Hibiscus Garden is a hotel, restaurant and large open planted garden, set on the shores of Playa Lagartero. It is a little way out of Santa Catalina township. This location affords it plenty of peace, tranquility and the perfect position to have the sun rising over the ocean as your alarm clock.
This German run hotel is a good choice if you enjoy the natural world. The owners know the Catalina area well and will point you in the right direction for exploring on foot or horseback. The gardens have plenty of bird life and if you are lucky you could spot a crocodile in the river. Creative use of driftwood furnishings and practical use of seashells extend the natural feel indoors.
When the swell is big a small longboard wave breaks out front of the hotel, but generally you will need to take advantage of their shuttle service to Santa Catalina for surfing.
Hibiscus Garden offer a number of budget lodging options. There is a room with 1 bunk bed for $10 per person andaroom with a double bed at $17.50 for one person or $30 for a couple. Both of these are next to the communal kitchen and share a sunmosaicked bathroom. A step uparethe 2 private rooms each with a double bed, a/c, private bathroom and terrace area with hammocks and a view of the water which are$27.50 for one person or $45 for a couple. Campers are welcome to pitch a tent amongst the gardens for $7.50 per person or there are mattressesprovided on a roofed terrace for $10 per person.
There are also 3 deluxe rooms each with a queen size bed, a/c, private bathroom, verandah and space for additional peopleat$50 for a couple and $17.50 for each extra person.
All guests are welcome to use the communal kitchen and all bathrooms have hot water including an outdoor shower. They offer a laundry service for $4.50 per load and run theFlying Sausageshuttle bus to Santa Catalina on requestfor $5 round trip or $3 per person for 2 or more passengers.
The Restaurant offers Breakfast $3.50-$5, lunches $6-$12 with the option of a packed lunch for day trips ($2 extra) and dinner $8-$16 (vegetarian options available). The bar has $4 cocktails and $2 beers.
At Hibiscus Garden they are only too happy to help you fill your days. They keep their own horses and offer 3 hour horse rides for $15 or they can arrange multi day rides with camping and all food included. Surf lessons and board rental are available costing $30 for a 1.5 hour lesson including the shuttle to the surf beach. A full day river tour including tubing downstream and a BBQ lunch can be organized for $40 per person. Snorkeling trips, remote island drop offs or anything else you can think off can be organized, just ask.
Taxi fromSoná will cost $25 and take 1 hour.
Santa Catalina
www.hibiscusgarden.com
