Casa Isabella: Your Tayrona Park Paradise Awaits!
Casa Isabella: My Tayrona Park Paradise (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Cockroach, Maybe)
Okay, buckle up, porque this review is gonna be a WILD ride! I just got back from Casa Isabella, and let me tell you, it was… an experience. You know how those travel brochures paint a picture of perfection? Well, this is NOT that. This is the REAL deal, warts and all, and I'm here to spill the tea (and maybe a little bit of coffee, because, you know, Colombia).
Let's start with the basics (and the minor panic attacks):
Accessibility: Well, this is where things get… interesting. The brochure boasts accessibility, and they do have some facilities for disabled guests. But, let's be real, Tayrona Park itself is… nature, baby! Think cobbled (and often uneven) walkways. This is NOT Disneyland. I saw some people with mobility issues, but I’d say be prepared for a workout.
Rooms, glorious, almost perfect, rooms…
Here's the deal: the rooms themselves? Chef's kiss. We're talking Air conditioning that actually WORKS (bless), Blackout curtains that are a lifesaver for late-night naps (or, you know, escaping the sun after a few too many caipirinhas at the poolside bar). Extra long beds were a godsend, because, as a tall person, I am perpetually cramped. And the private bathroom? Honestly, just a dream. Free Wi-Fi? Yes, and thank the heavens because Instagram is life. But here is my complaint: there was a cockroach! I spotted a cockroach in my room on the first day, I freaked out but then realized it was a fact of life when traveling around nature, the cleaning staff were doing a great job and it was well-maintained. I moved on.
Internet, Internet everywhere! (and occasionally, nowhere):
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! In theory. In practice? It was a bit like chasing a butterfly. Sometimes lightning fast, sometimes… well, let's just say I used the laptop workspace to stare at a blank screen and contemplate the meaning of life. Internet access – wireless was spotty. Internet access – LAN? Never saw it. (But hey, at least the Internet was there… sometimes.)
Things to Do (Besides Worrying About Cockroaches):
Okay, so you're thinking: "Relax, chill out, you are in paradise!" And you're right!
- Swimming pool & Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool with a view? Magical. Seriously, just float there, staring at the jungle, and you'll feel all your worries wash away.
- Spa/Sauna: The Spa was divine. I indulged in a Body scrub and even a Body wrap! Honestly, I left feeling like a brand-new human.
- Gym/fitness: They have a Fitness center, but I was too busy eating empanadas to care. (priorities, people!)
- Things to do: There is an arrangement of things to do. Car park [free of charge], the Airport transfer and Taxi service were available to help you get around.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (My Favorite Category):
- Restaurants: The Restaurants at Casa Isabella were great including the Western cuisine in restaurant. I especially loved the Breakfast [buffet]. It was the perfect fuel for my day of jungle exploration.
- Poolside bar: The Poolside bar. Order a cocktail. Repeat as needed. The cocktails were great.
- Breakfast: Enjoy Breakfast [buffet] every morning.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, You Know):
Okay, here's where Casa Isabella really shone. They were taking safety seriously! Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere… I felt reasonably comfortable. Rooms sanitized between stays. They really made an effort, which in this day and age, is appreciated.
Services and Conveniences (The Good, the Bad, and the "Huh?"):
- Concierge: the staff were generally helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes! Thank god!
- Food delivery: Yes!
- Laundry service: Yes!
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Yes! For some reason I was not using any of these
For the Kids (Bless Their Little Hearts):
- Family/child friendly: Yes!
- Babysitting service: I did not use this but was available.
Getting Around (More Adventure!):
- Airport transfer: Yes! Highly recommended.
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes!
The Verdict:
Casa Isabella? It's not perfect. There were imperfections, there was a cockroach, the wifi can be a bit of a pain. But the good stuff? THE GOOD STUFF WAS WORTH IT! The staff! The pools! The spa! The breakfast buffet! My vacation was great! So, if you're looking for a flawlessly polished resort experience, maybe look elsewhere. But if you're up for a real adventure, you should go to Casa Isabella. You’ll breathe in some of the best air of your life, see some incredible sights. Would I go back? Absolutely. Cockroach or no cockroach.
