in search of darn good digs

One of the reasons we originally launched Darn Good Digs back in 2008 was because we found it hard to find cool places to stay in the Caribbean on a budget. There are so many large impersonal hotels and all-inclusive resorts, but the small spots full of character are hidden away and can take some serious time trying to “discover” them. We started DGD with a few reviews of our favorite hotels where we stayed over the years, like Mary Lee’s by the Sea on Puerto Rico’s southern coast and Jake’s Resort on Jamaica’s Treasure Beach. Now we have Caribbean reviews for sweet spots on eight islands – and we’re adding more all the time. So if you’re looking for colorful cottages or a quiet b&b by the beach, jungle cabins or a little guest house in the mountains – make sure to visit Darn Good Digs first. We feature the best independently owned Caribbean hotels for budget-minded travelers.

And as always, if you know of any amazing places we should add to our guide, please nominate them today!

One of the first traveler nominations we received back at Darn Good Digs’ launch in 2008 was for Gecko Villa – a beautiful rural villa way out there in northeast Thailand, as far from Bangkok as you could imagine. We were excited then to learn about such a cool vacation spot, and we’re even more excited now after rave reviews keep being published online. Here is our Darn Good Digs review of Gecko Villa:

What makes Gecko Villa so Darn Good? Located bang in the middle of rice paddy fields and sugar cane plantations, Gecko Villa is a green oasis far from Thailand’s tourist trails. The two things that truly made our stay were the superb food, and the kindness and welcoming nature of the local host family and villagers. Having our own pool was a definite plus!

Location: Gecko Villa is located in Northeast Thailand’s Isaan region, fifty minutes by plane or nine hours by train from Bangkok, and not far from the Laos border. The province, Udon Thani, is home to the UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site, Ban Chiang, and its national museum which displays locally excavated artifacts and pottery dating as far back as 7,500 years. If that doesn’t float your boat, guests at Gecko Villa can take a boat ride among lotus flowers in the nearby lake, and all around are opportunities for exploring the villages, temples, and farms of bucolic Thailand.

Rooms: Gecko Villa is a northern Thai-style country house with a pool that you rent all for yourself! The Villa’s three bedrooms, large living and dining rooms, and fully equipped Western and Thai kitchens are in separate buildings and are connected by covered wooden verandas surrounding a garden. Traditional wooden furniture and artwork adorn the rooms and outdoor areas.

Food: Excellent and very zingy Thai food is cooked for you three times daily by Ten and Euang, the Villa’s caretakers and chefs, who live in a small village a couple of kilometers away. Ask to try local Isaan dishes such as spicy beef salad with mint or their wicked barbecue chicken with papaya salad. Make sure to say upfront what your chili factor is! Thai cooking lessons are also included in the price.

Vibe: Guests could just chill by the pool and eat well, but definitely take the plunge and ask to get integrated: the locals are very friendly and definitely enjoy a good time! Gecko Villa is owned and run by local villagers, and all revenues stay in the community.

Things to Keep in Mind: Take any personal necessities with you because the nearest banks and major shopping areas are 45 minutes away!

Price Range: 6,800 Baht – 8,900 Baht (three meals included, entire villa)
# of Rooms: 3
Kid-Friendly: yes

Make an Inquiry/Book a Room at:

A big thank you to James for nominating this very cool getaway. As always, if you’ve stayed at any extraordinary independently owned accommodations for budget-minded travelers, please let us know and nominate them today on Darn Good Digs!

Every now and then we receive a hotel nomination that makes us want to drop everything and GO THERE immediately. Balam Bali Villa is one of those places. Here is why:

What makes Balam Bali Villa so Darn Good? Having lived and traveled overseas for twenty years, I can say without hesitation that Balam Bali Villa is the best of the best! I cannot praise Adi, the manager, and Hubert, the owner, enough on their personal attention to every detail and the extra care that they show every guest to ensure a memorable experience. The location is stunning, the villa and its rooms are gorgeous, and the food is fresh and delicious.

Location: Balam Bali Villa is surrounded by lush green rice paddies in the heart of Bali’s serene and beautiful countryside. The sacred temple of Taman Ayun is close by, and the town of Ubud, considered by many to be Bali’s cultural center, is a half hour away. While guests could easily wile away the day lounging by the pool or getting an in-house massage, Balam Bali offers several excursions around the island for when the mood hits.

