Debski and Hubby...........Villas Las Estrellas............Mar 10-20/11

[debski]

ok, some one needs to help me load pics from my mac to the forum..........not having much luck!

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1219.jpg

[debski]

After an uneventful flight from Edmonton to Cancun, we arrived to a warm afternoon thunderstorm. We got our luggage and got the green light through customs. Made our way through the airport and found our transfer with Locogringo, no problem. It was very warm and humid! Leaving the airport we saw no less than 4 accidents within 10 minutes. It had rained so hard the vehicles were hydroplaining off the road. The transfer was long, and cold, (air conditioning) but eventually, after a total of 14 hours travel, we arrive at Villas Las Estrellas around 8:30pm. Quickly check into our room, again, no problem, and went down to the restaurant for a quick bite!! Great start to our vacation....................

now if I could only figure out how to upload the pics?????

[beachreader]

The pics first have to be loaded to an online site such as flickr, photobucket, smugmug, shutterfly, et al. From there you can get the address of the photo and post it here. There's a sticky on how to post, but first the pics have to be online.

[beachreader]

And i know we need to re-write the photo posting instructions, so just let us know when the pics are uploaded to a site and which one and we can get you from there to here. Can't wait to see them, hope you had a good time!

[debski]

Beachreaded........Photos are uploaded to photo bucket, still can't get them to the forum!

[beachreader]

OK. If someone here uses Photobucket, please correct me because I use Smugmug and it's really easy there.

What you need is the address of your photo. On Smugmug, I click on "share this", and choose the size I want and it copies the address for me. Photobucket may be different. Once you get the address, come here to your open post and click on the little photo icon (looks more like a painting of a tree) in the toolbar above the text box.

When you get that box open, click on the "from URL" tab and paste the address into the box, then unclick the little checked box that says "retrieve remote file and reference locally". Sorry we can't make that smoother yet, but I think James is working on it. Then click on "insert image" and voila it should appear here.

If you've already started a post and posted it and then re-open it by "edit post", it's a bit quicker. The box comes up as it used to before the change that makes us click the tab and unclick the box, and all you do is paste the address (deleting what's already in there) and hit insert image.

I'm sorry it sounds so complicated, but once you get the hang of it it's pretty easy.

[debski]

lol, I thought you were being smug beachreader, made me chuckle!. I have done all that you recomend with no luck. I will figure it out tho.............

[beachreader]

OK, sorry, hopefully someone who uses Photobucket will check in soon!

Hmm, actually, I think there are some mentions of Photobucket on the original "how to post photos" thread, which should be a sticky and/or in the FAQ section. The stuff I've given above is all that's changed here on our site, so maybe those tips will still work for p-bucket.

[debski]

Are there no Mac users out there.................I just can't figure it out. Not at all like a PC!!!!! Need Help!!!

[debski]

I give up! sorry guys, no pics!

[barbj050]

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii148/barbj050/nov%202010/IMG_0171.jpg


i used photobucket ..click in the share then copy the img then on the forum click little pic
paste img...hope this helps

[beachreader]

Is it different on a Mac? I thought once you were on the internet, it didn't matter anymore what kind of computer you had?

[TortillayTortuga]

Is it different on a Mac? I thought once you were on the internet, it didn't matter anymore what kind of computer you had?

It shouldn't be.

[CoconutShrimp]

Well pics or no pics I am looking forward to your TR! Good luck! :)

[Westybchbum]

Debski i upload from photobucket.... Sending u pm now!!!!

[debski]

On a mac, there's no copy and paste. you just drag. anyhoo, I've tried everything, and somehow I get blocked. will check my pm, thanks all. Will try again when I'm not so frustrated!

[debski]

it shouldn't be.

yes!!!!!

[debski]

Is it different on a Mac? I thought once you were on the internet, it didn't matter anymore what kind of computer you had?


YES!!!! it's very different on a mac!
oops, don't mean to shout!

[VaKshuner]

Sorry don't have a mac, but can you highlight the link and hold down ctrl and hit "c" to copy? Then to paste, you would click in to where you paste and hold down ctrl and hit "v" to paste. Again, not sure if this works on a mac but thought I'd throw that out there in case it does.

[TortillayTortuga]

You actually can cut/copy and paste. There are a couple of ways to do it...highlight the text you want and then you can use two fingers and tap the track pad on a macbook...or.... you can highlight the text and use the Command key and at the same time hit the C for copy...and to paste it you use the Command key and hit the V for paste...

