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Reviews as seen on
Tripadvisor.com
January
15, 2009 DrBirdWatch New
York
I
stayed at Bahia Marina hotel in
Culebra, P.R. in January 2009. I
enjoyed the usual Caribben
things such as sun, pool,
flowers, however I found the
food to be beyond compare. The
fish with lime sauce was
fabulous. The chocolate mousse
was the best I have ever had in
my life. The staff was very
friendly. Some fascinating
people from all over the world
were at the Shipwreck bar. The
Villas were spacious and clean.
A 30 foot catamaran took us out
to an aquamarine sea where we
saw two sea turtles. We also saw
huge frigate birds soaring
overhead. When you go, be sure
to visit Flamenco Beach, about
10 minutes from the hotel. This
is one of the ten most beautiful
beaches in the world.
January 6, 2009
digucf
Wasington D.C.
From
the minute we arrived to
Culebra, we knew we made the
best decision to get away for
our 10-year wedding anniversary.
The Island of Culebra is
tranquil, laid back, and
breathtaking to look at. And
Bahia Marina is the perfect
place to unwind.
A driver picked us up from the
regional airport and drove us
directly to the resort, where we
were greeted by the most warm
and friendly staff (Jose,
Michelle, and others). From
there, we went directly to their
expansive pool area (with swim
up bar & grill). Just
gorgeous--the pool looked out
into the plush landscape as well
as the magnificent views of the
bay and ocean.
The accommodations were equally
fabulous. We stayed in the
1-bedroom, 2 bath
condo--outfitted with stainless
steel appliances, 2 showers, and
again, another stellar view of
the island from the wrap-around
deck. The condo was very
comfortable and clean--and close
enough (yet far enough) from
town.
Finally, the onsite restaurant
and bar(s) were another asset to
the location -- the friendly
staff were very conscientious,
personable, and went out of
their way to ensure we had a
good time. You can't beat the
service--and we visited the
other resorts on the island.
Overall, this has become one of
our favorite secret get-away
destinations and we look forward
to returning!
December 15, 2008 avctravel Orlando
I am a travel
professional who was posed with the
task of finding a dream vacation for
my best friend and his kids. He
wanted a tropical trip without the
plastic trappings of Orlando or
other such artificial amusements. He
had checked the Seychelles and
Bonaire for their natural appeal but
both were prohibitively expensive to
get to . That's when I remembered
Culebra; an island I first learned
about from another friend whose
father had retired there.
After extensive research, I came to
the conclusion that Bahia Marina was
the place to be. The management was
wonderful to work with, and the
service staff was friendly and
efficient. Situated just south of
town, its location is excellent to
reach a secluded beach or go to town
for incidentals easily. The grounds
and accommodations were great. After
a day of exploring the island or
swimming a new beach every day, the
kids loved the wonderful pool to
unwind and relax. This is the
perfect spot to enjoy yourself
either by staying so busy having fun
or doing nothing at all but
relaxing. Were all of life's choices
so appealing.
p.s. Bahia
Marina also rented us our car. We
had a flat on Sunday morning but one
call to the office had us on our way
in about an hour. Quicker than AAA.
December 1, 2008 cruiz San Juan
The reason of my vacation was to get away from home, work, and stress. All I wanted was to spend quality time with my husband and kids. On my way to the resort I was wishing for everything to be ok, but we have never experienced such incredible vacation. The view, the environment, the pools, and the staff were great. We had a great time. The kids loved it. I would suggest to anyone to stay, and experience a relaxed and great vacation at Bahia Marina.
November 30, 2008 Rik411 Waterford, MI
Bahia Marina Condo Resort is the most "full-service" accommodation on the island, without question. It is an Villa/ condo facility bordering a 100-acre nature preserve. The resort is on a ridge with AMAZING panoramic views (from the Villa wrap-around balconies) of Fulladoza Bay and the seas bordering Culebra. You really have to see it to believe it - pictures just don't do it justice. Every unit has cable TV (including HBO) and internet access, plus the public areas have free wireless (wifi) internet. There are two main swimming pools, a wading pool and a Jacuzzi. Parking is free and "Tony" will pick you up and drop you off at the airport or fairy dock at no charge. You can also rent a car (Thrifty Rental) right at the property when you check in.