Rooms: Balam Bali has three rooms in a genuine seventeenth century pirate’s lair imported from the island of Sulawesi. The house is built of native teak and its soothing teak-furnished rooms are beyond exquisite. In addition to the House of Pirates, Balam Bali offers five stylish rooms surrounding a pool in its Villa of Marbles.

Food: Balam Bali serves fresh, made to order French and Balinese cuisine. Meals can be enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the rice paddies or in the Villa’s on-site restaurant.

Vibe: Peace out. This small, intimate villa is totally chill, and the gracious staff is very accommodating to couples, singles, and families alike.

Keep in Mind: For two hours of bliss, don’t miss the complimentary rice paddy and village walk with Adi or Hubert!

Price Range: US$40-$145 (includes continental breakfast)
# of Rooms: 8
Kid-Friendly: yes

Make an Inquiry/Book a Room at:

A big thank you to Francine Fischl for nominating this sweet getaway. As always, if you’ve stayed at any extraordinary independently owned accommodations for budget-minded travelers, please let us know and nominate them today on Darn Good Digs!

When we first launched Darn Good Digs in 2008, we pressed all of our friends to reveal their favorite secret spots around the world. La Loma Jungle Lodge, a small three-‘room’ hotel in Panama’s beautiful Bocas del Toro region, was on that initial list. The jungle lodge and chocolate farm receive only rave reviews, and we are so excited that we now offer direct bookings for our readers. As our review states, this Bocas del Toro hotel is “the place to just chill out and get back to nature.” If that sounds like your thing, then keep reading:

What makes La Loma Jungle Lodge so Darn Good? The total experience!

Location: La Loma Jungle Lodge is located on the quiet and secluded Isla Bastimentos in the beautiful Archipelago de Bocas del Toro off of Panama’s northwest coast. Guests at La Loma can tour its working butterfly farm and gardens, hike its rainforest trails, and row traditional wooden cayucos through the mangroves. White sand beaches are just a five minute boat ride away. The lodge provides boat pick up and drop off from Bocas, the island chain’s busiest town and transportation hub.

Rooms: Hidden among trees and vines, each of La Loma’s three ranchos can be reached by footpath through the jungle from the main lodge. Inspired by traditional Ngobe architecture, the ranchos have been built using sustainably harvested wood and consist mainly of open platforms with roofs. The ranchos all have mosquito nets on their beds, bathrooms with hot water showers, and well-worn hammocks. The real deal is that you are actually sleeping in the jungle with all the amazing nocturnal noises to lull you to sleep.

Food: What can we say! A total miracle! Every dining experience is different from the last, and all meals are home-made on site using totally fresh ingredients. We loved sitting outside at the lodge’s bench-style table with total strangers who soon became friends, relating travel experiences, and soaking up the wonderful ambiance long into the evening.

Vibe: La Loma is laid-back enough to be horizontal. This is the place to just chill out and get back to nature. Margaret and Henry, your tremendously knowledgeable hosts, know their business well, and filled our minds with information on butterflies, cocoa, and the indigenous Ngobe families that they are helping through their community program, Hooda Chi. Really, this place is one out of the box!

Keep in Mind: The lower rancho has enough electricity to run a small fan and a light, and while the two ranchos further up the hill are not connected to electricity, they do have a natural breeze due to their higher elevation. The climb from the lodge’s dining area to the ranchos is a fairly steep 5 to 7 minute climb, and torches and gumboots are provided. It can be a bit hot and sticky here but, hey, you’re in the jungle!

Price Range: $100 per person (includes three meals)
# of Rooms: 3
Kid-Friendly: yes

Make an Inquiry/Book a Room at:

As always, if you’ve stayed at any extraordinary independently owned accommodations for budget-minded travelers, please nominate them today on Darn Good Digs!

Last year we blogged about our other Goa guest house, Casa Susegad, recently included on the Lonely Planet Hidden Gems list. Today I’d like to share our newest Goa retreat, the chill and spectacularly beautiful Olaulim Backyards. Yvonne Gray from Cardiff, UK gave us the heads up about this very cool spot.