The other way would be to highlight the text and then go to Edit on the top of the screen and scroll to cut/copy/paste commands...

[TortillayTortuga]

Sorry don't have a mac, but can you highlight the link and hold down ctrl and hit "c" to copy? Then to paste, you would click in to where you paste and hold down ctrl and hit "v" to paste. Again, not sure if this works on a mac but thought I'd throw that out there in case it does.

Exactly right except for one small point...it's not Ctrl on a Mac...it's the Command key (right to the left of the space bar)

[minniemex]

Please.... don't give up!!

On Photobucket choose "direct link" (You have 4 choices ~ this is the 2nd one down)

Just click on it and it will say "copied".

Then do this:


Take your http addy that you have for the picture, click on the icon below the arrow to the right, it looks like a small picture frame, then you choose "from URL" paste your addy in there for the picture and uncheck the box at the bottom and your picture should post just fine!

The only reason this would not work is that you may have the original settings on Photobucket wrong. If this is the case let me know and I will try to help there too!

[beachreader]

I hope you're not getting too frustrated, Debski, hopefully Tom and Minnie's tips will help!

[debski]

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1112.jpg
OMGOSH!!!!!!! it worked!!!

At Sunrise!!!!

[debski]

OK folks, we're in business!!!!! the weekend is coming and I'll get on this report! In the meantime I hope you enjoy the teaser!!!

That's Villas Las Estrellas by the way...............and thanks to all for the help and your patience!!!

[TortillayTortuga]

Way to go!

[tendebar]

Glad you didn't give up! If that picture is our teaser, then we are in for some good stuff:) Thanks.

Maybe this year....I will try too:confused:


karen

[babycakes]

We will be at VLE in 5 weeks. Can't wait to read your report!

[tbpeaceful]

WOO HOO!!!!! Thank goodness you figured it out. That pic is gorgeous......looking forward to seeing the rest. :sun:

[sparklegem]

I can't wait to read your trip report!

[debski]

All right, so after a very well deserved rest, in a magnificantly comfortable bed, we headed down to the restaurant for the complimentary breakfast!http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1001.jpghttp://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1035.jpghttp://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1034.jpg

We've never had a better croisant in our lives!!!!! and the coffee...............simply put, The BEST!!!!!

[beachreader]

Huzzah! I'm SO glad you stuck it out, sorry it was such a hassle, but we are all going to be so grateful to see your beautiful pics!

Yay, another Debski trip report!!! :sun::sun::cool:

[debski]

Thanks Beachreader............It's been awhile since I've done a trip report. Must warn you all, this was a relaxing trip, didn't do much, but have some great pics!!!!!!

And for the Mac users out there...........it's a double click on the url and drag! Yup that simple!!!!!lol

[sparklegem]

Villa Las Estrellas looks amazing! Your photos are great! Those croissants do look really good.

[debski]

all right, got my Saturday morning cup of joe!, it's the first of only 2 cups that I drink all week, so it's very Important and YUMMY!!!!! and I'm ready to get this report on the go............

Our first morning waking up in Tulum, something that we have anticipated for the last 4 months of our very long and cold winter,was not at all what we expected. Cloudy and cold!!!! I must say, I was a little dissapointed, but off course you make the best of it. Still way better than at home. After our delicious breakfast, we head south on the beach to see what may have changed since our last visit.


http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1006.jpg

everyone's favorite chair!

[beachreader]

Did Thais make your coffee? We decided she was the best coffee maker in Tulum, must be because she's Brazilian. Giuseppe's coffee wasn't nearly as good as hers.

[debski]

farther down the beach we come across a new building going up. I have seen pics online of it's progress. Here's how it looks now!

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1010.jpg

still don't know what it's going to be but it has an email address posted in front and the same woman was swimming there every morning. I'm gonna think that it will be a private villa.............

[debski]

beachreader, Thias is the husband, italian, and Simone, the wife, brazilian, and yes, she makes the BEST coffee!!!!!!