We stayed in the one bedroom Villa (referred to as "Phase I", although "Lisa" - one of the owners - does not like that term - she prefers "Villas" as opposed to the "Condos" of "Phase II":-)), which has two full size beds, two full bathrooms with showers, a living room area (with a queen size micro fiber futon), a kitchenette area (which includes dishes, silverware, pots and pans, coffee maker and toaster), and two A/C units (one in the living room and one in the bedroom). The inside of the Villa is pleasant, although in some need of paint, and some general maintenance. For example, one of our toilets would run until we manually adjusted the inside apparatus after each use, and the A/C in the bedroom sounded like a jet plane was taking off, such that we had to turn it off every night in order to sleep. Plus, the water pressure was non-existent in both showers, and the bathroom entrances are strikingly narrow (if you are a professional football player, you will have to enter the bathroom sideways :-)) "Housekeeping" was also a bit spartan (made beds and changed garbage bags only).
The facility has 2 restaurants (and both are only open for dinner, I think - not sure about lunch cuz we were always in town or snorkeling during the day -- but definitely not breakfast): Shipwrecks Bar and Grill (a more casual dining experience downstairs) and Dakity's (a little bit more upscale restaurant upstairs - only open on the weekends). Chef "Anne" at Dakity's is amazing - our first night there we enjoyed outstanding pumpkin and ginger cream soup, asparagus risotto and chocolate soufflé. Unbelievable!! And both restaurants went out of their way to let us order "off the menu" in order to feed my vegetarian traveling companion. The best part was that there are essentially only 4-5 other restaurants on the Isle (Club Seaborne's, Mamasitas, Dinghy Dock's, Heather's, and Suzies on Wed - Sun), and since Shipwrecks/Dakity's are BY FAR the best, "our" bar and restaurant would really bustle at night (in an otherwise quiet atmosphere), making us feel like the kids with the cool parents with the best house in the neighborhood ;-) Keep in mind that , while the service is attentive and friendly, it is still "Island-paced" - so be prepared to wait a little while for your food (especially when they are busy) - but just kick back and enjoy the Island breeze.
And...ah the hosts - family run businesses are the best! Jose "Sr" (owner/operator) was the best kind of "can-do" person on the planet. He was ALWAYS around, If we needed anything (even during the "off-hours"), we only had to ask once. And, even though the bar did not open "technically" until 3 PM, Jose, Jr. ("JI" as he is called, so as not to confuse him with Jose "Sr") was always willing to make us his special "Jose" Daiquiri (a splendid mix of strawberry, lime, and pineapple juices plus lemon zest -- yum!). Their Bushwaker (yes, "waker", not "wacker") blended chocolaty drink is also delicious. And speaking of the "Bushwaker", JI's Uncle, "Captain Bill", will take you out for the best chartered catamaran (named the "Bushwaker") trip of your life. You can go on a fishing trip, a scenic trip, or a snorkeling trip - whatever you like - he's at your service. And if you decide to go fishing (and catch a yellow-fin tuna or the like), Jose Sr. will fry it up, or sushi it up, for you! And speaking of the "people" part, we cannot forget the very helpful and responsive Aileen (who helps with preliminary reservations etc.), the kind and gentle spirited Tony (our "chauffeur "), the feisty and funny Michelle (Asst. General Manager, who does everything from checking you in/out, to renting you your car, to shuttling you to/from the airport, to housekeeping... as needed) , to delightful and chatty Lisa (married to Jose Sr.), to sweet and warm Leah at the bar. I won't name them all, but ALL of the staff was kind and friendly - a complete delight.
So...go for the people AND THE VIEW from your balcony (see attached pictures - the 1st 2 are views from inside the Villa - the 3rd is a picture of the Villas themselves from the road below - they are the 3 pink structures way at the top of the picture. You will never tire of either one! We will be back every single year. There is simply nothing else like it. Oh, by the way, the "Phase II" (sorry Lisa) Condos are now on the market. They are amazing...just ask Lisa ALL about them at lisa@bahiamarina.net. Enjoy!!!!
November 17, 2008 Larz2 Maine.
 We recently returned from a 5 night stay at the Bahia Marina. We absolutely loved it. You can always tell a great place by the amount of time the owner spends not only at the hotel, but by how much time he spends with his guests. Jose was always gracious and wanted to know how we were enjoying ourselves and our stay at Bahia every day we saw him.