AJWA Dates: Cappadocia's Hidden Secret (Urgup, Turkey)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to Casa Isabella, Tayrona Park, Colombia, and it's going to be gloriously messy, wonderfully imperfect, and dripping in the genuine chaos of a real-life adventure. Let's do this.
Casa Isabella Tayrona: Operation Paradise Found (and Probably Mislaid)
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh My God, This is the Jungle" Feeling
- Morning (9:00 AM): Arrive at Santa Marta airport. Okay, first hurdle – the baggage carousel. I'm convinced it's designed to taunt you. You stand there, glassy-eyed, watching someone else’s giant suitcase circle for the sixth time while you're pretty sure you packed a week's worth of underwear and now it's gone with the wind. Found my bag, finally! Victory!!!
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Pre-arranged private transfer to Casa Isabella. Buckle up, it's an adventure before the adventure. The drive is… well, let's say it's scenic. You start to feel the heat, the humidity. This is not Kansas anymore, folks. The road gets rougher the closer you get. I swear, the driver was practically off-roading a few times. But the views! The mountains! The sheer, vibrant green. I may or may not have yelped with excitement.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Arrive at Casa Isabella. The first glimpse? Unbelievable. It's like a postcard exploded in front of your eyes – lush green everywhere, the turquoise of the Caribbean peeking through the palm trees. It's the quintessential "Pinterest-worthy" location, but also a little rustic. You know, the kind of place that has actual bugs, not just the "decorative" ones.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Check-in, unpack (half of my stuff anyway. Still figuring out the suitcase situation), and try to remember where I put the insect repellent. Pro-tip: Apply liberally and often.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Lunch. This is where the "I've arrived in a different world" feeling really hits you. Fresh fruit explodes with flavor; I could have sworn I tasted sunshine in that mango. The food is just incredible! Simple, fresh, and utterly delicious.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM) - Time to Chill: Explore the Casa. You can tell the place is loved. You can feel the relaxed atmosphere. Just wander around the grounds, soak in the peacefulness. Find the perfect spot to plop down, read and enjoy the day.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Drinks at the bar. The sunset views! Forget everything. Seriously, I was almost certain I was dreaming. This is what life is about!
- Evening (7:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner at the Casa. Eat all the food. Seriously, all of it. And then maybe eat a little more. The food is divine, and I made friends with the chef.
- Evening (8:00 PM Onward): Stargazing. Okay, here’s the thing. Where I come from, you see the Milky Way maybe once a decade, and then you have to squint really, really hard. Here? It's everywhere. Dazzling doesn't even begin to describe it. I spent a solid hour just lying on my back, mouth agape. Felt like a little kid again. And oh yeah, the jungle noises! A cacophony of sounds that are simultaneously soothing and unsettling. Prepare to be serenaded. Be prepared to be utterly and completely mesmerized. And maybe a little bit terrified.
Day 2: Tayrona Park and the "Sweat is My New Perfume" Experience
- Morning (7:00 AM): Wake up. Probably with a mosquito bite or two. But hey, it's all part of the adventure, right? (I say, scratching furiously).
- Morning (8:00 AM): Get ready for Tayrona Park adventure!! Have a hearty breakfast, load up on water, put on your most comfortable shoes, and apply ALL the sunblock. Seriously. Reapply every hour. And bring a hat! (Learned that the hard way – already sporting a charming red nose).
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Trek to Tayrona National Park. The initial hike… let's just say it's good for the glutes. The trails are, ahem, rustic. You know, the kind where you're pretty sure you're going to slip and fall into a muddy pit. And you are.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): The hike through the jungle! There were moments I thought it was absolutely stunning, and others where I felt like Indiana Jones. Sweat. So much sweat. My hair looked like I had just emerged from a pond. The humidity is a beast. But the scenery? Oh, the scenery! Giant trees, monkeys swinging overhead (I swear one winked at me), and the constant, electric hum of the jungle. Absolutely magical.