[debski]

Walked all the way to Dos Ceibos and back. Had a quick refreshment at Le Zebra
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/Tulum08117.jpg
and headed back to what would soon become our favorite loungers on the beach! We were pretty chilled by then and the morning had passed. It was lunch time, we were cold, so headed to the restaurant to have some lunch. We decided on the crunchy shrimp to share. It was really good, unfortunately, we forgot to take a pic...........so in it's place, here's the crunchy octopus!


http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1078.jpg
After lunch, Hubby went for a siesta, I curled up with a good book, outta the wind and before you knew it, the day was over and it was once again time to eat!!! Because it was still so cold, we decided to walk down to Casa Banana, thinking that it would be warmer on that side of the beach road. What a lovely place.

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1013.jpg

the ambiance was great,

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1016.jpg
hubby had a grouper dish, delicious, and soooo much!

[debski]

oh, and I had filet and shrimp kabobs

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1017.jpg

also great.

Enjoyed the evening, headed back to our villa, fist day in paradise and we have yet to see the sun!!!! maybe tomorrow!

[beachreader]

Actually, Thais is the Brazilian wife, Simone is the Italian husband. I'm sure they don't mind being interchanged! :D They really are the nicest young couple.

[beachreader]

That crunchy octopus is the BEST, isn't it? We wiped the plate with bread to get all the sauce. Is the crunchy shrimp the same kind of preparation, or were they the coconut-crusted ones?

[debski]

hmmmm, that's odd beachreader, we were introduced the other way around!!! anyhoo, it doesn't matter, they ARE an interesting couple.

The crunchy shrimp was actually like a spring roll, served with deep fried coconut on the side, a very interesting dish!!

[debski]

Day 2 was better than day 1, but only slightly!!! I was having a hard time with all the cool and cloudy weather. Hubby kept reminding me that it was still better than at home...........but I needed some warmth and sunshine. Not at all what I'm used to in Mexico!!!! As the day progressed, it did get better, but still not hot!
This mornings walk took us to the North. The Vegetation at Los Liros has really grown as has it at Zulum. We had stayed here a couple of years back so took a quick walk through, not much has changed. Although not much has changed at Zulum, much has changed on the beach itself. The amount of new properties and restaurants is amazing!!!! If only we had more time...........
The smell of seaweed was pretty strong at the far north end this morning, so we crossed the beach road to check out El Tabano. We wanted to see where it was for future reference. In the end, we decided it was time for a light lunch,

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1053.jpg
decided on the Sea salt and lavender shrimp, which was Awesome!!!!!! and of course forgot to get the pic..........so in it's place, the ginger and coconut shrimp which was equally as good.

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1053.jpg

[debski]

El Tabano had a really cool atmosphere, the restaurant was very warm and inviting. The food good and reasonably priced, and if I might add, the cutest waiter ever!!!! I think I embarrassed him when I told him he was so very cute!!!! He kinda got all pink faced and all. Anyhoo, I think this old broad made his day!!!

Headed back to the villa, time for a well deserved rest. Spent the afternoon soaking up the rays..............not to hot, but warm and comfortable. Spent some time in the late afternoon unpacking and then hit the shower, Things are looking up!!!! We have HOT water, very cool!!!!!

This evening we are to share the Villas famous Paella. If someone could post a pic, (again I forgot). It was good, but not our favorite............


for desert hubby had the apple pie and ice cream and I had the crepe...........so very good!!!!!

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1100.jpg

[debski]

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1128.jpg

[debski]

So another day gone and I'm feeling a little sorry for myself...........where the heck is the sun and the Heat?????

6:30 came pretty early.............that's when the kids started crying! Did I mention I don't have little kids.............but there were many at the Villa.
I was surprised at how many families were traveling together. Seems like everywhere we went, there were children. I was a little surprised by this with all the talk of slow economy. Anyhoo, got back to sleep for a little while before we started another day. Cloudy againhttp://tulum.info/images/smilies/frown.png
We headed over to Neuvo vida de ramira for a look at some of the rooms. They are beautiful. I'm gonna guess that will be the place we stay on our next trip to Tulum. On the bright side, the sun has finally come out, the sky is clear, and I am WARM!!!!http://tulum.info/images/smilies/smile.png
Mid afternoon, grabbed a cab to town to pick up our rental car at Buster's. We have used them in the past and they seem cheap and fair. Had trouble finding them, they had moved, in the end, all good. Got petro and headed back to the Villa. Now, the villa has a small lot, so we had to manouver our way in, as I was guiding the hubby, all of a sudden my feet were on fire, I glance down, and they were covered with small red ants!!!!!! and they were biting me!!!! OM Gosh that hurt........funny now that I think back, but not then!!!!!! must have been fire ants! Luckily I didn't react or even itch. Just little bite marks all over!!!! shoulda took a pic!