The rest of the staff at Bahia was great too. Friendly and upbeat all the time, they were a joy to be around, but weren't at all overbearing. All in all, the most friendly folks you could possibly ask for. I would name some names, but cant remember them! :)
The food at Bahia was special. I think easily the best on the island, especially the spring rolls.....yumm....my hats off to the chef...she puts together some incredible dishes....eating at the restaurant at Bahia is a must for anyone visiting Culebra. Club Seabourne, where we did try one meal, does not measure up and was much more expensive.....too expensive I thought.
Our room was great and the beds comfortable. We will be back next year.
Last , but certainly not least, we took a day sailing trip with Captain Bill in search of tuna, mahi mahi (sp?) and wahoo (sp?). For those who have not taken this trip....just do it. Cap'n Bill took us out around Culebrita and Cayo Norte where we did some snorkeling...saw a great variety of fish and a turtle sitting on the bottom....pretty cool. Bill tried his best to hook something for us, but it was just not to be on this day. Next trip he said...:) But, he did cook up a great fresh tuna (which he had caught a few days earlier) for us on the boat that was almost as good as what you get at the Bahia restaurant...simply great is all you can say.
One more thing....one of our first nights at the Bahia restaurant Jose pointed out that Carlos Delgado, first baseman for the NY Mets, was sitting behind us. He's a native Puerto Rican and a big boy. How cool is that?!!
We hated to leave, but found a great place at the Bahia Marina to stay for all future visits. Thank you Jose and great staff at Bahia for a terrific vacation!
October 11, 2008 jeta5862
We cannot say enough great things about our stay at Bahia Marina. From the moment we were picked up at the Ferry Station by Jose to the very last night checking out with Luis, we were overwhelmed by the most excellent service of all of the staff!
Our room had an incredible view of the bay and was very spacious and well equipped.
An absolute must is a day trip on Captain Bill's catamaran. We did some snorkeling and deep sea fishing on his beautiful boat. He provided an excellent lunch and great company. His knowledge of the island and the best places for snorkeling / fishing is not to be missed! We caught a very large wahoo on our trip and he arranged for the fish to be cooked by Chef Natalia at Bahia Marina. The fish was incredible, Chef Natalia prepared it several different ways, all of which were delicious.
Culebra is a very laid back island, a hidden gem, but not for folks who like a really active nightlife. It's perfect if you want to see some of the most beautiful beaches and interact with it's wonderful people.
One other thing not to be missed is the pizza at Heathers! Yummy!
October 2, 2008 Tamita99
The best hotel in Culebra. Excellent service. The room was very clean and all the furniture look new. The beds were very comfortable. The restaurant is very good, specially the lobster. The view is pretty awesome. I like the pools and all the people who ask me about an hotel in Culebra I sent them here. Excellent...Excellent!!
September 22, 2008 AvianMichelle
Bahia Marina in Culebra is Perfect.
How else would you like to spend your R&R, then in a big Villa, Beautiful Pool's, great food,... Just Spectacular. Service was not bad at all.
Plus Its a family oriented place, and did I mention how great priced they are.
I'm even going to plan a wedding there some day...
I hope all who read this review keep in mind a couple of things.
Culebra is what it is, This place just makes it better.
Good Job Guy's.
August 26, 2008 corg78
Awesome place !! Is really a great place.... The condos are beautiful, full equipped and in super clean condition, they have everything you need to have a great time. The view is just amazing !! you can see the bahia from the balcony or the pool. Sometimes you just will feel like stay whe whole day indoors... very romantic for a couple. The staff is very friendly and helpful... AWESOME PLACE AAA+++
August 13, 2008 culebran
I never heard of Culebra until about a month before we went. The island is wonderful and the Bahia Marina resort a great base from which to experience it. The town on Culebra is just big enough to supply every need like groceries and restaurants, leaving all the rest to nature. We were there near the peak of tourist season and never felt crowded. We like to fish and snorkel and found endless places to do that. Soldado Beach is a beautiful beach with good fishing and the snorkeling there is fantastic - just a short walk from Bahia Marina. The staff at Bahia Marina clearly love Culebra and were very friendly and helpful in pointing us where to go and how to get there. Our rooms were spotless, we never saw a bug and the Marina restaurant served wonderful island-flavored entrees. Then nothing like sitting back in the evening and peacefully soaking up the amazing view from up there. My teenage boys, one of whom didn't even want to make the trip, loved it. We're back in Florida now but Culebra is still with us.
