Banana Azul is a magical place to relax for a week. Our Dolphin room was beautiful with a great view and a gorgeous deck. Our room was above the front desk so the early morning arrivals and departures might disturb you if you're a late sleeper. But we loved getting up early and listening to the birds. The coffee was always ready and breakfast was available any time you wanted it. It's was a rough drive after traveling all day to get there and took us five hours because of construction. Normally it's 4 and that's how long the return trip to San Jose was. We loved every minute of our stay. Puerto Viejo is a friendly town, with great people, food, shopping, and surf culture. Banana Azul was a perfect home base.
The gardens are stunning, with a lotus pond, fan palm and gorgeous flowers and bromeliads everywhere. I loved the turtles and the fish in the pond with the soothing waterfall. Even the music they played was relaxing. But the best part of this hotel is the staff. Everyone from Colin the owner, who offered us great advice for day trips-- to Franklin the kind and talented bartender to the amazing cooks and housekeeping. The whole vibe here is laid back but strictly professional. Christian and Doug were usually at the front desk and they were so much fun to talk to and get tips from they felt like old friends after a week. Rosa the bartender and all around mother- to- be- goddess taught me how to make a mean mojito. She and Franklin and Roberto should definitely have a contest.
The food was simple but good. We were a little disappointed to learn we were visiting during surf season so there was no snorkeling, now we will just have to return at another time of year. My favorite part of the day was early afternoon just when the beach was heating up when Franklin or Robert would arrive with a fresh ice cold coconut water they would hack off the top with a machete and stick a straw in for you to drink. Are you kidding me? This is the stuff dreams are made of lying in those comfy chairs, listening to the wave crash upon a black sand sparkling beach and sipping an ice cold jelly.
There are animals here. Dogs you will fall in love with, gorgeous orange, black and white cats, giant koi and turtles. Nature is a part of your experience. Bugs? Didn't have any in the room that I couldn't deal with. Never used bug spray but did use the plugins they provided.
Don't forget to schedule a massage on the beach with John, or Jauqero (sp?) this is a spiritual transforming experience. Be prepared. Isn't that what a vacation should be? Probably the highlight of my trip. Best massage ever.
They have beach towels, bugspray and sunscreen for your use. Yes, free. If you can find a more reasonable, spa like experience with amazing environment and better people in Puerto Viejo or Playa Negra it actually wouldn't surprise me. Pura Vida is everywhere. The only negative I can think of was the long drive. My advice is to travel it before night time and a day of travel.
Don't miss a trip to Cahuita and the National park, Playa Manzanillo, Salsa Brava Cafe, El Refugio and the Wildlife Sanctuary. We also enjoyed Bread and Chocolate and Rico's Cafe, Flip Flops, El Dorado and Dee-Lites ice cream.
Playa Negra where Banana Azul is actually located is walking distance to Puerto Viejo. Having a car was a necessity to getting around for us, but you can travel by bus and cabs and tours also. Banana Azul has a travel agent desk in the lobby to take of everything you would like to do.
I left feeling rejuvenated, relaxed and wishing I could stay...
Room Tip: All of the rooms I saw were excellent. We didn't need a tv or air cond....but they have it if yo...
See more room tips
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