Quick shower and change cause we're off to Hechizo's for supper tonight! Hubby's birthday!!!!!

[beachreader]

I hate those ants! You're lucky you didn't have a reaction to them, those bites can itch like crazy, and Patmex had a bad reaction.

I think the Villa will end up attracting a lot of families because of the extra space in their suites. Definitely something I'm going to keep in mind. Were you in an upper or a lower unit? Just curious.

[debski]

So, it's 6:30 and off we go. Hubby thinks I'm taking him astray. We find the restaurant and all is well. The Chef introduces himself, seats us, and explains our choices. Man we wish we could have one of everything!!!!
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1044.jpg
tomatoe on goat cheese, our pre appetizer!
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1045.jpg
crab, tomatoe on a bed of avocado for me

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1046.jpg
portabella mushroom for the hubby!

Main course, for me, scallops on a bed of fresh fetucini in a light alfredo sauce and the hubby, lobster and truffles and gosh knows what else, but it was Delicious!!!!!!!! and dang it all, we forgot to take pics!!!!!

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1050.jpg
one of us after the meal, but before the desert!!!! We did manage to remember those pics!

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1047.jpg

chocolate lava cake for the birthday boy! with coconut icecream!


http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1048.jpg

Raspberry Merique for me........a light cookie topped with merique with a light raspbery sauce and fresh berries!!!!
OOh, so good. At this point we thought we were pretty much done! but no, out came another desert, complete with candle, for the hubby! a fruit cake of sorts..........loaded with rum!!!!

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1051.jpg

Nice touch to finish the evening! The whole evening was beautiful. I must also mention, that although we read many reviews about the high cost of this restaurant, we did not find it overly high for what you got!!!! and will definately return!

So ends another day!!!!! Can't wait for tomorrow!

[debski]

beachreader, we were upstairs, #3, large room. for the better part of our stay, 10 days, there were children in all but 1 other room!

[debski]

Finally.............The Morning is clear and sunny!!!!! and I'm up early enough to see my first sunrise of the trip!

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1116.jpg

I'm gonna leave you guys with that one for awhile................heehee

[sparklegem]

What a beautiful sunrise!! I am really enjoying your trip report! I am so glad that the birthday was a success!

[beachreader]

Beautiful! And Hechizo is such a wonderful place, I need to go back there one of these days.

[debski]

About this time we seem to have fallen into a routine, breakfast, walk, lounging, more walking, so on an so forth. Hubby's not feeling well this morning so we cut our walk short and he's off to bed. I have some time to myself!!! Head out for a walk and make it all the way to Hechizo's, swimming and checking out the properties along the way.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1023.jpg
just a random of the beach.

a little insight on my journey:

Bee Tulum - Very up scale, and Very pricey!!! For a mere $384/night + tax you can stay in their standard room, with a pool, lower, or Jacuzzi, upper. If you want to be ocean front, that will cost you over $600/night + tax. Rooms were OK, pools were very cool............overall, a very nice place, just to rich for my blood and Budget!!haha

[debski]

Sueno's was my next stop, again one of the places we've stayed in the past. Not alot has changed here, still a very nice property!!! The tree-house palapa is finished and the vegetation has grown around it very nicely. Torches and chairs set throughout, very nice indeed.
As I was leaving the property, I noticed a woman playing in the sand...........I thought she was making a very large sand castle, and she had placed quite a few coconuts in the sand.............I wanted to take a run and give them a kick!!!!! but thought better of it only because I thought it would kill my toes!!! good thing tho cause those coconuts were People!!!!! completely buried in the sand, cept for their heads. They were getting some kind of spa treatment, don't know what it was, I was told to hush when I asked.............hope it was worth it!!!hehe

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1071.jpg
another random

[debski]

If your wondering why I'm making separate post.................cause I made one large one, and when I hit the submit button, I had been still so long, I was no longer logged in and now I'm starting all over again!!!!

Next stop, S&S Hip - Didn't much like it when it was Ocho Tulum, and sadly don't like it still. Can't even tell you why!? Just the feel of the place I guess. It's to bad too.............cause it's an adult only!!! something I like!

