Villa Cathy Category Luxury

There are no write-ups about Villa Cathy on the Internet it deserves a thorough review. We vacationed here over Christmas, 2006 for 11 days with a family of 12; 8 adults and 4 small children. I’ve included a few pictures where possible to compliment those already available on web sites. The Villa comfortably fits 12. There are 5 bedrooms (3 in the main house) when the two cassitas are included. Note that we have traveled all over the world and extensively in Mexico having stayed in villas on both the east and west coasts. In summary, this is one of the best vacation experiences we have ever enjoyed. Not necessarily because of the villa, although nice, but because of the whole experience including the extremely hospitable staff, beaches and the quaint village of San Pancho. Read on for details.

Villa Cathy

The Villa is perched on a cliff about 100 feet above the surf and is truly in the jungle but offers panoramic vistas of the vast ocean complete with breaching humpbacks and leaping dolphins that were visible every day. Bring image stabilizing binoculars. This area, about 4 miles (15 minutes by car) over a dirt/rocky road from San Pancho and is remote and rough. This is what makes the Villa so enjoyable. Luxurious, but no crowds or noise other than the surf pounding on the rocks below. The villa is for the hardy who like a more rugged experience with kids that are not wimps. It is about 75 steps from the pool up to the main house and more steps to the villa bedrooms. The two cassitas are about halfway up the stairs. The beach, shared by two other Villas, is another short walk down from the pool area and through the jungle. Our small children (6 mos., 3, 4&5 years) did not have any trouble navigating the stairs or trail. The exercise was great to work off the fabulous cooking of the staff. All of the bedrooms have a nice deck or patio.

The villa is largely open air with no air conditioning (it was never needed) and when windy would blow through the environs. In the low 80’s during the day it cooled off to around 60 at night. This was late December and we slept with blankets. The open environment invites critters and bugs. There is netting around the beds and although required we seldom noticed any bugs other than moths. This was not mosquito season and there was nary a one. Leave the lights off at night until going to bed and moths were minimal. Every bedroom but one experienced a scorpion during our stay. I sprayed each room with Raid provided by the staff. I think this would be wise to do occasionally.

There a few spots around stairs and railing where we had some concern about safety for the children. We brought some 2 foot high plastic fencing and tie wraps in our luggage from the USA and put this up strategically to give piece of mind to the young mothers in our group. It never seemed to be a problem and the kids quickly learned where it was safe to trek. There is a nice, large terrace and a roof top lookout to view the ocean.

We were visited by White Nose Coati’s (related to raccoons) each night and if any food was left out, or cupboards open we would get robbed. They even stole a baby milk bottle left out after washing. They did not bother or threaten but they would appear within 20 feet of us and seemed to have little fear of humans.

One item that you are not told about but there is sign by all the toilets is; “Please, No TP in the toilet.” There is a waste basket emptied daily by the maid by each toilet to dispose of used TP. I think that because of the remoteness and cliff side dwelling the septic system must have issues and minimizing waste to clog is an objective. I did catch the occasional wiff of sewer smell when walking the grounds around the tanks so it confirmed my belief of potential septic problems. We had no such problem during our stay.

Pool and Beach

The pool consisted of an upper infinity deep water basin that cascaded into a lower shallow one for the kids. Bring or buy water toys and sand buckets and shovels for the kids as none are available. The pool was not heated and was pretty cold (70 F?) do to the cold nights and is in the sun most of the day. The kids did not seem to mind but only a few adults went for a dip. However, the ocean was wonderful and warmer (79 F?). The beach is sandy and great for the kids. The beach drops off quickly and surf is big and will pound you if not careful. It is not safe for small kids to swim in the surf. There were kayaks and life jackets available. There can be strong currents and care must be taken if swimming. Don’t venture out too far. Chairs and tables are down on the beach. The sand was nice and clean.

Staff&Food

The Villa staff is what made the vacation a real vacation. The Villa manager is Luiggi. Our three full time staff consisted of a gourmet chef (Luiggi) who prepared unbelievable meals for us three times a day. His assistant made sure that we had cool margaritas, piña coladas and cervesa delivered to the beach and pool, arranged for massages by the pool, a serenade by a local Mariachi band on the terrace while dining on traditional Mexican BBQ, Piñata party for the kid''s and handmade Mexican fireworks for New Year’s Eve. The maid cleaned daily, made beds and changed linens every few days. Two part time staff included a pool boy who cleaned the pool daily and a gardener who would occasionally sweep the walks. The food was excellent and would be custom ordered to our liking. Luiggi would prepare kids meals to meet their tastes and we would all eat meals together in the dining area. There was also a terrace where meals could be taken. Luiggi will do all the grocery shopping and keep things stocked including a trip to Puerto Villarta to buy supplies. Prices in San Pancho are better than Sayulita for snacks, small food items, tequila, beer and wine. We were told that the Villa had a well for their water but I didn’t trust it. The well broke down and a truck would deliver (pump) water to the storage tank. We were advised to drink only bottled water. Buy 5 gal purified water and refill smaller bottles. We went through 5 gallons every two days and would also use it for coffee and tea. No one got sick from the water during the entire trip.

San Pancho

We had stayed in Sayulita a year ago and this is when we discovered San Pancho. Other than more variety in shopping there is little reason to visit Sayulita. San Pancho is less crowded, has surfers to watch, better and cleaner beachfront and the food is just as good. We had dinner one night at La Ola Rica and I highly recommend it. The food was great. A reservation is required and request the table you desire. We visited the beach in San Pancho several times and camped out on the shady tables at one of the beach restaurants, eating lunch and having some cold beer.