August 6, 2008 julitza
First of all the best experience was the Dakity Restaurant. Great food, good prices, excellent service, best food we had in Culebra. Hotel has very relaxing environment, and the pool has a nice view. Front desk was very helpful. I would go back with my family.
July28, 2008 SLC311
We stayed at the Bahia Marina July 2008 and loved it! From the minute we checked in the front desk took care of us. We arrived earlier than expected and sat at the breezy bar for a few Medallas (the local beer) and after about 30 minutes we were able to check in early. We were given what I felt was the best room in the resort, because the view and the top porch. The room itself was clean and large (my husband and I were traveling with another couple and could have easily had another couple stay, because it was that big). The two bathroom unit was very convenient and private for us.
July
27, 2008 MaryElise
We celebrated our wedding in Culebra in June 2008. The Bahia Marina Resort staff organized it all, from flowers, to the cake, to beach ceremony transportation and set up, to a lovely reception with a great bar and excellent food...many guests said it was the best reception they had ever attended! The prices were quiet reasonable...I came out below budget! And most importantly, the staff was patient, attentive, and put their hearts into giving us a day we will never forget. Thank you Bahia Marina!
June
22, 2008
Gaelic123
Had an amazing time. From we walked in to we left we felt like family. Words can not describe the view I faced every morning with my cup of coffee. I wanted peace & quiet & I got it. I will return & to Bahia as they are the best at what they do.
May 12, 2008 gobetty Park City, UT
After reading many reviews on Tripadvisor, we decided to stay at the Bahia Marina Condo Hotel. I called the hotel directly, Jose, the manager was excellent. I was very impressed with his customer service over the phone. He talked we me about the property, the island and the different options of getting to Culebra. Upon arrival, they came to the airport to pick us up and everyone we encountered were nice and certainly capable. The location is very pretty and the room clean. We had great views from the deck. The restaurant was excellent. They have a Thrifty Car Rental on site and we rented a jeep from them as well which was convenient. Overall, it was a great stay and I felt like it was a very good value.
April 30, 2008 ace35nyc NYC
We stayed in the new condos (Phase 2). Newly constructed, looked just like the pictures in their website (click on 'Buy a Villa' link). Phase 2 had closer access to their pool compared to staying in the Phase 1 units. Pleasant grounds on a hilltop with decent views, but nothing breathtaking. The new kitchens are great if you're staying for a week and want to do your own cooking (go to Milka for groceries).
Phase 2 was still under construction, however, we were on the far end of the new developments and were never bothered by noise, just the sight of two shell buildings without windows, occupants, etc.
April 23, 2008 robertdr San Juan
My family and I went there to acompany my wife who had some work to do in Culebra. It is hard to find anywhere the kind of attention we received while staying there. Our ferry from Fajardo to Culebra was late so we got to Culebra pretty late. Shortly before we got there, I received a call from the hotel because we have not shown up. Later, they call me again to see if I wanted them to keep their restaurant open a bit longer than usual so we could have dinner, I said yes and they did. I must say that the food was also great. You will get to see that its owner and and employees really and sincerely care about their clients. I have to go back again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great attention, you would remember this people for a while!!
April 15, 2008 caribeno1975 Orlando,FL
Beautiful
view to
the
Bahía
from the
room and
pool
area,
great
dinning
and
great
customer
service.
Amazing
place to
spend
time
with
your
loved
ones.
April 14, 2008
CarolJeanne Gales Ferry, CT
My husband and I
just celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary
with a trip to the Caribbean. We spent four
days on Culebra. The room we had at Bahía
Marina was unbelievable for the price. We
had a wraparound deck, kitchenette, bedroom,
two full bathrooms and a killer view of the
bay. The staff picked us up at the airport,
and were very accommodating during our stay.
We enjoyed wonderful meals at the Shipwreck
bar. I would strongly recommend this condo
hotel-hotel to anyone.
