Tropical Sunshine, Warm Soft Sand, and the Sound of the Surf in Playa Las Tortugas

"Villa Michelle" at Playa Las Tortugas offers a wonderful tropical experience. You can take a
leisurely walk, or a barefooted run, on miles of pristine sand beach that goes on as far as the eye
can see. Up the beach just a few hundreds yards is the mouth of the mangrove estuary where you can
watch numerous species of exotic birds including the resident pelicans.
�I have the privilege of experiencing a working sea-turtle camp firsthand because I am staying at
Playa Las Tortugas, a charming, ecologically minded property on an otherwise uninhabited stretch of
pristine beach. Next to a tidal estuary lined with mangroves�where I spend a glorious afternoon in a
canoe, spotting roseate spoonbills and great blue herons,among other bird species�this property
demonstrates the value of conscientious development.� Alaska Airlines Magazine
Fresh fish is on the menu for lunch if you�d like, either purchased from the fisherman on the beach
or by canoeing or taking a short swim to the neighboring fishing village of Platanitos. There you�ll
find the tasty �sarandeado� style fresh fish or shrimp barbecued over a mesquite grill, that draws
locals from miles around. Take the opportunity to enjoy a traditional meal prepared by one of our
cooking staff, or make yourself at home in our complete kitchen.
As you walk in, the bright, plant-filled entry and sun motif of our roomy villa welcomes you. Just
off the entryway are your two spacious bedroom suites with private baths, king-sized beds, desks,
and
a terrace with outdoor shower.
From the bedrooms a gently-curving tiled circular stairwell leads you to the second floor living and
dining areas which open onto a shaded slate terrace. Here is the perfect place for a cup of coffee
while taking in magnificent views of the ocean down through rows of coconut palms with their gently
swaying leaves.
The open kitchen, complete with a breakfast bar, is tiled with colorful hand-made "talavera tile"
and
decorated with glazed pots and vases from various parts of Mexico. Exotic furniture creates a
comfortable space in the living room.
From the interior living area of the home you head up to your roof-top terrace with its own
shaded "palapa" and generous views of palm tree-lined beach. Here is an ideal place for sunbathing,
for a get together to grill your lunch or dinner, or just to enjoy the tropical ocean breezes and
lovely ocean, estuary and garden views. It is also the perfect place for taking in the unforgettable
sunsets at Playa Las Tortugas.
� ... a gorgeous, coconut-producing plantation, an 1,100-acre estuary teeming with exotic birds and
a
turtle camp protecting the endangered olive ridleys ... � Entr�e
Our entire state of Nayarit area enjoys one of the most favorable climates in the world. Average
daily year-round temperatures range from highs of 80-85 degrees (perfect beach weather) to lows of
60-
70 degrees (perfect sleeping weather). Swim year round, but consider packing a light sweater for the
evenings in the winter months. Rain, when it falls, generally occurs between June and September as
night-time or pre-dawn thundershowers.
You can visit small typical Mexican villages, enjoy fresh fish and other local seafood at small
rustic beachfront restaurants, tour a tropical river and waterfalls, see historic San Blas, and
drive
up through the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains to colonial Tepic where crafts of the Huichol
Indians are found.
Playa Las Tortugas has kilometers of uncrowded, clean sand beach, and a number of activities both on
property and nearby such as Surfing, Wave Kayaking, Boogie Boarding, Fishing, and Shelling,
Canoeing,
Whale Watching, Bird Watching, Walking or Running on Miles of Sand Beach, and Sea Turtle
Conservation
activities (during season) at the Sea Turtle Conservation Camp.
Frequently there is one festival or another in small towns within an hour of our location. There are
a number of excursions you might take, with or without a guide.
Playa Las Tortugas is located on a section of coastline which is nesting habitat of several species
of sea turtle in the beautiful state of Nayarit, Mexico 70 miles north of the Puerto Vallarta (PVR)
International Airport and about 50 miles west of Tepic, the colonial capital of Nayarit.
We are happy to arrange transportation for you in our private shuttle, you may rent a car and drive
your self which a large number of our guests do, or if you'd like to be more adventurous you may
decide to come by bus and local taxi. We can send you details on the numerous car rental companies,
or instructions on which buses and local taxis to take including approximate costs.
It�s quite easy to find your way from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport to Playa Las
Tortugas, and the roads are normally well-maintained. Your valid driver's license is accepted in
Mexico, and the driving rules are virtually the same as most countries. Write us for a copy of
detailed driving instructions and a map. Your scenic drive north from the airport takes less than 2
hours and goes through areas of old-growth jungle and coastal hills.

