Hotel Banana Azul

Gay Friendly Hotel

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 17:43:00 GMT

Costa Rica is without doubt an adventure destination. After we had spent 12 days touring the country, seeing and doing the most incredible things, we needed some down time. After googling ‘gay Puerto Viejo’ we found gay owned and gay friendly Hotel Banana Azul. This was exactly what we needed!

The Background of Hotel Banana Azul – Puerto Viejo

After spending time at a gay Hawaiian vacation retreat, the owner of Hotel Banana Azul, Colin, was inspired to bring something similar to Costa Rica.

He spent a lot of time researching for the perfect place. He decided that although undeveloped, the Caribbean side was the place to be. This was for a number of reasons, including the tropical vibe, and the Bohemian feel.

Colin bought the land in 2004 when it was a cow field. Two years later, he had transformed the place from cow field to the beautiful Hotel Banana Azul.

Initially this was intended to be exclusively gay, the start of ‘gay Puerto Viejo’ perhaps? However, over the years Colin felt that this was not necessary and opened the hotel up to anyone. Naturally, its history still lends to the hotel being labelled and welcoming as a ‘gay hotel’.

About the hotel

We would describe Hotel Banana Azul as a ‘relaxed luxury’ style hotel. All the services and features of a luxury hotel are there, but there remains a cool and relaxed Caribbean vibe.

There are 22 rooms in the main hotel and 4 new stunning villas (Villas Banana Verde). Over the next few years Colin plans to create more of these villas which would be perfect for groups of friends or two couples visiting.

The rooms in the main hotel are predominantly decorated with beautiful varnished wood. The one we stayed in had a very large terrace looking over both the pool and ocean.

The Villas are on another level. The villa we stayed in was like a showhome. It was two stories, had an entire jungle garden complete with jungle shower, a plunge pool, outdoor day bed and so much more. We could have lived here, especially as it had a fully functioning kitchen and living area too!

The hotel is situated on the beach and is 5 minutes away from the main town. This allows for some privacy while still having access to everything the town has to offer.

The grounds make use of the Costa Rican jungle and the pool is surrounded by lush rainforest.

The main hotel room terrace.

What makes Hotel Banana Azul gay friendly?

Colin likes the idea that Hotel Banana Azul is ‘straight friendly’. This is a concept which we loved.

Clearly, being gay owned gives you the impression the place will be gay friendly, but Colin has gone beyond that. New staff are asked explicitly at the interview stage if they have any practises or beliefs that mean they would have an issue with an LGBT guest. If not, they then sign an agreement confirming that this will never happen, and the position is theirs.

However, if they answer yes, then the position is not for them.

Some of the staff are gay too. Colin further explained that even though many Costa Ricans may have conservative personal beliefs, they remain just that – personal. Costa Rica doesn’t have the same “machismo” culture as the rest of Latin America. In fact, it has earned the nickname of “gay LA”, with the LA standing for Latin America!

We truly felt 100% comfortable here to be ourselves.

The gardens and outdoor shower!

What did we love about our stay?

The food and drink

The food! Every meal was incredible from breakfast through to dinner.

Each day had 3 standard options for breakfast, and one special (changing daily) option. The breakfast burrito was one of our favorites!

Spanish omelette!

For dinner we enjoyed fresh fish and steak. Both were equally tasty.

We also liked the fact that the soup and salad bar is always included. Sion is always hungry and hates waiting for his food so this was ideal for him!

Special mention for the brownies! They sell brownies for a few dollars and they are some of the best we have had. When you order a meal for lunch, you also get a mini brownie on the side! This was a great touch for us and our sweet tooth!

We have to mention the drinks. We don’t know what they put in them but they were all delicious. The hibiscus mojito was divine but also much more potent than we realised! We had a surprise when we stood up at the end of the meal!

The staff

We were blown away by the staff. The first introduction to the property was thorough and very helpful. All the staff were very happy, friendly and clearly very well trained.

Training is something Colin believes is very important. And it has definitely paid off!

The Vibe

Like we have already mentioned. You have all the aspects of a luxury hotel but with a laid back, bohemian vibe. This really worked well for us and by the end of our visit we were relaxed to the max.

There is a reason that Hotel Banana Azul is number 1 on Tripadvisor (at the time of writing!). We are confident that it will stay that way. We are also confident that when you visit Puerto Viejo you make this your number one choice of accommodation. You won’t be disappointed!

Here you will find the original article written by theglobetrotterguys.com

If you have fallen in love with Banana Azul, we invite you to learn more about the hotel here or create your own vacations on our page.