Eventually made it back to my lounge chair, had another swim and curled up with my book! Hubby was up by 4, feeling much better, and after a quick shower, headed into beach town to snoop around a little. Had a bite at Mateo's, very good and reasonably priced then headed into Tulum for some groceries and a bottle of baileys. The villa's prices are ridiculously high for any kind of drinks. Had an icecream and headed home. coffee and baileys (for the hubby) and wine (me) on our balcony.

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1156.jpg
view from our balcony

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1065.jpg

another angle.

another day gone...........Sleep will be easy tonight:)

[debski]

So, the next few days, more of the same!!!!Had breakfast one morning at Ziggy's. Was good, price was good, nothing fancy, just ok! next stop was Las Estrellla's restaurant. They call themselves "mexican/morrocan" The atmosphere here was very cool. large oversized and colorful couches with authentic pillows, tables and lighting. We decided we would check it out one morning as they opened at 7am. At our villa, you couldn't get coffee or breakfast before 8am (one of the draw backs) Anyhoo, walked to the restaurant one morning for 7 and it was not opened, waited around for a bit, the cook saw us and said "uno momento" 1/2 hour later, we moved on..........never did go back.
Checked out Ana y Jose's - the ground are very nice. It was very quiet here this year, not like I have seen it in the past. I have heard it's not doing so well anymore, Anybody know anything bout why that might be?????

Tulum is my paradise!!!!! I love it here and could stay forever....................
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1072.jpg
from our beach., oops, sorry, this is the beach in front of the morrocan restaurant, while we waited for them to open!!!which they didnt!!!
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1184.jpg
pretty
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1127.jpg
happy and relaxed!!!

[debski]

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1214.jpg
another sunrise

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1139.jpg
full moon

[debski]

bout now, the days have really blended. will just make pointers and pics from here on..................

El Tabano's
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1028.jpg
giant aloa vera plant
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1148.jpg
meatballs

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1145.jpg
very nice atmosphere
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1031.jpg
giant chair
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1054.jpg
one of hubby's meals, Very spicy! he loved it!!!

[debski]

The next few days, very relaxing............no worries, no hurry's

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1091.jpg
supper at OM
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1086.jpg
chipote shrimp! VERY HOT!!!!
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1085.jpg
pizza.

[debski]

So.............after an awful night spent in the bathroom, (my first case of the mexican trots) I am not well this morning and sleep ALL DAY! Hubby had to manage on his own, and manage he did! The villa's dogs, Polo and Tequila, kept him busy playing fetch, he got to know the staff, played around on the computer..........and worried about me!
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1129.jpg
lunch, fresh fruit salad
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1077.jpg
stuffed cannonilli for supper

I woke at 11 pm, and for the first time 24 hrs, felt like I may live!!!!

[beachreader]

So sorry you were sick, and both of you during the week at that! :(

That chipotle shrimp dish at Om looks amazing, is it really super hot? I've been turning into a heat wimp over the years, but I still like the idea of it.

How were the meatballs at El Tabano? I've never had them but have heard reviews varying from the best melt-in-your-mouth meatballs ever to so-so and kind of tough.

Loving your pictures, thanks again for sticking it out!

[debski]

Beachreader..............The Chipote shrimp was fire!!!!! I only managed 2 bites and knew that I would be sick! My tummy can't take any heat of that nature. and sure nuff, I was sick that night although to be fair, I don't think it was entirely the food. As far as the meatballs go, I didn't try them but Mike loved them. Thanks for all your feedback by the way. You know your report was what turned me on to the villa in the first place. We were going to stay at Nueva de ramira till I read your report and then researched the villa.!

[debski]

Up extremely early this morning, more pics of the sun rise, a lone walk along a deserted beach and time to catch up on my journal. Man it'd be nice to have a cup of joe!!!!! Once the hubby was up, we headed to Zama's for breakfast!

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1158.jpg
beauty!

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1118.jpg

calm morning, nice change from the wind.

[beachreader]

I'm sure the sickness wasn't due to the food, but I'm sure the fire didn't make you feel any better in the bathroom! Margo calls the morning after a chile hit "cat-scratch fever", as in you drag your nails down the walls by the toilet. My friend ate a habanero at Don Cafeto's sort of by accident (meant to take just a bite but popped the whole thing in without thinking), she suffered for a while with that one. :eek:

[debski]

Afternoon came all to soon, headed to LeZebra for a late lunch.

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1180.jpg
appetizers

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1179.jpg
tortia soup soup, AWESOME!

