A VILLA THAT MAKES A STATEMENT WITHOUT SAYING A WORD
Villa Ranas Sur is an elegant, six-bedroom oceanside villa that is lavish and luxurious--and ideally located. It starts with the extraordinary and gigantic pool that meanders its way through your and the neighboring villa's grounds, and comes complete with an island palapa (a rustic-looking grass hut thatâs popular in the tropics), charming bridge, and an oceanfront platform with stairs leading directly into the tranquil waters of the Caribbean, where incredible snorkeling is right at your fins.
The villa is equally exquisite on the inside. Itâs like walking into a Mayan art museum, with colorful and one-of-a-kind wall hangings, three-dimensional artwork, and festive furniture like the cacti and bird cage chairs. The centerpiece of the vaulted living room is the massive stone wall that continues outside with a cascading waterfall. All of this, plus the wonderful wall of  sliding glass doors leading to the pool, patio, and beach areas will leave you a bit breathless.
Once you do catch your breath, check out the main kitchen, where you will undoubtedly enjoy a lot of great meals and friendly conversation. It is, as you would expect, equipped with every modern convenience and appliances both big and small.
The dining area is brightly colored and beautifully decorated, and offers plenty of seating, with room for an additional six at the kitchen counter--and of course, those amazing views.
Wander down the hall and youâll find the first six incredible bedrooms--this one is a suite with its own kitchenette, living area, two double beds and a cozy little alcove with a single bed and private bath. This set-up is ideal when multiple families are traveling together and want a little personal space. The suite also has its own private entrance, to minimize foot traffic.
The first floor is also home to a fabulous and well-appointed second bedroom featuring two double beds and a gorgeous private bath. Wind your way up the impressive staircase to find the third bedroom, which offers two single beds, a futon sofa, and a thoughtfully designed private bath.
An outdoor staircase in the entry foyer leads up to the master suite with a private entrance. This suite has a complete kitchen, living and dining area, private bath, a plush king-sized bed, walk-out balcony and mesmerizing ocean views.
The remaining bedrooms are also here and they share a spacious bathroom with plenty of counter and storage space. One bedroom offers two double beds and comes with its own kitchenette, while the other provides a queen-sized bed, private ocean-facing balcony, and access to the rooftop terrace.Â
And that terrace is an ideal place to get a birdâs-eye-view of the stellar beach, ocean, and surrounding community. Head up here to watch the sun set or simply enjoy the gentle ocean breezes.
Beyond the fantastic furniture, epic views, and incomparable sleeping accommodations, your hosts have included purified drinking water, maid service six days a week, free Wi-Fi, satellite ATV, a safe where you can stow valuables, and even Vonage service that allows you to make no-charge calls to the U.S. and Canada.
This spectacular home sleeps 16--and if you have an extra-large group, you may also rent the neighboring 3,000-square-foot Iguanas Sur villa  to accommodate up to 30 guests.
But thatâs just scratching the surfaceâjust wait until you see whatâs just outside your front door. Yes, itâs the fantastic freshwater pool and the famed white-sand beaches of the Caribbean. Plop down under the palapa, hang out in a hammock, or snorkel and swim to your heartâs content.
Feeling adventurous? Just an easy cab or scooter ride away is the heart of downtown Cozumel, where the cruise ships dock and the tourists flock to find treasures of every kind. There are clothing boutiques and fine jewelry stores, but there's also an abundance of local artisans who sell hand-made fabrics, hammocks, clothing, artwork and more.Â
