Grana Bnb

Grana Bnb is a bed and breakfast conveniently located in the heart of Oaxaca City. Grana Bnb offers a special energy that really leans in to the spirit of a traveler. What impressed me the most about this property was the attention to detail and the beautiful colorful touch of Oaxacan culture that was incorporated into interior of the space. If you are visiting Oaxaca, Mexico soon and looking for accommodation, keep reading to see all that Grana Bnb has to offer!

The property:

Grana Bnb in set in an 18th century mansion that has been renovated and decorated with a special Oaxacan touch. The property has two main floors dedicated to rooms and suites, a rooftop with stunning mountain views of Oaxaca, and an open courtyard in the middle of it all providing natural light and a space to soak in the Mexican sun. The interior of the space welcomes you into the most tranquil environment insuring that you will have a comfortable stay.

The Location:

Grana Bnb is conveniently located in the middle of Oaxaca City. Just a few steps outside of the property will lead you to some of the most famous restaurants and bars in Oaxaca and within walking distance of some of the cities well known attractions and markets. Unless you plan to leave the city center, a taxi or car will not be necessary as everything you could need is within walking distance of the property.

The Price:

The price ranges from $155 USD to $328 USD a night depending on the room you select. The rates  include a daily Oaxacan breakfast and free yoga class offered every Tuesday and Thursday.

The Features:

•  Mexican and Continental breakfast
• Wifi access
• Bilingual staff
• Tour information
• Personal hosting services
• 24/7 assistance
• Pet friendly property
• Medical service upon request
• Complimentary yoga
• Rooftop terrace
• Meditation studio

To book your next stay visit http://www.granabnb.com

Casa Cleta

As mentioned in a previous blog post, I always search for beautiful Airbnbs to stay in whenever I travel somewhere new. In my research Mexico has consistently blown me away with home architecture and design. This summer I traveled to Oaxaca, Mexico and decided to stay at Casa Cleta. Casa Cleta is an airbnb about 10 mins outside of Oaxaca City Center in a beautiful area known as San Felipe del Agua. 

What initially caught my eye about Casa Cleta was the beauty within the simplicity of this space. It had given off and airy relaxed feel that was instantly comforting. Here are some key points to get to know about this beautiful Airbnb: 

The Design:

Originally, Casa Cleta was a bakery coffee shop/architecture studio as "bread" shops were the only business allowed to operate during covid. I was not aware of this prior to my stay but now that I have this knowledge I can see that.

Casa Cleta is broken up into two structures. The living area that is complete with a lounge, kitchen, half bathroom and library nook. Before entering the bedroom, you will walk outside onto a charming mini courtyard/patio that is complete with fairy lights, a hammock, patio seating and beautiful greenery. After a few steps are taken onto the courtyard you will meet the French style doors that will welcome you to the bedroom which is a little studio complete with a full bathroom. The division of the living space from the bedroom was my favorite feature. I love that it suggests that the bedroom is solely for sleeping.

The Price:

Casa Cleta is listed for under $100 a night. Which is an amazing value considering the space this structure provides. The extra fees were also not excessive.

The Location:

Casa Cleta is located about 10 mins outside of the city center of Oaxaca City. To get to the city center, you could request a taxi or DiDi. While it is not very far at all, I did find it a bit difficult during certain times to request a Didi but there are taxi services you can call by phone to book. By foot, you can expect to walk about 45 mins to the city center.

I highly recommend walking around the neighborhood as there are many breath taking, picturesque sights to view. The area is a nice break from the busy streets of the city center and literally feels like you are an oasis. Casa Cleta appears to be an up and coming area but there are plenty of little mercados and restaurants around.

               

I must mention, the host Andrea, was very accommodating and made checking in a breeze! She also  provides a clipboard full of recommendations around the area and surrounding parts on how to get around, where to eat, and how to access various parts of the airbnb. A great touch! 

If you are planning your next trip to Oaxaca, no need to sift through a bunch of subpar listings, consider Casa Cleta for the your most comfortable stay.

(Casa Cleta Airbnb Listing)

Your guide to San Juan, Puerto Rico

 

As we entered into the new year, I had great anticipation to plan my first trip of the year. As often, I knew I wanted to travel to a destination that was rich in culture, has unique architectural character, and of course warmer weather. My only dilemma was that my passport was in the process of being renewed and I could not leave the country. Fortunately, there were still plenty of options that would provide what I was looking for in a destination without having to wait for the arrival of my new passport. The United States has a few island territories that you can travel to without having a passport as long as you are a US citizen. So I chose to come to the beautiful Caribbean island known as Puerto Rico.

In this blog post, I will be sharing what I learned and experienced in my 3 short day visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Getting there:

To travel To Puerto Rico as an American citizen, a passport will not be necessary. As of March 2023, a positive covid test or proof of vaccination is not required upon entry.

What to pack:

For clothing I highly recommend bringing breathable clothing as Puerto Rico has a humid and tropical climate. If you plan to spend hours walking around Old San Juan or the El Yunque Rainforest, I highly suggest brining some sort of open toed water/trekking shoes with secure straps such as Tevas. I purchased an off brand version from Walmart for just under $10! Here is a checklist of more items you should consider bringing along your trip:

Umbrella- It rains quite often and at unpredictable times 

Bug spray- A must if you plan to visit the rainforest 

Sunscreen- An essential for those prone to sun burns! 

Day bag/backpack- Convenient if you plan on bringing camera equipment or plan to head to the waterfalls. 

Sunglasses- 

Swimsuit- For the many beautiful beaches surrounding the island.

Reusable water bottle- It is so important to stay hydrated in warm clients. You may be able to find drinking fountains at tourist attractions.

Currency:

The only currency used in Puerto Rico is the United States bill. Many established business take Debit/Credit card but I recommend carrying cash as I believe the locals prefer it especially for local street vendors.

The language:

Despite Puerto Rico being a US territory, Spanish is commonly spoken throughout the island. I suggest learning common/basic phrases in the language before traveling as it would be greatly appreciated by the locals!

Getting Around:

Uber is one of the most convenient and efficient way to get around San Juan. If you are commuting from areas such as Condado or Santurce to Old San Juan, you can expect to pay under $15 depending on the time of day or pick up location. When taking an uber, and if the vibes are right, chat with your driver! They most likely know the island better than most and can provide you with some amazing tips and reccomendations!

Car Rental- If you plan to explore the entire island or take a day trip to El Yunque, I recommend that you rent a car. It will make the most sense for your pockets and prices for gas are extremely reasonable. Parking is not very convenient in Old San Juan as streets tend to be narrow and busy. Although, there are designated parking spots that offer a flat fee for the day.

Where to stay:

If you consider yourself to be a "modest" traveller, there are plenty of hotels and resorts to stay in San Juan. The well known area for tourists is located in Condado. If you are more of an adventurous traveler that wants a more local experience, I highly recommend exploring Airbnbs or boutique style accommodations outside of Condado in the neighboring area known as Santurce. In my previous blog post, I have an in depth review on a boutique style Airbnb I stayed in that I highly recommend. (DW by Dreamcatcher)

What to do and see:

• Visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal
• Explore the beautiful beaches
• Curatel De Ballaja
• Try the original Pina Colada at Barrachina 
• El Yunque Rainforest
• Enjoy authentic Puerto Rican food
• Museo de arte de Puerto Rico
• La Placita for nightlife
• Walk around Old San Juan
• Book a Bacardi tour

Overall, my experience in San Juan was one not to forget. I am already planning for my return as I want to explore various parts of the island and learn more about the culture and land. If you would like to see more visuals, be sure to check out my San Juan highlight on my Instagram page! (Instagram)