April 8, 2008
USCGwestwind
Guaynabo, PR
My wife and I spent
four evenings at Bahía Marina Hotel which
was a wonderful experience. The owner Jose
and his wife Lisa couldn't do enough for
you. Jose was around most of the time and he
insured that we had a happy experience day
or night.
The apartment was spacious with a beautiful
tropical panoramic view from the balcony. My
wife liked the spacious kitchen which was
well equipped including stainless steel
appliances. The whole apartment was
bright, colorful and done in good taste.
The supper food surprised me. I did not
expect such excellent food and attentive
service. Whether we had meat or fish, it was
excellent. The ribs I cut with my fork! The
vegetables were crunchy, not overdone and
properly priced meals. No gouging here. We
had lunch at Mamacit'as which is very
colorful and borders the pretty, connecting
channel. Good experience.
We visited Flamenco Beach twice. It is
outstanding and rated in the top 10 in the
world. It is so beautiful. Blue, blue, blue
calm waters for swimming and wading. The
hotel people dropped us off at the ferry
dock and we took one of the many Flamenco
taxis for $2.00 each way. If you rent a jeep
you can go to many other beaches, some
deserted and snorkeling sites. We rented
kayaks close by and paddled in the
neighboring bay.
We visited the Butaki art store and my wife
discovered the stateside artist/owner who
fell in love with Culebra. My artist wife
contracted for a half day of lessons and
insights. A highlight for her and wants to
return for his lessons. (Wish he wasn't so
good looking.)
Culebra is still a tropical, rustic island
and our stay at Bahía made our vacation most
pleasurable.
September 28, 2007
DetroitMarlinMan Detroit, MI
September 12, 2007
DMMSDK, Beaufort, SC
My wife and I spent four nights here in February and had a
wonderful time. The restaurant and bar are excellent. Beautiful views from the
rooms. The location is just far enough away from town so that it's very peaceful
and quiet at night. We are planning another trip to Culebra next year and are
definitely planning to stay at...
August 31, 2007
WMCBeaverton_OR, Beaverton, OR
We stayed at the Bahía Marina for 3 days near the end of
August. We really enjoyed our stay. There are only 16 rooms so there was an
intimate feel to the place. Staff was attentive and very friendly. I even gave a
couple of hugs to staff and lots of tips. Our room was cleaned daily and the
air...
August 20, 2007
cuevas-figueroa, Southern California
The brochure and websites do not do justice to this little
gem of a hotel. If you ever want to feel what is the Caribbean mystique, stay at
Bahía Marina and you will understand why Culebra is the real Caribbean.
August 16, 2007
ChrisFlorida, Florida
We stayed at Bahía Marina for 3-days. We had a our wedding
at the beach and the reception at the Hotel. My family and friend all stayed at
Bahía Marina and we had a great time. The owners made sure everything was taken
care of, the service was excellent and they made us feel like family. Every room
had a...
August 15, 2007
crubinan, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
A party of 8 stayed at the hotel, booked two rooms, the
cleanliness was excellent, 2 bathrooms, kitchen had all amenities needed to
complete any meal, pool was clean and nice size. The views are of a small bay in
Culebra. Flamenco Beach is a small ride away, thru the main town, and some other
beaches are also great. English...
July 18, 2007
paytuyo, Florida,USA.
My wife and two daughters stayed at the Bahía Marina hotel
in Culebra on July 8 thru the 11th and had a wonderful time. First I would like
to say that we have a house on the mainland and have lived in P.R. for many
years. Culebra has the friendliest people and small town feel, unlike the mainland
which is a sad situation. The...
June 22, 2007
brequie, Massachusetts
The two most wonderful days of our vacation, thus far. We
arrived in Culebra Wednesday after a our fly into the island ( I strongly
recommend flying) and called the hotel to notify them. They offer to come and
get us, however I opted to rent a vehicle. It is about 10 minutes from the
airport due to the rurality...
June 19, 2007
NorthCarolinaKitten, North Carolina
My husband and I recently visited the island of Culebra,
Puerto Rico. It was gorgeous! We stayed at the Bahía Marina Condo Hotel which
was so inviting and had a fantastic view from our room. The pool had an even
better view and warm breeze. Our stay at the Bahía Marina was so relaxing and a
nice refuge from day-to-day...
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