Villa Gauguin

Outstanding Architectural masterpiece with an accommodating staff in Francisco and Gladis

Villa Gauguin is simply beautiful. The pictures do not offer the property "proper" justice. From the moment you open the front door, the indoors not only opens to the beauty of the home but a picturesque blue vista that is simply breathtaking. You stand there and take it in, let it wash over you, right then and there, you know you have made the right choice. There is seemingly a view from everywhere. Except for the kitchen area and immediate dining area (this does not knock, we had 11 people during this visit, being all in the kitchen at once is too much but comfy), the house feels resort-like; there is space for everyone to feel as if you were alone in the beauty and tranquility that is Villa Gauguin. Three of the five bedrooms offer an ocean view; the other two bedrooms offer a view of the idyllic setting that is Villa Gauguin. The outside patio and pool area is expansive, even for the 11 in our party. Ample seating, sunrises, infinity pool, and lounge seating make it the "go-to" area. There is a place for everyone and if you think there isn't, take a walk from the pool area directly below onto the rocks, grab a seat and let the misty breeze of the Caribbean wash over you. This is luxury, simplicity, and elegance at it's best. You're away from Akumal by ten minutes, and for us, that was a good thing, think serenity. You can snorkel right off the property into the Yalku Lagoon, calmer waters, or into the Caribbean. Guest have stated that the best snorkeling was towards the Caribbean. Word to the wise, wait for calmer waters if you choose snorkel towards the Caribbean as the waves run directly towards the property. The nice thing is, is once the sun sets on the front side of the house, your afternoons and evenings will be nothing but trade winds and shade. To say we were impressed is an understatement; Villa Gauguin is impressive, fond memories will be made here. Francisco and his wife Gladys manage the property. Francisco is knowledgeable in all things Villa Gauguin AND, on top of that, a great cook. Francisco's cooking is on par with any restaurant in Akumal, so if you need a night in, set the table and let Francisco provide the meal. Your decision will not be a disappointment. We loved the Green Chicken Enchiladas, and the Grilled Fresh Fish was heavenly; add your drink of choice for the perfect evening "at home." We were married at Villa Gauguin, and for our time and expenditure, I cannot think of a better setting, a better place, and or better people, Francisco and Gladys, to have been a part of it. We are already thinking of anniversary parties here; it would be our Hangover II, if you will. Thank you, Francisco, Gladys, and Villa Gauguin, for the memories.

This was, by a long shot, our favorite beach house vacation. The house itself is amazing. The caretakers, Francisco and Gladis, lived up to the raves in other reviews -- both for their friendly yet unobtrusive manner and their skills in the kitchen when making meals for us. They were quick to make beds and clean in the mornings when we were out and about; more efficient than many luxury hotel staff, in fact. & every meal they made for us was delicious. The pool, with its infinity edge view of the lagoon and Caribbean beyond, was fabulous. The snorkeling right outback (a brief walk to the left for access steps to enter the water) was the best snorkeling of the trip and a way better value than paying and entering at Yal Ku entrance (a short walk from the house). The iguanas that walked up to us near the pool every day were adorable in a strange way, and they add to the natural charm of the location. There are 3 restaurants within walking distance, one (Que Onda) literally right across the street. I would recommend a golf cart rental if you choose not to rent a car, as Akumal's main town is 1.5 miles south, which is, of course, walkable, but in the blazing hot sun and humidity can quickly seem onerous. They are electric, so don't make my mistake in assuming the battery pack can charge them; they need to be plugged into an outdoor AC outlet every other night to charge (there is one on the right side of the driveway). As with anything, there are small areas that might be improved upon (some more shade near the pool area would be nice, be it a large umbrella or a canopy of some kind; there were often ants and other bugs in places you would rather they not be, and the master shower hot water was lukewarm at best) BUT BUT BUT those are small issues that pale in comparison to the magnificent location, staff, architecture and pool design of this gem of a house. We have not returned to any prior beach houses (OBX), but Gauguin might be the exception one day. We were genuinely sad to leave, and I lumped in my throat and tears in my eyes as I sat in the pool for the last time.