What makes the Olaulim Backyards so Darn Good? We were collected from the airport and greeted at Olaulim Backyards by Pirkko, Savio, Manuel, and Shameena, as well as the dogs, horse, and donkey. We immediately felt at home and as if we had known everybody for years. The food and drinks are outstanding, the setting is spectacular with beautiful views across the lake and infinity pool, and the wildlife is incredible – a must-see for any twitcher!

Location: Olaulim Backyards has a peaceful location on the banks of the Mandovi River in tiny Olaulim village, just a half hour but a world away from Goa’s busy markets, beaches, and nightlife. Sitting by the river early every morning, we saw Brahamani kites, wild peacocks, great hornbills, and kingfishers in all colours and sizes. We also loved our morning walks and bicycle rides around the garden and village, where we were shown indigenous trees, given tastes of spices, and taught about the history of the area with its strong Portuguese influence.


Rooms: All three of the eco-cottages at Olaulim Backyards are beautifully thought out and individually designed using reclaimed building materials. We stayed in the Sun Bird cottage which has comfortable beds and an open air shower heated by solar panels. We also peeked at the other two cottages, the Horn Bill and the Golden Oriole, and they were both lovely with fantastic views of the coconut groves, paddy fields, and swimming pool.

Food: The food and drinks are outstanding! Breakfast features tropical fruits such as pomelos, bananas, and coconuts fresh from the garden. For lunch and dinner, the traditional Goan cuisine is cooked on a wood-fire using seasonal vegetables from the local market as well as fresh fish and prawns straight from the lake. FAB-U-LOUS!!


Vibe: Chilled, chilled, chilled. Our stay was so relaxing that four days felt like two weeks. This is truly a special place run by a special family.

Keep in Mind: Olaulim Backyards has kayaks, canoes, and bicycles for guests to borrow.

Price Range: 2500-4000 Rs (more or less US$50-$90)
# of Rooms: 3
Kid-Friendly: yes

Make an Inquiry/Book a Room at:

As always, if you’ve stayed at any extraordinary independently owned accommodations for budget-minded travelers, please nominate them today on Darn Good Digs!

Since our 2008 launch of Darn Good Digs we have been receiving nominations for different kinds of “budget” accommodations in Southeast Asia. For backpackers and truly frugal travelers, we have reviews for amazing guest houses and inns that cost under US$20 a night. Many of our readers at Darn Good Digs, though, are willing to spend a little bit more to get some additional luxury and comfort. Journeys Within Bed and Breakfast in Siem Reap, Cambodia is one of those exceptional digs that merits the extra cost. A lovely swimming pool, delicious breakfast, free tuk tuk rides to and from town, and complimentary laundry service are just a few of the details that make Journeys Within so special. Read our review, first submitted by Selin K from San Francisco, to find out what else makes this B&B stand out:

What makes Journeys Within Bed and Breakfast so Darn Good? Journeys Within overflows with warmth and friendliness. From its owners, Andrea and Brandon, to its tour guides and receptionists, the entire Journeys Within staff took care to ensure that we were happy and comfortable throughout our stay. The B & B partners with Journeys Within Our Community, a non-profit dedicated to improving living conditions in Southeast Asia through well construction, language schools, and a host of other local projects. I was really amazed to see how Journeys Within gives back to the community in so many ways.

Location: Located on the outskirts of Siem Reap, Journeys Within is on the road between town and the awe-inspiring twelfth century temples of Angkor Wat.

Rooms: Journeys Within has four deluxe bungalows and one family suite. All are modern and filled with Cambodian touches, such as the traditional Cambodian scarves left on the beds as gifts for guests. The bathrooms are divine with fancy rain shower heads, and each room has AC, free drinks in the mini-fridge, and balconies overlooking the ridiculously inviting pool and garden oasis.

Food: I just can’t say enough about the food at Journeys Within. The chef is tiny in size, but big on taste! She uses many local ingredients and everything is always delicious. Her chicken coconut curry was so incredible that I even tried to recreate it when I got back home. Breakfast is included, and the B & B offers full lunch and dinner menus.

Vibe: Staying at Journeys Within is like staying with friends. After exploring Angkor Wat, we were all about lying by the pool and having a restful and relaxing visit.