LGBT Costa Rica Caribbean Experience the diversity of the Caribbean Coast

Wed, 25 May 2022 18:25:00 GMT

Your host Colin Brownlee (from Vancouver, Canada) bought a cow field on the beach 12 years ago. Today, having one the most popular boutique hotels on Caribbean Coast of Costa, Rica, Colin welcomes adventurous Gay & Lesbian travelers looking for beach and jungle adventures down here in the tropics.

In an effort to make sure our gay guests get what they are looking for in their Gay vacation to Costa Rica , we feel the need to let you know the following. While The Banana Azul property and the local Puerto Viejo area is ideal for gay travelers who want to experience a whole different experience than the rest of Costa Rica with its rich indigenous and Jamaican cultures, it is not ideal for the single travelers looking to connect with other gay travelers and locals. It is your vacation, and we do not want you to be disappointed.

Check out this video from gay Costa Rica residents Michael and D’Angelo who visited us:

The Caribbean coast is still developing and has yet to have a visible gay scene but this is something we are working to change. The community is too small and transient to support a gay bar or exclusively gay hotel. However, we have never had establishments have any issue with our gay and lesbian customers. Two popular places in town that are not only gay owned and operated, but also popular with gay and lesbian travelers are Stashu’s Confusion and Koki Beach . Also, spend the day at the beach club Azul Beach Club .

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Let Ernesto help you plan your vacation!

Banana Azul now has its own LGBT travel agency called Gaycations Costa Rica . Gaycations Costa Rica has working relationships with almost all gay and gay-friendly hotels, tour guides and transportation services. We have worked with many gay and lesbian travelers and helped them experience exactly what they were looking for in their vacation to Costa Rica. Gaycations Costa Rica has several packages specifically tailored to Gay and Lesbian clients as well.

Check out our specialized services to the Gay and Lesbian community on our gay travel page or take a look at some of the packages we offer:

Most Gay and Lesbian travelers that come to Costa Rica only get to experience San Jose and the Pacific coast . Both these places have established histories and businesses that cater to the gay community. But the Caribbean Coast offers something unique in its variety of nature and the mix of cultures. If you don’t visit the Caribbean coast, you’re missing half the country!

For complete information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers, check out gay map Costa Rica.

Our 11 day / 10 night Cruising the Pacific & Caribbean Tour offers you the Best of Coast Rica, taking you from the majestic Pacific Coast, inland, to the awe-inspiring slopes of Arenal Volcano, and on to the pristine shores of the Caribbean. We have designed this package with you in mind. The standard hotels offered are either exclusively gay or gay-friendly. Your days are filled with exciting tours as well as time for relaxation.

11 days / 10 nights

From $1259 USD p/p (double)

Looking for like-minded people to meet and enhance your vacation experience? Join our Gay Puerto Viejo Facebook group where you can ask for advice on places to see and things to do. Our community posts local events, gatherings and general information about gay life in the area.

We are also happy to customize any of our other packages for you or to build a completely custom package for you.

For some “no obligation” support, please visit the Gaycations Costa Rica website or email us at info@gaycationscostarica.com.

Escape the rainy season … and know Puerto Viejo

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 18:32:00 GMT

Every year, from June to November, Costa Rica goes from being a sunny tropical paradise to a gray and dark swamp. However, while a large part of the country can slowly descend to a hell of rain, there are still many things to do in Costa Rica during the rainy season.

Visit the Southern Caribbean of Costa Rica

EIn this season, most of Costa Rica is in the middle of the worst of the rainy season. Roads creep, landslides and floods abound and it can rain all day without stopping. The Caribbean side of the country is the only exception that shines. In fact, the climate of these months in the Caribbean is so good that the locals sometimes refer to the month as ‘summer time’. (summer in patois)

The most popular tourist places in the south of the Caribbean are Puerto Viejo, Manzanillo and Cahuita due to the beautiful beaches, good vibes, abundant naturelza and the most famous dish of the Caribbean “Rice & Beans.”

Stay with us…

Caribbean vs. Pacific – Which Coast in Costa Rica is Right For You?

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 18:12:00 GMT

By Camille Willemain

I’ll never forget the culture shock I felt when I got off the ferry and landed in the Pacific Coastal town of Montezuma. It wasn’t the narrow dirt roads, the Spanish speaking taxi driver, nor the wild undeveloped territory that surrounded me. All of that was normal.

