Forums39
Topics38,598
Posts311,807
Members26,557
|
Most Online2,218 Jan 21st, 2020
|
|
26 registered members (fabila, BillDauterive, jbutah, road3682, CaribbeanCanadians, MACC60, PML, Don_and_Linda, bostonbob, isleofpalms, Todd, bailau, Jaybird, charlie, JohnandBev, SXMScubaman, 10 invisible),
991
guests, and 136
spiders. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Casa Banda, Costa Rica Trip Report
#15941
02/24/2012 11:44 AM
02/24/2012 11:44 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 36 Middle America
FreshAir
OP
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 36
Middle America
|
We have just returned from a two week stay at Casa Banda. The clothing optional web site is here http://www.cocr.info/ We saw the add in the AANR Bulletin and found it to be everything as advertised, even better. The owners have rented the units since 2004 as a traditional textile facility using this site http://www.casa-banda.com/. As you can see by the reviews on their web sites or even if you look up Casa Banda on VRBO and FlipKey, people who stay here absolutely love it. What they did, was block out an initial 6 weeks beginning Feb 10 for C/O, and on the Casa Banda (textile) site, it will show fully booked while the cocr.info site will show the true availability for C/O. The C/O dates will be expanded as the interest and traffic grows. The owners, Bibi and Arne, are the perfect hosts. They go out of their way to make sure everything is to your liking and have great knowledge of where to go or what to do in the area. We found it simply too relaxing to go too far and stayed home and enjoyed the pool most days. Arne retired a few weeks ago and he and Bibi are moving to Costa Rica full time. They are nudists themselves, which is why they are transitioning the facility into clothing optional. They have made a huge investment in creating a great place to stay with spacious and comfortable rooms and lush gardens for the comfort of their guests. If you contact them via the web site, they can provide the dates when the facility will be C/O and/or notify you via email when a block of dates will be available. We took the 10am flight out of Dallas and landed in Liberia at 1:50pm. We paid $100 for the 2/12 hour drive to the door of Casa Banda. We could have rented a car at the airport and driven there but opted to rent the car in Nosara. It was a good decision for our first trip and may even do it that way again. The town of Nosara is fairly remote, away from the hi-rise hotels and tourist activity, although there are touristy things to do such as zip lines, horse back riding, boat tours and other activities, including some of the best surfing in Costa Rica. There are about 18 miles of gravel, dusty, bumpy roads to get there, but in the end, we viewed that as a major plus in that it kept the majority of tourists away and really helped to create the laid back, this is the real Costa Rica, atmosphere. We cooked many of our meals in our apartment (there are full kitchens) but there are nice restaurants nearby, including Lagarta Lodge, http://www.lagarta.com/ with great sunset views, about a 5 minute walk away. One of our favorites was La Luna, right on the beach with great food and a great atmosphere and great sunset views. I couldn’t find a web site for La Luna, but here is their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/LA-LUNA/187210908478 You can also catch the sunset from the facility without having to put your clothes on. The closest beach is a short 10 minute walk away, although we did rent a car, which gave us the flexibility to explore several of the other nearby beaches. The beaches are really beautiful, some white sand and others black volcanic. Wildlife abounds; you’re in the jungle. All in all, this was a really great trip, a great place to relax and enjoy the weather and we’ll definitely be back. I kind of hate to share great secrets like this, for fear that it will be booked when we want to go back. They only have 6 apartments and Arne and Bibi are now living in one of them. (My wife still blames me for the popularity of Happy Bay on St Maarten because I wrote a post about it many years ago after we had the entire beach to ourselves for over 4 hours. More people are there each year when we returned, and of course, it was all my fault for telling the world about it <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />) I’m sharing this, because Arne and Bibi are such neat people, and I really want them to succeed. Also because we will return, and when we do, I’d rather stay there naked than clothed. Plus, it’s in the spirit of this board that we will share new C/O opportunities as we find them…so here you go.
|
|
|
Re: Casa Banda, Costa Rica Trip Report
[Re: NakedSailors]
#15944
02/24/2012 12:41 PM
02/24/2012 12:41 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 90 Florida
suntwo
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 90
Florida
|
Nice find. When I looked the non-CO calendar on the link provided, it showed sold out for the entire time. In reference to the rates they charge, are they by the unit or per person? Thanks for any info.