- Morning (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Beach Time! We reached the coast. The beaches inside the park are a dream. Crystalline water, perfect sand, the kind of place you've only seen in movies. Took a dip and felt like I’d shed a layer of the world.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Lunch on the beach. The food stalls offer great, tasty snacks. And the best part? You can find some cold beers. Pure bliss.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Explore the other beaches of the park. The beaches and the water are just breathtaking. Take a walk and discover the other beaches.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): The trek back. The heat is intense, and by this point, you’re a sweaty, slightly delirious mess. But the sheer beauty of it helps you keep going.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner and drinks at the Casa. Shower! And then eat everything in sight. I’m convinced I burned off about a million calories today. And celebrate life!
Day 3: Rest, Relaxation, and the "I Don't Want to Leave" Blues
- Morning (8:00 AM): Sleep in! Or at least attempt to. You'll probably be up before dawn, listening to the jungle come alive.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Casa Isabella.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Pool time! Lounging by the pool with a good book is a must. Just soak up the sun and the tranquility.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch, followed by a nap. Because you deserve it.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Massage. Need I say more? Book that massage. You won’t regret it.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Explore the grounds of Casa Isabella. Walk and enjoy the surroundings.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Sunset drinks and reflection. The sunset views are beyond words. Find a quiet spot and just watch the colors explode across the sky.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Farewell Dinner. Savor every bite. And start trying to mentally prepare yourself for the real world.
- Evening (8:00 PM Onward): One last night under the stars. Whisper a thank you to the cosmos. And try to avoid thinking about leaving. It’s going to be hard.
Day 4: Departure
- Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast. The final feast! Stuff yourself with fruit and deliciousness.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Final packing. And maybe a small, silent sob.
- Morning (11:00 AM): Check out. Hugs goodbye.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Transfer to Santa Marta Airport. One last look at the road as you drive.
- **Afternoon (2:00 PM):
Casa Isabella: Your Tayrona Park Paradise...Maybe? Let's Dive In! (Or At Least Wiggle Our Toes In the Sand)
Okay, So, Casa Isabella... Is It Actually *Paradise*?
Alright, alright, let's get real. "Paradise" is a big word, right? I mean, I envisioned myself emerging from the jungle, perfectly bronzed, with a coconut in hand. The truth? Well... it rained like a biblical flood for two days straight when I was there. So, paradise? Not *exactly*. But... and this is a big but... it *is* absolutely stunning. You're talking pristine beaches (when the sun graces them, of course!), the jungle practically breathing down your neck, and the sounds... oh, the sounds! Monkeys howling, waves crashing, the incessant chatter of the staff... that's right, the staff!
Seriously, one guy, I think his name was Juan, he spent like, a solid hour trying to teach me how to open a coconut with a machete. (Spoiler alert: I failed miserably. He probably thought I was a complete city slicker idiot. And... he wouldn't be wrong). So, is it perfect? Nope. Is it an experience that will get etched into your memory? Absolutely.
Getting There: Is It a Trek Through Mordor?
Okay, the journey is… an adventure. Let's just say my luggage was practically begging for mercy by the time we arrived. You've got to get to Tayrona Park first (that's a whole other saga involving chicken buses and questionable driving). Then, it's a bit of a hike to Casa Isabella. Think: jungle paths, possibly some rivers to wade through, and maybe (depending on how much you bribe the porters) a horse. I personally walked. It took, like, an hour and a half, maybe more. My hiking boots weren’t exactly the best choice (rookie mistake!), and I definitely wished I’d brought more water. My advice? Pack LIGHT. And bribe the darn porters. Your future, achy self will thank you.
The scenery, though? Unforgettable. Lush green everything. Monkeys swinging overhead, judging your life choices. The air is heavy, filled with the scent of damp earth and something exotic that I couldn't put my finger on (maybe pure magic?).
