Just returned from a four-night stay at Casa Kau Kan and couldn't have been more pleased. The location is wonderfully secluded and peaceful, and our concierge / host Antonio was a pleasure.

The food was fresh and tasty, and the suite was nicely decorated and well-maintained. I felt the price was more than fair considering the surroundings and level of comfort.

I would recommend renting a car for getting into town and back.

I'm a bit reluctant to write a good review. The reason is, I'm selfish and don't want the word to get out about this little gem! Selfishness aside, here goes:

This place is amazing!! We spent 1 week here with absolutely no agenda. It was perfect.

One small snag- there was to be an arranged taxi to pick us up at the airport. After discovering they didn't show up, we were on edge. It actually worked out better since there are swarms of taxi's just waiting to take you to your destination. It was actually cheaper than the arranged taxi would have been through Judith Whitehead's company. We arrived at Casa Kau Kan quickly, safely, and ready to relax.

The second we pulled up to the front gate, Antonio was sitting on the ledge waiting for us to arrive. From that point forward, we knew we were going to have a great vacation.

Our bags were quickly whisked to our ocean front honeymoon suite. Incredible views! Even the evening shower bursts were perfect! It did bring more mosquitos out (hey, it's tropical, what do you expect), but with Antonio's help, we beat them at their own game. Antonio arranged for Bernie, taxi driver extraordinaire, to take us to town. We stopped at the local market (kind of like a Wal-Mart with groceries), bought some bug repellent and Raid repellent burning coils. The repellent was a brand that started with an "A"- Acuna, or something like that. This stuff worked great! We bought the cream, as well as a few cans to spray around the bed. It actually has a pleasant odor (think flowery) and works wonders. One mistake we made was to light too many Raid coils. The first night, we smoked ourselves out! We found the secret recipe- light 2. Put 1 on the balcony, and another on the little table by the doorway to the balcony, spray around the bed, and put the cream on your body. Perfect! We also asked for a second fan. This also helped keep the mosquitos at bay.

The food was great! We had the luxury of having Chef Rodriguez (a kind, gentle man who beamed when I told him how pleased we were with his hotel, Antonio, and the service) cook for us each night! He gave us the opportunity to order off menu and would cook us anything our hearts desired. We had to pick our menu in the morning as all ingredients must be brought from town. This ensured the freshest fare we've ever had. The large, plump, sweet shrimp are to die for. Use your imagination, the chef will prepare them any way you want.

If you're the kind of person who constantly needs to be entertained with activities, this place is NOT for you! If lazy days watching waves is more your bag, you'll be in heaven. The biggest decision we ever had to make was which chair to sit in, next to the clean glistening pool, or ocean side. The undertow is extremely strong, so don't think you can swim on Playa Larga, even if you're an Olympian.

Take a short 10 minute walk down the beach, and you will find about a dozen local restaurants. All serving fresh seafood. They look deserted (and a bit scarey), but don't be fooled. They're all open all day long.

For trips to town, Antonio will arrange for Bernie to pick you up. He'll take you anywhere you want to go, hold your bags, and pick you up right on target. He's great and won't screw you. He'll never charge more for any extra stop. We monopolized him all afternoon, and the charge was the same as when we went to town with only 1 stop. He'll also take you off the beaten path and show you some GREAT local taco vendors. If you're lazy (like we were), Bernie will deliver tacos to Casa Kau Kan, no delivery charge afixed. Tip this man well- he truly deserves it!!

Beware, if you go into Ixtapa- the time share people are out of control! In our opinion, not worth the trip. We wished we would have stayed at our slice of paradise. We were extremely relieved we didn't choose to stay in Ixtapa!!

We are already daydreaming about our return trip! Oops, I mean, it's terrible, don't waste your time ;)

Sorry such a late entry but after reading various reviews of other properties I felt like this one deserved some attention. I spent 1 week in the honeymoon suite, an unbelievable deal--it was beautiful! The view from the private balcony jacuzzi was amazing and like no other I've seen. The taxi ride from the airport to the hotel was a little scary as you turn off the interstate onto a deserted dirt road but upon arrival, we were greeted immediately by Pedro, the mgr, with cocktails and lunch overlooking the beautiful ocean. The staff is GREAT. The food was fantastic--my fav being breakfast. We went out to dinner 2 nights which I highly recommend--Kau Kan (the restaurant) with breathtaking views and even better food and also Casa Que Canta (hotel from When a Man Loves a Woman)--also fantastic food and view! I would also recommend a private fishing excursion which you can book in town at the main pier. We went fishing and then to a nearby island (aprox 1 hour boat ride) to snorkel as our catch was prepared for us. Also did a private swim with the dolphins (Ixtapa) which was an experience I will never forget (booked online). Overall, Casa Kau Kan was awesome if you like seclusion with nearby (20 min taxi) activities. You won't regret your stay! Room, food, staff, price---all worth it!

First time to Mexico for me and my bride. Don't know hardly any Spanish. Watch out when you get off the plane and need a cab, they'll swarm you. Don't go for the "great deal" unless you want to go to some sales pitch later on. To much worry about whether they would follow through with their end of the bargain, and then a waste of time when you have to go here the "not-a-time-share time" share presentation. Moving on.....

if your driver takes the shortcut to Playa Larga, don't worry, the trash dissipates. Once your driving down the road near the beach, your mind will be set more at ease. Arriving at the Casa Kau Kan, thing got better. Our luggage was taken from us by a old gentlemen who came from across the street. Antonio and Carlos took over from there, talking our luggage to our room, getting us a drink, letting us relax by the pool. Then they showed us to a room that was no the honeymoon suite that we booked.....rrrrrr. After a couple minutes of broken-english conversation, the situation was rectified. We got the poolside honeymoon suite with in-room infinite pool and good AC. It was huge! Firm bed, lots of space. I recommend this suite over the oceanview suite, as it is newer and the windows are sealed, not allowing those bloodthirsty bugs in at night.

We only stayed for two days, as we knew that it was secluded, and we booked the rest of our week in Ixtapa. That way we got the best of both worlds! For those that didn't realize how secluded it was, oops! next time do some more research.

Food there was good. Antonio and Carlos are wonderful, very friendly and attentive. The Kau Kan restaurant was great. Antonio arranged for a cab. Cabbie was very pleasant. Took us downtown, picked us up when and where he said he would, made good recommendations to us, kept our shopping bags safe, and dropped us and picked us up from Kau Kan right on time. You can't get that kind of service for 30 dollars (including tip) in the US. The Kau Kan restaurant was superb. Carlos had made reservations for us, getting us a great table on the terrace overlooking the bay. We got a double bonus as we saw a sunset and rainbow while dining. It was a little slice of heaven....

Overall, wonderful experience, and will certainly be going back.