Manawa iki ola pau'ole
|
|
|
Re: Casa Banda, Costa Rica Trip Report
[Re: NakedSailors]
#15951
03/01/2012 05:00 PM
03/01/2012 05:00 PM
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
It may not be legal or culturally acceptable - but the caribbean side has some topless and enough beach for a skinny-dip. Nice to hear that it is possible on the pacific side.
|
|
|
Re: Casa Banda, Costa Rica Trip Report
[Re: suntwo]
#15953
06/17/2012 11:29 PM
06/17/2012 11:29 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 25 Costa Rica
COCR
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 25
Costa Rica
|
In the midst of packing and getting ready for our move to Costa Rica, we finally got to updating our web site, www.COCR.info to show the current rates per unit. There are still a few vacancies left during prime season, but we will finally be home and you can come anytime and enjoy some Pura Vida Naturally! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />
|
|
|
Re: Casa Banda, Costa Rica Trip Report
[Re: COCR]
#15954
09/07/2012 07:23 PM
09/07/2012 07:23 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 25 Costa Rica
COCR
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 25
Costa Rica
|
We are finally here and only here, at Casa Banda. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" />
We are happy to report that the big 7.6 earthquake on Sept. 5, centered just 15 miles from us, left no damage to the place, other than some broken pottery and glass vases. Phew!! Whenever the ground is done with the aftershocks, we expect our nerves will calm down too. All reservations already on the books are secure, and there is still room for more, anytime except Dec. 15, 2012 - Feb. 1, 2013.
Pura Vida Naturally! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />
|
|
|
Re: Casa Banda, Costa Rica Trip Report
[Re: COCR]
#15956
12/31/2012 02:06 PM
12/31/2012 02:06 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 36 Middle America
FreshAir
OP
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 36
Middle America
|
As these great new nudist places go, this was fully booked during the prime winter months this year but I got an email advising of a cancellation. I have no interest in this other than supporting this venture of two really quality people. Here is the email with details if you're interested... Dear friends, "old" and those we have not yet met, S and B, a couple who was going to join us at Casa Banda for the first time, February 20 - March 20, 2013, must unfortunately postpone their trip to Costa Rica due to illness. :-( This opens up our smallest studio, Carino http://www.casa-banda.com/Casa%20Banda%20A3.htm, $ 510 per week, $ 850 for 2 weeks. If you know somebody who might be interested in visiting us here at Casa Banda, please pass on this information. The more dates we are able to fill, the more of their deposit we can put towards a future stay. Happy Nude Year, Bibi and Arn
|
|
|
Re: Casa Banda, Costa Rica Trip Report
[Re: FreshAir]
#15957
12/31/2012 03:11 PM
12/31/2012 03:11 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,729 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,729
Central Florida!
|
Thanks for the update. Maybe someone here can take advantage of this new place to stay. Seems a reasonable price.
Carol Hill
|
|
|
Re: Casa Banda, Costa Rica Trip Report
[Re: COCR]
#15960
01/01/2013 05:45 PM
01/01/2013 05:45 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,729 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,729
Central Florida!
|
We've never been to Costa Rica, so we may do some reading up on your place and think about booking it sometime!
Carol Hill
|
|
|
Re: Casa Banda, Costa Rica Trip Report
[Re: COCR]
#15962
01/02/2013 02:20 PM
01/02/2013 02:20 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,729 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,729
Central Florida!
|
I do not see any reference on the website to internet being available there. If not, that would be a total deal breaker for us. We have to have access to internet. Anyone know?
Carol Hill
|
|
|
Re: Casa Banda, Costa Rica Trip Report
[Re: FreshAir]
#15964
01/02/2013 04:09 PM
01/02/2013 04:09 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,729 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,729
Central Florida!
|
Thanks for the info on the wifi. Surprised there are no TVs, but whatever. You said you cooked in most of your meals? How hard was it to obtain groceries?
Carol Hill
|
|
|
Re: Casa Banda, Costa Rica Trip Report
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#15965
01/02/2013 05:31 PM
01/02/2013 05:31 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 36 Middle America
FreshAir
OP
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 36
Middle America
|
Obtaining groceries is not hard at all. There is a grocery store in the town of Nosara only a few miles away. There is also a small store nearby that carries some organic and gluten free products. Plus there is a farmers type market occasionally which we always missed.
We arranged to be picked up at the airport and had a rental car delivered to us which made getting groceries no problem. While it's nice to have a car to better explore the area, it's not a requirement to stock your unit with provisions. Whenever Arni or Bibi go to town for provisions, they always ask if they can pick anything up of if you'd like to ride along. You'll get to know the other guests and most will offer as well. In addition we were given a menu to order meat (steaks, ribs, chops, sausages etc) to be delivered and someone is always going to the fish market and typically asks for orders as well. You'll be in email contact with your hosts when you book a unit and can even arrange to have some basic provisions when you arrive.
Maybe it was the incredible friendly group in the other units we were with. I will admit this was our only concern going in, but it turned out to be a major plus. Everyone got along so well we decided to all try for the same timeframe this year. Unfortunately it didn't work out that we could go this year.
The other thing I've learned is that this is how nudists are. They are the the friendliest, most considerate people I've meet. Combine that with the way your hosts go out of their way to make sure everyone's needs are being met really makes for a nice situation.
