This was exactly what my family and I were looking for!
From the get go, Teresa was super responsive, answering all my questions. The condo is clean, spacious and everything worked great.
It's located within an enormous complex called Bahia Principe. Bahia Principe has 4 all-inclusive hotels, plus a golf course, tennis courts, private homes and other smaller developments. Teresa's condo is located in one of those smaller developments, call TAO.
As a renter we had access to TAO's pools, the gym (wellness center), yoga classes, massage offerings, and the TAO cafe. The yoga was great, the massage by Ana was amazing-- so great I had two sessions. The tennis is free to play, and only $30 for a lesson. That's so inexpensive! The tennis is a ten minute drive from TAO, and located in the midst of the all inclusive hotels. The hotels are across the highway, along the beach. I do not care for these enormous facilities, but if you want to swim in an enormous pool you can for free. and i think you can go to some of their evening shows/ performances for free. And if you want to pay for a meal plan at an all inclusive you can, but we chose not to. TAO also has it's own private beach and beach club with cafe. That's about a 15 minute drive. It's a little rocky, but very picturesque with yet another pool and very private. Getting the lay of the land was a little tricky, but once you get it, it's pretty easy.
the grounds throughout bahia principe are very well maintained. there are sidewalks throughout which are great for running, pushing a stroller, letting a kid scooter, etc. We felt very safe and secure. A lot of the folks there live there full time or spend the winter there and are very friendly.
You really must rent a car. Parking is included, and you can park right in front of Teresa's condo.
We ate several amazing meals in tulum. and went once to playa del carmen. Tulum is about 25 minutes away, but a straight shot south. And playa del carmen about 35 minutes north.
We preferred Tulum which is much more laid back. Akumal, the nearby beach area is charming-- check out la cueba de pescador for fresh fish. the turtle bay cafe is great for a wide variety of offerings. both are child friendly and these are among the closest restaurants to TAO-- about a 15 minute drive.
Teresa has an on-site property manager named manuel who is helpful and responsive as well.
This was my first vrbo rental and it was great!