VILLA YARDENA, SOLIMAN BAY

This is a pretty area of Mexico and not busy with tourists, which is what we wanted. A few points to mention: Our internet was out for 2.5 of the 5 days we were there due to lack of payment by the host. It was a challenge to explain to the managers what the problem was. We also had problems with the TVs and DVD players not working properly. Also, there was a problem with water pressure in two of the showers. When the whirlpool tub was drained, somehow the water backed up in the floor drain and made a huge puddle on the floor. We were accustomed to air conditioning and it was very humid and hot in the house, although we did use the room A/C at night. (The mosquitos were also fierce.) The managers were very nice, but there was language barrier that made communication difficult at times. The house was very nice, spacious, and great for our large group. The beach was very pretty and Alfredo was diligent in keeping the seaweed swept up. Some repair is needed on the beach lounge chair seat cushions as the stuffing was falling out.On the whole,tho, it was a nice stay. Our chef and his assistant did a great job feeding us and cleaning up after. However, I don't know that we would return to this area. The police are dishonest and so are the gas station attendants.

Our group of 17 arrived late on Saturday to a wonderful meal being prepared by substitute chef, Wilbert. The staff is off on Sunday, unless you want to pay a $100 service fee for meals. We tried to ask where to purchase groceries, or restaurant for Sunday meals. No one spoke english and we had no choice but to hire service or be left on our own with 6 small children. The villa chef, Antonio, arrived on Monday and was a life saver. He english is good and he made many suggestion for meals that were very good. He took us out on the villa boat for snorkeling and we made use of the kayaks.
We don't mind using our bath towels more than once as asked to conserve, but beach towels are different. These were never picked until we took them to the wash room ourselves on the third day. One of the guest houses had a faulty air conditioner and we began complaining on Monday to Lesley (caretaker). The answer every day was that the tech was phoned and should be there to repair. By Thursday we moved our daughter, husband and toddler into the house with us, the heat was unbearable in that room. On Friday after an angry encounter, they moved my daughter and her family into villa next door for the last night. The villa is clean and beautiful and the location was great for our group. We have rented villas in the Caribbean in the past for our family and other villas offer a grocery list to be purchased by the staff prior to arrival and prepaid. We have gladly paid for this service in advance. We would be cautious to recommend this villa to others, unless the service improves and the repairs are done.
We celebrated a birthday on the night before departure and Chef Anotonio went the extra mile to make it special. Four course meal and presentation was beautiful. We can't say enough about Antonio, he and his assitant were wonderful.
We love the area and the villa but not certain we would rent this one again. Unless we can be assured the repairs and service are taken care of.

Yardena was absolutely fabulous. The facility is enchanting and beautiful. All the staff were great - but especially the chef Antonio who is
fantastic. Our only problem was with the transport to and from the airport which was unreliable - but that was not the responsibility of the Yardena staff.