Playa del Carmen holiday villa

We researched many villas around the Caribbean before we settled on Brisa Caribe for my 60th birthday celebration surrounded by my children, grandchildren (15 months - 14 years), spouses, and mom. We still talk about how wonderful this trip was, and we will definitely go back one year. We needed all the bedrooms, so we took over. The property is beautiful; the house is comfortable; the 2 pools and beach were perfect for our family; the access to all things Yucatan Peninsula was great if you are adventuresome, and Puerto Aventuras has everything you need if you never want to leave the property. It's safe and secure. The best thing was Doug's personal touch on site and assistance prior to the visit -- his MOST comprehensive Web site accurately shows the villa and guides you to all the sights. Doug knows contacts for everything you may want to do or have, from flower arrangements to mariachi bands, which we hired, to private charters. He knows terrific chefs for hire, and has a friendly and supportive on site crew (who are not the least bit in your way, but accessible when you need them.) We actually had Doug on property while we were there. The kitchen is fully equipped and the pantry has the basics, so you can cook. But the chefs are so good, next time we will have them cook all the dinners just so we can be lazy. Everything exceeded our expectations. Our biggest challenge was the grocery shopping -- they have what seems to be everything, but it takes a LONG time to navigate the traffic to and from Playa del Carmen and the stores (even Sam's ) don't have what you expect. It was frustrating. Plan to go once -- after you've checked in to see what is already available -- and stock up! Doug does have a fully stocked beverage refrigerator and bar, which we didn't expect. So you don't really have to buy any of that -- just replace or pay him back at the end. The prices are reasonable. If you need a large villa, this is definitely it -- you won't find many around the Caribbean in this price range that can comfortably sleep and house 15 people. You can trust Doug and Brisa Caribe. Only the locals know about nearby Xpu Ha beach. Ask how to find it. Hint, the parasailing taken out of the village of Puerto Aventuras was disappointing. The boat was too small to handle the group and the choppy sea; they couldn't speak English, so instruction for newbies was nil, and it was more expensive than it should be for the quality of the gear.