1.  Is there a chef available?
Yes, our on-site manager, Samuel, is an excellent chef and can prepare meals you request.  He has an extensive menu ranging from local Mexican and Yucatan dishes to very traditional cuisine.  The cost of chef services is very reasonable and most guests comment that the best and most economical meals in the entire area are at Casa Tortuga.   Our Outdoor covered kitchen and dining area the perfect space to enjoy a perfectly prepared meal.

2.  Is it safe to drink the water?  
We provide bottled drinking water for each room and suggest that you also use it to brush your teeth.

3.  Should we rent a car?  
Yes, having a car is very useful to visit the many sights and restaurants in the area.  If you don't wish to drive, Samuel
can line you up a taxi or a van.  The closest town, Tulum, is about 8 miles away.  Our favorite rental car service is Dollar or Thrify due to shorter lines.  Take the collision coverage, they send an agent to a fender-bender and take care of everything for you - it is worth it for peace of mind.

4.  Will we have the entire villa to ourselves?
Yes, the entire villa is yours.  

5.  What is your cancellation policy?
If a reservation is made within 60 days of arrival, payment in full is required upon reserving. If a reservation is made earlier, a refundable 50% deposit is due at the time of reserving to confirm your reservation and balance due date will be 60 days prior to arrival date.   If you are worried about cancellations or interruptions, we suggest you consider trip insurance.
Specifics
Cancellation prior to 60 days from arrival date will receive a full refund.
Cancellation less than 60 days prior to arrival date will result in the forfeit of 50% of the Total Rent. Cancellation less than
30 days prior to arrival date will result in the forfeit of 100% of Total Rent.  There are no refunds on canceled
holiday reservations.

6.  Is there a restaurant nearby?
Yes,  there is an excellent restaurant, Sahara, just (north) up the beach a few blocks.  Oscar y Lalo's seafood restaurant is
about 1 1/2 miles away. The towns of Tulum and Akumal (each within 8 miles) have fun and interesting places to dine with excellent food.

7.  What about groceries?
You can purchase groceries at the largeChedaui or the AKI supermarkets are 8 miles away in Tulum and many fruit markets, bakeries, fish markets, etc. in town. You may also use our pre-stocking service $400.00 Pesos plus the cost of Groceries or order online for pre-stocking or home delivery at  Riviera Maya Groceries in Akumal.

8.  Is there sand in front of Casa Tortuga and are the pictures accurate?
Yes, the pictures represent the beach right in front of the Villa.  There is 30 to 40 feet of sand directly in front of Casa Tortuga however, since the floor of the bay in front has rocks and coral, we suggest you kayak out to the really awesome snorkeling and swimming areas or bring reef shoes.

9.  What is provided for free?

Housekeeping is provided 6 days a week, Samuel will clean the beach, property, and pool 6 days a week.  The staff is there to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.  We also provide:

Three sea kayaks (two doubles and one single), Two Paddleboards, oars, life vests, and beach towels, are provided for your enjoyment.
A hairdryer (Mexican electricity and plugs are the same as in the US & Canada) Shampoo and soap are provided.  The snorkeling is great - please bring your own mask and snorkel.  We have some fins.

10.  Do all the shops take credit cards?  
The local supermarkets, Chedraui and AKI take credit cards.  Some of the restaurants and shops take credit cards
in this area but it is always best to ask if you intend on using a credit card.   You must contact your credit card 
company and let them know you are going to be in Mexico or most credit card companies will decline your card from 
Mexico.

11.  What about Cash?
Do not bring large amounts of US bills.  We suggest you go to the bank in town with just about any ATM card to retrieve pesos to spend.  You can easily get up to $300usd/day, so don't take a lot at once.  They charge a usage fee and don't panic when they display it in pesos.   For security, simplicity and the best rate, ATM is the way to go.

12.  Should I bring my laptop?  Will my cell phone work?
Remember it is your vacation, but if you do, we provide free wireless broadband connection at Casa Tortuga, or you can visit one of the many Internet cafes in Tulum.  They offer phones for calls to home or use your cell phone - they all seem to work, but don't forget they charge roaming.  We recommend using Whats App on your Android or smartphone for free internet calls

13.  What about music?
There is a stereo in the upstairs living room for your use for outside we recommend you bring a small smart speaker.

14. Is there a washer and dryer on the premises?
Yes, however, Norma will wash, fold and return your clothes the next day for a small fee.

15.  What about hurricanes?
We suggest that you buy trip insurance if you are traveling this time of year, particularly the months of July through 
October.  But, in any case, you can be assured that if your trip is interrupted or canceled due to a hurricane affecting our
area, we will credit your unused days towards reservation at a future time.

16.  Is there an emergency phone number on site I can give my family?
Yes, Samuel speaks English, all the contact numbers are provided in my arrival pre-package

17.   Should we worry about the old travel advisories for Mexico?
The advisory was really focused on border towns.  Please take a look at these articles which discuss our area specifically
.  Denver Post Article also see Media Syndicate about Tulum.