtain feedback. If you leave your email address, we will contact you about any future specials or events for Margarita Villa.

We hope you enjoy your stay and return soon.


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