If you are looking for a chilled-out vacation, then Chelem is the place for you. Situated on the Gulf Coast of Mexico in the state of Yucatan, about four hours from Cancun. Here in Chelem, you will have the authentic Mexican experience you are after in this clean, peaceful, quaint fishing village that boasts no big hotel Chains,and no big corporate names!

The Yucatán Peninsula is located in the southeast portion of Mexico. It separates the Gulf of Mexico from the Caribbean Sea.The Yucatan is tropical. Warm to hot inland and usually perfect on the beaches 80 to 90 degrees.

Nearby is the port town of Progreso. Here you will find many bars and restaurants many of them located along the Malecon looking out over the waters of the Gulf. You will also find many shops from large supermarkets to an indoor market selling all sorts of delicious local produce. Progreso has a very nice long sandy beach and also the worlds longest pier at over 5 miles long!

Merida is the capital of Yucatan. It has a population of over 800,000 inhabitants. Merida is almost 500 years old since the Spanish conquered the city of T’ho and founded Merida in its place. Merida is called the white city, it is quite beautiful with large avenues, large flowering trees, many parks and museums. It is generally very safe with very little crime.

Merida is full of shops, art galleries and some truly amazing restaurants and bars. Try Panchos for a good food in a fantastic garden setting. Or Buda Wok for some Japanese Tepanyaki cooking. In Merida you really are spoilt for choice.

You can visit many fabulous ruins from Casa Rosa. The most famous Mayan site, Chitzen Itza is around 120 mins away. The amazing Mayan site of Uxmal is also around 90 mins away. There are many smaller less famous ruins nearby the best of which is probably Dzibilchaltun around half an hour away, take your swimming things as there is a great cenote there. Well worth a visit also are the many restored Haciendas all around the Yucatan.

Casa Rosa is closest to the small fishing village of Chelem. From the lagoon side of town you can takes boat trips organised by local fishermen. Chelem has some nice fish restaurants and also two really good ex pat hangouts. Taco Maya does the most delicious breakfasts and lunches has free wifi and great French coffee. The Bull Pen has great Thursday night party/ get togethers serving nice food in a really friendly fun atmosphere. The local buses to Progreso run from here every 5 mins or so. They will stop near to Casa Rosa.