Activities Guide, Local Activities, Local Maps
Air Conditioning: Super quiet mini-split air conditioning for bedrooms and living areas
Bottled Water
BBQ Grill: Weber gas grill on the upper terrace next to the palapa
Beach view: Great ocean and beach view!
Beds: King beds and full baths in all bedroom suites
Canoes and kayaks available
Ceiling Fans
Cook available
Daily maid service
Dining Room Seating for 6
Entertainment: Books, TV, DVD, CD Player, Video library, Stereo System
Full Kitchen: Complete kitchen with cooking accessories and cooking utensils, Blender, Dishwasher,
Coffee Grinder, Coffee Maker, Oven, Large Refrigerator, Lobster-Pot, Microwave, Paper Towels, Stove,
Toaster
Gardens: Private and large common area gardens with hundreds of tropical plants
Hair Dryer
Housekeeper Included
Internet high speed wireless available
Iron and Ironing Board
Large covered terrace and sunning terrace, palm-roofed palapa
Linens Provided: Linen change at mid-stay or every 3 days
Lounge Seating for 6
Massage available
Meal Catering Available: Enjoy meals prepared in your home by our wonderful cooks
Off Street Parking: Parking spaces on the property
Outdoor shower
Patio, Private Palm-Roofed Palapa, Large Tiled and Partially Covered Sunning Terrace
Pool: Large pool with palapa for the homes at Playa Las Tortugas
Private cook available
Restaurant dining guide
Soaps and Shampoo provided
Toilet Paper provided
Walkway to Water
Washer and Dryer: Laundry service and laundry soap available on request
No Pets Allowed
Smoking Not Allowed: No smoking inside please!

Beach, Surfing, Wave Kayaking, Boogie Boarding
Shelling, Canoeing, Whale Watching, Bird Watching
Walking, and Running on miles of sand beach
Fishing, Deep Sea Fishing
Shelling, Canoeing, Whale Watching
Sea Turtle Conservation activities
Bicycling, Hiking, Boating
Horseback Riding
Whale Watching
Children's Pool
"It's an idyllic spot for eco-loving families, located at the end of 11 miles of pristine white-sand
beach, between the beach and an 1,100-acre salt-water tidal estuary that 's home to more than two
dozen species of birds including herons, egrets, pelicans, and storks." The Sunday Republican,
Springfield, MA.

Couples** Regular Season (Oct - May) ..... $1375/week or $220/night, 2 guests maximum
Regular Season (Oct - May) ..... $1650/week or $260/night, 3 to 6 guests maximum
Christmas/New Year ...... $2495/week, 1 week minimum, can not include both Christmas Day and New
Year's Day
Couples** Summer Season (Jun - Sep) ...... Sea Turtle Nesting Special $1250/week or $200/night, 2
guests maximum
Summer Season (Jun - Sep) ...... Sea Turtle Nesting Special Rate $1500/week or $235/night for 3 to 6
guests maximum
Security Deposit of $350 required.
We are happy to arrange transportation for you in our private shuttle, you may rent a car and drive
yourself which a number of our guests do, or if you'd like to be more adventurous you may decide to
come by bus and local taxi. We can send you details on the numerous car rental companies, or
instructions on which buses and local taxis to take including approximate costs. If you'd like, our
wonderful cooks can prepare you authentic traditional meals.
Cancellations and Refunds:
Once booked, your Villa has been reserved just for you. You can start dreaming right away! Playa
Las Tortugas does not �double book� or �over book� accommodations. Because Playa Las Tortugas is a
not a large, volume hotel operator and provides an individualized, intimate and private experience
for our guests seeking to get away from it all, we have developed the following policies regarding
cancellations, refunds and security deposits.
Rental Amounts
A deposit of 50% of your total estimated rental amount is required to reserve your time at one of
our Villas. That deposit is due at time of making your reservation and is refundable (less a 10%
processing fee if paid via credit card) up to 45 calendar days prior to your arrival date. Deposits
can be paid by credit card, personal check (via personal check if the reservation is at least 45
days from the booking date), cashier�s check, money order or wire transfer. The estimated final
payment of the rental amount, and the security deposit, are due 45 days prior to your arrival. The
estimated final payment of the rental amount balance is not refundable. Cancellations that occur
with less than 45 days notice are not refundable.
Reservation Changes
You may change your reservation dates if you make the change more than 45 days prior to the arrival
date of your initial reservation, without penalty. Reservation dates cannot be changed 45 days or
less from the arrival date of your initial reservation. In case of a second change of reservation
dates, a fee of 15% may apply for reservation date changes.
Security Deposits
The security deposit is due, along with the balance of the rental amount, 45 days prior to your
arrival. The security deposit is refundable (less a 10% fee if paid via credit card) at any time
prior to your stay if you need to cancel. Your security deposit will be refunded (less a 10% fee if
paid via credit card) within 14 days of the date of checkout less any amounts due for property or
contents damage or loss.
Credit Card Fees
Because all transactions, both charges and refunds, processed on a credit card incur approximately a
5% fee it is necessary for us to charge you a 10% processing fee on all rental amounts paid via
credit card and returned due to cancellation. It is also necessary for us to charge you a 10%
processing fee for all security deposits paid via credit card. You may avoid these charges by making
payment with a check or cashier�s check 45 days prior to your arrival. Please note that if personal
checks are used to make payments your reservation will not be confirmed until receipt and processing
of your check by Playa Las Tortugas.
Travel Insurance
If there are uncertainties regarding your ability to use your vacation time with us, or if you just
want to insure your vacation against unknown events that may come up, you may want to obtain travel
insurance. Sites such as InsureMyTripoffer and compare travel insurance policies from major
insurers. You may check with them or alternative sites on the Web.