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"Resorts"
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Scott (---.hsd1.tx.comcast.net)
Date:   08-29-05 20:40

I have never been to Culebra and have considerd staying at the resort style places. I have done quite a bit of research online but would like to get some personal opinions. Does anyone have suggestions about Bahia Marina, Costa Bonita, and Club Seabourne. Thanks for any help.
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Re: "Resorts"
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: beachbound (---.225.40.69.ip.alltel.net)
Date:   08-30-05 09:29

Scott,

We just got back from our first trip, but we stayed at Bahia Marina for part of the time. It was nice, with beautiful views, good food and friendly service. Every time we went to the pool we had it to ourselves. It has a nice kitchen with stainless steel fridge and cooktop, but no oven or dishwasher. Nice private balcony with great views of Ensenada Honda and Fulladosa Bay. Some little (sugar?) ants the first day, but I think they are everywhere.

Costa Bonita was closed while we were there, but we could see it across the bay during the day. It is huge! It is more of a full service resort (spa, swim-up bar, etc.), but I think the people that want to be pampered like that aren't necessarily going to come to Culebra.

We went to dinner one night at Club Seabourne and of course drove past it repeatedly (it is right before the turn-off to Bahia Marina). It is not right on the water, but across the road in a more low-lying area. It looked like some of the units might have some of a view. No kitchens in rooms. Nice pool, and it looked like it had some shady areas. They had an Italian buffet the night we went, which was pretty good. The general agreement seems to be that the food can be good, but not consistently.

I think if you want a little more of a friendly, local feel, Bahia Marina would be a good choice, but it is not truly a "resort". Club Seabourne is more expensive but a little fancier and will attract that kind of a guest.

I hope that helps! If you want any other info, feel free to email!

Sue
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Re: "Resorts"
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Frank (---.cbcads.com)
Date:   08-30-05 09:31

I hope nobody takes offense to my perception, but the phrase "Culebra Resort" is an oxymoron. If you are looking for anything but a rustic vacation amongst the locals, you should look for another island. The "resorts" you mention are okay (I'd avoid Costa Bonita from my brief visit) but they are not "resorts". For example, last year we were on Culebra nd the entire island lost power for 2 days. We loved it but somebody looking for a resort experience might get a little frustrated.

JMO
Frank :-)
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Re: "Resorts"
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Scott (---.dfw.dsl-w.verizon.net)
Date:   08-30-05 14:36

I am not looking to stay at a high end resort. I know that there are not any true resorts on the island. I will be visiting for my honeymoon and would like to stay somewhere comfortable, with a small kitchen, a pool, AC, TV. I wouldn't consider these things to much to ask. Just beacuse you want to stay in a nice place doesn't mean that you don't want to enjoy the rustic nature of Culebra, why else would you come???
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Re: "Resorts"
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Scott (---.dfw.dsl-w.verizon.net)
Date:   08-30-05 15:22

What are the prices at Bahia Marina?
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Re: "Resorts"
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: beachbound (---.225.40.69.ip.alltel.net)
Date:   08-30-05 15:31

I believe Bahia Marina is between maybe $150-$175/nt, depending on season. We booked it through Culebravacationplanners.com, but I think they have switched all their bookings to allvacationreservations.com, and go to "Puerto Rico". Definitely get an upstairs room for the best view (though they are all good). FYI--It was almost sold out when we were there and we still had the pool to ourselves and NEVER heard anyone else when we were in our room.

Again, feel free to email me directly if you have anymore detailed questions.
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Re: "Resorts"
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: beachbound (---.225.40.69.ip.alltel.net)
Date:   08-30-05 15:45

Another website is bahiamarina.net

You can't book through there, but you can get their info.

