Casa Escondida in Xcalak

You are invited to experience a vacation far from ordinary!

Enjoy Recession Stimulus Discounts from now until December 19th! Contact us for information!

You know you want to. No crowds, no
merchandise hawkers, no traffic jams, no telephones, no cattle boat dive crowds at typical ocean
resorts…. Only pristine tropical waters lapping the cool, sandy shore, beckoning you to relax in the
water or on the deserted beaches. Casa Escondida (Our Hideaway), located 8 km. (5 miles) north
of the pueblo of Xcalak, on the Costa Maya, invites you to indulge in that relaxed, private
interlude you crave. We, Tom and Judy Hagmann, live on the main floor and offer two spacious
equipped villa apartments on the second floor where you can gaze in awe at spectacular ocean
views. Sunrise through drifting clouds or huge orange moonlight reflected on glistening oceans
greet you in the morning and tuck you in at sunset. Watch the sun set on the lagoon to the west
from the third story and later, an endless sky filled with more stars than you ever dreamed
possible. Glimpse toucans flitting from tree to tree in the jungle in this sparsely developed
corner of the Caribbean.
THE VILLAS
We offer two apartments, a two bedroom unit and a one bedroom villa. Comfy open living
room/kitchen areas (each with sofa and love seat) overlook the ocean and open onto a covered
oceanfront terrace. Adjoining the living rooms are fully stocked kitchens with utensils and basics
for your cooking and dining necessities. Both units contain blenders, juicers, and coffee pots.
Salt, pepper, cooking oil, and sugar are provided. The dining areas have ample space with a table
and four chairs.
Kitchens and bathrooms are supplied with purified water and purification drops for washing
fresh fruit and vegetables or rinsing dishes and teeth. Bathrooms have showers with hot/cold water
drawn from the cistern that is filled with Mother Nature’s rainwater.
The bedrooms are generously sized and have large windows and closets. Ceiling fans supplement
the breezes and are located in all the rooms, including the oceanfront terrace.
An open spiral staircase leads from the gated front entrance to the second floor commons area
where you will be able to snuggle up with books, videos, games, and information about the area. Or
pull in some chairs to play cards and board games or darts.
The Leopard:
Named in honor of the elusive rare cats in our area, this one bedroom villa is decorated with a
leopard theme. The 22x16 ft. living room/kitchen is a relaxing haven with a sliding glass patio
door opening onto a shaded oceanfront terrace cooled with continual breezes. It is a wonderful
spot to chill after a day in the sun.
A large, 12x15, bedroom faces the lagoon and has an equally wonderful view of the jungle. The
king sized bed can be separated into two singles if desired.
The 6x12 ft. bathroom with shower is to die for…not the ordinary tiny compartments of most
hotels.
The Tropicale:
This two bedroom/one bath villa occupies the upper, north side of our casa. Its décor
reflects our love of the sea and jungle. Upon entering the apartment, your breath will be taken
away by the ocean view through the octagonal windows of the dining area. You will feel as if you
are floating on the ocean in this living room/kitchen area (18x19 ft). Lounge on the shaded
oceanfront terrace or enjoy basking in the sun on the private terrace that spans the entire north
side of the apartment.
The master bedroom (15x9) provides queen sized comfort and a view of the ocean from your bed through
the sliding glass door that leads to the terrace. What a way to wake up! Once you arise, look to
the west for a beautiful lagoon view from the large window. Ocean and lagoon views while standing
in one spot, what a treat while you dress.
A second bedroom (15x9) captures the joy of dolphins frolicking at the ocean’s edge. This room
sports two twin beds (that can be made into a king upon request). The windows also face the lagoon
jungle.

