Lena has a touch of the European in her speech. Even as she sits on the patio of this very grand building, inspired by Classic Mexican and Spanish Colonial, she talks humbly about what she and her husband, Kristian, have been doing for the last ten years at Casa Granada. The walls are made from great chunks of natural rock. Once built to be someone's home, it was remodeled into a bed and breakfast. Its location south of Mulege on the Mulege estuary makes for a unique setting. Casa Granada was named after a century old building on the same site and means pomegranate. A few pomegranate trees still remain on the property.

A beautiful tiled staircase leads to the upper 4 rooms with the view of the lighthouse, river and the Gulf of California. The rooms are nicely furnished and the baths are graced with Talavara tiles and sinks. All the rooms have Mexican floor tiles and no carpeting. Pets are welcomed into the rooms. Besides the four private rooms there are two casitas with private courtyard and out-door kitchens. The Casitas have views of the palm grove and hills. These are ideal for families with pets and long term stays are available. The cost for both private rooms and the casitas are surprisingly modest compared to many other places with such unique offerings. Breakfast is served on the lovely patio and is optional.

Lena stresses her desire to serve the traveler and to make sure that those who visit are happy. She hopes people will understand that the experiences here are set in a small fishing village and is quite different than a metropolitan environment. While they have made all provision for the guest's comfort, Lena and Kristian choose not to have televisions in the rooms, but if one needs the outside link there is free internet access. The small town of Mulege has good places to eat. Next door, the Hotel Serenidad has a restaurant and bar. Pilots who would like more private accommodations can fly into the Serenidad airstrip, having just a short walk to Casa Granada.

Because of its location, the guests can actually be part of the early morning fishing scene when the locals launch their pangas. This is considered the Mulege commuter hour. For the rest of the day it is very peaceful. Taking walks to the shore of the Gulf of California or into town along the river, bird watching, setting up a tour for sport fishing or seeing the cave painting are all part of the opportunities. Sunrises over the gulf, star studded nights, the full moon on the water and the warmth of the hosts are the icing on the cake with a stay at Casa Granada.

Directions: Casa Granada is located south of Mulege. Driving highway 1, watch out for 2 speed bumps after crossing the bridge. Hotel Serenidad's blue and white sign will be on your left, turning on a dirt road. Follow the road along the airstrip. At the hotel compound turn left for 200 yards then right for 200 yards. This road dead ends at the corner of Casa Granada.