Casa Xochitl
The short version of my review is that Casa…read moreXochitl is gorgeous magical property with clean, comfortable, well appointed, spacious rooms. The breakfast was delicious, healthy and varied every day. There was more than plenty to eat and delicious coffee. The host, Dan, is a very friendly guy who is knowledgeable about the area and keeps a low profile. The location is perfect for visitors to El Crntenario or a short drive if you want to stay in a quiet place just outside of La Paz. I highly recommend Casa Xochitl for visitors looking for tranquility and comfort!
If you want to read a more detailed review, please read on. I felt like Dan and his beautiful casa deserved more than compact commentary.
It was warm, late and dark when I entered the gates of Casa Xochitl for the first time. The gardens twinkled with little lights and I got my first feelings of what a special place I was entering.
My host, Dan, was cool & kind and took his time to show me around my room even though I had checked in after his bed time. He reminded me of the old beach bums back home; with his white hair, flip flops, easy vibe and permanent tan. He was clearly a hard working dude, to be able to manage and maintain that gorgeous and complex property on his own. He was unobtrusive but happy to answer my questions and proved to be an amazing chef.
I booked the dome room just for the open air shower and I was not disappointed. It was like having my own private casita - A beautiful brick building with pleasing decor reflective of the local culture. The bed was cool and comfortable, as was the temperature controlled room. A noise machine and charging station were provided at the head of the bed. A guest robe, drinking water, and pool towels were also supplied in the room.
The spacious bathroom was nicely stocked and the towels were large, thick, and soft. There was a warning against flushing paper due to being at sea level but the toilet had a bidet and a comfortable alternative to flushing paper.
I was pleasantly surprised by the size and appointments of the room. The place was spotless and all of the linens smelled crisply fresh. I did see a little lizard squiggle up the wall behind my suitcase on my last morning but no bugs in the four nights of my stay and the lizard was clean.
I woke up at 5:30am the first morning and when I opened the front door of my room to look out at the grounds, I felt like Dorothy! The sun was starting to get ready; warming the colorful flower petals and cacti. The birds were in full song, a gentle breeze rustled through the tall palms, and the water from a nearby fountain trickled through the rocks. I was waiting for a Mexican Munchkin to pop out from behind the colorful bush on the other side of the gravel path. This was the way to start a day!
I sat upon the blue bench on my private porch at length; sipping my coffee and combing my bare toes up and down the back of the sweetest resident dog who was snuggled at my feet. She would not give me her ball!
My daily breakfast was delicious, nutritious, and abundant. Each day was a different dish featuring local specialties and the host's extra touches like breakfast tostada with pickled onions, tamales, quesadillas, scrambled eggs, chorizo, an array of fresh fruit, yogurt, coconut chia pudding, granola, juices and excellent coffee.
The host's kitchen and the breakfast area were at the front of the villa so the vibe was open and welcoming. A large wood table and chairs flagged by a shell & cactus garden and a whispering water fixture made up the lower level. There was also a sun deck above with tables and chairs for early morning or evening views.
Behind my room was a cute cantina-style outdoor community kitchen/dining area with a grass roof. Guests were allowed to put our own food and drinks in the fridge and use the microwave. There was a large dining table with chairs and a hammock to make another perfect hang out area.
The dip pool area was hidden behind a large lemon tree, beyond the cantina and the host's house. It was small and perfect for cooling off from a hot day.
The only head's-up that I would give to other visitors who don't have strong legs is that the steps leading up to the pool and the first few steps leading up to the roof top areas are tall and there are no hand rails and nothing to hold on to. I have bad knees and did not attempt either since I had nothing to hold on to. The metal stairs up to the roof have hand rails but you must climb a few stairs without handrails first. This is not a complaint, just a consideration for other travelers who might have physical limitations similar to mine.
I was visiting friends in El Centenario, so the location was perfect for me. La Paz Is about a 12-minute drive away. As a solo female traveler, I felt safe at all times.
I was excited to share my experience to hopefully encourage another traveler to experience the magic of Casa Xochitl.
