Ben and Aria and Gumbo Limbo
The listing and pictures are completely accurate. It really is as cool as it looks. Aria and Ben are wonderful hosts with so much insight and experience. They are also laid back as a result, which makes the stay relaxing and non stressful. They know the island inside and out including the locals and make great suggestions about things to do and places to eat. They arranged transportation from the airport and to the water taxi through the taxi guy they know personally. That was really helpful. They were also available to answer any questions or requests immediately. For example, I needed a needle and thread for a dress and Aria had one for me within 20 minutes. My bike tire was low and Ben pumped it up for me. The grounds are attended to regularly by someone they employ so the open yard/ shared courtyard area is clear of debris and the sand is flat and level. There are plenty of bikes! The living/kitchen area is not air conditioned but the bedroom is. I love that there are hammocks everywhere. The dogs are cute and friendly. Overall- Go Slow and Ben and Aria were a wonderful experience, especially in comparison to so other properties on the island. The gates are locked and it feel like a secure little sanctuary.
Beware of coconuts falling on the roof at night. They are loud. The only thing I really had a problem with was the water. The water used for the shower is clean and filtered and everything but not drinking water quality. Bc of this and my insanely sensitive skin, I found that the water to shower irritated my skin and I broke out in blisters. That doesn’t happen to most people. I have a sun allergy which made the whole situation worse. Also, bc the island has a coral reef foundation, where the land and ocean meet, it is set up like a peer or dock where there really isn’t and sloping beach wading into the water situation. Bc the wooden walls follow the shape of the island , there are areas that jut out and then in and then back again. Those areas tend to collect a lot of seaweed and old coconuts, which decay and have a pretty funky smell towards that end of the island. I highly suggest going to one of the stores and buying floats for hanging out at the Split where they have steps to get down into the water and you can hang out.
Overall- I highly recommend staying with them. If they moved to another country and opened a new property- I’d follow them there bc it would be so cool and I’d be in great hands. Thank you so much!!!