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1181.jpg
and a burger.........a little taste of home
all was really good. On the way back, we checked out a new place called Hartwood, I'm told it's the former chef from Zama's who is originally from New York, young man, nice looking!!! (what's up with all the good looking chef's????? Did I mention the chef at the villa is drop dead gorgeous!!!)hehe. Anyhoo, The menu is different every night, catch oof the day and anything else the chef can get fresh daily.

Back from supper at hartwood's. Very interesting, great ambiance, menu is eccentric, over-all, good, not great, a little expensive for the entre's but the appetizers and deserts were reasonable.
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1195.jpg
shrimp and tomatoe appetizer.

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1197.jpg
braised cauliflower

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1196.jpg
and............rabbit on a bed of cabbage, mmmmmm tastes like chicken!hahahaha

Short walk home, coffee and baileys and a glass of wine on our deck...............hmmm must be getting closer to the end of the trip instead of the beginning! sad!

[debski]

Spent a day in town and lucked into the spring stoltice parade while having a refreshment at Don Cafetao's!

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1130.jpg
the pickled appetizers,yummy
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1131.jpg
huby enjoying them...........
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1132.jpg
surprise!
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1133.jpg
very colorful!
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1134.jpg
nice

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1135.jpg
Back at the villa, talking with a very nice, well traveled couple from Boston, John and Nancy, (Nancy is a lurker here, and recognized my screen name) come on out Nancy!!! Nancy tells us that her and her hubby were walking in the back streets of Tulum and came across a bull fight!!! part of the spring celebrations!!! pretty neat!

[debski]

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1143.jpg

the full moon was beautiful

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1141.jpg

later that night, OM had their full moon party............A couple got married on the beach in front of Esmerelda's........complete with lights, a band and dancing on the beach as well as a fire dancer. Oh so very lovely!!!! The shadows, walking the beach in the moonlight, were so very long, It was so bright!!! It was my first full moon in Tulum!!!!!

[debski]

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1114.jpg

[debski]

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1215.jpg

[debski]

Morning of our last day came all to soon...........Did some packing, then headed to the beach while I waited for hubby for a last breakfast in Tulum!!! Spent the morning lounging in my favorite chair, a final swim and up to the room to get ready for the shuttle transfer back to the airport:( While I was showering, with a full head of shampoo, the water quit!!!!! oh my! Hubby goes down to see what's up? and they are out of water. Have to wait for them to pump water from the cenote that is right under us into the tanks. All good, and I finish my shower quickly in COLD water!!!!hehe Gotta love Mexico!
Transfer arrives early, we say our goodbye's and we're off. Lunch at TGI Fridays ( always good) and our flight home was uneventfull. Another vacation comes to and end.

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1166.jpg

[beachreader]

Great report, thanks Debski! I love the full moon down there. I've started marking up my calendar to show full moon times in case I can plan a last-minute trip to Tulum I'll know what's up with the moon.

Speaking of good-looking chefs, have you seen Christian at Om? Mmhmm. :)

[beachreader]

By the way, I think you're from Canada, yes? Do most Canadian flights end up in Terminal 2? I really miss that TGI Friday's, the food is always so good there. Now we fly into Terminal 3 and the food on the gate level is seriously mediocre (Bubba Gump and Margaritaville, which only has the tableside guacamole to recommend it in my book).

[debski]

So to recap..........Villa Las Estsrellas!!! Wonderful Villa, Great food, and competant staff. Prices were a little high, but we would definately go back there to eat.........it was that good.:)

The rooms were large, comfortable and spacious. The bed was the most comfortable bed I have EVER slept in in Mexico.

The rooms were clean as was the rest of the villa. the music that plays alll day from 8am to 10pm was good, and unobtrusive, and if you preferred, you could shut it out of your room.

That is the good, now for the bad..............
Breakfast is a little late starting at 8am. Would be nice if you could at least get coffee by 7am!
Because the villa is small, sometimes it was a little confining in the restaurant (too many children at times) Please don't roast me for that statement, it's just my opinion!!!!

now this last point could be either a pro or a con, depending on how you feel! I love dogs!!!! and the resorts dogs were wonderful!!!! not bothersome at all. There were 2 that belonged at the villa and a 3rd came every day from Shamballa Petite. I enjoyed them thoroughly. They would lie in the shade, sometimes ask for a belly rub............and if you grabbed a ball, you had a blast playing fetch with them!!!!!! AND they could go for what seemed like hours!!! loved it. Now, the owners have alot of friends that visit for lunch and the sort, and they all seems to have dogs. One day, there were no less than 6 dogs running around playing together and fetching in the waves. We had no problem, cept for the bit of sand that was kicked up.........but my thought was that there may be some people who would have a problem with so many. We had expected to travel with friends who at the last minute could not make it, and I know that they would have had trouble dealing with the dogs. So I guess my point here is that it is sooooo very important to do a little research before you decide on the place place for you!