For more information, we prefer email to phone contact.  We also have a web site when you want more information

A wireless internet service is available 24/7 through our satellite dish. We have Yahoo VOIP
telephone service on a limited basis, or use your computer with a VOIP program and our dish.
Housekeeping is done daily. Our caretakers, Manuel and Blanca, live on the premises and will
graciously help with all you require, as will we.
You are welcome to use the barbeque grill, 2 kayaks, bikes, snorkel gear, an inflatable boat,
and inflatable floats.
Blanca will gladly provide laundry and dishwashing service for a small fee.
Grocery trucks bring fresh fruit, vegetables, and various staples to our door 5 out of 7 days
per week.
Security is a high priority with us. We feel you will sleep well knowing that entry into your
apartment is protected five ways. An iron gated entrance is locked at night. At the top of the
stairway is a commons door that is lockable. Your apartment door is lockable. Additionally, the
watchful eyes of two intimidating dogs stay alert through the night. Our caretaker checks on
anything suspicious.
You are welcome to keep your valuables in our safe which is too heavy to be carted off. We
reside here most of the time and will be at your service.
The open staircase leads to a third floor roof which has a breathtaking 360 degree view of
ocean, lagoon, and jungle and is available for private tanning or stargazing.
A thatched palapa (being constructed in 2008) will shelter you from too many rays.
Hammocks under the palms will sway you to sleep as you read a book and release the worries of
the workaday world.

Thirty steps from the casa to the ocean, and then excellent snorkeling begins 150 feet from our
shore with a path leading the way. You will encounter an abundance of sea life and numerous coral
heads dotting the inside of the reef. The barrier reef calms the ocean so the distance between the
shore and the reef becomes a nursery for many fish and makes for stress free snorkeling and
swimming. One hundred strokes and you are near the reef where shark, sea turtles, sting rays, eagle rays, eels, and
other exciting marine life have been spotted.
Xcalak is not the touristy type of vacation. If you need lots of entertainment and to be on
the go constantly with traffic and shops, this may not be the spot for you.
We want you to be aware of this before you arrive.
We offer an alternative to the ordinary.
~A walk on the beach to collect ancient Mayan pottery chards or discover ancient fishing
weights washed ashore.
~A snorkel among the coral maze to turn the corner and spy a sea turtle or barracuda eye to eye.
~A swim in the shallows to see a huge sting ray nestled on the sand flats.
~A stretch on the patio with a glass of wine to watch incredible sunsets and twinkling stars.
~A paddle on the lagoon while watching for crocodile or tropical birds.
Then, if you aren’t sated by doing nothing demanding, try these:
~~~~Dine Out~~~~
In Xcalak and along the coast, wonderful gourmet restaurants feature local fare with seafood
specialties or the American standards. These include the Leaky Palapa, Caribe, Costa de Cocos,
Mayan Grill, and Sandwood Villas (only 50 steps from our casa).
~~~~Dive & Fish~~~~
There are two dive shops in our area: Costa de Cocos and XTC Dive Center.
Fishing trips can be arranged with Captain Victor Castro who is becoming internationally famous, as
well as other fishermen and resorts.
~~~~Tour by Land or Sea~~~~
Boat tours can be chartered to Bird Island, a winter gathering ground for flocks of birds.
Day trip by boat to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, Belize, to dive, snorkel or shop.
Charter a boat to Hol Chan to snorkel in a famous cut in the reef where you will be sure to see
nurse sharks, rays, turtles, lobsters, etc...
Drive to Kohunlich (3 hours away) or to Chacchoben (2 hours away) to explore these beautiful,
quiet, majestic Mayan ruins.
Bacalar Lagoon, a two hour drive (on the way to Kohunlich) is the most beautiful lagoon in the world
and at the southern end is Cenote Azul. Take a plunge off a two story platform into the azure blue
water of the cenote and snorkel with gigantic tree roots.
You can choose to be busy, or relax and forget the rest of the world.

High season:
January 8, 2009--April 2,2009
April 18, 2009--April 30, 2009    $125 USD double, per night, includes tax
Low season:
May 1, 2009--December 18, 2009   $85 USD double, per night, includes tax

Holiday rate:
April 3--April 18, 2009
December 19, 2009--January 10, 2010   $140 USD double, per night, includes tax
$20 additional per night for each extra person
Minimum stay of 3 days during high season
Minimum stay of 7 days during holidays
Long term rates negotiable
Prepayment of a 50% nonrefundable deposit is required to secure the reservation.