The small property of Chalet Hibiscus was the perfect location for my rustic Cahuita vacation. The roaring ocean was the only noticeable sound on site; there were no noisy party-raving youngsters crammed into a strip-rooms as can be found elsewhere in Cahuita for a few dollars less.

Noticeably absent were the frightening sounds of the Howler Monkeys at the other end of town, which was not the "adventure" I wanted to take part in before dawn, as others will tell of their stay at fabulous cottages that border the national park/beach.

The only possible downside is that Hibiscus is far from the main activity of the town (about a 10-15 minute walk), and that there are no signs anywhere providing directions or announcing its presence until you are right in front of their gate. Once you find the spot, you are cool.

Chalet Hibiscus is down the Black Beach Road, past most of the other bars and places to stay. From town, take any road that heads towards the shore, and make a left onto the last road you can. This is the Black Beach Road. Travel this road until you get to Hibiscus, and keep going even if you think you have past it; you haven't. ;-)

The beach that borders Hibiscus is beaten up coral reef, which is not cute. There is a small concrete bench and table at which you can sit and maybe meditate or eat a quick meal or have a quick drink, but the seaside here is not welcoming. Access to the national park beech is very easy, so you just have to leave your cabina and head to town for a good beach experience. A rented car took care of this problem, although I would have no problem with the walk.

The remoteness and privacy at Hibiscus are a great luxury, which I discovered after visiting a few other cheaper locations that looked like rows of prison cells. The laid-back staff (one or two people) were respectful and conveniently minded their own business. As a gay man, I felt totally comfortable staying there with my same-sex travel companion. Our cabin was the right size, with two hammocks and a small set of table and chairs outdoors beneath a roof. The interior was bare, but functional. Besides, I did not come here to smother myself in the hideous polyester of a Hilton hotel. Mosquitos were not a problem even without the mosquito netting around the bed. The bathroom shower and sink even had real warm water.

Unlike more commerial hotels, you had to ask for things like new towels, sheets, etc., but that was of little concern. Each room came equipped with a broom, and dustpan, and I found myself emptying the trash can a few times. If you are a hospitality diva, and want all kinds of pampering, be sure to ask for room service upfront. I totally recommend staying here to anyone who does not mind the minor efforts that such a location require in exchange for the many benefits Hibiscus offers.