Overall, we loved the villa!!!!!


Casa Banana - good food, nice ambiance, a little pricey
El Tabano - good food, great ambiance, reasonable priced.
Hartwood - nice atmosphere, eccentric menu, a little pricey
Mateo's - fun atmosphere, good food, reasonable prices.
Zama's - always good
LeZebra - always good, if a little slow (everyone knows this)
OM - just ok
Hechizo's - AWSOME!!!!! worth a visit!!
Don Cafetao's - always interesting
Villa Las Estrellas - Very good!!!! a must!!!!
Ziggy's Bistro - decent food, very affordable

Well, I think that's it folks............
hope you enjoyed!!!

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1033.jpg

[debski]

Beachreader...........I do believe all canadian flights come into terminal 2. We only fly west jet and always enter through that terminal. We are from the northern part of Alberta!!!

[debski]

Oh, I forgot to mention!!! We met Margo!!!!!

also forgot to mention, that the beach in front of the villa is fabulous, as it is all along this stretch, the water is quite rocky, just sayin!!!

[Justine]

I liked your TR debski! thanks so much:). I don't think anyone should "roast you" for your opinions on a place or restaurant, I thought you did a really good job pointing out pros and cons of lots of places, and I think that is helpful for people using tr's to find out where they want to stay and eat.

[Justine]

hmm that didn't come out quite right- "I don't think people will roast you" is maybe a better way to put it....

[beachreader]

Just thought I'd add another two cents on the dog issue. I am not a "dog person" in general. I like dogs who are well-behaved, quiet and unstinky, and I really enjoy Tequila and Polo. They are well trained and pleasant, and they don't come into the restaurant area unless specifically invited by Simone, and then it's just to cross through so they can go home. They do tend to hang out right next to the beach chairs or at the edge of the deck, and when they're wet they will sometimes come to the chairs to shake, but even at those times I didn't get too irritated (perhaps since I was on the beach and already kind of dirty). My friend was not as enamored of their closeness, but if there's ever a situation where the dogs are irritating, a quick request to Simone and the dogs are gone, no heavy sighs or dirty looks as some dog people give non-dog people.

The dog poop on the beach issue is becoming a real problem IMO, but the folks at the Villa are pretty good about picking up after their dogs, so if you see one of them in the act, just let someone at the Villa know and they'll head out to clean it up. Would that all dog owners on the beach be as vigilant.

[debski]

good point beachreader!! The poop on the beach IS becoming a problem, and not just from one Villa!! I did not ever see anyone from the villa pickup poop, but I did see others walking there dogs with little baggies. AND i myself almost stepped in it a number of times walking the beach. Thanks to hubby for keeping and eye out!!!!

[babycakes]

Luckily I am a dog lover, with 3 at home. We will be visiting soon. I remember BR tried to find an indestructible toy for one of the villa pets, but the dog made short work of it. I may try to take on that quest next time I'm at Petsmart. Hope the kids don't get up too early when we're there. How about a cooler bag to keep drinks and maybe juice for the early hours before coffee is available? Would the villa staff frown on that? I also thought about rum and cokes made ourselves to help the bar tab. Already got a cute little cutting board and knife with cover at Target. Thanks, Debski, for the great information. Can't wait for our first time staying in Tulum!

[debski]

hi babycakes!!! I'm sure the villa won't frown on a cooler in the room or anything else you might need. We had baileys in the room as well as some treats and 5 litre jugs of H2O. No one said a word! and really, why would they??? When's your vacation???? Maybe I'll sneak into your luggage:)

[babycakes]

We will be there on May 6. If I were the least bit computer savvy I would have a ticker. You can't believe how many times I tried. It's just sad. So I'm not very optimistic about being able to post pictures for a TR. Maybe I can get technical help.

