Do you dream of relaxing in a spacious tropical Villa, overlooking a warm turquoise Sea within a 'UNESCO' National Marine Park? Are you dreaming of having a Chef and caretaker there for you? Someone to prepare a beautiful meal, split open a fresh coconut or to arrange a unique and memorable Island adventure? How else, to fully relax ?!! Eden does exist, if you know where to look. The Villa sits on the small remote Island of Old Providence or Isla Providencia. Tucked away in the Southwest corner of the Caribbean Archipelago of San Andrés y Providencia; this Island personifies what paradise truly is. How does one define Paradise? For myself it starts with being surrounded by warm, loving and peaceful people. A place were nature and all her gifts are valued and protected. An environment of peace and tranquility. Harmonious and unified, not fragmented nor exploited. If you feel a sense of curiosity in what I'm saying; PLEASE CLICK ON 'MORE DETAILS' TAB BELOW
O.K....Just a few details about the Villa and the Island.
El Monasterio del Viento (Monastery of the wind) is perched atop a 'Sea of Seven Shades of Turquoise', overlooking beautiful Crab Caye within the National Park McBean Lagoon.This large Villa has been lovingly restored with charming details throughout, and represents the best of Island style living. The house is comfortable and casual with spectacular views of the sea and surrounding landscape. A soft sea breeze is present year round (hence the name) and can be enjoyed from the Yoga / Meditation Palapa upon sunrise or later from the terrace Tiki bar with your favorite Island cocktail. (Note...my choice is the Zacapa 23 year old rum found on the Island)
There is a nice little plunge pool on the lower terrace just in front of the sea were hammocks abound -- a great way to relax and take in the view. This special family home includes 4 light filled breezy bedrooms,each with private bath; and a spacious living room / dining area complete with floor to ceiling doors opening onto the beautiful stone terrace.
Snorkeling, Kayaking, Windsurfing and Kite-boarding in the pristine warm waters are literally right in front of you. Just jump off our dock. If you're the type of person who prefers to laze around on an idyllic white sandy beach all day then you're in for a treat. There are numerous long stretches of coconut palmed beaches, two of which come with the most friendly little beach bars. One is owned by my good friend Richard Hawkins..aka..Mr Richards at Southwest Bay, the other is Roland's Roots Bar on Manzanillo beach. I won't say anything more than you'll want to cancel your return flight after hanging out here for the afternoon!
Other activities include, hiking up to the peak ( Moderate 2 hour 1100 ft. climb), horseback riding in the mountains or beaches, fishing and of course FANTASTIC scuba diving. With the world's third longest barrier reef, an immense amount of underwater biodiversity, warm tropical waters and excellent underwater visibility for almost all the year, Providencia is Colombia's top diving destination. Most of the surrounding seas have been designated a protected area by UNESCO and are now known as the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve.
Back at El Monasterio del Viento an aptly trained Server and Chef (INCLUDED in your total rental fee) are at your call to make your stay as relaxing as possible. Typical Island menus featuring locally caught fish, crab, conch and lobster are prepared by our gifted Chef Dilcia. Her fresh Sqeezed Juices change daily and are a perfect start to your morning. Coconut water is always at hand as we have plenty of Coconut Palms on the property. Vegetarian, NO problem...there are plenty of Island grown veggies...Just unwind and leave the cooking to her. All you need to do is discuss what you would like and she'll shop for it.
This property is ideally suited for families, or as a 'retreat destination'. As mentioned earlier it's an absolutely perfect spot for serious Kite- boarding, Wind surfing or Kayaking groups. We have a kayak at the house and can arrange for more.
If you're interested in watching some beautiful Videos of the Island, its people and their culture please follow these LINKS.. http://vimeo.com/20591211 OR http://vimeo.com/13336941 AND http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5-Te5YOqPc
One closing thought. Isla Providencia is a relative empty, tropical paradise. It's a stunning Island of beautiful beaches that are, on the whole, totally undeveloped. Mass tourism has yet to hit Providencia and THANKFULLY the locals are determined to keep the island this way. The native language of Providencia is Creole, which is a kind of twisted form of Caribbean English (so almost all the locals speak proper English). Most everyone will speak Spanish as well. The culture is similar to that of nearby Jamaica, and very different from that of mainland Colombia many hundreds of miles away. That means Rastas, Reggae and a very laid back lifestyle - this is how all the Caribbean was 50 years ago, before most of the Caribbean region was ruined by mega resorts and package tourism. Providencia thankfully remains very unspoilt, and is a unique Island to visit. Many people come for a few days and end up staying weeks or even months, reluctant to leave this idyllic and peaceful paradise. Providencia is my passion..warm regards....Paul.
