If you want truly luxurious private homes and quick access to
Cozumel’s major reefs, then Iguanas Ranas are the only places for
you. To accommodate large groups combine Villa Iguana and Villa Rana!
Designed by a Dutch architect, this complex has
painstakingly integrated 2 deluxe homes into a natural setting of
jungle and sea. Prevailing winds, sun angles and natural vegetation
were all considerations in the planning of this unique property.
On the side facing the Caribbean, each home opens onto a large
terrace area surrounding a 30 meter long freeform pool. The pool is
designed in such a manner that each home has its own private area
separated by a crossover bridge, yet connected so groups renting
both homes can enjoy the full length of it.
Beyond the pool area, gaze upon the ocean through the tall tree
vegetation and watch the boats ply by. This natural jungle area has
been cleared of low brush, creating a spectacular contrast between
the trees, ocean and sky. The area is strewn with paths leading to
the ocean and nearby sandy beach, Playa Punta San Clemente. Nestled
among these paths you’ll find hammocks for enjoying the breezes,
shade and view. Truly, one of the most relaxing spots in all Cozumel.
A short flight of stairs leads down to the Caribbean, where a wooden
ladder makes access to the water easy for snorkelers. The water here
is about 5 feet deep and teeming with sea life. Being within the
National Park area, the snorkeling is excellent here and Cardona
reef lies a mere 200 meters offshore. The complex’s location 8 miles
south of town makes it the perfect place for dive enthusiasts. From
here you are between only 5 and 15 minutes from any of Cozumel´s
spectacular reefs. Spend less time getting to the diving and more
time diving!!! Depending on where you dive, you can even do your
surface interval right at home!
On the side facing away from the sea is ample parking space for any
vehicles you might rent. Down the 25 meter driveway and just inside
the complex gates live Arsenio and Melba in the separate caretakers’
quarters. They will make sure all your needs are met. Very friendly
and helpful, they’ll be one more reason you’ll return.
Sixty meters south of the complex is Playa Punta San Clemente, a
beautiful sandy beach easily accessible via a path cut in the
jungle. Here you’ll find a pier (for dive pickup when weather
prevents boat from docking at your home), restaurant/bar and superb,
lightly trafficked beach. The restaurant is open from 10AM to 5 PM
for snacks and drinks with a buffet lunch offered between 12PM –3PM.
There is an assortment of water sports rentals (kayaks, sunfish,
parasailing, etc.) available here as well. For beachcombers, this is
one of the longest in Cozumel, stretching on for various miles with
only a few hotels and restaurants interspersed along this virgin
area. Get lost on a sunset walk along this lovely beach.
Villa Iguanas consists of three bedrooms and 2 suites, which
have private entry. The artist-owner has spared no expense
furnishing the home with the her works and those of other artists.
As you enter the home, you step into a vestibule area. To your
right, you’ll find the modern marble topped kitchen with all
conveniences including purified water and ice directly from your
refrigerator. To your left is the high ceiling living room. The
entire area opens up unto the pool and seaside via panoramic full
length glass windows and doors. The architect has specially shaped a
portion of the home to capture the prevailing winds and direct them
into this area. There are also ceiling fans. You will also find here
a complete stereo with cassette, CD, and 20+ channels of digital
music for your listening pleasure.
All of the bedrooms are air-conditioned and have complete baths with
unique broken mosaic design showers and plenty of pressurized water.
Off the living room, you’ll find one of the bedrooms, which has a
queen bed. Up a winding staircase from the living room, is a second
bedroom, also with queen size bed. This bedroom also affords access
via another staircase at poolside.
Ascending the poolside stairs, you’ll come to the master bedroom
with king sized bed. With 180 degrees of panoramic vista through the
windows, you’ll enjoy a majestic view of the natural habitat and
ocean. These open up onto a private balcony which offers tranquility
and seclusion. A winding stairwell leads up to yet another private
roof top terrace with shaded area. Here, as well, you’ll find the
bathroom for the master bedroom.
Returning to the ground floor, before entering the living room, a
door from the entry area leads to the Junior suite. It has 2 double
beds and a kitchenette and living/dining area. The sofa is a high
quality queen sized futon which may accommodate 2 extra guests.
Just next to this suite, there is a spiral staircase leading to the
master suite and communal roof top terrace. The master suite has a
complete kitchen and dining room overlooking the private balcony and
Caribbean. The living area has both queen and single futon sofa beds
while the main sleeping area has 2 double beds.
Continuing one flight further up these stairs, is the huge communal
roof top terrace. Being at the highest point in the vicinity, it
offers unparalleled vistas and sunsets. You’ll surely gather here
for Happy Hour! |
Villa Iguanas
