During the month of June we had two fantastic couples get engaged while staying with us here at the Palmetto. First, we had Ryan and Najla get engaged at Carlos Rosario beach after a day of snorkeling.
And, this past week Dan and Michelle got engaged at Zoni Beach.
We wish both couples tremendous joy, happiness, and success!
The travel section of the Boston Globe prominently featured Culebra (and the Palmetto Guesthouse) on its front page story today, “Seeking Sun & Savings.”
Author Patricia Borns writes:
“For heat on the cheap, we scoured the warm zone for destinations with great packages, or lodging options under $130 a night, and recent round-trip airfares from Boston under $450. Then we applied our rating system: high scores for barefoot simplicity, debits for resort crowds. And the winners are . . .”
You can read the full article here: Seeking Sun & Savings
If you want to escape the cold northeast and checkout Culebra’s fine beaches like Flamenco, Brava, and Zoni then give us a call at the Palmetto Guesthouse.
Bob M. and his wife recently stayed with us at the Palmetto Guesthouse and took these fabulous photos of Zoni Beach.
Zoni Beach — looking west.
Zoni Beach — looking east.
Zoni Beach — beautiful water!
Bob — enjoying a BLT lunch after Zoni Beach.
Our little island has always been a low-key paradise and hotels on Culebra are not much different.
Most people come to Culebra for the beach, nature, and to escape the hustle and stress of their everyday lives.
Culebra hotel accommodations tend to be located in neighborhoods (where you will most certainly hear dogs barking, roosters crowing, and children playing) and are of the guesthouse, INN, and B&B variety.
If you are ready for a well deserved (and affordable) break, give us a call at the Palmetto Guesthouse.
We will pick you up and drop you off when you arrive, provide amazing complimentary coffee in the mornings, and include everything you’ll need for the beach (snorkel gear, beach towels & chairs, and even coolers).
Also, we are rated number one by your fellow travelers on – Palmetto Reviews on TripAdvisor.
Steve and Honey are entrepreneurs (check out The Science Place) from Atlanta and after two years without a vacation they decided they should come to Culebra and Puerto Rico for some R&R.
Honey’s first impression of Culebra, after a chicken or three had darted in front of the car; “Now where did he (he being Steve) take me this time.” However, from then on things improved drastically! In fact, Steve said, ”We came for the beaches and have gotten so much more.”They literally had Culebrita Island all to themselves and referred to it as “paradisiacal.” When asked to describe Culebra in three words to someone who has not visited they chose:
1. Friendly people
2. Fabulous beaches
3. Serendipity
On their way to the airport they assured us that they would definitely be back!
If you are in need of some rest, relaxation and beach time then please give us a call at the Palmetto Guesthouse.
If it’s cold, snowy, and miserable where you are, Nathan and Becky Smit were in Culebra recently (staying at the Palmetto Guesthouse) and they shot this fantastic video.
During the course of the seven minute video Nathan has captured video and photos from Flamenco Beach, Resaca Beach, Zoni Beach, Carlos Rosario Beach, and Tamarindo…really great stuff!
TripAdvisor’s press release today, “TRIPADVISOR UNCOVERS THE CARIBBEAN ON THE CHEAP,” announced five destinations to take advantage of the Caribbean on the cheap this winter, based on recommendations from TripAdvisor editors and travelers.
Here is what they had to say about Culebra (and Puerto Rico):
“Inexpensive flights and hotels are an incentive for frugal travelers to take their time and explore this popular island’s beautiful rainforests, bioluminescent lagoons, picturesque beaches, colonial towns and coffee plantations.
Hotels: Affordable accommodations can be found throughout Puerto Rico. In Culebra, stay at the Palmetto Guesthouse for $95 per night; on Isla de Vieques, check out Casa de Kathy for $80 per night or Casa Alta Vista at $80 per night.
Restaurants: Inexpensive restaurants include El Jibarito for authentic Puerto Rican cuisine in San Juan, Isla Nena Cafe on Isla de Vieques, and Lolita’s in Luquillo for mouth-watering Mexican food.
Flights: Fly to San Juan in February or March for about $275 from New York City, $300 from Chicago or $395 from Los Angeles.”
If you need to get away (and who doesn’t) for some relaxing beach time or snorkeling, get in touch with us here at the Palmetto Guesthouse. You can read the rest of the press release here: TRIPADVISOR UNCOVERS THE CARIBBEAN ON THE CHEAP
The Beginning
A couple of months ago, a stray dog that came to be known as Mango was wandering the streets of Culebra. He used to be seen hanging around the ferry dock and was, even back then, a very sweet guy.
