Located in a quiet residential neighborhood in Rincón de Guayabitos, the Villa Corona Del Mar is about as homey as a hotel in these parts can get. That’s because the property was originally developed as a private residence. With two pools, a tennis court and nearly four acres of property, it is, indeed, quite a lovely private residence at that.

In the year 2000, the owners turned their home into a friendly bed and breakfast inn. With sleeping space for 27 people, it is ideal for an extended family gathering and quite often during the holidays or summer months, families book the entire villa.

The public spaces are fun and colorful with lots of big couches, chairs and tables for playing games, and a communal kitchen space for preparing snacks. Lots of colorful paper mâché parrots, macaws and other critters that will look great on your Facebook page create a vivid, festive atmosphere.

As close as your next-door neighbor at home is the beautiful Bay of Jaltemba, and beyond that, the massive Pacific Ocean. Just a few steps from the villa’s front door are a sandy beach and calm surf, a quiet place for your family to play or take long walks. The water is clear and perfect for snorkeling.

Just beyond the main house is a short bridge across a fresh water channel lined with fig trees. Stop and look closely here, because you are surrounded by dozens of iguanas of all sizes. They love munching on the figs and disguise themselves beautifully in these trees. This is a place for your children to watch iguanas and not be afraid. Although they are rather scary looking creatures, iguanas have no teeth and keep their distance from humans.

Another opportunity to teach your children about the creatures with which we share the earth is about 15 minutes away at Boca del Naranja. This is one of several sea turtle nesting sites along the Riviera Nayarit that is monitored by ecologists. You can assist in releasing the newborn turtles to the sea and learn about the nesting and mating habits of these gentle creatures.

If your family is one that needs a lot of organized stimulation, the Villa Corona Del Mar may not be for you. But if the kids can make their own entertainment and be content playing in the pool all day, you’ll love the atmosphere and opportunity to unwind here.

The décor of each room is fresh and inviting, each one uniquely designed by a local artisan. None of the accommodations at Villa Corona Del Mar offer bathtubs, nor are there cribs available.

Ocean View Rooms
The four Ocean View Rooms are located in the main house and the view is indeed spectacular, which is why the private deck is such a great place to relax. These rooms are designed for just two people with a king size bed and a couch. If you have a toddler that can share the bed with you or will sleep on the couch, you'll need to make special arrangements. The couch does not fold out. These rooms do not have televisions.

Garden View Room (ground floor)
Located on the ground floor with a lovely private terrace, this room sleeps four in a king and double bed. It, too, is located in the main house.

Master Suite
This two-level suite has two bedrooms and two baths, as well as a sleeper sofa, alllowing up to six people to enjoy the 360-degree view of the bay and the village. A well-stocked kitchenette allows families to cook for themselves and enjoy a meal from one of two private decks.

Junior Suite
This is ideal for a family of four when mom and dad want a bit of privacy. The room with the king size bed has its own bathroom and a door for privacy; the adjacent room has two twin beds and another bathroom.

Bungalows
Three bungalows by the pool are great for long-term stays in Nayarit. All have full kitchens, a living room and televisions. Two of the bungalows sleep six, and the other sleeps four. Outdoor grills and sitting areas are included.

Pools
Those who designed the main pool in the back of the property really outdid themselves. It is a meandering space of brilliant blue with a heart-shaped concrete island in the middle. A fun little bridge connects two sections of the pool with the adjacent kiddie pool. Bistro tables and lounge chairs under palm trees complete the design.

Another pool greets visitors as you enter the front gate of the villa. It's an unusual, short L-shaped pool, just slightly bigger than a plunge pool. But the steep-slope to the floor and the intimacy of its location make it ideal for teenagers who want their own space.

Tennis
This is a well-maintained concrete court surrounded by generous gardens and backed by the pool. Bring your own racket and balls; otherwise, there is a charge.

Island Excursions
Through the front office, arrange for a day trip to Coral Island, visible in the Bay of Jaltemba, or a longer trip to the famous Marietas Islands. An extra charge is incurred for this trip based on the number and age of passengers.

Continental Breakfast
In the open-air pavilion near the pools, a continental breakfast is served each morning. One hot dish is served, as well, and varies from egg casseroles to pancakes to regional specialties.

Honor Bar
An honor bar in the living area of the villa is stocked with beer, wine, soft drinks and juices, available 24 hours. Just write your name on the notebook and say what you took from the fridge.

Lobby Kitchen
For those staying in rooms without a kitchen or kitchenette, a generous cooking space in the front lobby is equipped for making quick snacks. It's the perfect spot to whip up some fresh guacamole or ceviche.

Delivery
Restaurant delivery is not common in this part of Nayarit, but the Villa Corona Del Mar has arrangements with a few restaurants that will deliver pizza, chicken and burgers to guests at the villa. Menus are available in your room and the front desk will help with any special needs.

Beach
The accessibility to the beach is one of the many appeals to a stay at the Villa Corona del Mar. However, the resort does not provide beach towels or chairs, so pack your own.

Laundry
A coin-operated laundromat is three blocks from the hotel.
Babysitting Services
Babysitting can be arranged with local services in the area.

Pets
Sorry, no pets allowed. They probably wouldn't play well with the iguanas anyway.

Check-in/Check-Out
Check-in and check-out are very flexible at the villa. Officially, check-in is at 3 p.m., but if no one was in your room the night before, you can have it as early as 10 a.m. Otherwise, show up at the villa, store your luggage in the office and start enjoying the pool and facilities right away. Check-out is at noon, but guests may certainly stay a few hours later and have access to the pool and public areas of the villa.

The Art of Smart Timing
If you are interested in participating in a baby sea turtle release in the area, plan your visit anytime between July and September. If you want to see humpback whales in the bay, plan your visit for December through April. Otherwise, you can get good rates on your room and possibly have the villa almost entirely to yourself in October and November. Be aware, however, that this is hurricane season.

Getting There
Rincón de Guayabitos is about 90 minutes north of the airport in Puerto Vallarta (PVR) along Highway 200. A good public bus system will bring you to town, but in reality, you might want your own private vehicle to explore the region.

Getting Around
Few hotels offer shuttle services in Nayarit, and the hotel doesn't have bikes, so you'll probably enjoy the convenience of your own rental car in order to easily access the numerous activities in the area.

For Mom and Dad
Several lovely restaurants are within walking distance of the Vila Corona Del Mar, and one disco provides some fun nightlife. Arrange for a babysitter and enjoy a night in Rincón de Guayabitos.