How do I get from Cancun airport to Casa de las Olas?
There are few ways that guests of Casa de las Olas can find their way to the property. There is public transportation, private airport transfers and the option to rent a car and drive to the property.
Public transportation is limited and lengthy. A few buses from the Cancun airport run directly to Tulum, a new system implemented in September 2012. The bus ride is around 2 hours and $15 US, with the bus terminal located in downtown Tulum. It is then necessary to take a $15 US taxi to the villa from the bus terminal.
Private transportation services are best arranged with our reservation staff in advance in order to guarantee your transportation service. 72 hours advanced notice is required and costs $110 USD for transport from the Cancun airport to the villa in Tulum. If you would like the same service for a return trip 72 hours advance notice is required.
Rental cars are available and bookable through the internet at any known and reputable car rental company. International brands like Hertz, Thrifty, Avis are also available in Mexico.
Whether you are driving, being driven or choose to take public transport, we provide each of our guest with detailed transportation instructions. We wish to make this transition from airport to the villa as easy as possible for all of our guests.
What is the best way to get around Tulum once we arrive?
Tulum is spread out, with three parts of the city a distance from each other. The Town of Tulum is on the main highway, the beach road is where most hotels are located. The location difference is 4 kms from downtown or more depending on where your accommodations are located.
There are 4 options for transportation in Tulum. 1) Rental cars for those needing the most flexibility and can be rented by the day or by the week. 2) Taxis which are inexpensive and easily found traveling through Tulum. 3) Bicycles which are available on the property or can be rented in town as we have a limited supply. 4) Walking, via the beach or on the beach road. If you prefer to walk it is recommended to bring a flashlight so that evening traffic can easily see you. There are no street lights on the Tulum beach road so a flash light is helpful.
Do you have a restaurant on the property and are there restaurants nearby?
Casa de las Olas does not have a restaurant on the property, as our desired option for guests are in-suite kitchenettes. The only room type without a kitchenette is the JR. Ocean front suite as it is equipped with a small fridge.
There are many restaurant options within walking, taxi and driving distance. Depending on the type of food you are looking for, ambiance or experience, there are many restaurants to choose from. Our villa host is happy to explore the options with you so that you are able to have a great food experience while in Tulum.
In-suite kitchen facilities and food shopping options
Suites that are equipped with kitchenette facilities enable guests to prepare cold foods, make coffee, cook light meals and store refreshments. In the town of Tulum there are grocery stores, an organic Saturday market, fruit stands and small corner stores that are open late and provide a variety of options for guests. It is recommended to stock up on supplies while on route to Casa de las Olas with enough snacks, drinks and food for a few days, avoiding having to return from the beach for more supplies. Our experience is that guests have light meals in the morning and midday on the property and explore the local restaurants at night. If you wish to eat out for breakfast, lunch and dinner there are more than enough restaurant options.
Is there drinking water and how do we obtain it?
Casa de las Olas provides in suite purified water that is consistently filled by our staff. Each suite has a ceramic water cooler that is filled with fresh, purified bottled water. If you need more, just let us know! Water is the source of life and we never have a shortage of water for our guests.
Housekeeping services
The villa provided daily housekeeping services to all guests. We encourage that guests change towels only when needed to minimize our environmental impact. If you have a housekeeping request let us know! Rooms are cleaned each morning once guests have left their rooms. Your privacy is important to us so our staff keep their eyes open for your departure so as not to disturb your private space.
Sunscreen, mosquito spray, bath products
Casa de la Olas supplies each guest suite with biodegradable bath products during their stay. Sunscreen is a must for the Caribbean sun and we request that guest consider eco-friendly sunscreen when shopping for their vacation supplies. Mosquito spray could be helpful for many and natural mosquito sprays can be purchased at international health food stores or locally. Products of this nature can affect the delicate eco-system the property is located on and near. Please consider the environment when stocking up for your vacation.
Beach areas at Casa de las Olas
Beach areas within the property are private but all beaches in Mexico are public. People are free to walk on the beach, enjoy the ocean and enjoy the Caribbean. Casa de las Olas is neighboring the Sian Ka’an reserve (UNESCO world heritage site) so our property is not a high traffic area. We provide each of our guests with beach towels, our guests have shade and lounge chairs for their private use and our beach area is free of rocks and motorized water toys. All of this is for your personal enjoyment.
How do we book local activities and attractions?
Casa de las Olas has a villa host available to all guests on the property. The role of the host is to provide area information, directions, recommendations and activity booking information. Most tours are conducted in the mornings, so it is best to make arrangements one day in advance with our host. If you have a list of must-do attractions, sit down with our host and let them do your trip planning for you. As local residents of the area we have a list of great people we can hook you up with for activities, attractions and have direct communication with these people. Let us help you discover Tulum and the local area.