Things to Keep in Mind: Journeys Within is ten minutes from town, so you can’t just walk outside and wander about, but tuk tuks are readily available and are a great way to get to the heart of Siem Reap.

Price Range: US$75-$160
# of Rooms: 5
Kid-Friendly: yes

Make an Inquiry/Book a Room at:

As always, if you’ve stayed at any extraordinary independently owned accommodations for budget-minded travelers, please nominate them today on Darn Good Digs!

Our first Darn Good Digs in Nicaragua is a laid-back bed and breakfast on an unspoiled stretch of Pacific coast near the small town of San Juan del Sur. Here is our review of Casa del Soul:

What makes the Casa del Soul so Darn Good? Surrounded by jungle and with breathtaking ocean views, Casa del Soul is an unbelievable bed and breakfast along Nicaragua’s Pacific coast. Whether you want to chill by the pool or walk to the beach below the house to go searching for seashells, the entire experience is tranquil and relaxing. Randy and Brenda, Casa Del Soul’s owners, couldn’t be more accommodating. Randy gives you a cell phone so that you can call a taxi or reach him at any time, and Brenda and her staff will cook you up the best breakfast ever.

Location: Casa del Soul sits in a remote location above beautiful Nacascolo Bay along Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast two hours from Managua. The bed and breakfast is a ten minute drive from the closest town, San Juan del Sur, where sleepy fishing village meets chill surf town. Besides surfing, water sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do in the area, including deep sea fishing, windsurfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. In addition, Nicaragua’s longest zipline canopy tour is only minutes away, and the La Flor Wildlife Reserve, where Olive Ridley sea turtles come in mass to lay their eggs, is twelve miles down the coast.

Rooms: Staying at Casa del Soul is like staying at your own tropical beach house. The three comfortable guest rooms have modern amenities like DVD players, I-pod speakers, and free wi-fi. The two upstairs suites share a large balcony with amazing views of the jungle and bay with no other houses in sight, while the less expensive smaller room is on the ground floor.

Food: Every morning Brenda prepares a fresh and delicious breakfast that might include such specialties as Gallo Pinto, a local dish of rice and beans, which is served by the pool overlooking the bay. For lunch or dinner, you can head into town for drinks and some inexpensive, yet tasty, Nicaraguan fare at one of the many restaurants and bars in San Juan del Sur.

Vibe: Casa del Soul is peaceful and relaxing.

Keep in Mind: The land around Casa del Soul is quite hilly, so bring some good walking shoes, not just flip flops. If the timing is right, you might save yourself the taxi fare and get a ride into town with Randy, or you can always hike up the hill to the immense Jesus statue, and then down the other side into San Juan del Sur.

Price Range: US$89-$129
# of Rooms: 3
Kid-Friendly: yes

Make an Inquiry/Book a Room at:

As always, if you’ve stayed at any extraordinary independently owned accommodations for budget-minded travelers, please nominate them today on Darn Good Digs!

When we finally make it to Costa Rica, we definitely know one place we’re going to stay for sure – at Casa Bella Rita. We only hear wonderful things about this bed and breakfast just outside of San Jose, and minutes from the international airport. It certainly doesn’t hurt that they have earned 296 five star reviews on Trip Advisor to date. Here is our review, based on a nomination from Mary in Des Moines, Iowa:

Casa Bella Rita

What makes the Casa Bella Rita so Darn Good? Centrally located in Costa Rica’s San Jose province, Casa Bella Rita is a beautiful bed & breakfast with views overlooking a magnificent canyon. Steve and Rita, the owners, are amazing, and the accommodations and staff exceeded our expectations day after day.

Location: The B & B is located in Santa Ana, a suburb of San Jose, in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, just twenty minutes to both downtown and the airport. Many popular restaurants and shops are nearby, and many major sites were just a day trip away, including the Turu Ba Ri rainforest canopy tour and the Poas Volcano National Park.

Rooms: The six rooms are all uniquely decorated with local art. We stayed in the spacious Heliconia Bedroom, located in a separate cabina off the main courtyard. Our room was spotless, the bed and bedding was luxurious and comfortable, and the honor bar was always well stocked with drinks and yummy snacks. The daily fresh flowers were an added bonus.