Sue
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Re: "Resorts"
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   08-30-05 19:28

Scott -

You'd be just as well off renting a small rental property from Culebra Island Realty, especially if you're looking for peace and quiet and alone time (after all, it's your honemoon!) My husband and I stayed at Casita Zoni in June, 2001, and we had the entire east end of the island to ourselves. It has no air conditioning, but even in June we didn't need it because of the great breezes. t was fabulous! This particular casita is a 700-800 square foot structure with living room, full kitchen, bedroom and bath, with a front porch with fabulous views. I believe for a couple it was somewhere around $100/night. See: http://www.culebraislandrealty.com. Contact information for Jim Galasso at Culebra Island Realty is on this site under Shelter. We have also been inside the Bird House, but it is located in a rather noisy neighborhood; we have stayed at Casa Pueblo located in town (can be noisy, but has the added bonus of its own private pool). If you stay at Zoni, you'd need a car to get back and forth to town for restaurants; if you stay at Casa Pueblo, you can stumble "home". I can also recommend Culebra Divers Casita - very private with a pool as well, and the owners are good friends of mine. http://culebradivers.com/cdr.htm. They are charging $145/night. Good Luck!

Happy Diving!
Debbie
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Re: "Resorts"
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Frank (---.cbcads.com)
Date:   08-31-05 12:15

Scott-

I think the suggestion of looking to rent a house is a good one also. You can go through Mike at Vacation Planners or Jim at Culebra Island Realty. Many houses contain what you are looking for and afford a bit more privacy.

If you looking for more feedback on the three properties you mentioned, I'd avoid Costa Bonita like the plague. Visited there in February (the high season?) and it was terrible. Employees ignoring you, broken glass around the pool ... like something out of a Twilight Zone episode or Stephen King novel. Maybe terrible is too strong ... but bizarre would fit perfectly.

Both Bahia Marina and Club Seabourne have gotten positive feedback, you probably could be happy at either.

Happy travels!
Frank
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Re: "Resorts"
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: J.P. (38.112.47.---)
Date:   08-31-05 15:45

I'm not sure of the dates you are considering, but I stayed at Costa Bonita for 5 days over last New Year's and we had a nice time. It wasn't crowded, but it certainly wasn't deserted or closed as some people have stated here. We didn't experience any of the problems I've read from others on this site and actually found everyone friendly and willing to help. It's a relatively new operation so there was still construction going on when I was there, however in comparison to other places we visited and have seen online it was the nicest of them all - I'm sure being brand new helps also. The pool was great and while we only ate there once, the food was pretty good. It definitely is larger and not quite the norm for Culebra, but it may be the middle-ground you are looking for.
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Re: "Resorts"
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   08-31-05 18:23

and that is exactly the problem with Costa Bonita - it is hit or miss - you never know what you're going to get! Why take a chance, when there perfectly wonderful accommodations exist outside of CB??

Happy Diving!
Debbie
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Re: "Resorts"
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: beachbound (---.225.40.69.ip.alltel.net)
Date:   09-01-05 09:40

Scott,

If you are looking for more privacy for your honeymoon, I would definitely recommend renting a private house also. We did that through Mike at Vacation Planners the first 2/3 of our trip and it was great!! Don't get me wrong, Bahia Marina was nice and it was great to have the pool, restaurant/bar, tv and a/c but it couldn't compare to having a whole house on a 5 acre lot all to yourself. I know Vacation Planners has a house called "Zoni Beach Estate" that is private, overlooks Zoni and has it's own pool. It's not cheap (though still probably less than Costa Bonita) but I know you can get a couples rate--and it is your honeymoon!! If you are looking for privacy, make sure there are no other properties on the same lot. A lot of houses rent upstairs and down or they have "casitas" on the same lot.

Whatever experience you are looking for on your honeymoon, I hope you enjoy the island as much as we did!!

Sue
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Re: "Resorts"
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Scott (---.hsd1.tx.comcast.net)
Date:   09-01-05 19:12

Does Vacation Planners have a website. I would like to find out more about the beach house on Zoni with the pool. My future wife would love that.
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Re: "Resorts"
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date:   09-01-05 19:25

http://www.culebraplanners.com/

Happy Diving!
Debbie
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Re: "Resorts"
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: beachbound (---.225.40.69.ip.alltel.net)
Date:   09-02-05 11:34

Scott,

Vacation planners switched all their properties over to the following website, so it has a little bit more info:

www.allvacationreservations.com

"Search" for units in "Puerto Rico" and then click on "Vacation Planners Rental Properties". Zoni Beach Estate is on the last page and you can even check availability and book online if you want. If you have more questions, you can call their office or email. Everyone I spoke with was really nice.

Good luck! I hope it all work out for you both!!

Sue
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