FAQ

You will find answers to your many questions coming to Mexico, staying at our villas, where to shop, what to expect about the staff & tips and most anything else that comes up.
Click Question to see Answers.


Check-in time is after 2:00PM.
If we do not have someone departing on the day you are checking in you may arrange to have an early check-in. However in most cases we usually book back to back and have guest coming and going the same day, in that case it’s most likely that the villas will be ready around 2:00 PM – although if it’s just a couple checking out or a group that had a very early morning departure it’s possible that the villa will be ready before 2:00 PM. If you come early (no earlier than 12:00pm) you will need to go to the pool & patio areas and let the maids finish cleaning the villa, you will not be allowed in the villas until the villa is clean. If you arrive earlier than 12:00 pm (red-eye) then you can drop off your luggage and go to Puerto Morelos for lunch and return at the check-in time. I am happy to arrange this for you.

Check-out time is 10:00AM.
If we do not have someone arriving on the day you are checking out you may arrange to stay later.

Cancun is Eastern Standard Time (EST) NO Daylight Savings (No DST)

From when Daylight Saving Starts (Early to Mid-March) to when Daylight Saving Ends (Early November) Cancun will be 1 HOUR behind EST (New York, Miami) – it is the same time as CST (Chicago)

From Early November to Early to Mid-March Cancun is the same time as EST – New New York, Miami.

If you want to change your computer to the correct time zone it will say: (UTC-05:00) Chetumal

We suggest an Airport Transfer Company that has been proven reliable and honest.
The Private Passenger Vans are new and air-conditioned.
Reserve Private Cancun Airport Transfer...

The rate is $115 R/T or $60 O/W per group of up to 10 people.

The van driver will be waiting for you as you departure the airport OUTSIDE, with a sign “CANCUN CHEAP TRANSFERS” he will help you with your luggage and take you directly to the villa which is a 18 to 20 minute ride. If you are coming on multiple flights you can share a van – see the reservation form for details. This charge will be added to your Departure Bill.

MAP TO THE VILLA

Chef Miguel the owner will meet you on arrival to walk you through the villas and explain the facilities. If you booked your Airport Transfer with us then they will call Miguel once you leave the airport and again when you arrive at our guardhouse. Miguel speaks English, French, Portuguese, Italian and Spanish.

Cancun - The Airport Code is CUN. We are a 18 to 20 minute drive south of the Cancun Airport.

A passport. The Information to apply or renew...

If traveling with children you should read this... PARENTAL CONSENT FORMS FOR MINOR CHILDREN TRAVELING WITHOUT BOTH BIRTH PARENTS: Children under 18 years arriving from the USA and traveling with only ONE parent (single parent, grandparents, guardian or accompanying a friend with his/her parents) will need notarized letter from the child's parent (or other parent) allowing permission to enter Mexico with the child, including the dates of travel, the accompanying adult's name, contact information, and a notarized signature. Your airline can give you more specific information.

Download:
Parental Consent Forms (PDF) must be notarized...

DEPENDS ON:

  • What Time of Year you're coming?
  • Are you coming During High Season or Low Season?
  • Arriving on Weekend verses Mid-Week (Saturday is the worst day)?
  • Coming During the Holidays or Spring Break?

These all make a Big Difference in how long the lines will be for immigration and customs, look for as little as 45 minutes to as long as 1 ½ hours. I've had Guests come during Holidays or Spring Break that have had longer waits as long as 2 hours.

Add another 45 minutes if you're renting a vehicle. (FYI: We recommend a car rental agency that will drop the rental vehicle right to the villa (Free) - THEY ALSO HAVE CURBSIDE DROP OFF AT THE AIRPORT – No waiting in line at a car rental office.)
Get your Puerto Morelos Car Rental Quote Here!...

It's not necessary to rent a vehicle however MOST of our renters do.

TAXIS: We have an extension on the villa phone to call for a taxi.
Puerto Morelos Taxi Rate Charts...

