Julio met us at the CR Airport in Liberia and transported us to Penas Blancas to cross the border. He was very helpful, knowledgeable, friendly and professional. Very glad to have his assistance crossing the border. Ariel met us at the Nicaragua Immigration/Border Crossing. He was very helpful in navigating all the lines, safety checks and ID checks. He was to drive us thru to Granada. He realized that we'd been on a "red-eye" flight and were probably Hungary. He asked if we'd like to stop in the little town of Rivas. There he guided us to a wonderful little cafe - where we had very needed coffees and breakfast. FABULOUS homemade pastries, hearty breakfast burrito and terrific iced coffees. He located our Airbnb in Granada and made sure we and our luggage were safely inside and starting to settle before he left. We felt very "taken care of and safe". Next day Oscar met us with a horse-drawn carriage driven by Wilburn. They took us around to different historical and interesting locations including a beautiful cemetery (which Heather loves seeing cemeteries around when we travel). Oscar then lead us on foot to the heart of the city, into little shops, tasting rooms, and the daily "Marketo" where we were very grateful to have his guidance thru all the little vendor stalls, fresh meat/fish market, tortillas stalls, spices, household goods, cakes/candy, clothing, jewelry, etc. etc. He took us a Chocolate Tasting, up a Cathedral staircase to the bell tower (where the views were AMAZING). Next morning we were taken to a 4x4 Tour onto the Volcano Mombacho. There Agustin was a very informed and enthusiastic "naturalist and environmentalist" with all kinds of details on the plants, geography and history of the volcano, animals and rainforest. The same day around 3:30PM Oscar returned to guide us on a Kayaking tour on Lake Nicaragua. Peaceful, beautiful, full of nature, monkeys, egrets, cranes, herons, trees and little islands. Gorgeous sunset!!! Before we got back to the Airbnb, Oscar took us to a street vendor he was familiar with and helped us pick out an authentic Nicaraguan Dinner with fried plantains, rice/beans, vinegar coleslaw, char-grilled pork & chicken - it was sooooo good! Thankful for Oscar's thoughtfulness and willingness to share his time, knowledge and energy with us.
Next day we transferred from Ferry to the island of Opemete. Horacio met us at the Ferry Dock and the A/C in his car was very welcome!!! He had very good English and was very eager to share with us about his Ingenious history with the island. Got us to our Hotel - Villa Parasio - VERY nice environment and view. Staff were very attentive, friendly and nice. Rooms are a bit "out-dated" and sorta "old school" for Western standards - but CLEAN, safe, had everything you need. A/C worked in room. Were able to use existing plugs/outlets to charge our devices - shower had custom tile. Hotel is on slight hill, over looking the shoreline - WATER views. Dining area provides unbelievable views. At the included breakfast we were visited by Blue Crested Jays we were not shy... but not aggressive. It was an unexpected animal encounter.
Eric greeted us for our daily experience. First stop was Antonio's home - were he helped teach us how to make "Maca - Tamales" from scratch. Very impressive, welcoming and informative. Needed time to cook the food, so we went on to our next stop and planned to return when the meal was fully cooked.
Next stop was Puesta del Sol - a community for women and children surviving domestic abuse. They are self-sufficient, eco-friendly and give tours to educate the public about their program, island, culture and how to help support recovery, healing and safety for their community. AMAZING experience, so encouraging and inspiring!!!
Then back to Antonios to EAT the Maca-Tamales. Wow, Wow, Wow!!! Nothing like the tamales we are used in Southern California. Such a hospitable, knowledgeable and gracious Host Antonio and his assistance were.
Then on to Ficas Madgelena Coffee Plantation (used to be one of the islands first Hostiles). Shorter tour, short little hike up to Petrogliths carved into the volcanic rock.
Last stop was Ojo De Aguas - a natural mineral spring that can be enjoyed. Little restaurant and bar to get some snacks, and enjoy all the beautiful, clear, mineral water. So peaceful and relaxing. GREAT day of different kinds of experiences.
Had to wrap up Nicaragua - Horacio drove us back to the Ferry - then Oscar was there to get us to the Costa Rican Border. So nice to see familiar faces and to have friendly/personal interactions. Both gentlemen were very impressive.
Overall our planned tours, drives and guides were perfectly planned by Emily and her crew. Had fairly good communication thru What'sApp - and had fairly timely responses considering the internet/wireless availabilities. If there were any minor clarifications or alterations to our plans - Emily was right on it and provided the necessary information.
LOVED our trip - would book and plan with KimKim and Emily again in the future.