[debski]

lol...........did you not see how long it took me to post????? presevereance!!!!!:):):)

[Westybchbum]

Sorry to see that OM rated just okay..... We have had our best meals there, including our wedding dinner that all 20 guests rave about and our TI gathering last night with 15 people where angelo and christian outdid themselves (tr coming soon....)

Glad to see that sun finally made its way out for you.... VLE is truly a beautiful property! Congrats getting the pics working!

[debski]

just wanted to clarify.............OM was just OK basically because of our choices. The shrimp chipolte was entirely to hot for me, hubby loved it, and the pizza was OK, only because I owned my own pizza shop for 10 years and it is pretty hard to compete with my own recipes. Om is a nice place, with good service and wonderful atmosphere!

[tbpeaceful]

debski ~ thanks for a fun TR. So glad you were able to post photos. You have some really beautiful shots.

[minniemex]

So glad you didn't give up!!

Thanks for the great report!!

[edurban]

Hartwood - nice atmosphere, eccentric menu, a little pricey.

I kept thinking this place sounded familiar...such an un-Mexican name...New York (Brooklyn) chef....hmmmm.

Sure enough, it was written up in the New York Times Magazine! Here's a link to the pics, including the chef:

http://nicolefranzen.blogspot.com/2011/03/hartwood-by-selby-in-tulum-mexico.html

May have to try it...we're eccentric...

David

[minniemex]

I was just re-reading your report (It was posted when I was gone, and I had to speed read to get through all the posts:()

I saw this picture ~ I think this is a "mole" ~ one of my favorites!

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn168/debski08/tulum%202011/DSCF1054.jpg

It sounds as though you guys spend your days much similar to ours. Walking the beach, some reading, walking, eating. Dos Ceibas is a good lunch stop as they have continually had the best guac we have had recently. I thought your comment about S&S was interesting. I have never desired to stay there and can't put a finger on why not.

Here is a question for you ~ you have stayed at quite a few places on the beach. Which is your favorite so far? Are you considering staying at any place you already stayed at again? Just curious. :wave: I wish I could find my perfect place that fits my budget.:p

Again, thanks for a great report.

[minniemex]

Just thought of another question I wanted to ask. You guys didn't rent a car for the whole trip and used transfers. Did you keep track of how much you spent? This is how I want to do our next trip and was wondering if you think it was cheaper or cost about the same?

Oh, and do you always do transfers? Or have you rented. You guessed my question, if you have done both, which do you prefer? This is always a question we get here, so I thought I would ask! :-)

[debski]

Hi minnie,
I'll try and answer your questions as best I can! Firstly we had heard about the guac at Dos Ceibas but never got there around lunch time this year. We have eaten there in the past and enjoyed it. Maybe next year!
As for our favorite........really hard question. Each place we stayed had great things and not so great things. Generally we try not to stay at the same place twice. Looking to our next trip, we will be NVR and thinking ahead, I don't believe we will stay at any of the places again. We will however eat at Villas Las Estrellas again!!!! sorry minnie, I cannot pick a favorite!!! Each offered us what we needed at the time.

Hope this helps. I'll get to the rent a car question in a little while, I'm off to work!

[debski]

Just thought of another question I wanted to ask. You guys didn't rent a car for the whole trip and used transfers. Did you keep track of how much you spent? This is how I want to do our next trip and was wondering if you think it was cheaper or cost about the same?

Oh, and do you always do transfers? Or have you rented. You guessed my question, if you have done both, which do you prefer? This is always a question we get here, so I thought I would ask! :-)

Ok, so the transfer/rental choice! When we travel to Tulum, the whole trip takes us about 13 hours. That's from our door, to the hotel in Tulum. Traveling from western Canada, the flights arrive in Tulum around 5 pm. That leaves you traveling most of the way in the dark after being on the go for the last 11 hours. We prefer a private transport just because we're usually pretty tired and I hate driving at night. The private transfer is waiting for us and we're off. No other passengers to wait for. The Van costs the same for 1 person to a maximum of 10 people, so when we travel with friends, there's no extra cost. We have taken the Ado bus in the past, it is by far the cheapest but we like the private transfer the best. We have also taken cabs to and from the airport, (most expensive). If we arrived during daytime hours we would likely rent a car at the airport. So I guess to sum up, the bus is the cheapest, cabs most expensive and the transfer middle of the row and no wait or hassles. It is what we prefer!!!!

hope this helps!