BUSES: The closest bus service to these villas is located at the highway, at least a mile walk on an unlighted road. This is not a Standard Bus, it's a Small Bus (large van) that sets 8 to 10 people it is called a "Collective" it is what the workers use, they are simple cheap means of transportation however don't count on the driver speaking any English. The "Collective" buses don't have a set route, so if they have room they will stop if there's no room they will drive by, they will take you anywhere and drop you off on the highway or main road, you will need to walk to the store entrance. On busy days the wait for a "Colective" bus at Playa Del Secreto can be quite a while since most of the buses are already full with people from Playa Del Carmen going to Cancun.
The main Bus Stop (large standard bus) is in Puerto Morelos at the highway.
Renting a vehicle will enable you to do some sightseeing, shopping and allow you to try some of the local restaurants.

DRIVING IN MEXICO: A Mexican Driving license is not required to drive in Mexico.
Our guests have driven with-out accident year in and year out, driving is just like in the US or Canada*, however you need to be more aware, look around you often, use your mirrors more and drive DEFENSIVELY, don't speed (speed signs on the highway change a lot), remember that when pulling in or out of a parking spot you DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY (I don't pull out of a parking spot if I see any cars anywhere close) and of course don't drink and drive.

* The one difference in driving is what the left turn signal means:

  • Could be the car in front of you is signaling that he is about to pull out to pass.
  • Could be the car in front of you is signaling you that it is clear for you to pass them.
  • Could be the car in front of you is turning left.

So it's best to check your mirrors when you see someone has a left turn signal and before you make a left turn yourself.

AIRPORT TRANSFER: We suggest an Airport Transfer - $115 R/T or $60 O/W in Private air conditioned Van per group of up to 10 people - they know just where the villas are and will meet you at the airport with a sign.

VEHICLE RENTAL: I suggest to the renters to rent a vehicle.
We suggest that you arrive on a Round Trip Private Van Airport Transfer. Schedule the vehicle rental DELIVERY TO THE VILLA in the morning a day after your arrival then return the vehicle in the late afternoon a day before departure. This allows you rent a smaller size vehicle then you would need if hauling all your group's luggage from the airport, it also gives you a break if worried about finding the villas the first time. Not having to rent the vehicle the 1st day and returning it the evening before you depart saves you depending on vehicle enough to cover the airport Transfer Cost.
(If you have a late flight out I suggest that you keep the rental vehicle and depart the villa at 10:00 AM (our check-out Time) and leave your luggage here go on an excursion or some sightseeing and return closer to the transfer time pick-up – the car rental company will meet you at the same time.)
Get your Puerto Morelos Car Rental Quote Here!...

Yes they are all over; the closest ATMs to the villas is located in Puerto Morelos:
• Next to the Pharmacy on the Highway
• The CiBanco has a guard posted (next to entrance for Super Chedraui Grocery store)
• Inside the Super Chedraui Grocery store
• In town by the grocery store near the pier

There are many ATMs in Playa Del Carmen and Cancun and in all of the major grocery stores. The BEST EXCHANGE RATE is always using an ATM to withdraw money from your Debit Card. Most USA banks charge a Foreign ATM Withdrawal Fee of around $5 per use. Also some also charge a Foreign Exchange Fee of around 3% of the amount you withdraw. Some Mexican Banks ATMs charge an ATM Usage Fee of around $30 pesos ($2.30 USD) per transaction, the ATM will advise you on the screen of this charge and you will need to approve it before the ATM will proceed with your transaction, this fee is called an ISF charge.

If you use a Credit card for Cash Advance you will also have a Cash Advance Fee from your Bank around 4% and a Forex Fee around 3%.

Warning: Call your Bank before you arrive and tell them you're traveling to Mexico or when you 1st use your card it will flag for a "RISK" and after that it will be denied, since you gave the bank your home or office phone you would have missed the call warning you of this.
Bring your bank "Risk" Department phone number just in case.
If you forgot your PIN you're in trouble most will only mail out PIN numbers or call the phone number on the Bank account.
Make a copy or photo of your cards front and back for your phone - just in case.

Cancun runs on US dollars, you will be hard pressed to find someone whom does not accept US dollars. Also, most ALL of stores and restaurants accept credit cards. However, you might need a few Pesos. We suggest using your Debit card or Credit Card as much as possible because you will get the best exchange rate. Also use the ATM to get Pesos verses a Money Exchange.

Mexican banks will not accept bills that are damaged, torn or marked in any way, therefore nobody else will either. If you do bring USD dollars make sure they are nice and new.

As of September 2010 Money exchanges cannot exchange more than $1500 USD per foreign person per month and they will take a photocopy of your passport.