The Rooms: Are They Ritz-Carlton or Rustic Hut?
Rustic. Embrace the rustic. Seriously. Expect the basics. Don't go expecting fluffy robes and room service. The rooms are… well, they're part of the charm, right? Basic beds, mosquito nets (essential!), and a shared bathroom situation. My shower pressure was, shall we say, *variable* (and sometimes, completely absent). It's an experience, folks. A close-to-nature experience. The sound of the waves lulls you to sleep, the jungle wakes you up at sunrise (whether you like it or not), and you share your space with… well, some interesting critters. I definitely spotted a gecko doing laps on the wall, and I'm pretty sure a small, fuzzy rodent stole a cracker from my bag. Part of the adventure, I guess.
Food Glorious Food: What's the Deal with the Grub?
The food at Casa Isabella? Honestly? I'd give it a solid... B+. Nothing wrong with it but not gonna blow your mind. You're eating what the locals eat, and that’s part of the deal. Expect fresh fish, rice, beans, and plenty of fruit. (The pineapple was divine!). I remember one night they served a whole fried fish – and I, being the clumsy fool that I am, managed to drop it *on the sand*. Devastation, people! Utter devastation. The staff was super nice about it, though.
The main thing to remember is there are limited choices. There's one restaurant, one menu. Embrace it! You're on a remote beach, not a Michelin-starred restaurant. And trust me, after a long day of hiking and beach bumming, everything tastes delicious.
Activities: Is There Anything To *Do* Besides Stare at the Ocean? (Not that I'm Complaining!)
There's the ocean, which is a pretty good start, right? Seriously, the beaches are AMAZING. Crystal-clear turquoise water. Soft, white sand. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or just… existing. It's the type of beach where you can actually RELAX. (I managed, eventually. Took some serious deep breaths and letting go of my city-person anxieties).
But also? Hiking! Tayrona Park itself is full of trails. You can hike to other beaches, explore the jungle, and spot wildlife. (Though I was more focused on NOT getting eaten by a bug, to be honest). Snorkeling is also a popular option (bring your own gear unless you want to rent – the rental gear wasn't exactly top-of-the-line, just FYI). There are kayaks, too, if you're feeling adventurous. And… honestly? Sometimes just sitting on the porch with a good book and listening to the world go by is the perfect activity. That’s what I did a lot of. It was blissful.
The Staff: Are They Friendly? Or Are They Secretly Planning My Demise? (Kidding... Mostly!)
The staff were lovely. Seriously. Mostly. They are incredibly helpful. Always smiling, always willing to assist with something, or make you a coffee. I can’t stress enough that they are what makes this place so special. They are attentive, warm, and genuinely seem to care about guests’ experience. Okay, so I did get a *slightly* judgmental look when I accidentally tried to use a bar of soap to wash my hair (again, city girl problems), but even that was delivered with a smile. They definitely know the area; Ask them for recommendations. They are the real deal.
There's a certain… relaxed pace to things, though. Don't expect lightning-fast service. Embrace "island time," or jungle time, or whatever-you-want-to-call-it time. Things happen when they happen. And, honestly? That’s part of the charm. No need to be in a rush, there isn’t much to rush to! It’s a good place to disconnect and appreciate the lack of structure.
Mosquitoes: Are They Biblical Swarms or Manageable? (Because I’m a Mosquito Magnet.)
Okay, listen up, fellow mosquito magnets! This is important. Mosquitoes are a THING. They're everywhere. They *love* me. I'm pretty sure they have my blood type memorized. Bring. The. DEET. And lots of it. Apply it religiously. Reapply it constantly. Seriously, pack enough to bathe in. I got eaten alive. It was a bloodbath. My legs looked like I’d been in a knife fight. Seriously! Don't be like me. Be prepared.
And the weirdest thing? They still managed to get in my mosquito net. Bloody vampires, I tell you. But, you know? Worth it. Because despite the constant itching and the feelingOcean By H10 Hotels
