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After Gene Mack and Valeria Cerezo exchanged wedding vows here on the Rio Dulce Nov. 8, 2008, they’ve been busy. Real busy.  Gene and Valeria Joining forces with Iliana Sotomayor, Valeria’s mom and owner of Xalaja Marina, they’ve transformed two houses at Xalaja into picture postcard perfect dwellings that they’re not not even going to live in. What? They purchased the two properties, rebuilt one from the ground up and re-modeled the other and are integrating them back into Xalaja Island, a family owned and operated business.
They will rent these quaint 3 bedroom homes on a nightly or weekly basis.  Casa Pitaya Either one of the units, named Casa Tamarindo and Casa Pitaya, would be perfect for boaters who have extra guests coming to visit or who’d like a very private and very comfortable place to stay (instead of a cramped hotel room) while their boats are hauled out.
If two or three couples get together while their boats are hauled out, it’s a great bargain – particularly with the full kitchens so they don’t have to eat out every day as in a hotel room. (Be sure to ask for the boater’s discount!)  Casa Tamarindo Both houses are tucked away on the Rio Rosul side of Xalaja which is plenty deep to bring a dinghy or skiff (or even a larger boat) right up to the riverside docks on each house. And both houses (fully furnished) have all the amenities such as a full kitchen, air conditioning, dishes, bed linen, couches, chairs and ceiling fans.  Bring your dinghy, skiff or speedboat One of the last big projects for the casas which is currently being constructed is a brand new 230ft long elevated walkway that goes from one side of Xalaja to the other connecting the marina to Casa Pitaya.  Creative thatch ceilings
Pitaya with its many decks is open and airy with a palm roof, large windows and French doors encompassing the house. Ceiling fans keep everything fresh even on the hottest days. The entire second floor on Casa Pitaya consists of a large master bedroom with bath.  Comfortable spots to relax and chat The view of the jungle when you step through the French doors onto the second story sundeck is beautiful. The hardwood floors in the master bath have all been cut from reclaimed Chico which once were old dock boards. Nothing has gone to waste -- not even an old dilapidated teak swim platform which is now a kitchen island.  Soft lighting in a comfortable setting
Both of these beautiful 3 bedroom waterfront homes offer wonderful views of the jungle and both have private boat docks. If remodeling and rebuilding the houses wasn’t enough work, Gene and Valeria have been busy giving Xalaja Marina a new look with the docks being re-decked with treated pine boards, braces added to the dock and a finger pier rebuilt which can now be used as a side tie for two boats.  Visit with company on the porches Local electrician Richard professionally rewired the marina with new waterproof electrical boxes designed by Gene. Everything is now standardized with 30 amp twist lock receptacles and 15 amp duplex style house receptacles. Ten large wooden dock boxes are also being installed for the convenience of boaters to stow some of their gear that tends to accumulate over the years. The docks also have all new night lights and security lighting. In the coming months a few more plans for remodeling the marina are in the works to bring more comfort and amenities to the guests.  Fully equipped modern kitchens
And Xalaja is widely known in this area for its excellent Spanish school. Instructors Iliana, a retired physician who has been teaching in the Rio Dulce area many years, and Cecilia, who brings her experience and expertise from teaching in Antigua, both offer private and group Spanish lessons. Cecilia also speaks French.  Both houses have 3 bedrooms More photos of the houses can be seen at Casa_Tamarindo and Casa_Pitaya. Photos of the bungalows are here: Cabanas Stop by for a vist. For more information Xalaja can be reached at 5991 9645 or on the web at www.xalaja.com  Large living rooms  Chat with the cook as he (she?) works  How about a cup of coffee?
 Clean, modern bathrooms
 Unique and beautiful woodwork
 King size beds
 Stairway to the bedrooms
 Beautiful views
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