Guestbook

"We had an exceptional holiday in Mexico, and Regalo del Mar was the highlight. We were absolutely stunned for about a day after arriving at your place. It's like no place we've ever been. We're both architects, so the details of the cabanas had us amazed (we shot 3 rolls of film just of your property). It was so beautiful and relaxing, we didn't ever want to leave...... We also had a wonderful time in Zihuatanejo. We got to see the people of Mexico and their normal life. We really can't wait to go back to both Zihua & mostly Regalo del Mar... it did wonders to erase the stresses of "normal" life back in the states. Again, thank you both for creating Regalo del Mar... it truly is the epitome of paradise."
- Michelle & Todd

"I wanted to drop you a line to let you know how much my sons and I enjoyed our visit to Regalo del Mar. Words are hard to find to describe the beauty of your home. Thank you for sharing your paradise with us. Jose and Naty were very helpful and did an exceptional job of keeping your grounds and bungalows meticulously clean. Even my skeptical teenage son, Jacob, said "Now this is paradise," when we arrived at our suite. I worried about keeping my video-game addicted sons entertained, but they were as mesmerized by the waves and the quiet as I was. When they weren't sleeping in the hammocks on the beach, they tracked hermit crabs and fish in the tide pools. We were treated to a show by some very, very large jumping fish one evening.... could they have been whales or dolphins? My only worry now is how quickly I can return!"
- Diana

"We do miss Troncones/ Zihuatanejo and have thought often of you and Regalo del Mar. We had a wonderful time in every respect. Needless to say, Regalo del Mar is paradise; it surpassed our expectations even having read previous glowing testimonials. We could not have asked for a more perfect and restful vacation spot. We especially enjoyed meeting and getting to know the two of you and thank you for your tremendously warm welcome and hospitality. You made us feel truly at home, and both Bea and I feel that we have new friends whom we shall look forward to seeing again. We will be back to Troncones but would welcome seeing you in the interim if you ever get down to Bellingham.
Thanks so much for providing us with such a lovely interlude in every respect. Please say hello to Jose and Naty"
- Sam and Bea

Another recent guest decided to write to Fodor's Travel and described her experiences at our home as follows:

"We started out in Troncones, a small village north of Ixtapa and stayed in an idyllic and romantic spot called "Regalo del Mar", meaning "Gift from the Sea." Regalo del Mar was everything we could have hoped for. The thatched terra cotta hut (one of four units), was new, exotically casual, elegantly designed and exquisitely crafted. The warm tones and beautiful lines made this truly an ideal retreat. Butterflies would flit in and out of our bedroom while a bright green grasshopper might keep us company in the shower as it rested on the curved stall made of bamboo stalks. The summer heat was delightful as the ocean breeze cooled us and the fresh water swimming pool beckoned, vying with the allure of the ocean waves."
- Don and Ericka

"We spent a week there at the end of December, luxuriating in an affordable, elegant and virtually solitary escape. We swam in the private pool of the villa we had rented with a few friends (four one-bedroom suites costing $100 to $150 a night, or $400 for the whole villa, including housekeeping service). We read pleasantly mediocre paperbacks while rocking lazily in hammocks just a few feet from the ocean. We cooked fresh fish on our barbecue in the outdoor communal kitchen. It was the height of the winter vacation season, yet we never saw more than two dozen people on the beach....

The well-equipped and lovingly maintained house we rented is called Regalo del Mar (Gift From the Sea). It is owned by a Canadian couple, Cam and Bev Gesy, who reclaim the prime front suite from January to March. We found fresh flower petals strewn around the bathroom sink each day, and big, thick towels made showering a pleasure. The thatched-hut style is popular in Troncones, a new resort on the Pacific north of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. The rustic look hides such amenities as a dishwasher in family-size units at Regalo del Mar. We kept meaning to check out Zihuatanejo. But day after day went by, and we never did get up the energy to make the journey--what with moving from the hammock to the swimming pool to the beach and back. Friends who did go regretted it."
- L.A. Times Travel Section
  April 30, 2000 Jim Smith

What can I say about Regal del Mar but INCREDIBLE. The weather was fantastic. Every sunset we'd either walk into town or sit on the beach and watch the sun drop down and listen to the surf. It was exactly what all of us needed. The pictures on your web site can't compare to what you actually see in person. The huts are fantastic. The first night we were there (my husband and I slept in the big hut), fire flies danced in the ceiling as we drifted off to sleep to the sound of the surf. One of my favorite parts of the trip were making the decision to whether to boogie board in the ocean, sit in the hammock or take a dip in the pool (or do all three a couple of times a day!) Frankly for us, going to Regalo del Mar in the off-season was what we wanted. It was like having paradise to ourselves. I don't think I've ever returned from a vacation as relaxed as I did (or that the feeling stayed with me weeks after). Thank you for opening your home to us. We've certainly told our friends and co-workers about your slice of paradise in Troncones. Best of Luck and hopefully we'll be back next year!
- Tanya & Greg

We all had a fabulous, wonderful, relaxing time. The grounds are beautiful, and impeccably kept up by Jose and Naty. Speaking of which, Jose and Naty played a large part in making our trip memorable: their grace and charm made us feel at ease from the moment we arrived, and lasted until Jose dropped us off at the airport when we returned. I have been raving to anyone who will listen about your place, and I hope to return soon, if not before. My thanks to you and Bev on behalf of our entire party for a splendid retreat. Please also convey our appreciation to Jose and Naty.
p.s. swaying in the hammock while watching the fireflies dance was divine!
- Zack

"It is nearly impossible to know where to begin with the praise regarding our vacation and your AMAZING piece of heaven. You two and Jose and Natti (sp?) were incredible hosts and went well beyond what we expected in terms of making us feel comfortable and at home. We especially enjoyed the community kitchen where we could create our own lovely meals (the lobster feast will not be soon forgotten) and connect with you and the other fascinating guests that passed through. Troncones is most definitely paradise lost and we feel very fortunate to have experienced it before the rest of the world has a chance to. Suffice it to say that we can't wait to come back and don't be surprised if a number of our friends get in touch with you sooner than later."
- Andy and Jodi

"OK. The one place you must stay at in Troncones is called Regalo del Mar. Its soooo romantic, beautiful and peaceful, etc.. A real slice of paradise with tons of privacy. Very nature orientated with great beaches, walks and out door BBQ Mexican style. Cam and Bev, who own it are truly great people and wonderfully discreet but helpful. We stayed there in March 2004 and fell in love with it. Email me and I will send you some photos but in the meantime go to www.tronconesmx.com. But the web site does not do it justice! Ask for the pool suite/honeymoon suite. It sits right in front of the gorgeous 'mint green' pool and is stunning inside. Kinda Robinson Crusoe meets architectural digest!! There are 4 other palapa styled suites at different prices. All very quality and stylish. The pool suite is (i think) 140$US or the Round room bungalow is 125$ or the smaller garden room suite is 85$US, also nice but at rear of garden, but the king size beds are sooo comfy. The pics of the rooms are on the web site though and every room you can hear the surf. Do tell Bev and Cam I recommended it 100% We are going back there in March 2005 as we loved it that much. Good luck!
- Caroline Wrinch

"Thank you for building a gorgeous home in paradise and opening it to others! Regalo del Mar was breathtaking! We thoroughly enjoyed the sun, surf, and fabulous seafood. Our experience was nearly surreal. I wish someone had taken a picture of our faces when Jose gave us directions to "Gabby's" that included "turn left when you see the pigs." This was authentic Mexico and we loved it!
- Shannon