Food: For breakfast, Steve serves a huge fruit bowl, a gourmet entrée, coffee, and juice on the amazing patio overlooking the canyon. I promise you will never leave the breakfast table hungry! If you do not feel like going out to eat, Steve and Rita will provide dinner for a small fee if they are cooking for themselves.

Vibe: Casa Bella Rita has a very relaxed vibe, and Steve and Rita made us feel right at home. Both are knowledgeable on everything Costa Rica, and they work hard to make sure your experience is nothing less than excellent.

Things to Keep in Mind: If you’d like help planning any part of your trip, Rita is the person to see. She has done her research on what tour companies and private drivers are the best, and has up to date information on trip descriptions, prices, and modes of transportation. Also, keep in mind that airport pickup OR drop off are included in the price, just one of the little extras that makes this place so great!

Price Range: US$99-$139
# of Rooms: 6
Kid-Friendly: yes

Make an Inquiry/Book a Room at:

As always, if you’ve stayed at any extraordinary independently owned accommodations for budget-minded travelers, please nominate them today on Darn Good Digs!

We recently published a guest post entitled “4 Hotels Under $25: Cheap, Yet So Amazing You Won’t Want to Leave!” on the Budget Travelers Sandbox blog. If super cheap hotels that are still extraordinary intrigues you, then definitely go check our article out.  We write about four of our favorite under $25 hotels: Mustapha’s Place on Zanzibar island, Le Rendez-Vous in southern Ecuador, Mayoka Village on Lake Malawi, and Soppong River Inn in Mae Hong Son, Thailand.

Last winter when we visited Walt Disney World and the Kennedy Space Center with our four-year old boy, we were looking for a quiet, friendly place to spend a couple of days nearby as a brief escape from the craziness of the Orlando-area theme parks. After researching a 100 mile swath of central Florida’s Atlantic coast looking for the “perfect” spot, we stumbled upon the Longboard Inn in New Smyrna Beach. Since anonymity is always our policy, we couldn’t let the owners know that we’re from Darn Good Digs, but we did have to use a little sweet-talking in order to get past their no kids policy. Here’s our Darn Good Digs review of the Longboard Inn:

What makes the Longboard Inn so Darn Good? This historic Craftsman Style bungalow has been lovingly restored by its friendly owners, John and Dee, with a surf theme and an eye for detail. Our room was fun and inviting and we enjoyed the delicious home-made breakfast served in the Inn’s colorful dining room.

Location: New Smyrna Beach is an old-Florida style beach town on the state’s northeast coast less than ninety minutes from Orlando. The Inn is within walking distance to historic Canal Street with a few antique shops and restaurants, but the real action is a five minute drive across the bridge to Flagler Avenue and the beach. Filled with ice cream shops, swimwear boutiques, and eateries, Flagler Avenue is an excellent place to stroll after a day of surfing or relaxing in the sun.

Rooms: Longboard Inn has eight lovely themed rooms and suites, each distinctly decorated with original fabric paintings, ceramics, and stained glass by local artists. The Sky Blue room, where we stayed, has cheerful blue walls, an enormous bathroom with soft towels, and French doors opening to the Inn’s impressive wrap-around porch. We dug the colorful bedspread and whimsical pillows.

Food: Breakfast is a real treat at the Longboard Inn. Ours started off with a selection of freshly baked breads, including pecan cherry, wild berry, and gingerbread, and ended with fluffy blueberry flapjacks draped in an apple brandy compote. For dinner, we want to give a shout out to Maloney’s Oyster Bar a few blocks away where we enjoyed an evening of steam kettle cooking, good beer, and live music.

Vibe: The Inn is laid back and mellow. John spent a good deal of time giving us the low-down on New Smyrna Beach, things to do, and places to eat. Even though the Inn usually has a no child policy, John welcomed our four year old off-season and was super-friendly to him.

Keep in Mind: While the Inn is not on the beach, it is in a historic residential neighborhood and makes for a great base for exploring Florida’s northeast coast.

Price Range: US$99-$150 (breakfast included)
# of Rooms: 8
Kid-Friendly: no (or not really)

Make an Inquiry/Book a Room at:

As always, if you’ve stayed at any extraordinary independently owned accommodations for budget-minded travelers, please nominate them today!