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Casa Viva FAQ's:

Are there any services included when renting Casa Viva?
When renting Casa Viva Troncones, you get the services of several staff including a cook, housekeeping, grounds keeping and general errands.

Breakfast is included with your stay. Lunch and Dinner is optional and upon arrangement and a cook can be provided at an additional fee per day, you will either need to shop for your own groceries in town in Zihuatanejo and bring food for them to cook, or they will let you know what is available locally, such as fresh fish, and will help arrange a modest menu. A list of local restaurants is available on site, many of which will deliver locally cooked cuisine.

The staff is available during regular working hours to make your stay as comfortable as possible. If you want them to prepare all your meals and shop for you, that can be arranged once you are there. Just tell them what you like and what you don’t like and they will take care of you. Staff know all the fishermen in town and can get extraordinary fresh fish, shellfish and if the time of the year is right, including fresh lobster caught in the rocks right in front of Casa Viva! You will have to pay for the groceries as well as a fee to staff for their extra time and extra work in preparing any additional meals. 

What kind of groceries can we get in Troncones?
 The best plan is to stop at La Comercial Mexicana (see Map of Zihuatanejo) in Zihautanejo, on your way to Troncones. That is the big shopping market (Walmart meets modern grocery store – they have everything) where you can find anything from fresh groceries to that extra bathing suit you forgot. If you are more adventurous, our favorite place is the fresh market (Mercado) located in downtown Zihua, good for foodstuff as well as the best deal in local souvenirs.

Buy all you need, since Casa Viva has 3 full refrigerators. Food will not go to waste.

Locally in Troncones there are several corner stores that carry the basics. Eggs, milk, cheese, cereal, some fruits and vegetables, water, beer and drinks as well as local junk food (chips, Twinkies, ice cream, etc.) are available at these stores. Staff can help you get some fresh fish, lobster and other seafood from the local fishermen if you want to grill it yourself at Casa Viva’s outdoor clay grill (estufa lorena).

If taking a cab from Airport, the driver will know where the Commercial Mexicana is and will stop and wait for you while you shop. A nice tip of $100 pesos will be a good show.

Why did you call it Casa Viva? Casa Viva is named “The Living House” because of the nature in which it was built. As we worked on the plans for the project, the term “como una casa viva” (like a living home or house alive) kept being repeated as we discussed the buildings, materials, techniques, flow and energy of the space.

The private and common spaces were created with nature and life in mind. All wood used in Casa Viva is either precious woods reclaimed from the area, found on the beach as driftwood or in the local forests as fallen timber. Walls are made from Cob, a mix of sand, local clay and straw to create a strong, warm and natural enclosure. The roofs are made of palm leaves thatched together to make a natural sealant from the elements. Each Casita has its own garden and organic fruits and vegetables are grown in season. Casa Viva comes alive through this combination of natural materials, a sense of living in harmony with nature and a respect for nature, paying tribute to the natural surrounding, the ocean, the sand, the sun and the plants and animals that make this a beautiful place to visit.

What about meals?
Breakfast is included with your stay; just make sure it doesn’t turn into lunch. Traditional fare includes fresh tortillas, eggs, beans, and cheese, coffee and tea. If you want something in particular, let the staff know what you want or better yet bring the groceries you want from town and they will be happy to prepare per your specifications. As far as lunch and dinner, you can arrange for a cook at an extra rate per day, prepare them yourself or try out any of the many local places. Some of the restaurants are happy to deliver fresh and fully cooked local meals right to Casa Viva. If you are up for a fancy night out you can check out the five star restaurants in Zihuatanejo or Ixtapa. Other than breakfast, meals are not included with your guest fee. 

What about Washing Clothes?
If you need laundry service, staff can assist. We have a washing machine and dryer in the Casita Caracol. Most clothes will dry easily during the day on the clothesline in open air. If you place dirty clothes in the basket and ask the cleaning lady to wash clothes, she will definitely appreciate a good tip for this service.


What about Transportation to and from the Airport?
Taxis - One way from the airport is about $60, last time we checked. From the house to the airport is a little less expensive, about $40. The staff will arrange a cab for your return; you can pick up a cab at the airport upon arrival.

What about Surfing? Troncones has Plenty of great surfing.  We don't have boards you can use, but, we recommend that all surfing trips start with Anne Remmers and Michael Linn of ISAMEXICO.  They can provide classes for beginners to tours for experts.  Go to www.isamexico.com for more information.

Suggestions on Things to Bring with you from the US:

  • Casual Hot Weather Clothes - shorts/swimsuit and t-shirt for guys is enough, bathing suit and a sarong is enough for the gals, both bring flip flops, light shirt for the rare cool evening.
  • Favorite Books and Games (Chess, Scrabble, Backgammon, Cribbage, Risk provided)
  • Plenty of Sun Screen for the days and Insect Repellant for the early evenings.
  • Favorite Wine or Liquor (Both are expensive in Mexico with limited quality selection)