Loved this property

I and my family of friends have just returned from a blissful stay at Alice Christov's Casa El Refugio -- 13 persons who have traveled to and lived in many places throughout Central America -- and we found it "perfecto". Other comments by guests on this Web site capture the essence but I had to add my thanks and compliments to Alice, Cipriano, Rosa, Margarita, and Guillermina.
Kemo of Houston, Texas

6 of us, arrived at night after being picked up at the airport by the staff. Although we couldn't see the surroundings we were amazed at the interior of the main house. What a place!
One thing should be mentioned when renting a home. Usually the master bedroom is superior to the others. This was the case at El Refugio. However, we drew straws and everyone was happy.
In the morning we were introduced to the property and were indeed impressed. So many nooks and crannies. Even with 6-10 guests a visitor can find a special spot to call his/her own. And those mountains! What a dramatic and inspiring back drop. Great for artists, writers and just regular tourists.
With a full pantry, we were happy to make our own breakfasts as we often wanted to get out sightseeing before the staff had time to prepare a meal. We often ate at home in the evening. Rosa made sure to leave something we could easily serve ourselves. We enjoyed planning these meals with her the day before. She and Margarita were most helpful and Cipriano was always there when we needed him.
It should be noted that there are very few places to eat in Huyuapan especially in the evening although we found a favorite for lunch. Wendy's mom could make a mean tlayuda.
The city is further away than we had thought. By cab it was at least a half an hour and the bus took twice as long. This did not deter us as we enjoyed taking the local bus and got to know some cab drivers.
We went to markets at Tlacalula, Ocotlan, as well as most of the local ones including the organic market in town. A trip to the Mixtec Alta with the young women from la Casa de la Proteccion de las Jovenes was a high point. We love all the art galleries and museums Oaxaca city has to offer.
When we return we will also try to spend some time in the city but we will look forward to returning to the very special El Refugio.
One thing to remember in the winter - it can get very chilly at night!

My wife and I spent Christmas 2008 at El Refugio with another couple who are dear friends. Being in the hospitality business in France, we are perhaps more critical than most people. Overall the experience exceeded expectations. The houses and gardens are even better than the photos. Everything is elegant yet relaxed, a combination that few people can pull off successfully. There are several outdoor rooms hidden away, multiple terraces, and a wonderful verandah on the lower house. The kitchen is bright, spacious and well equipped, ideal for cooking food bought at market. Everything is kept spotlessly.

Cipriano is a truly lovely man and was an invaluable driver/guide/font of information; he even picked us up at the airport when we arrived at 10:30 at night. Margarita and Rosa are equally lovely, but speak no language other than Spanish (which unfortunately made meaningful communication between us impossible).

The village is totally non-toursity, a good glimpse into 'la Oaxaca profonde'. Unfortunately that included near-constant sound pollution during the daylight hours. Worst was a neighbor who played a surreal selection of music at very high volume; we suspect that the problem might be limited to holidays. It was the only thing that prevents us from giving the house top rating, and sadly that is beyond the control of Alice, the owner. She was exceedingly helpful in answering our myriad questions in advance of the trip; her spirit and character infuse the property.

We enjoyed the place so much that over the course of six days we stayed home for two, and for the rest were away no more than a few hours per day. Monte Alban and the city of Oaxaca make wonderful outings; our favorite restaurant in the city was Casa Oaxaca; the food is very good, the clientele mostly American.

My wife and I highly recommend El Refugio to anyone going to Oaxaca.

This was an amazing rental. The property looked as good in reality as it looks on the internet. The house and grounds were well maintained and clean, and the staff was marvelous.

I would recommend this property to anyone who wants to combine a relaxing vacation with sight seeing. We mostly ate at home as the cooks were fabulous. Our driver and guide took extremely good care of us.

A visit to Monte Alban and the Teotitlan (rug weaving village are a must!

Enjoy your stay if you are lucky enough to go.

The two architects in our group found Casa El Refugio perfectly designed. The landscaping, colors and lighting in the casa and gardens and outdoor eating areas were striking. Bathrooms, furniture, finishes, the art and even the library and tableware were exceptional for a rental property. The beautifully tiled kitchen was outfitted so thoroughly we were able to make everything from soups to souffles. The owner, even at half a world away, was helpful in communicating every detail, even insuring that we were met at the airport and that our kitchen was stocked with fresh local produce upon our arrival. Chipriano, the manager/tour guide, was friendly, flexible and resourceful in responding to our every request. His English was perfect. Rosa and Marguerita, the household staff, were meticulous and adorable. The neighborhood, though primitive, was secure and welcoming to visitors. We liked the proximity to Oaxaca city but being far enough from the town center to enjoy the sparkling lights from the second floor terrace at night. Mostly, we read and relaxed and the chef in our group had a ball cooking with ingredients found in local markets. We toured craft villages and Mt. Alban and enjoyed Casa Oaxaca restaurant as well as drinks at the Camino Real Restaurant. We explored the town center, buying lovely Christmas presents at Tienda Q boutique on Bravo and "participating" in wedding festivities at Templo Santa Domingo. We have already recommended Casa ElRefugio to several friends.

We stayed at your lovely estate for a week during Day of the Dead festival. We arrived days before the festivals started and I am so glad we did. We spent hours the first day just admiring the house and weren't sure if we were ever going to leave.

The staff was amazing and Rosa and Margarita are wonderful cooks and a pleasure to be around. Cipriano was was great and very helpful in our travels to surrounding cities and sites. He was very accommodating and never intrusive.

We can not wait to travel to Oaxaca again and when we do we will definitely be staying at this property again. Next time we hope to share our stay with a larger group so they can see how amazing this place really is. The pictures just don't do it justice.

Joe and Lisa

Alice,
The days we spent at your lovely place in Oaxaca were outstanding. Every detail of your home is a wonderful study in elegant style. The art is incredible - love the big painting by George in the main house.
Your guide and driver, Cipriano, was gracious and patient with our shopping excursions and fluctuating schedules. Rosa and Margarita were excellent cooks, and very pleasant, too. There were many relaxing afternoons on the patio.
This was a special trip for us, and one we won't soon forget. We 
look forward to returning again!
Susan

What a wonderful week we had in your gorgeous home! Your villa is magical; one week was just enough to want to stay forever. You have made it so comfortable; it feels like arriving home, rather than tip toeing around like a trespasser in someone else’s home

Rosa and Magarita were a delight, and Cipriano was as helpful as you indicated he would be.

We adored Lourdes, who taught us how to make her wonderful tamales. She also prepared two excellent meals, one on the day of arrival and again after our first major tour of the area.

Alice, I can only imagine how beautiful your other homes must be, otherwise I can't see how you could bear to be away from El Refugio.