Casa El Faro
STAY
Careyes Club Residences Pool
OK! Let’s break down all the areas within the community of Careyes.
There is El Club & Residences which is the closest thing they have to a hotel. It’s more like condos surrounding the restaurant La Duna and there are a series of infinity pools overlooking the beach. If you are staying at one of the villas or casitas you will have to pay for a day pass to access the pools but I will warn you they are not heated. The design here is sophisticated yet understated with a Moroccan feel. Then there is the area walking distance called Casitas de las Flores which feels like Positano meets Mexico. They are all located on a hill leading to the ocean so be prepared to walk up and down stairs. These are great for just couples or small families. Some have plunge pools but again all their Euro influence they are not heated.
The Playa Rosa Bungalows are also a good choice if you want to right on the beach and you’re just a couple or small family but want a pop of bright pink around you. These are right next to the restaurant Playa Rosa that serves Mexican and Italian food. I will say these don’t have a ton of privacy and I prefer to be a little higher up on the hill.
This is a sweet 2 bedroom house in Casitas de las Flores. I imagine a lot of the places are similar though. This does not come with a staff but you can ask for a cook and cleaning or laundry. If you do pay for a cook be sure to get one that has access to a car so they can go get groceries as needed.
Casita Jazmin
The largest casa in Casitas de las Flores is Casita El Faro which is a perfect place to visit with your large family or a group of friends. The cook and staff that come included with the house are amazing and will cater to your preferences. We mostly eat seafood and the cook would make us whole grilled fish and fresh tortillas and then even homemade chicken tenders for the kids. You only pay for the groceries and alcohol they buy and then tip at the end. The pictures don’t do this place justice! It’s spread out amongst four levels leading down to the ocean so there’s lots of privacy and ocean views for everyone. Sadly the pool can’t be heated - pretty much my only gripe.
Casa El Faro
Casa Aries is located outside Casitas de las Flores amongst some other amazing villas. If you want to walk less but be a little further from the beach this is a great choice. Almost the entire house is one level with the pool and there’s a separate TV room that’s great for kids. It has an amazing view and you actually take a very charming and quick funicular ride down to the beach where Playa Rosa is. The chef and staff are also incredible here.
Casa Aries
If you’re a celebrity or know someone willing to drop a ton of cash on an over the top place check out their two iconic villas Sol de Oriente and Sol de Occidente. I’d rather be closer to the beach and somewhere cozier but these are definitely impressive.
EAT
In addition to the food made at your own casa there are restaurants around Careyes and beyond it though I’ve never personally explored those.
La Duna Restaurant
The restaurant at the Club by the infinity pools that’s open breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also find Erewhon style smoothies here.
Playa Rosa Restaurant
This is where the best beach for swimming is and they serve surprising great Italian food and have a cute beach palapa for drinks. I really love their pesto pasta and fresh baked bread.
Punto Como
Another great Italian place that also has meat dishes located in the Careyes plaza.
lilo Beach Club
Very chic beachfront restaurant where you can eat wood fired pizza with your toes in the sand while having a cocktail. If there is any late night party scene this is where it’s at.
Casa de Nada
Close to the polo field, turtle hatchery and Copa del Sol so good to visit those before dinner here. Just bring bug spray if you sit outside and don’t expect quick service.
Whole grilled fish at Casa El Faro
Playa Rosa Restaurant
La Copa del Sol
Baby turtle release
Dolphins off the coast of Careyes
DO
La Copa del Sol
Gian Franco Brignone dreamt up this giant cup and sculpture that balances on a seaside cliff. I recommend going to visit it right before sunset and dinner. They also offer sound baths here.
Baby Turtle Release
When you book your trip if it is turtle hatching season get your name of the waitlist to assist in guiding turtle hatchlings to see so that predators don’t eat them as they make their way into the waves. There is a small fee that goes toward the conservation group.
Dolphin and Whale Watching
Call Captain Krunchy on Whatsapp (your house will have his info) and head out to sea looking for dolphins and whales.
Massages
You can book massages to come to your casa.
Getting there
Arrange for a transfer or rent a car. I prefer Hertz at the airport and it’s a 1.5 hour drive to Careyes. Pro Tip: Download an offline map to the area on Google Maps so that you have driving directions when you lose service driving through the jungle.
How I Got That Shot
Low depth of field helps create layers and a feeling of authenticity and peering through something else. My f stop here is 3.5 and it should be that or 2.8 to create the nice bokeh of the flowers in the foreground as you look toward the building and the ocean.