TV, electronics and personal electronic devices
TV is not available at Casa de las Olas. Each room is equipped with iPod docking stations for music. There is solar electricity for recharging electronic equipment. We ask that blow dryer and curling irons not be used in our facilities as these items will damage our solar system. Special requests can be made for use of these electrical appliances and require a direct hook up to our generators that are used only for this purpose. This is by special request only and requires advance notice to our host.
WIFI, cell phone reception and other computer related questions
WIFI is available in the common areas of the villa, and as you roam the property. Cell phone reception is available but may depend on your carrier. Your tablets, computer and phones are safe in your rooms with no security issues. Our suggestion as we are located on the beach is to bring a case for your electronics in order to protect them from the humid and salt air. Plastic Ziploc bags or neoprene cases are sufficient for this.
Do the rooms have air conditioning?
Suites at Casa de las Olas do not have air conditioning as we are a 100% solar powered property. Each room has the luxury of facing the ocean for ocean breezes and the entire building has a built in passive cooling system that aids in keeping the villa cool. Each room also has floor fans if you wish to use them.
Are children welcome on the property?
Guests range in age from small infants to retired adults. Children are welcome at our villa and we take great care to ensure that all ages are welcome at our property.
Is Tulum safe?
Tulum is a safe area due to the eclectic population that has chosen Tulum for a vacation, as their home or as a place to re-energize. Unlike other coastal areas, Tulum has a long history in its community and takes care of its community members first. Many families have lived in Tulum for generations and now work with new residents to further grow a diverse community. Like any travel experience, be aware, only participate in activities that maintain your personal safety and respect the local community culture. We love what Tulum has to offer and continue to share positive experiences with all of our guests.
Will I see turtles?
Turtle season is May to October in Tulum. Mothers will lay their eggs on the beach in the evening hours. We request that guests do not use flashlights on the beach at night as this activity stops the turtles from approaching the beach, request that if a turtle is seen in the evening that photos are not taken with flashes this will also disturb the process. If you see a turtle laying their eggs, please report where you saw this event to our host so we can mark the area as we have been trained to do.
Do I need to know how to speak Spanish?
Mexico is a Spanish speaking country though our area is so international and multicultural Spanish is not necessary. Most people speak multiple languages and our staff speak Spanish, English and we have learned to be international with hand signals. Hand signals are sometimes the best way to translate needs and wants. Language barriers are few and far between and there is always someone close by who can help.
If I get sick or require a doctor can I find a hospital or doctor in Tulum?
Our property has first aid products for simple injuries, cuts and ailments. The town of Tulum has a health center if you require medical attention. Playa del Carmen and Cancun have private and public hospitals that are full service facilities.
Can I use US currency, Euros or Canadian dollars for day to day payments?
The general rule when travelling in the area is to pay with local currency. Local currency can be ordered in advance at your bank, you can use the various ATM’s located in town, or exchange cash with a passport for identification at the local banks. ATM’s and currency exchange is limited to 5000 pesos per day, about 450 USD or 375 Euros. Credit cards are not readily accepted for many reasons, mainly that telephone lines do not exist on the beach. Stores and restaurants in the town of Tulum are more credit card friendly but ask before you purchase. Casa de las Olas accepts US dollars and pesos.
What is the weather generally like?
The year-round temperature is about 80F/26C. In the summer, temperatures can rise up to 90F/32C, but ocean breezes help keep you cool. The rainy season is from June to October, fortunately most of the time that only means passing showers and the region still receives about 300 sunny days a year. Caribbean summers means a flat sea, mango season and turtles nesting.
What currency is used in Mexico and what is the rate of exchange?
The Mexican peso is the official currency, with some businesses accepting U.S. dollars and Euros but ask before assuming that people will take the currency that you are currently holding. Currently the exchange rate is about 12 pesos = $1 USD but changes as rates change.
What is the closest international airport and how long is the drive to Tulum
Frequent, direct flights are available from many U.S. cities to Cancun – just 3.5 hours from the northeast and 5 hours from the west coast. Casa de las Olas will gladly arrange your transportation to the villa.
Sustainability Fee? What is this?
A private committee in Tulum is building a new recycling center starting 2013. In an effort to support this fabulous project and maintain the ongoing costs of the center, Casa de las Olas as implemented a $5 USD per reservation as a donation to the center. The recycling center is critical to maintaining the delicate ecosystem that all visitors enjoy. This $5USD fee is optional for all guests but we encourage your participation in this program. Casa de las Olas has made a personal donation to the program to help start the recycling center.
If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us at info@casadelasolas.com
