So you are going to Caye Caulker but you don't know where to stay? Depending on your wallet size and travel style, there are countless accommodation alternatives on this sleepy island. If you are backpacking (traveling on a budget), there are two great hostels to choose from - Yuma's and Bella's. Decide which hostel is right for you.
Yuma’s House
Less than two years ago, Suzanne was living in New York City and wanted a life changing opportunity, when a chance to own her own beachfront hostel practically fell right at her feet. It only took her a day to strike a deal with Tina (owner of Tina’s Backpacker's Hostel) and she was on her way to starting a whole new life in the Caribbean. She bought, renovated and renamed Tina’s, changing its name to Yuma’s House in honour of her young son Yuma, who currently enjoys his new life near the water.
Yuma’s in a nutshell: Yuma's is a quiet, artsy hostel conveniently located right on the beach between Caye Caulker's two water-taxi docks. Without a doubt, the new owner Suzanne runs a very tight ship. A 24-hr no visitor policy and a quiet time period starting at 11pm are strictly enforced. For this reason Yuma’s is a very popular choice for divers in need of a solid night’s sleep before a long day on the water. Although Yuma’s receives guests of all ages, it will definitely appeal more to the relaxation seeker than to the booze thirsty party seeker. It is the perfect place to catch up on your long list of unanswered emails, complete a blog post, read the book you vowed to start at the beginning of your trip, or just lounge in one of the hammocks while listening to the waves which practically run into the front-yard garden.
There are 5 private rooms and 6 dorm rooms that are very basic and clean. Four of the five private rooms come with a double bed while one private has two single beds. All private rooms come with a fan but unlike dorm rooms, there are no in-room lockers. Privates ($28.50 USD/night), Dorms ($12.50 USD/night).
Safety at Yuma’s House: As mentioned, Yuma’s maintains a strict no-visitor policy and every night a security guard stays on the property to ensure that only paid guests enter the gates. Suzanne says that the no-visitor policy helps visitors to relax and trust that their belongings are safe from theft.
Facilities: Two clean kitchens equipped with pots, pans, cutlery and basic ingredients for cooking. In the front yard a barbecue grill overlooking the ocean can be used by guests upon request. There is FREE Wifi available but it can be quite slow when many people use it at the same time (hint: Skype has been blocked on Caye Caulker but some internet cafes on the island still manage to offer the service). In front of the hostel there is a private dock with two hammocks that swing peacefully over the blue water. Don't forget to use the outdoor shower to wash off the sand before entering your room.
What I liked: The hostel was very clean, quiet, right on the beach, and very close to the water-taxi docks. I was confident that my bags where safe when I left the hostel. Feels more like a relaxed guest house than a typical hostel.
© Joel Duncan, July 2011
1 comments:
This place is one of the best to spend my Christmas vacation together with my family and children. Thanks for sharing this!
Pousada Ubatuba
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