Testimonials
6.1.11
Thank you Steve and Abigail. This house was a vacationer's dream come true. The house is beautifully done and perched above a wonderful cove. Sounds of the waves day-through-night, an outdoor shower and decks all around that provided picturesque views, lush gardens, perfect kitchen...we fell in love with everything. I have already recommended this place to everyone I know. If the cove's waters are too rough, don't fret, spend 200 pesos (less than $20 bucks) an enjoy the pool at costa azul..or even better...go to the public beach in san pancho and enjoy the hospitality of the locals! We had a delicious dinner at mar plata, but most of our meals were made at the house. rent this place now. you'll return to wherever you're from sunkissed and refreshed.
Shawn & Leslie
NYC
11.10.10
Hola Steven,
I write this from your terrace on the last day of our stay in Casa del Risco. You probably don't get many in depth accounts from visitors but I wanted to share my thoughts on the incredible details you have attended to here.
First, it goes without saying you have picked a most idyllic location. We love the perspective atop a private cove, overlooking the vast ocean...which at times offered us a glimpse of a spouting whale or a pelican catching its breakfast. Of course, the sunsets are beyond compare, and the palm trees provided depth for our photo album.
I understand you are a builder which explains the efficient design elements in every corner. The fans are perfectly placed; double sinks in bathroom; the kitchenette with all the right equipment (save paper towels); two perfect decks for reading or sunning or just gazing; the outdoor shower; and the toilet with the best seat in the house;-) The
flowers were a lovely touch, and the bed was most comfortable. Design elements like the travertine flooring to the 'woven' ceiling; stucco with wood trim; and the 'alfresco desk' on the terrace remind us of our other favorite spot in Mexico - El Careyes along the Costallegre.
We did rent a car so we could visit other gems in the area, but most of the time we walked into town via la playa. Yesterday morning our good fortune allowed us to witness the baby turtles fighting their way to the sea ~ we felt like school aged cheerleaders as one by one they reached their next destination...and the other big, bad world they would face. On Saturday 11-20 in addition to the parade for centenario de revolucion de Mexico, we were guests of our friends Ivan and Gabrielle who own the polo club here. It was opening night and many locals were out en masse. They
plan to take this international and really put San Pancho on the map as a polo destination.
Abigail was most helpful - I hired her for maassage which, as you know, was fabulous. While we snacked here and enjoyed homemade margaritas, we ate out most nights, since I am pretty strict abaout organic foods and its
fairly hard to come by in local stores. We did enjoy the farmers market in Sayulita (Fridays) and would advise against using the services of Organic Select from PV.
I am a swimmer and the water temperature was perfect. The slope and current below could be somewhat tricky but I did enjoy some distance at Punta Monterrey. When my husband's knee gets better we will try surfing again.
I hope you don't mind this lengthy review of our week in San Pancho. I figured since you have an obvious love for the place and the care you took to build such a special respite, you might appreciate hearing from others who feel as you do. Plus, it is a setting ideal for just two people looking for serenity with a touch of class.
I will also post many details on the VRBO site.
Thank you again,
Karen Schuppert
Santa Fe, NM
3.30.10
We stayed at Casa del Risco from February 5 thru 14 and it was perfect for us. It is very private and secluded, which was our first priority. There is truly a private beach below – it requires just a small hike down some nice steps built into the hillside. We saw one other person on the beach (from the casa) while we were there (1 week). Our first morning we saw a pod of whales from the deck while having coffee then saw more a few days later. All views from the casa and grounds have 180 degree views of the Pacific. The casa is immaculate, well furnished, and in new condition. The outdoor shower also has 180 degree views of the ocean (an indication of how private it is here) – awesome! The grounds are equally pleasing with well groomed landscaping and lots of trees for bird watching from the decks. Steve the owner is very professional and responsive and Abigail the local host is very knowledgeable and always helpful. San Pancho is a clean, safe, and friendly town with ATMs, groceries, and several excellent restaurants – La Ola Rica was our favorite. Much busier Sayulita is just a few miles away and also has fine restaurants and lots more shopping. For our taste though, it was nice to return to quiet San Pancho after a day in Sayulita. The beach in San Pancho seems deserted after visiting Sayulita and on some days it was literally deserted. It is about a 15 – 20 minute walk to downtown San Pancho from the casa, but half of that is beautiful beach. However, it is something to consider if you don’t have a car and don’t enjoy walking. I understand Steve has purchased two new bikes for guests to use. We enjoyed the daily exercise and bikes will make it even more enjoyable. I should mention we did not have a car because Abigail took us to and from the airport for a very reasonable price. It included a stop at a large grocery store on the way to San Pancho. We’ve been to Mexico about 10 times and never returned to the same place twice, but we will definitely return to Casa del Risco!
Cboz
Provo, Utah
3.26.10
Hello Steve,
We returned from Mexico yesterday. Our stay in San Pancho and at Casa del Risco was wonderful even better than expected. The Casa and it's site were spectacular. The pictures on your web site gave us a good idea what to expect as far as the casita itself was concerned but nothing prepared us for the magnificence of the view and the dramatic setting. My wife and I were so impressed with what you and your architect were able to achieve on such a difficult site. Every detail of the casita was so well thought out. The quality of the materials and furnishings through out were exquisite and the quality of construction and detailing were equally impressive. Altogether a perfect romantic getaway for a couple. I also want to make mention of how much we enjoyed Abigail. What a wonderfully kind, warm hearted person she is! She contributed to the success of our vacation in so many ways from patiently giving us directions over the phone after we got lost trying to find the place in the dark to steering us to a wonderful yoga class that was being given as part of a week long yoga retreat in Casa Cielito, a beautiful casa right on the beach and also the six hour cooking class and dinner given by Abi at her house which was attended by your friends Debbie and Noel, who we enjoyed meeting. We also took advantage of Abi's massage talents a wonderfully satisfying experience in itself. Through the yoga group and Abi we met and made friends with so many San Pancho regular visitors or part time residents from Southampton and Santa Fe that in just two weeks we felt we were a part of the community. Although my wife and I like to travel to different places San Pancho has a special attraction which I am sure will bring us back in the future. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to experience and enjoy your little slice of paradise.
Regards,
John
3.13.10
Your place was awesome. We had a wonderful time. Thank you so much.
Maya
2.9.10
Well thanks so much for putting together a fantastic place to stay. I most appreciated the experience of San Pancho, we really fell in love with the people and the simple life that all seem to enjoy. Your place was astonishing, from the arrival at night, and then waking up and noticing all that it had to offer, to the sad good-bye, we were more than pleased. You can count on seeing my name pop back up for a request for lodging.
Eric
Arcata, CA
12.9.09
Steve-
We had a great time. We actually got engaged on Thursday night so it was a very special vacation for us. Your place was absolutely perfect and we are looking forward to watching it progress!!
Thank you-
Paul Penza
Ventura, CA