August 22, 2009 Islandgeek

Mama I'm home.

That’s the way I felt when I got to Culebra Island.  I took the ferry from Fajardo early Friday morning and someone from the hotel came to the dock to pick me up.  When we got to the Hotel I couldn't believe my eyes.  One of the things you notice when you’re here is how beautiful it is.   The hotel is not on the beach but that’s okay because you can rent a car or call a taxi and in 5 minutes you're in the water.  The hotel is on a mountain ridge overlooking the bay.  And what a view! I fell asleep in a chair on my balcony one night just looking at the boats and water.  I woke up in the middle of the night and I saw a meteor shower. I think it happens every year at this time. I got lucky I guess.  My room was like a condo with a kitchen and a living room. There were plates and pots and pans. A stove and microwave and fridge.  You can cook in the room with groceries you buy in town.  Prices here were just great.  I went fishing with this guy named Captain Bill that for a little fee will take you out on his catamaran and does he have the life.  He’s got this house that you can only reach by boat. There are no roads to his house.  He made a nice lunch and we fished for a few hours.  Then at the hotel Natalia the chef cooked up that fish and all I want to do now is marry her.  The beaches are the best I've seen in a long time and I've been around.  They aren't far from the hotel and their just beautiful.  I stayed for a week and everyday my room was cleaned and the bed made and if I need anything all I had to do is ask.  Jose the manager is a great guy and knows his wines.  The staff is very helpful and polite. They have a DVD player in each room and a nice selection of movies.  I didn't bring my computer and they had internet access in all the rooms and at the bar.  Speaking of the bar... they make this green drink and I forget the name but is it good!  They also have a drink called a bushwacker and I had a couple of those.  In the morning there is hot coffee waiting for you at the bar.  A quick trip into town and I had a great breakfast everyday.   I really did feel at home here.  Thanks Bahia Marina. I’ll be there next year to see the sky show and drink those bushwackers.

July 14, 2009 Alex628

As we explored the island of Culebra, Puerto Rico, we knew we had chosen the perfect place to stay. The rooms are VERY comfortable and big. Ours had two double beds a futon that sleeps two and TWO bathrooms. The location is prime on the island and the views are breathtaking. The food at the restaurant was delicious and the menu has something for everybody. The staff was very accommodating with food choices for my little nephew. Thank you to Angelica, Nelly and the staff at Bahia Marina for their help in making this an unforgettable vacation.

June 16, 2009 Isabelita

If you love nature, beautiful views, peace and tranquility....Bahia Marina is for you. If you need to be next to the beach, then this is not your place. The only place you can stay at the beach in Culebra are the Villas at Flamenco beach or camping at Flamenco beach. The Villas are VERY rustic, you do not get room service every day and they give you very thin towels and soap. There is NO restaurant or cafe, NADA you are on your own, you need to buy food, all the Villas have small kitchens. But you are staying at one of the top 10 beaches in the Caribbean, according to Conde Nast. I preferred Bahia Marina because the rooms are spacious, clean, housekeeping every day, wonderful food at night and magnificent views, also a very nice pool and great people to help you out. You need to rent a jeep, they run $50.00/day, but you can run around the island and visit ALL the beaches. There are economical taxis but the attitude in Culebra is "don` t worry be happy" so if you tell them to pick you up at 2:00, most probably will get there at 3:00, but......this is Culebra, people are happy and they have zero stress. Go....you will love it!

June 1, 2009 MCShelberg

We wanted a quite vacation, celebrating my 50th bday and our 12th anniversary! Room was clean and well appointed with 2 bath rooms. Restaurant was superb. Highly recommend whole red snapper! Jose and entire staff were warm & welcoming. We couldn't have asked for a more inviting place to stay! Almost forgot, the view from our room was perfect, looking onto the bahia! We will return for sure. Great memories!!!!!!

May 6, 2009 lilmomma76_2000

Ok I had visited the property on 4/29/09 to plan my wedding. I met with the manager Luis, who is the most gracious and friendly person... The property was beautiful... The views absolutely breath taking and the rooms clean and spacious, especially phase 2. I also met with Aileen, who is helping me to plan my wedding at the property. She took the time to meet me on her day off in San Juan. Everyone was friendly helpful and totally helpful with my limited budget... If you are thinking of staying here do yourself a favor and do it! The prices are fair and the people beautiful!

May 4, 2009 1snorkeler

We stayed there for nine days in March. We ate at the restaurant the first night , and most every other night the food was so good. it was quiet , clean friendly and a beautiful location,
overlooking a beautiful bay. The owner Jose is a charming pleasant guy who immediately made us feel comfortable. He has wonderful attitude, always ready to help in any situation. He
introduced us to Capt. Bill who owns a 33 ft. catamaran. Capt. Bill took us out for a day of deep sea fishing, sailing and snorkeling. It was the highlight of our trip. bill is a true gentleman with lots of knowledge, and a great cook. Lunch was a feast. Capt. Bill also cooked a fish we caught which was excellent.

Apr 29, 2009 Amber03

This is my second time I stay at the resort. I loved both times, peaceful, beautiful sunsets and the entire staff was every nice. I recommend for a vacation with family, solo and for honeymoon. Spacious bedroom and yes two bathrooms.

