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.
Though quite similarly designed to Villa Iguanas from the
exterior, Villa Ranas offers a slightly different interior layout,
incorporating 2 bedrooms and 3 suites. As with Villas Iguanas all
bedrooms are individually air-conditioned and have satellite TV and
private baths. The same meticulous care and taste has gone into this
house’s design and decoration.
As you enter Villa Ranas you come upon the kitchen/dining area on
your right and the living room on your left. You'll be enchanted by
the ceiling to floor stone wall with water that trickles down into a
tiny lily pond. Off from the dining area, a door leads to a Junior
Suite. It has a kitchenette, living area, and 2 double beds, as well
as an alcove with a single bed. It also does have a private outside
entry way.
Off the living room is one of the bedrooms with two double beds.
A second bedroom is located up a spiral staircase from the living
room. It has 2 single beds, which can be dressed as a king if so
desired as well as a double futon sofa.
An outdoor staircase in the entry area leads up to the Master
Suites with their private entrances. The first Master Suite has a
complete kitchen and separate living/dining areas and bedroom. It
has a queen and double bed. From it’s private balcony, there is a
stairway which leads up to the communal rooftop terrace (also
accessible via the outside stairs). On this terrace there is a shade
area and shower for rinsing. The second Master Suite has panoramic
views, a private balcony with access to the rooftop terrace. It has
a living room, dining room with kitchenette and 2 double futons as
well as a separate bedroom with a king size bed. |
Villa Ranas