There is no monthly limit on ATM withdraws, so it's just easier to use a Debit card to get pesos.

Stores have a USD cash limit per transaction of $250 USD, however you can spend as much as you want on your debit or credit card or when paying with Pesos.

Most Stores will not accept $100 dollar bills (USD).
Banks will not exchange USD for Pesos unless you have an account at the Bank, and then they will only deposit into your account.

American Express Travelers Checks slogan "Don't Leave Home Without Them" does NOT include Mexico. No one will take them except the American Express Office in Cancun, where you will wait in line to get them cashed, so what's the point your will be carrying around cash anyway and you get a "worst" exchange rate . Forget about any other type of travelers checks or Cashier's Checks money exchanges won't touch them either will Mexican Banks. If you are staying at some of the higher end hotels they might cash them as a service to their customers.

THE CURRENT EXCHANGE RATE

Yes, we have a full-time staff for the villas. Along with the staff my husband and I live in Playa Del Secreto about 300 feet from the Secret Beach Villas. The Staff will completely clean the villas, pool and beach Monday through Saturday, they do not work Sundays. They will change the bed linens at midweek of your stay and keep you supplied with clean towels. The maids arrive around 9:30 AM and will stay on site till all the villas are cleaned. Our Maintenance Staff arrive around 8:00 AM the first thing they do is clean the beach and pools so they will be out of your way by the time you're ready for some sun.

Chef Miguel the owner is available to cook for you at your request - please remember he needs to be notified the night before.

The staffs at the villas speak mostly Spanish; however they can communicate pretty well with the renters.

If you have a problem with the staff or have a specific time you would like them clean please let us know.

A tip is NOT required but is much appreciated.
A rule of thumb is:
$15 each day of your rental (Including your departure day) for the maids (This is per your group staying in the villa - Not per person) and a little extra if they do your laundry, iron for you or have a lot of children in your group.
• $12 per week for beach and pool cleaning.
• 15% to 20% of food cost (same as you would tip a waiter) for Beto our cook.

Tip upon your departure, not daily, you will receive a tip envelope the night before you leave with tipping suggestions.

We will give you a detailed bill of any additional expenses you have requested including Grocery Shopping Service, Airport Transfers, Meals or Beer ordered, Excursions ordered threw us and any other optional add-on expense, bring a check (US funds) with you to pay expenses on your departure. I will add 5% if you request me to put the departure expenses on a credit card. Mexican banks or Money Exchanges will NOT accept Checks that have 2 color of ink used, red ink, or have any corrections, if you make a mistake the check is not cashable in Mexico so it's a good idea to bring an extra just in case.

At all of the villas we provide an endless supply of bottled water for you to drink make ice cubes and cook with. The Well Water or Purchased Water (water truck) that we provide for showers, laundry, dishes and toilets is treated with a special filtering and purifying system that makes it safe for your use but not drink.
We provide plenty of ice cube trays in the freezer, the staff will refill them for you.

Usually when individuals get sick in Mexico it is not from the water or ice but from something they ate - frequently a salad. The most likely items are cilantro (the curly herb like parsley) or lettuce. We suggest requesting at restaurants (mostly you only need to be concerned with street carts) "Sin Cilantro" (no cilantro) and that you only eat salads at the villa. Remember to wash your fruits and vegetables with a purifier so you don't get sick. You will find containers of this is in the produce department of all grocery stores - the most popular is called is called MICRODYN and is in a dark blue bottle - use a few drops in a bowl of purified water and soak vegetables or fruits for 5 minutes… This is the same as the product sold in the USA called "Fit"

You don't have to worry about water or ice, all establishments only serve purified water and ice.

We provide cases of beer at the Secret Beach Villas: $28 a case. PLEASE REQUEST IF YOU WOULD LIKE US TO STOCK BEER. We do not keep a large quantity on-site.
Bottles are returnable so keep the empties; rinse out with water to prevent bugs. The beer is supplied as a convenience. Feel free to buy your own if you wish. You will receive a bill on your departure. If you need more, please ask the staff.

We always have a number of bottles of liquor stocked at the bar. We do this as a convenience, so you do not have to stop by a store on the way from the airport to pick up supplies. This is not intended to be your sole source of alcohol. What you use up, please replace. If you buy a new bottle and don't finish it, leave it for the next guest, you can't take open bottles back to on the airplanes anyway. We do not "check" the honor bar to see what is used, however if it's obvious that you drank the "Honor" bar dry, you will get billed for it.

