My decision to stay at Casa Caribe made my vacation an overwhelming success. I arrived in Puerto Morelos in late November to attend my cousin’s wedding. Because I intended to stay on an additional ten days, I searched for a more private and personalized bed and breakfast style accommodations. The first thing that drew me to Casa Caribe was that their website was both informative and professionally maintained. I telephoned from the United States and the proprietor, Catriona Brown answered all my questions then took my reservation.

I’d never been to Puerto Morelos but have traveled extensively throughout the State of Quintana Roo. Arriving with a preconception that it was a smaller fishing village with a few fancy resorts, I looked forward to good eating, diving the reef and perhaps touring some local sites in less-bustling surroundings than Cancun.

The day I walked into Casa Caribe, Catriona greeted me with a warm and welcoming smile, gave me a quick tour of the grounds and showed me to my room. The room was absolutely immaculate in every way. The photos on the website are completely accurate. Casa Caribe is located one block from the beach but what you can’t see is that there are no buildings between your room and the beach so you have a completely unobstructed view of the ocean and the sound of the waves will lull you to sleep at night. I slept like a baby.

There is good coffee on the tiled patio, which leads to perfectly manicured grounds and out through the entrance. It’s obvious she put a lot of thought and care into creating a comfortable atmosphere for her guests. Frankly, the patio area is so nice; it reminded me of some of the nicer Italian homes and gardens in Italy.

The Little Mexican Cooking School: Catriona has a resident Chef, Pablo that teaches authentic Mexican cuisine from their demonstration kitchen. He’s very well trained and experienced yet completely relaxed and approachable. What I liked the best is that Catriona gave mini-seminars between classes on the origins of Chocolate and Tequila appreciation. Who wouldn’t like that?!?! The best part is, you get to eat and drink what you’ve learned!

THE REAL BONUS: Here is what you get at Casa Caribe that you just won’t get anywhere else. Catriona Brown has been living in Puerto Morelos for over ten years. She speaks both English and Spanish. She knows everyone and everything about the area. Catriona saved me days of time I would have otherwise spent searching for good food, a good diving instructor and advice on things going on around town. She is much more like a friend than a business owner and the fact that she loves what she does shines through.

Lastly, since safety is a concern for everyone who travels, let me mention that the grounds are walled, private and well secured. I felt very at home and without worry during my entire stay. If you wish to contact me with any questions, please feel free to do so.

With fantastic rooms, lovely gardens, great breakfasts, and wonderful service.

I was fortunate to be one of the first to stay in Cat's newly renovated hotelito the first week of November. Being a 'seasoned' traveller in the area, I quickly realized what a wonderful slice of heaven Casa Caribe is. Spacious, clean room, kept meticulously clean by Miriam. Beautiful tile bathroom with plentiful hot water (and pressure like at home!). The bottled water, mini frig and coffee pot in the room were definite perks.

I spent alot of time on the balcony in the hammock, gazing out on the ocean while witnessing the lovely laid back life of Puerto Morelos unfold on the street below. Kids going to school, dog walkers, the tamale man, the bakery van and the orange and banana truck all parading before me, making me smile every day.

Cat is a warm and gracious hostess who made me feel like we had known each other for years. She is a wealth of information on the area, and helped me get the feel of Puerto Morelos quickly. The cooking class offered on premises is a must do! Fun and informative and oh my, so delicious!

Casa Caribe is a pleasant 3 block walk from town square, where there are restaurants and a few stores. A small grocery, a farmacia and the ever present Oxxo will provide anything required to stock your frig with drinks and snacks.

Snorkeling the protected reef was a treat (go to the pier at the square and ask for Abraham...he's a great guide!). Walking the beach is imperative...wide and clean and quiet. A short way to the north I found a wonderful beach masseuse named Luisa. Towards town there are a few beach clubs and restaurants.

It is a quiet place in a quiet town, but if you feel the need for more 'company' Playa Del Carmen and Cancun are short, inexpensive bus rides away.

I can only hope that Cat will have availability when I return!

Just one week ago we were snorkeling on the reef just off the beach from Casa Caribe. We loved our balcony with the ocean breezes, the beautiful decor, the comfy beds with many pillows, and especially the fabulous breakfast. If you are fortunate enough to be there the day the chef offers the omelette with mole, do not pass it up. The best mole ever! Puerto Morelos is a restful, wonderful alternative to Cancun and Playa. Visit Casa Caribe's great website for tons of good information. We highly recommend this property and this town for all the best Riviera Maya has to offer. The townspeople we met were extremely friendly and kind. We had high expectations and were not disappointed and will recommend this to our many travel writing friends.