I had been living for the last month in a beach cabin on Costa Rica’s South Caribbean coast, and it baffled me that another beach town within the same country could feel so different. From the color of the sand to the type of vegetation, I recognized nothing. The food, the accent, and the music, all felt different. It was like I had entered another country. That was the greatest shock of all.

Since then I’ve traveled from coast to coast in Costa Rica over twelve times. It still amazes me how different the Caribbean feels compared to the Pacific. Though they may be different, I love both dearly. Here’s why:

The Pacific: Consistent Surf

Perfect waves grace popular Pacific coastal towns like Tamarindo, Dominical, and Nosara. These clean, consistent sets, have made Costa Rica a worldwide surf destination for anyone from beginners to pros. The Caribbean beach town of Puerto Viejo has plenty of surf spots and the notorious Hawaiian style reef break Salsa Brava, but they’re expert level and hard to predict.

The Caribbean: Live Coral Reef

The South Caribbean beaches of Cahuita, Punta Uva, and Manzanillo are surrounded by the last living coral reef in Costa Rica. Surfers may suffer when the sea flattens out, but it’s paradise for divers and snorkelers who can spot colorful fish, reef sharks, and even dolphins.

8 Reasons to Visit Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 18:04:00 GMT

As the road emerges from the cloud forests and descends to sea level, thousands of banana trees consume the horizon. Wildflowers and tropical fruit spill onto the pavement and perfume the warm, moist air. Howler monkeys growl and Reggae music mingles with the layered symphony of the jungle. The coastline emerges, an endless curve of golden sand that bleeds into sparkling black powder, kissed by the turquoise sea.

This is Costa Rica with a Caribbean accent. Where Latin and Caribbean culture converge. Where Salsa and Calypso play in harmony, Spanish and Jamaican Creole interweave, and Rastafarians dish West Indian curry beside coconut scented rice and beans. This is Costa Rica with pounding surf and calm crystalline waters dotted with vibrant coral reef. Where sloths cause traffic jams and colorful butterflies land on your feet. This is the Costa Rica made of dreams.

Once upon a time only fanatical surfers and dedicated environmentalists made their way to the rugged undeveloped Caribbean coast. Today a clean paved road connects the capital city of San Jose to the Southern Caribbean towns, just a few hours away, offering easy access to paradise. Now is the time to explore the less touristy side of Costa Rica. Here are the top reasons why:

Costa Rica’s South Caribbean beaches are arguably the most beautiful in the country, if not the world. They feel undeniably Caribbean with warm turquoise water and pale golden sand that shimmers in the sunlight. Swaying palms and almond trees provide shade for sunbathers and coral reef forms natural pools where colorful fish congregate and swimmers bathe. These coral reef formations lend diversity to the beaches, making some ideal for snorkeling and swimming and others great for surf. Most of the beaches remain entirely undeveloped, backed by thick jungle, and one can easily walk for miles without seeing another human.

Unlike the rest of the country, the Caribbean does not have a distinct dry or rainy season, which means the jungle remains lush and full of life year round. With scarce development, the Caribbean Coast is lined with untouched national park teeming with wildlife. The Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge sprawls all the way to Panama, covering fifty square miles of land with undeveloped wild jungle. Trails snake up to lookout points then emerge onto wilderness beaches and into bat caves made of coral. Further north, the Cahuita National Park is one of the most beloved places in Costa Rica for wildlife. This protected zone provides a habitat for white faced and howler monkeys, agouti, sloths, poison dart frogs, and a variety of tropical birds.

For decades intrepid surfers from across the world have flocked to the South Caribbean town of Puerto Viejo to ride the famous Hawaiian style break Salsa Brava. Thrill seekers get their kicks riding this fast, powerful, shallow reef break nicknamed “the cheesegrater”. The beach towns surrounding Puerto Viejo each offer their own unique waves for surfers of all levels , from the fun, kid friendly, beginner waves in Cahuita, Playa Negra and Punta Uva to big challenging barrels in Limón, Beach Break, and Manzanillo.

When the surf flattens out the calm Caribbean water offer exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities . Costa Rica’s only remaining live coral reef systems protect the South Caribbean beaches and house hundreds of species of tropical fish, dozens of types of coral, and even dolphins and reef sharks. In the beaches of Punta Uva, Manzanillo, and in the Cahuita National Park, snorkelers can explore right off the beach making underwater exploration as easy as renting a mask. Boat tours take snorkelers to more remote reef, particularly at Punta Mona with even more abundant underwater life. Divers can explore twenty different dive sites surrounding Manzanillo and Punta Uva, from shallow coral gardens to impressive vertical walls swarming with colorful fish.