These days there are lots of good places to buy groceries in Puerto Morelos, Playa Del Carmen and Cancun.

Tip: The closet store is the Super Chedraui. This is right on the highway and is geared for Gringos, has lots of imported brands and large liquor/wine/beer dept. I shop here! (7 mi from Playa Del Secreto)

Google Map and Driving Directions from Playa Del Secreto
to Grocery Shopping in Puerto Morelos, Cancun and Playa Del Carmen
See our Google Maps and Driving Directions to each store - Download PDF...

Don't feel like Grocery Shopping? Chef Miguel will be happy to shop for our guest for a small additional fee and have the villa all stocked for your arrival.

The charge is 25% of grocery bill or $25 Minimum.

Email our list a few days before arrival.

Remember to keep it simple and be flexible, things like “organic” fruits and vegetables are just not available or when we do find since they are not popular they are usually old, gluten free, soy and specialty products are limited, not all USA brands are sold in Mexico and if they are the flavors selections might be different.

If you want the best produce buy what the locals buy tropical fruits, basic veg’s like potatoes, peppers, carrots, tomatoes, celery, onions, broccoli, cucumbers and salad greens are always available.

Produce is not usually sold in bags but sold by the kilo (1 Kilo is 2.2 Lbs.)

Very Little Processed Foods available.

No “deli” foods (prepared foods) like you would have at home (no potato salad, Cole Slaw, etc ;)

Milk come in boxes (shelf milk) like juice boxes and is just as good when cold (refrigerate after opening) available in skim, whole, extra calcium, lactose free and all flavors (Note: Mexico doesn’t use % of fat in Milk.) Jug milk is only sold in a few stores and because of the heat and need to refrigerate is not popular with the locals.

All Mexican Grocery stores have outstanding bakery depts. And the Mexican “Sweet Bread” selections are huge and very fresh.

Mexican Sweet Bread

Yes we supply one beach towel per person at a time. We also have a large supply of bath towels. However, we request that you only use the bath towels for inside and the beach towels for outside.

The staff will keep you supplied with clean towels.

We supply all the bed linens. The maids change out the sheets mid-week of your stay.

Help us Save Nature's Resources.
The Eco System is very fragile in this area. Modern waste water management systems used in other countries are unavailable here. Therefore we are trying to lower the amount of soap and water we use.

Because of this we ask that you please use a towel more than once.

The staff will pick-up your towels and hang them up to dry. If you want a towel washed please put it in the plastic hamper in the closet. Thanks for being ECO minded!!!

There are three "American Type Hospitals" AmeriMd Hospital and Hospoten Hospital both in Cancun and another Hospoten Hospital that is in Playa Del Carmen, they are all approximately 30 minutes away from the villas. The Cancun Hospitals both are located around the corner from each other at the Plaza America's Mall (Liverpool and Sears) which is about 15 minutes north of the airport exit. The AmeriMed Hospital is attached to the Rear of the Mall and Hospoten Hospital is on the Road that runs behind the mall a little south of the mall, it's on the east side of road (mall is on the other side of the road) it has a large green sign. Both Hospitals in Cancun has MRI and CAT scan equipment; the hospital location in Playa Del Carmen is smaller it is located right next to the Playacar entrance sign on the main highway 307 just south of the Sam's Club. Doctors will speak English many have gone through Med School in the US.

We have a Consigner Doctors group that will come to the villa to see you if requested.

Mayan Riviera Averages for: Temperature, Humidity, Rainfall, Chance of Rain, and Daylight

