La Selva Mariposa Lodging review. Riviera Maya

Review: La Selva Mariposa

By Lydia Linton Pontius

Location: La Selva Mariposa, the jungle butterfly, is an intimate B&B situated on 2 1/2 acres only 15 minutes from Tulum's mystic shore and the gleaming waters of the Caribbean, and less than an hour from the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, Coba, Ek Balam and others.

Water falls into private pools and man-made rivers welcome you with sounds of cooling waters. The breeze and birds add to the tropical jungle setting. Sac-be (white paths) wander and wind through the property where you will find pineapple, mango and banana trees. Roof-top escapes for private sunning or sunset moments. A private area designated for your massages.

Sound all too tranquil and relaxing? Then be sure to check out the second floor exercise room and have a work out in the trees. This oasis in the jungle is a perfect setting for your romantic get away, small retreat (with room for 11) or a great family adventure in the jungle.

The property is one that the website describes but can't do it justice. A majority of the furniture is hand-made by Lou, the details and decoration are all Mari's. The sculputres and carvings are from 2 local artists. Whether you are walking along the paths or lounging in your room, you need to pay attention or you will more than likely miss at least some of the details. The sinks are all unique, the floors are a piece of art, even the paths and stairs have a few gems and jewels thrown in here and there. Most of the showers are open air, in a very private and intimate setting – making for one of the best showers you will ever have. Wash your hair and watch the clouds roll by, there is nothing quite like it.

The rooms are each unique. There is the main house - its an addition with its own private area and bath, which is rich and dramatic in its feel. The shower actually has a tree growing in it! The newest casita is a suite that can sleep two couples or it can be a suite with living room, al fresco dining, and its own pool, complete with waterfall and hammock. The two rooms are divided by a bathroom with an open air shower. This casita is designed to resemble a small Mayan ruin, with a patio upstairs on the roof. Behind that is a palapa building with side by side rooms and private baths. The beds and furniture in all the rooms are exquisite and one of a kind. All rooms are laid out to maximize privacy and capture a feeling tranquility.

There is not only attention to detail in the art and structure but also for the environment Selva Mariposa has gorgeous gardens above ground and on the rooftops, constructed wetlands and composting, making this also an eco-friendly property. Another nice touch is the sample of the local mud mask, which is available for purchase and made right next door. And a detail that is often compromised or overlooked - linens were wonderful, making it hard to get out of bed in the morning.

But the best part of Selva Mariposa are the owners, Lou and Mari They immediately make you feel like a friend, not a guest. And their three wonderful dogs are guaranteed to make you smile. Unlike mine at home, they are not at all intrusive and they totally respect your space, yet you will find yourself smiling as they thoroughly enjoy their surroundings. Molly, their first dog, will soon be famous when Mari's book Molly the Gecko Hunter is released soon. Molly's sister, Zoey, is trying to find her own story and Rosie, who happened on to their property immediately after hurricane Wilma is a story of survival.

For more information about this amazing property, please visit their website, to learn more about Mari please visit our contributing writers section and take your time and read some of her articles. Scroll down to see some images of Selva Mariposa.

Handmade bed in palapa casita

Massage table at Selva Mariposa

Pool at the main house, one of 3 on the property

Open air shower in the main house, notice the tree grown in it.

Temescal, for relaxing and healing steam treatments

Workout room in the treetops

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