Guest Comments: Singing gardeners!

I am delighted to be allowed to share my thoughts on El Rancho, one of the more charming places we've ever stayed in our travels. We found your property online and booked a reservation for three days. We arrived early in the afternoon ~ well before check in time ~ and were allowed to check in right away.

Our accommodations were exceptional, giving us the feel of living in our own seaside Mexican villa. Although our rooms were next to the pool, the complex is so compact and so easy to navigate, it was a short walk to crest a slight rise and come upon the Pacific in all of its glory. One thing immediately apparent about El Rancho is the quiet and intimacy of the space. In a resort town, it was a welcome change from the enormous complexes of dull and dreary hotel rooms that line the beach.

El Rancho is different from the moment of arrival. A small sign on the street and a cobbled courtyard, then a winding landscaped path leading us to the office. Office accommodations, too, were remarkable: a well priced and stocked tienda with snacks and drinks and the critically important late night ice cream bars. High speed internet access and a $2 charge to call the US, no matter how long the call. Staff were very helpful and kind.

Our bags were taken to our rooms and we followed around the curving walkway past the beautiful pool courtyard, incredibly well landscaped with tropical vines and trees and understory plants. The old mahogany framework of our front door was fitted with cobalt glass ~ a beautiful touch vastly different from the average hotel room.

Inside, we found Mexican tile and decor, a well outfitted complete (complete!) kitchen, a dining room, living room and glorious windows two stories high. The stairs led us to our sleeping quarters and another bath, a second level filled with light owing to the glowing skylights overhead.

As travelers, we've found ourselves bored by the resort experience. It was refreshing to stay in a small "resort" with the feel of a small Mexican village. It is a stunningly beautiful space with stucco exteriors, winding walkways, lush landscaping. Our space was very comfortable and we liked it very much. It was not overly slick and luxe in the way that many new all inclusive resorts are: so slick and luxe that you don't know whether you're in Cancun, in Mazatlan, in Jamaica, Bermuda, Florida.

Instead, it was comfortable as home is comfortable, with the added attraction of being right on the ocean and in this jungle-like setting. It was comfortable in a way that allowed us to settle right in and wish our stay was much longer. It was rustic enough that we knew where we were and reveled in that. Each morning, pouring water from the jug in the hallway closet, we were met with a tiny little gecko, proof that we were no longer in Tulsa, but were happily, truly, really in Mexico.

Past our courtyard, a short walk took us past the small bar, beneath the treehouse restaurant, and out to the ocean. Few vendors, just wide open space and the crashing waves of the Pacific. The beach was clean and we delighted in sitting high above in the restaurant where we could spy on beach events from our aerie while attending to the delicious food. Try the chilaquile breakfast, and the seafood extravaganza for two. Fresh fruit and toast accompany every meal and it's all wonderful. The cook advised as we came in one evening that the vegetable soup was just finished and delicious. He was absolutely right. We dined while watching fishing, pursued by both human and feathered creatures. Butterflies drifted by our open window and all of this was experienced in relative isolation, in a restaurant quaint with wooden floors, palapa roof and surrounded by windows.

Our favorite thing about our stay, beyond what I've described above: Each morning we took coffee at one of the tables next to the pool. We were always early enough that the sun had not yet risen above our building, so we were in a shady, quiet, peaceful space. There were workers about, though. Men with clippers grooming the palms and the jasmine, snipping back the bougainvillea and the oleander. Each morning we were given the treat of hearing these several gentlemen singing. Not just the snatch of a tune or a lyric, but singing long and beautifully and simply for themselves. The man who meticulously cleaned the pool was practically operatic in the quality of his voice. We felt privileged to be provided this unintentional chorale performance so early in the morning.  It again reaffirmed the sense we had that El Rancho was genuine, simple, and very different from your average resort.

We can't wait to return to El Rancho. It is now our favorite place in our Mexican and Caribbean travels. The only caution I would give is that the units have stairs, there is a stepdown to the living room, and the bathtubs are a bit higher than usual to step into. Elderly or disabled visitors will want to have an assistant. Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts with you.

Best wishes,

Lynette Setzkorn & Mike Cly