Casa Paloma South of the Border
Calle Principal
San Agustinillo, Oaxaca, Mexico
e-mail: tacoscasapaloma@msn.com
Telephone: 011-52-958-109-1258
Reviews and Testimonials
Casa Paloma South opened to the public on March 1st, 2008. To get a feel for the kind of service and atmosphere the Lara family is known for you could " Google them" at Tienda Casa Paloma and read pages of reviews about their successful restaurant in Overland Park, Kansas. I think this will give you an idea of what you can expect as far as service, style, cleanliness and making you feel at home.
A personal note from Lisa Lara…
I know that this is going to be extremely biased no matter how hard I try, but as an American in Mexico I wanted to share just a few of my thoughts about this little town, the people and the experiences that I have had that remind me how lucky I am to be here. As things happen, I keep thinking about how I want to show them to my guests. Just a few examples…
As we drove to town the other day to get our groceries, my husband, Bernardino, slows down, backs up and pulls into a field that is being plowed by a horse and an old fashion steel plow behind it. I thought he was just going to point out the plow, but instead he hops out of the car and tells us to follow him. We (Kate, Carolena, my Mother-in-Law and I) tromp through the dirt rows after him, until he stops in front of the farmer to ask what is being harvested. Sweet potatoes! So we bought 5 Kilos! Right out of the dirt! My God did they taste great that night! For a city girl from the states, that was a big deal to me!
Last week I had to go "look for water". There is no city water so you buy it off of trucks they call Pipas... we are new here and the Pipa didn't know we needed to be filled so we ran out. After walking down the street and asking the neighbors who I talk to for water, I was pointed in a direction and let loose to find Mr. Chica. It was off the main road, up a hill lined with tiny huts with palm roofs and dirt floors. Just one block off the "tourist path" and I was back in Mexico. As I talked to Mrs. Chica I suddenly noticed these bright blue and green colors on a loom... she was in the middle of making a hammock.. I'd never thought about how they made them and here she was, barefoot, in a bright colored dress talking to me as she weaved a hammock.. just as sweet as can be and never stopped weaving as she told me not to worry and that her husband would be by with water that night.
When we first came to San Agustinillo, we did a lot of the tourist things so that we would be able to describe these events to you. One of the ones that was the most exciting to me, was the boat trip we took to go swim with the turtles... I could tell you lines and lines about the day, but one of the things that really struck me, besides the beauty of the water, the shore, the birds… was the other people that were in the boat with us. People from all over the world all in the same tiny boat. I listened to them in their own languages as they commented about what we were doing or seeing. French, German, Spanish… it was all flying at the same time and I thought about what a great experience this was going to be not only for me, but for my kids... to meet and see people from all over.. all different, but so alike in many ways. I want my guest to have those same experiences.
So my review as an American in Mexico, is that this is a quiet, peaceful little village that makes my senses come alive. I love the house, the beach and the rhythm of the whole place. I can't wait to get started and hope that all who come feel the same and enjoy their stay with us.
Now for the reviews of our guests . . .
My visit to Casa Paloma was nothing like I have ever experienced. Immediately, the beauty of the culture and surrounding landscape of the region encompassed me. The Lara's hospitality made me feel right at home. From delicious freshly-made foods to being able to lounge in hammocks, they offered a completely relaxing and one-of-a-kind experience. I was able to walk a 30 second distance and view the beautiful beaches with the largest waves I had ever seen. You can hear the sound of the ocean from your room! My bedroom was very quaint with a ceiling fan to keep cool. Outside of my room was a fun, lounging patio which overlooks the beautiful garden they have made. Bright-colored accents and palm trees flourish throughout the property which gives Casa Paloma such unique character. In town, I got to go on an adventurous boat ride which led us to flying manta-rays, hundreds of dolphins, and swimming with sea turtles. We ventured to nearby towns for shopping the local markets of fresh produce and homemade wares. The Lara's were happy to take us anywhere we wanted to go! Besides coming home with an awesome tan, I took with me great memories and a new experience. I have recommended this destination for anyone looking for relaxation and an original experience. I cannot wait to go back and visit the Lara's and the beautiful beaches of San Agustinillo! Amanda Houston, Texas June 2008 The weather in San Agustinillo was absolutely beautiful. We went from June 14 - June 21, 2008. We stayed at Casa Paloma South Bed & Breakfast. The owners, Bernardino and Lisa Lara (and their two children) picked us up from the Huatulco airport in their "big red van" and drove about an hour through the winding mountains to the small fishing village of San Agustinillo (population 150). We entered the gate to a large courtyard with a few tables and chairs and a kitchen, then up the stairs past the beautiful garden of moss roses and tall Coconut trees to the porch with 3 bright colored hammocks. The rooms at Casa Paloma South are very clean. Soap and towels are provided, as well as towels for the beach. Each room has two double beds. The Green Rooms share a bathroom, the blue room (my room) has a very authentic Mexican bathtub, two stairs up to the tub which is all tiled in bright colored Mexican tile, and the Yellow room has a private bath. No a/c, but each room has a ceiling fan that works very well. The Lara's live upstairs where there is a second kitchen. It is quaint with a thatched palm roof. As part of the vacation package, the Lara's cooked us breakfast and dinner each day. They previously owned an award winning restaurant in Kansas City, so Bernardino is an accomplished chef. His sauces were to die for. Their outdoor kitchen was really neat. They cook over a fiery barrel on a flat, round piece of clay. The food was marvellous. They treated us like family while we were there and set up tours for us. Our stay at Casa Paloma South was very peaceful and a lot of fun. I'm going back in November!!!!
Ginger, Houston, TX
June 2008