My vacation at Casa Flamboyan was amazing! Upon arrival, I was blown away by the sights and sounds. Ocean view BOTH front and back, and décor to love!! Pictures do not do it justice! Harriet was so wonderful. She was very gracious and helpful, knows the island well, but is also able to be unobtrusive. Since I often travel solo, it was nice to have an immediate friend!!

This was my 3rd trip to Isla Mujeres in just over a year, and I can say staying at Casa Flamboyan made me love this destination even more, if possible. What I liked so much was it felt like a home and made me feel more like a local (local ex-pat) living on the island!! I was not staying in some hotel that lacked warmth and undivided attention, like I received at my new Isla casita!!

Going to sleep to the sounds of the Caribbean, and waking up to the sun over the ocean was breathtaking. I was able to take a healthy walk into town everyday for breakfast at my favorite spots and some shopping and beach time. In the evenings, I would walk back into town for dinner and drinks. I rarely took a taxi, but they travel the street out front regularly so grabbing one was no problem for a couple of dollars. Even though the location was on a street, which was great for convenience, it was still incredibly quiet inside. Between the waves crashing, not much else was heard!! What more could you ask for!!

The casita was well appointed, from cold beer to shaving cream (neither ever travels well)! All the fine touches to make it like home are too long to list, but some stand outs are the interesting art everywhere, painted niches, wooden shelving, colorful walls, great storage, comfy bed and linens, ceiling fans, seating areas, and complete kitchen from coffee maker for the morning and shot glasses for the evening, and whatever you need in between!

There is a private deck on the back off the bedroom, a great place for morning coffee. The larger shared deck in front was a nice place to pass the time with a few beers during a rain storm. Put a little music on and watched the locals go about their day right in front, and the beautiful boats pass by as the sun set over the amazing storm clouds. The roof top party palapa had awesome 360 degree views! There was a large built in table, lounge chairs and plenty to see. I was drawn up there numerous times, and was a perfect place to sun in the afternoon. The plunge pool on the lower level was great for sun in the morning, and was very refreshing. Spent my last sad morning there reading and taking in my last glimpse of the Caribbean before I headed out to the ferry.

Other highlights that made my trip memorable: in room massage that Harriet set up for me; Lupe came to clean up my space and was so friendly, organized my mess, and made the place sparkle again; I was far enough away from the center of town to feel remote, but close enough to walk over to a market to pick up some goodies easily; and watching life go by in paradise!! I am thrilled that certain airlines are increasing direct seasonal flights to Cancun from Austin, so I can continue to visit Isla Mujeres whenever I need a break, and what better place to refresh and recreate than CASA FLAMBOYAN!!

See you soon in Isla....Julia - Austin, Texas