Over the course of a year, he migrated to the neighborhood by the Culebra airport, where sightings determined that he was malnourished, getting increasingly thin and worse for the wear looking. His coat was missing much fur and his hip and rib bones were protruding.
After several attempts to feed him and gain his trust, he finally began coming around to eat. As he’s such a submissive dog, some other local neighborhood dogs quickly decided to show him who was boss and they roughed him up a bit.
Mango Gets Fostered
That’s when he came into the hands of Terrie, an AWC (Animal Welfare of Culebra) volunteer. She gave him his first bath and set him up in the back yard of the Palmetto Guesthouse, where he proceeded to hide out in the bushes and basically slept for two weeks. He was physically exhausted and on the brink of certain death.
During this time, a guest of the Palmetto’s, who, herself owns a guesthouse in NY, met Mango while on vacation.
Mango was fostered for over three months and he required several visits to the vet in order to get his health back on track. Thankfully, he began to eat regularly, thus allowing his fur to fill back in. Also, he started to gain weight and his sores and cuts began to heal. Additionally, Mango received treatment for hookworm and heartworm (involving an overnight at the vet’s), had a flea/tick dip, and subsequent meds to alleviate both issues.
Eventually, Mango began to look and feel much better. He started to play, his tail raised up, and he wagged it happily! Anne, the woman who owns the guesthouse in NY contacted us about the dog she met while visiting Culebra. We talked more about Mango and she gave his adoption serious consideration.
Finally, Mango was ready to go (both in terms of socialization and health) and Anne was enthusiastically ready to adopt him!
The day came at last and Mango ferried over on the 6:30am boat with two AWC volunteers. He had a final Fajardo veterinarian visit to certify his health and to get his travel documents.
The next step was the drive to San Juan, where AWC and Mango met up with two American Airlines flight attendants who have liased with the Save a Sato organization in the past and offered their assistance, using their “checked baggage” allowance to transport Mango.
This route was greatly appreciated, as his airline cost was $150.00 vs. the $450.00 cargo price tag.
Mango was in great spirits in the airport and everyone who met him adored his smiley snout and flopping tail. Even Jennifer and Suzanne, the flight attendants, wanted to take him home.
At 11:30 Mango was at last checked into his crate and after a tearful (AWC foster mom, Terrie) goodbye, he was off for his adventure to New York.
By 6:30pm, Terrie spoke with Anne and Mango was in the Big Apple. Subsequent emails over the next couple of days have confirmed that Mango is loved and loving every bit of his new life. This truly is a story with a Very Happy Ending!
Please Support Animal Welfare of Culebra
Animal Welfare of Culebra, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation formed to promote the health and safety of the stray and homeless animals of Culebra, and to provide animal welfare education.
Culebra, home of the world famous Flamenco Beach, has just been named one of the “Ten Best Islands to Live On” by Islands Magazine.
From the article: “If you think you have to leave your favorite island to return to your “real life,” let us say with the utmost respect … you’re utterly wrong. This could be your real life — a barrier reef outside your front door, a wallaby in your backyard, a vacation smile always on your face. Backing us up are 10 stories from expatriates that you’re about to read as well as our own research into the best islands for inviting culture, enviable weather and available real estate. For any age, any career, any family, there is a perfect island to live on.”
Read the rest – Islands Magazine or go straight to the “Best Islands to Live On: Culebra” portion of the article.
Thanks Jennica! And if you are coming to Culebra please consider staying with us here at the Palmetto Guesthouse.
One of the nicest things about being on Culebra is the many hikes, walks, and outdoor activities that are available. Hiking to Brava Beach is by far one of the most fun things you can do on a trip here.
Yesterday, we had a guest that did not want to go to Flamenco Beach for a fourth day in a row, so we told him that we would walk to Brava with him.
If you are reasonably fit you shouldn’t have any problems doing this walk. The hike in takes about twenty five minutes and is best done in sneakers or Tevas because the trail can get a little muddy.
Remember to bring any water or food along with you because once you get down there you will most likely be the only people and there are no kiosks. Below are some photos from our hike:
The start of the walk to Brava, just park on the side of the road and start hiking.
The beginning of the trail to Brava Beach:
Walking the Brava Beach trail.
Coming up to the beach, as seen in the distance (boy is that nicer than looking out the window and seeing a driveway full of snow!).
FINALLY – Brava Beach Culebra, Puerto Rico.
If you have had enough of the cold, come on down to Culebra!!
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