Hello! My husband and I are planning a 9-10 day trip mid april to CR. Looking to stay in a quiet, somewhat secluded, private, bungalow close to but not in Puerto Viejo. Aiming for moderate price. Anyone out there who has stayed at Cariblue AND Azania and can give details on which is better? Looking for the place close to the beach that doesn't allow you to view straight into your neighbor's bungalow. Open to other bungalow suggestions in the area too. Also, can one bike to Calhuita from Puerto Viejo? Wondering if we need a car.
Thanks for your input!
Amber

We haven't stayed at Cariblue, but LOVED Azania Bungalows. Be sure and ask about Walter while you are there. Arrange for him to come to your bungalow or set up on the beach for a massage. Excellent--and reasonable!

Azania very private. The bungalows are nicely arranged to afford privacy and the grounds are pretty. Very nice pool area. Only complaint we had about them was that we left about 7:30 in the a.m. and missed breakfast. Most places will arrange for you to have SOMETHING when you have to leave early. They didn't even have coffee ready. Disappointed in that. But it is the Caribbean side, and although it may sound crude, there is an "attitude"--but it's part of the distinctiveness, I suppose!

For a great guide, write to Abel Bustamente, [email protected]

It MIGHT be crlocalguide instead.. .give it a try. Great fellow to show you around for a morning.

Too far to Cahuita for biking. Take a taxi for about $10-$15. You can bike down to Manzanillo--lots of fun--but be prepared for about 45 min down and the same back. It's about 12-15 km from Puerto Viejo. Lots of potholes to dodge! And increasing traffic. . .

By the way, Azania is between PV and Manzanillo--closer to PV--about a 10-15 min. bike ride.

Sorry, posted too soon. Restaurants that you would enjoy are Totem (just a short distance north of Azania) and La Pecora Nera (short distance south).

Another hotel in the area that we really liked--and even more private--was Aguas Claras. On the beach, nice swimming beach. No pool. Cute little Victorian style cottages with kitchens. . .about $100 per day we paid in July of 2005. Nice restaurant for breakfast and lunch on site---Miss Holly's. Operated by Flore and Mario, a very helpful and kind Tico couple.

I've noticed you have taken the time to answer so many posts on CR. I deeply appreciate your time & insight you've given to all of us. Azania is definitely tops on our current list... i'll check into your other suggestions. Thanks again. Yeah... 1st time to CR. Reading this travel forum is certainly raising the excitement level.

Thanks. Some people watch TV in the evenings, I read and "Fodor". It's fun to talk about, and especially with those who are planning their first trip. I just know how much fun you are going to have, and in posting on your thread, I relive the excitement we felt years ago when we were first exploring CR and fell in love with the land and the people. It's still exciting after many visits. And it is always fun to read those trip stories, so don't forget to write yours!

It is very hard for me to be away longer than 3-4 months, so at the 6-7 month period, I get very homesick. We are looking forward to a brief visit in March, then longer visits in both June and July. I have a school workshop in Boston (excited about that too!) in mid July, so we had to break our summer trip into 2 parts. First part will be just me--studying Spanish. That's mostly work, just a little "play"!

Thanks again--what a nice thing for you to say!

Dear Shillmac,
you're the best... 100% agree with you on t.v. vs. adventure/exploration/discovery time spent. Proud to say that since I "left the coop" I have not owed a tv... that's more than 13 years ago.
My husband and I honeymooned in Argentina & Brazil last April and this trip to CR is our 2nd honeymoon... just can't seem to get enough of latin hospitality and the beautiful landscapes in the Latin countries. Our first time to Central America too. I'll be sure to post about the trip to keep your good memories fresh. Again thanks for your time. You know... by being so helpful to so many people on this site, there is a little bit of you that travels along with each person who holds on to your recommendations. Like when I eat at a place you highly suggest, I will smile to Shillmac... whoever you are... wherever you are...
The internet is a beautiful thing....

Ahhh. . .you bring tears to my eyes! Good, that is my intention--a little vicarious travel with all the Fodorites when I can't get there in person! Thanks, soulbutter, how nice of you.

La Costa de Papito is also very popular. I feel they have best value for dollar. Restaurant is also very good.

Good rec--La Costa. I'd forgotten about it. Our friends stayed there in September and liked it just fine.

In Cahuita, Miss Ediths and Cha Cha Cha

In PV Chile Rojo, El Loco Natural and La Pecora Nera:


http://costa.rica.typepad.com/puerto...ejo/index.html

Thank you all for your suggestions. What fun research this all is. I'll let you all know what we decide upon.

Hello and thank you again Shillmac, Guanacaste & Colinsito for your suggestions.
The verdict:
4 nights at Shawandha Lodge (so we can stay near but not IN Puerto Viejo... then 5 nights renting the beautiful private residence "Casa Dakini" in Punta Uva:
http://www.vrbo.com/70785,
followed by the last night at Orquideas Inn by the Airport.
I will be sure to seek out as many of your highly suggested restaurants as I can and also to post my trip experience once I return. Thanks again for all your helpful advice!
Looking forward...

Good for you--sounds excellent! I am especially interested to hear your remarks once you've stayed at Dakini--what a great option!

Hope you like La Pecora Nera. We think the food there is very good, but a recent poster wasn't so high on it. Guess it just depends on one's taste. . . .

Have a wonderful trip--not so far off!

Hi Soulbutter,
Your plans sound great. Just wondered how your trip was. I would love to hear about it!!