I know that's a long answer to a short question Carol, so the short answer is obtaining food provisions is not a problem, with or without a car.
|
|
|
Re: Casa Banda, Costa Rica Trip Report
[Re: COCR]
#15970
01/06/2013 12:11 PM
01/06/2013 12:11 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,729 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,729
Central Florida!
|
Yes, I understand now that I'm thinking about it, what an expense that would be to keep working TVs since you don't have a/c. Electronics don't deal particularly well with heat and humidity all the time.
Carol Hill
|
|
|
Re: Casa Banda, Costa Rica Trip Report
[Re: Soontobenude]
#15972
01/06/2013 03:39 PM
01/06/2013 03:39 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,729 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,729
Central Florida!
|
Read the other comments in this thread, with regard to beaches, as there is none AT the hotel. Weather in August, I think would be rainy season.
Carol Hill
|
|
|
Re: Casa Banda, Costa Rica Trip Report
[Re: Soontobenude]
#15973
01/06/2013 09:00 PM
01/06/2013 09:00 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 25 Costa Rica
COCR
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 25
Costa Rica
|
Car rental rates wary greatly, depending on season, length of rental, and type of car. All the generally known companies are represented and there are local companies too. You can get an idea of the cost if you make a search for "Costa Rica car rental" and put in your specific dates etc. Nearest airport is Liberia (LIR). Most of the year, and definitely in August, you will want to have 4x4 and not the smallest vehicle.
August is in the middle of the rainy season, but it is not the worst month at all. August 2012 was sunny and way too dry. In an average August - not that the weather has been very average the last few years - mornings are very sunny. By lunch time, the clouds start to form and a couple of hours later, it starts to rain for 2 - 3 hours. Often there is a break until mid-evening when it starts to rain again. Most days, it is raining when we go to bed and sunny when we wake up. The hottest months are April and May with temps in middle to upper 90's. When the rain starts in middle of May, it starts to cool down a good bit, but is still muggy, and it gets cooler until October which we consider cold - all the way down to mid-70's! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />
Our place is not beach front, but we have a great view of the ocean. It takes us 12-15 minutes to walk down to the beach, about 20 to come back up the hill. No beaches in Costa Rica are officially "nude" (public nudity is not allowed), but, as FreshAir reported in the first post, I believe, there are beaches that are deserted enough to allow for a stroll in the buff. Depending on how much it has rained, crossing the river to the beach mentioned might not be possible.
|
|
|
Re: Casa Banda, Costa Rica Trip Report
[Re: COCR]
#15976
06/15/2013 03:24 PM
06/15/2013 03:24 PM
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
Good for Casa Banda.........wouldn't it be great if a lot of places could have a nude season?
|
|
|
Re: Casa Banda, Costa Rica Trip Report
#15977
06/16/2013 06:22 PM
06/16/2013 06:22 PM
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
YES, we are happy to report that except for 1 - 2 weeks here and there which are booked by "textiles", our Nude Season now lasts all year. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />
|
|
|
Re: Casa Banda, Costa Rica Trip Report
#15978
06/16/2013 06:25 PM
06/16/2013 06:25 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 25 Costa Rica
COCR
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 25
Costa Rica
|
Anonymous said: YES, we are happy to report that except for 1 - 2 weeks here and there which are booked by "textiles", our Nude Season now lasts all year. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> Oops, forgot to log in first for the comment above.
|
|
|
Re: Casa Banda, Costa Rica Trip Report
[Re: COCR]
#15979
06/18/2013 09:58 PM
06/18/2013 09:58 PM
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
Any plans for a/c? We are from Florida and are used to living with a/c throughout the summer months (what sounds to be the equivalent of Costa Rican weather).
|
|
|
Re: Casa Banda, Costa Rica Trip Report
#15980
06/19/2013 10:59 AM
06/19/2013 10:59 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 25 Costa Rica
COCR
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 25
Costa Rica
|
We are considering how we can best instal A/C units in some of the apartments. Biggest issue is that doors and windows were not constructed to keep cool air in, and any cooling appliance would be working very hard to cool down the outside as well. We have A/C (planned from the beginning) in our own condo, but we only use it during the worst of the rainy season to keep humidity down in order to conserve electronics, books etc. Some of our guests wonder, just like you do, how they will tolerate the climate without A/C, especially our many Canadian guests. We are located on top of a ridge which offers plenty of breezes and MOST guests are pleasantly surprised to find that open windows, doors and plenty of ceiling fans are sufficient for a comfortable stay. In the dry season, when most people come to stay at Casa Banda, everybody are outside as much as possible, with the covered porches being part of the living area. We hear more often that folks are happy and comfortable than people wishing for A/C. The issue has not been "shelved", the best solutions just hasn't been found yet. So, yes, we are considering installing A/C, but we don't know when it could happen.
|
|
|
|