Apr 19, 2009 chrisclint

Do your self a favor and get down to Culebra as soon as possible; you'll be happy you did. Going to Culebra and staying at Bahia Marina is an affordable way to immerse your self in a tranquil and beautiful environment at an affordable price. The views are breathtaking, the food in amazing (both at the hotel and around the island), the activities are endless and the people are inspiring. Weather your exploring the island on your own (it has several award winning beaches that are virtually empty) or taking a private sailing cruise with Captain Bill the memories your sure to forge will endure. With that said, once you leave you'll immediately find your self trying to figure out how your going to get back to Culebra to plunge your spirit into what I think is truly a tiny island paradise!

Apr 18, 2009 islandhoppertoo

I’ve been living and working in Puerto Rico for about 5 years now. I love it here and I move about every 18 months to a new “pueblo”. I started in Aguas Buenas then went on to Old San Juan and now I live in Rincon. I have a client who owns a wireless internet company in Culebra and he asked me to come in for a day and help him out. He put me up at the Bahia Marina and just one day there I felt that I had come home. Culebra is beautiful and peaceful. Nothing fancy here, just sun and fun. The staff was great, the food is fantastic. Jose the manager brought me a couple of rounds at the bar where I traded secrets with his computer technician who likes Sam Addams and they just happen to have that beer. One other thing is I left my good Fossil sunglasses and they mailed them to me. Well I am not much of a reviewer so I’m just going to say if you come to Puerto Rico you have to visit Culebra and stay at the Bahia Marina.

Apr 5, 2009 MrT69

Absolutely the best place we stayed during our time around Puerto Rico. The staff is what stood out more than anything else. From Louis, to Jose, to Stephanie the staff made us feel like family (there are several others but their names escape me). Jose appeared to make it his express purpose to ensure we experienced as much of Culebra as possible in our short time there. He ensured we had towels, water, and a cooler before we headed out and when we returned he would take a minimum of an hour of his time listening to a debrief of our activities from my 9 year old girl, Sabrina. Then we can roll in to the food there that was truly excellent and exquisitely fresh. The rooms were very clean with a full kitchen with a balcony overlooking a magnificent bay, but we really didn't spend a whole lot of time in the room. Snorkeling on the island is world class.

Apr 1, 2009 jermey

Oh another addicted traveler to Culebra. Can't say enough good things about this place. I was pretty excited to have found it after listening to tourists on the flight back home complaining about how busy crowded mainland was. The definite gem of the trip was when we went to Bahia Marina. The service was MUCH MUCH more then I was expecting and you can not help but have a good time there. Jose, Luis, Juan, Nelly, Stephanie, Nicole, and Angelica all went way above and beyond to make it feel like they were not serving you but were good friends who were apart of your vacation and wanted to take care of you and Natalie, wow that woman can cook!!! It was a blast and I almost got that Medalla neon sign!!!! We met friendly wonderful people everywhere we turned. While relaxing with the fine looking ladies they hire to work there;) we happen to run into Captain Bill who talked us into going out on his fishing and snorkeling outing and it was outstanding! Although I was too man enough to take the Dramamine which caused us to have to come back to safer waters a little early it was still so much fun and would recommend highly spending the extra money to have him cook your meal for you. It was DELICIOUS!!!! Also you have to rent a Jeep on the island just to experience island driving...WOW that was something I won't soon forget!!! I could seriously go on and on about this place. Miss it already and can't wait to go back!! Keep up the good work. There is a reason you guys are #1. Only drawback was the chef that works the swim up bar no longer works there so it wasn't open but hey guys if you are looking let me know I am ready to come back!

Mar 28, 2009 malalola

Let me start by saying the service was excellent!! Jose the Manager, Juan the go to guy, Angelica the Front desk, Vilma the waitress, Stephnie the Bartender and Natalie the Chef were just amazing!! Jose really does a great job with instilling the true sense of good customer service. He is just kind to his staff and guest alike. I really judge a person on they treat their staff he passed with flying colors! The Bahia is truly a beautiful place you have to see for your self it is too much to explain.
 

Feb 28, 2009 traveler1234515

We stayed for five nights at Bahia Marina in Culebra and truly enjoyed our stay. We were in a one bedroom that overlooked the bay, and the views were even more remarkable than what we saw from pictures on the internet. The suite was clean and served our needs. The two pools were very nice, and one of the pools also had an incredible view from its deck. We had breakfast on our balcony each morning and enjoyed the views of the bay. Since the only meal served at the hotel is dinner, you need to plan on going to the store in 10 minutes away in Dewey for provisioning. As an American territory, most of the items at the store are very similar to what you would find in a small supermarket in the states, at generally the same prices, so no problem. The staff was very friendly, helpful, and by day two everyone seemed to know us by name, and was interested in our trip, and strived to be very helpful. The location in on a hill overlooking the bay, but the beach at Punta Soldado is about a 5 min. drive and then a 10 min. hike to some of the best snorkeling. The island vibe is somewhat similar to that of the British Virgin Islands, which we visited many times before coming to Culebra, except a bit more "American", which means more North Americans and better food, Culebra has less night life than places in the BVI like Foxy's and the Willie T, but Manacitas and the Dinghy Dock were fun nonetheless. And the main beaches, like Playa Flamenco and Zoni, are beautiful and secluded, as advertised. Although everyone has heard of St. Thomas, Its amazing that more people in the states have not heard of Culebra Island, which is within sight of the both the USVIs and mainland Puerto Rico. Kudos to the Bahia Marina hotel owners and professional staff for making our experience so enjoyable. We'll be back.

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 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

More photos

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

June 22, 2008 Gaelic123