Arrival: We hired a porter at the baggage carousel and navigated straight through the timeshare sharks to our taxi. We traveled with nine people so the cost of a taxi-van was $60 to Casa Carole and $45 on the return trip to the airport. Casa Carole is located 2 miles south of Old Town ($5 taxi or 60 cent bus ride—both conveniently located). The casa is situated two doors south of the Lindo Mar and about three properties north of Dreams.

El Mozo, Samuel, greeted us at the entrance and he brought our bags to our rooms. Minutes later, we all suited up and headed to the patio/pool where Samuel brought us quesadillas, guacamole, salsa, chips, and beverages of our choosing: Cervesa, margaritas and N/A margaritas for the kids. We prearranged our first day’s menu.

During our snack, Samuel told us how things work: we pick our dining times each day. We chose breakfast everyday at 9:00 am, made our own lunch, had a prepared appetizer each day at 3:00, margaritas, N/A... more