The South Caribbean enjoys a vibrant culture completely unique from the rest of the country. Inhabitants from the Caribbean islands, local indigenous communities, European restaurateurs and hoteliers, North American expats, and South American traveler hippies, each lend a special flavor to this melting pot. A short drive into the countryside and travelers will discover the indigenous communities who produce beautiful arts and crafts they sell in the markets. In the South Caribbean beach towns Rastafarian culture abounds with Reggae music, Calypso dancing, and heaping bowls of Caribbean lobster stew. Thanks to the foreign transplants the South Caribbean has world-class international cuisine like Argentinean steak, homemade pita bread, wood fired pizza, handmade ravioli, and fresh flavorful sushi rolls. Musicians and performers come from all over the world to Puerto Viejo, creating lively nights with fire dancing and international music.

Some of the richest, purest chocolate comes from the jungle hills in Costa Rica’s Caribbean. Consequently, internationally renowned chocolate makers have established businesses working with the local cacao farmers to produce exceptionally delicious chocolate treats. In the South Caribbean you can tour the sustainable cacao farms, learn how to make your own chocolate, and sample a wide variety of chocolate made from locally sourced, fair trade cacao.

Costa Rica has a reputation for being one of the healthiest places in the world, and the Caribbean Coast is a great place for those seeking wellness. The South Caribbean has several yoga studios, a yoga retreat center, a gym, and plenty of outdoor activities for physical fitness. Organic and vegetarian restaurants are scattered along the coast and the farmer’s market in Puerto Viejo offer access to organic fruit, vegetables, homemade local cheese, probiotic foods, free range eggs, and plenty of healthy treats. In Playa Chiquita there is a health and wellness center offering cooking workshops, detoxification retreats, and full service holistic treatment for diseases including cancer. This established health community in conjunction with the abundant nature and clean air makes the South Caribbean an excellent place for healing.

Few things could be better than curling up in a hammock with a fresh young coconut and simply taking in your surroundings. With swaying palm trees, warm tranquil water, and the sounds of the jungle, the Caribbean is the ideal place to just chill out .

Why You Should Book Your 2021 Trip Now

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 05:24:00 GMT

Since Costa Rica recently announced the reopening of its borders to all of the U.S., we decided to put together this list of reasons why you should start booking your 2021 trip right now.

If you’ve stayed with us before you know that rooms tend fill up fast. Booking your trip now ensures you’ll get the room you want during the dates that best fit your schedule, and with our new Save Now Travel Later option you can take advantage of our best possible rates, up to 20% off.

People usually discuss travel solely in terms of the joy you get during a trip, while ignoring the joy it brings you before a trip.

We are not just referring to the rush you get from clicking purchase on a cheap flight. We’re also talking about letting yourself spend the next however many months looking forward to that trip.

After all, nobody books a trip to Costa Rica and then doesn’t think about it again until they board the plane. If you’re anything like us, the entire interim is spent dreaming of golden beaches and poolside cocktails and researching hidden gems we want to see while traveling.

We can always daydream about future travels, but where the true excitement comes is when it’s about an actually planned trip, not just a someday/maybe idea. And what makes a trip from a mere idea to something real? When you’ve booked the flight.

When researchers have examined which parts of vacation bring us the most joy, it turns out that the period before a trip maybe even more important than the trip itself. Study after study has shown how much happiness the anticipation of a trip can bring.

It’s not just that planning trips give us joy today; it also makes travel more possible. According to one study, people who plan trips well in advance took 50% more time off from work to travel than non-planners. One big reason why: bosses are far more likely to approve time off when it’s requested months in advance.

Right now, airlines are offering free changes on all new bookings, even basic economy. As a result, if come February 2021 it’s still not possible or wise to take that trip you are planning, you can just push the trip back to the summer without having to pay any change fee. Remember, though: free changes aren’t the same as free cancellations, and you’re still responsible if there’s a fare difference with the new flight you choose.

Knowing you can book flights and still have flexibility is what gives you full confidence to plan future travel amidst so much uncertainty today. Think of it as booking in pencil, not in pen.

Here’s just a sampling of round trip fares to Costa Rica that we have seen in the past few weeks:

We’ve been hearing over and over from travelers how eager they are to make up for lost time once they feel safe and comfortable traveling again. And many of them have already started making 2021 travel plans as a treat for both their future selves and their current selves.

Have you started planning your much needed 2021 getaway?

*Many thanks to Scott’s Cheap Flights for the inspiration for this article.