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Phase 2 Development - EcoCastias - COMPLETED October 2011
8 Rooms

In phase two we expanded with the addition of our popular EcoCasitas. These were designed by architect Michel Lewis based on the idea of building something "zen" that allowed guests to enjoy the expansive beachfront views. With sliding doors on two walls, the EcoCasitas open to a 180 degree view of the ocean. At night, you can slide the doors to completely close the casita for more privacy. They are equipped with Queen beds and are petite but comfortable with an ample bathroom.

As part of Phase 2, we doubled the size of our solar PV electric to a 10.8KwH system and added a new back-up generator to insure electricity even after a series of overcast days. Solar thermal hot water system was added as well. All grey water still goes to gardens and black water to on site multi-stage natural system to clean water.


Phase 1 Development - COMPLETED November 2009
5 Rooms
Rooms are located in Casitas, individual structures with one or more bedrooms. Each room is finished with its own bathroom and porch. These spacious rooms each have either a king bed and two single beds or two single beds that can be joined to make a king size beds. Also, each room has a seating area, desk/work area and closet. Beds are full canopy beds with mosquito netting. All rooms have a hotel-style security safe, desks, and locally crafted, built-in furniture. Rooms do NOT have TV, A/C, mini-bar, or refrigeration of any type (other than a cooler that can be requested from room service).

Amenities are designed to encourage and support our mission of promoting community. The architecture and design promote interaction at meals and activities. A balance is maintained between private and public spaces. For example, you can always order room service and dine-in at your Casita, but shared meals are just one of the many opportunities to interact other guests and to create lasting bonds between you.

Common Area
The common area contains the kitchen, dining room, pool and yoga deck plus an outdoor theater for enjoying movies under the stars, a bon fire area for romantic evenings or ghost stories and smores. It is here that you will most likely spot a breaching whale, dolphins surfing the waves, play dominoes with Playa Viva team members and watch the pelicans dive for fish. The Common Area serves a key role in creating a balance between private and public spaces and in creating community.

The Common Areas also includes the Observatory which has dual purpose both serving as a "sleeping porch" to accommodate overflow sleeping capacity when rented by large groups or serving as the best place to get a massage. Playa Viva has hosted large groups for workshops and seminars, company retreats and special family occassions.

Design Details
Design details are carefully selected to be local. Construction materials use locally sustainable woods such as Bocote and Guapinol and bamboo, palapa roof material harvested right on the Playa Viva property, hand hewn faucets and fixtures from nearby towns of San Miguel de Allende, copper lights from Santa Clara del Cobre and plates from the tiny village of Capula. Each item is carefully selected from handmade wool blankets from the hills of Michoacan to organic towels and sheets made by Coyuchi. The goal in every design decision is to main the careful balance of "eco-luxe" - Sustainability and Luxury.

Other structures in Phase I include:

• Solar Energy
  Phase 1 includes the main Photovoltaic power generation facility, housing solar panels and all control electronics. Playa Viva is powered 100% by off-grid solar power. The only exception are gas for the stove and for refrigeration.
  
• Solar Thermal
  All hot water is passively and efficiently heated by the abundant sunlight.
  
• Live/Work Space
  A small apartment is available for visiting staff and interns who come to perform work in areas such as Yoga, Childcare, Massage, Guest Chefs, Musicians, Artists, etc.
  
• Laundry and Maintenance Facilities
  

Master Plan
The Master Plan for Playa Viva includes up to 35 Casitas, 23 lots for homes, town square and boutique hotel with up to 60 rooms plus additional infrastructure for energy, water, activities and operations. For more information and updates, please contact us at: info@playaviva.com