Hurricane
Season
Likely in Cancun
Hurricane
History
Average
High
Average
Low
Warmest
Recorded
Coldest
Recorded
Average
Humidity
Rain
Days
Chance
of Rain
Average
Amount
of Rain
Amount
of Daylight
Jan. 81 67 95 45 79% 11 34% 5 in. 11 hr.
Feb. 82 68 90 52 78% 5 19% 2 in. 11.25 hr.
Mar. 84 71 91 52 77% 5 17% 2 in. 11.75 hr.
Apr. 85 73 97 52 76% 4 14% 2 in. 12.5 hr.
May 88 77 99 63 82% 7 21% 4 in. 13 hr.
Jun. 89 78 102 63 85% 11 37% 5 in. 13.25 hr.
Jul. Emily '05'
Cat 4
90 78 102 64 85% 9 28% 2 in. 13.5 hr.
Aug. Dean '07'
(Cuba)
Cat 5
90 77 100 64 87% 10 32% 4 in. 13 hr.
Sep. Gilbert '88'
Cat 5
Roxanne '95'
Cat 3
Ivan '04'
(Costa Maya)
Cat 5
89 76 102 63 89% 14 47% 9 in. 12.5 hr.
Oct. Wilma '05'
Cat 5
87 74 102 59 83% 16 53% 9 in. 12 hr.
Nov. Mitch '11/3/08'
(Honduras)
Cat 5
84 72 99 55 82% 12 41% 5 in. 11.5 hr.
Dec. 82 69 88 52 81% 11 34% 4 in. 11 hr.

If a hurricane is coming and you have arrived at the villa we will at the best of our abilities try to get you a flight out or move you to a safer location away from the ocean. I cannot stress enough the value to acquiring trip insurance.

No, the electric is the same as the US.

Sunblock & Bug Spray!
We suggest buying, Deep Woods Off individual Towelettes for your pocket - great for when you are out to an outside cafe and don't want to spray the food. Also Safe Sea Sunblock w/ jellyfish sting protection, we usually do not have jellyfish but you never can be too careful and you should wear sunblock anyway!

Bring your music on your phone!
We have Bluetooth speakers in the villas. We also provide a small boom box to use outside it has a AUX port and cable to connect. The Wi-Fi is SHARED so we discourage streaming of music/Media – so download and bring your music.

Remember your MEDS - because you cannot have then shipped to Mexico. FYI: You no longer can purchase antibiotics without a Mexican doctor's prescription.

Children's DVD's
If you have children; we have many Children's TV Channels in English available on our Dish Network Receiver so no need to bring any DVDs, but if you do we have a DVD player we share between the 3 villas (very few people use.)

If you prefer a special brand of liquor especially if you are a Scotch or Canadian Whiskey drinker, it most likely will be very pricey so pack it and bring it, you're allowed One bottle.

May we suggest buying a Map Click: These maps have lots of detailed information and photos of everything available to do; it's better than any guidebook. Hopefully this will get you excited about your vacation!
Puerto Morelos map & travel guide - a four map set
Playa del Carmen map & travel guide - a three map set.

DO NOT bring any unpackaged food products into Mexico even any Packaged Items of meats, fruits or vegetables; it's illegal and they can give you a fine as well and will keep it.

Please don't expect to ship things to the villa for your stay. I have groups wanting to ship food or booze or even car seats or golf clubs, thinking it's cheaper to ship them than to pay the airlines for oversize or extra baggage....It's Not.

However if you are working while on vacation and need to FED EX any documents or receive a FED EX, I will be happy to assist you.

Sorry but we do Not ship items back to you. It is cost prohibitive.

  • You will have to pay DUTY (it's a different country)... think $$$$.
  • We will have to ship via an express service (UPS, DHL or FED EX)- and NO Flat rate shipping from Mexico the Regular Postal Service takes months and is very unreliable.... think more $$$$.
  • We will have to go to Cancun and ship (no shipping from the villa) … our time is $$$
  • You can't ship many items to the USA from Mexico without going through a Import Broker whom will need to make special Import Permits.... think even more $$$$.
  • If we have repeat Guest that are willing to ship small items we will ask or if we are returning the the USA we will ship – but do not count on it.

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  • Liza Mateos

  • Turquoise Water Rentals

  • Business Established 1997
  • 1-877-254-9791 (Toll Free to MX)
  • 1-586-207-5920 (Forwards to MX)
  • 52-998-251-6551 (MX)
  • Time Zone: EST (No DST)
  • GEO: 20.775455,-86.944771
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Puerto Morelos Villas accepts all major credit cards for depoist on Cancun baech home rentals

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Puerto Morelos Mexico Slice of Map

Airport Transfers

Transfer in Private Van
$125 R/T - $65 O/W (USD)
per group up to 9 people
Larger vans are available for 10+ people
Book your Airport Transfer...

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Delivered right to the Villa!
or
VIP Curb Side Drop off at the Airport.

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