Hotel Reviews
Hotel Villa Paraiso
Santo Domingo
Environment, location and grounds AMAZING! Water/shore views from the dining area and some of the private cabins. Beautiful garden views for other cabins/rooms. "Older" property but cared for and maintained very well. Staff were professional, friendly and very accommodating. Menu options for restaurant were a great variety of culture/local food and some "tourist" friendly options. Included breakfast was fabulous and NOT a buffet style. Blue Crested Jays, hummingbirds and bumble bees were active around the dining area and a treat to start the day with.
Pool and bar located right on above the sandy beach. Beautiful scenery and little walking trails leading to the beach. You can walk from the hotel shore along the water to the little town of Playa Santa Cruz. Tiny little town along the ONE island highway. Little shops, bars, restaurants, market stalls, homes, hostiles, etc. very cute and lively with music, BBQ and people enjoying themselves.
Rooms are a bit "outdated/old school" for Western standards - but everything was clean, functional and usable. A/C in the room worked great. Custom tile in the shower, and we were able to use the existing outlets/plugs to charge our devices. Location made "up" for outdated decor. Comfortable deck chairs and hammock on our own private entry patio was very nice to see the sunset/sunrise with a drink to relax. Considering it's an island in a 3rd world country it was actually VERY doable, comfortable and safe. Would stay there again just as it is.
VERY happy with our experience here.
Location
On the WATER and the gardens were amazing>
Gran Hotel Bahia
Bocas del Toro
Let me start out that Emily had suggested a different hotel to begin with. From the photos of the other one and this one, Bahia looked "more authentic/cultural/historical" rather than very "Western". We were already booked at several "nice/some-what luxury" accommodations. We wanted to experience a bit more authenticity/culture while we were traveling. So Emily had originally planned something different for us, I requested based on the pictures and reviews I saw - to change her suggestion to the Hotel Bahia.
Also Noted: Your company, people, general public and/or travelers do not always know about local construction, improvements, road closures, etc. ahead of time. So that was NOT the fault of Emily or anyone involved with your company.
I'm sure when there's an actual paved road and not dozens of trucks, tractors, pavement processors, etc. directly in front of the hotel and in either direction for 2-4 blocks it is nice, convenient and in a great close to water location. However we experienced a dirt, pot holed, water filled, muddy main road lined with construction vehicles and cones. Which like I stated before - is necessary and glad they are making improvements, but it's sorta a shock from what we were initially expecting.
We made the best of it, and our guide Cesar was very helpful, had already wrapped our luggage in plastic to protect it from the rain and mud, he made sure we were taken directly to the hotel in a car and delivered right to the sidewalk in front of the hotel. He also was going to be helping coordinate the next days activities and he shared that he had a brother in Real Estate and his sister helps him with their touring company. He was very professional, friendly and informative.
The hotel is historic - a bit over 150 years old. I think one of the first on the island - so the history, the architecture and design are very interesting and unique. It has most of the original pine and hard wood paneling, trim and structure which were very well maintained and taken care of. The over all facility was clean, maintained and there was always a staff member at the front. They did give us extra towels when we asked and were friendly and accommodating. The first day/night they were a bit stand off-ish and sorta "paranoid" to answer our questions. But the following few days everyone warmed up. The upstairs common balcony was a nice spot to have (bring your own) cocktail/beer and watch the sunset.
The reason for the 3 stars is that it definitely was a "down-grade" from our previous rooms. It was very small, very basic, out-dated, outlet plugs were questionable and we had to "jimmy-rig" our chargers to stay in the wall. Bathroom was super tiny (as I realize over 100 year old construction would be), no refrigerator or microwave - they did have a small lockable safe. No actual closets or drawers - all open bookshelf like corner unit which was functional. Garden view consisted of their side yard and the adjoining street. Some effort was made with a few plants - but it was basically the side of the property/building. We kept the curtains closed. The sheets were clean, pillows were adequate no blanket or comforter - only sheets. We used extra towels for a makeshift blanket. A/C did work. Hardware on door to room was very questionable - it was the only place that we used our 2 safety devices for traveling.
Overall it was functional, clean and we were able to sleep, shower and dress. For an island in a 3rd world country I'm sure it's considered decent to acceptable. And like I said, we managed and worked with the situation realizing that we ARE traveling. But something to consider for your company and future travelers - is to look up any disruptions in normal services, etc. so everyone knows what they are getting into and can choose to stay or make other arrangements.
Authenticity & Character
Was historical and had its history with pictures, maps and commentary on display.
Location
With no construction going on - location is great.
Staff
At first were a bit stand-offish - but then warmed up. By the time we left there were lots of smiles, waves and hugs goodbye.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cleanliness was fine - maintained and provided with the basics. Comfort was questionable. It was very minimal - the A/C provided the most comfort and relief. Checking on the electrical plugs and door hardware would be recommended. Providing a light blanket/comforter or the option to ask for one would be a suggestion.
