Building suites or rooms in the trees is a trend that has been incorporated in recent years in the country.
As a child I lived for many years between García Moreno and General Gómez streets, south-central Guayaquil, and together with my friends from the neighborhood we built a house in a “tree” (there was no tree and it was supported by reeds) on a vacant lot, but the owners of the place destroyed it, in the end it was an invasion of private property.
With that dream truncated, I stayed until I read, as an adult, that I could stay in a real tree house, near the beach and only 90 minutes from Guayaquil. I contacted the El Jardín de Playas inn, located at kilometer 10.5 via Data. My excitement was such that I wrote to the WhatsApp number of the inn at 22:00. Despite the lateness, they answered me.
María Gabriela Espinoza, the owner of the place, very kindly told me that there was only one room left (I went on the holiday that happened) and for only one night: Treehouse. I did not hesitate and booked. The night costs $ 70 if it is a couple and $ 50 if only one person stays. It includes breakfast.
Came the day. I went to the bus terminal and bought a ticket at the Posorja cooperative. The cost was $ 3.85 plus the $ 0.25 fee. A total of $ 4.10. With Google Maps I was observing the route of the bus to know where to get off. Likewise, María Gabriela had already told me that I should stay at the sign that showed the name of the inn and from there walk about 500 meters to the beach.
I got off the bus and there was no need to ask about the inn, since there is a guide sign. From the main door of the inn you can already see the sea, feel the breeze and smell the iodized air.
The check in it was at 14:00, but you can arrive earlier and use the facilities of the inn until the room is delivered and that is what I did. I arrived at 10:30. María Gabriela gave me a warm welcome and gave me a tour of all the facilities: swimming pool, dining room, hammocks, beach volleyball court, soccer-tennis court, table football, table tennis. ping-pong, the complex of rooms and the star of the inn: the tree house, the suite Carlotita.
I used the pool that is surrounded by trees and brightly colored flowers. This allows birds of different species to come up close and show off their beautiful feathers. Then I saw the other guests leave with their pets and I remembered that the place is pet friendly.
Despite the warmth of the whole place, he kept checking his watch to see if it was already 2:00 p.m., he wanted to enter the tree house. The moment came even an hour earlier (13:00). They gave me the keys and explained the rules and usage.
The lower part of the house is a mini room equipped with chairs, hammocks and a lazy that uses the tree as a backrest. In addition, there is a mini fridge that you can use.
I climbed the small ladder and opened the door. An excellent room. The wood is extremely well cared for. A double bed, a small television, air conditioning, a nightstand and three windows.
There is also a door that leads to the bathroom that has the spaces well distributed. Although with my height (1.80 meters) it was a little challenge to use it, especially the shower, but hey, it’s on top of a tree and I can’t demand more. There is even hot water.
In addition, the house has a small balcony with two chairs and a small table, perfect for having a coffee in the afternoon.
In the dining room of the inn you can have lunch and dinner. I did that. They have five dollar “menus” and a la carte dishes. I had rice for lunch which cost $ 10. Very good seasoning and, especially, the seafood felt fresh.
I did not want to leave the house, but it was “mandatory” to go to the beach. The good news is that you don’t have to walk far to take a dip in the sea. The beach is one block from the inn. Even, there is an exclusive place for the guests of the inn where you can take hammocks to the beach itself, although it is a bit far from the sea.
After the respective dip I tried to see the sunset, but it got cloudy. This did not take away my joy, as I wanted to be in the tree house. I returned to the inn at 6:30 p.m. I showered and then went downstairs to read.
The inn’s restaurant is only open until 8:00 p.m. so at 7:30 pm I went to dinner. This time I chose a menu that consisted of a chicken sandwich, fries, salad, and a soda, although I ordered a cup of stale coffee.
Then I played table football and ping-pong with other guests. Most had been to the inn before. They told me that they love the place because of the family atmosphere. Nothing far from reality. In fact, Rocío, a guest who just knew the place like me, told me, jokingly, that the “atmosphere of happiness felt strange, but beautiful”.
A “strange” sunrise
At 11:30 p.m. I decided to sleep. It was not necessary to turn on the air conditioning, the weather during these months on the beach is not hot at all, rather it becomes cold. I must admit it was strange. Wood tends to squeak in the wind. It took me a couple of hours to adjust to hearing those sounds. This definitely enriched the experience.
Dawn dawned and the chirping of birds, which abound in the inn, woke me up. I also confess that it was strange, since in Guayaquil I am used to being woken up by the sound of trailers, cars and ambulances that pass near my house. But it is a thousand times better to get up to the sounds of birds than to the sounds of vehicles.
The check out it was at 12:00, so I decided to stay at the inn. Breakfast included bread, scrambled eggs, stale coffee, pineapple jam and on that occasion they gave me prune juice which was delicious.
I wanted to stay one more night, but María Gabriela had told me that the tree house was reserved for the next few days. I was hoping that people would not arrive, although they even arrived an hour before the check in.
At 11:30 I turned in the tree house. All consumptions in the inn are canceled when making the check out. I said goodbye to María Gabriela and thanked her for her service. To return I took one of the urban buses that lead to Villamil, the ticket is $ 0.50, and from there I bought the ticket to Guayaquil ($ 3.86).
There are other options
Building suites or rooms in the trees is a trend that has been incorporated in recent years in Ecuador. For example, Santval Lodge, located at kilometer 16 between Bucay and Pallatanga, also offers this lodging service. There are two cabins built in native trees of the place that are several years old.
In Mindo, near Quito, you will find the El Carmelo inn. Here are tree huts with wooden walls and floors, while the roofs are thatched. All are equipped with private bathroom and hot water in the showers.
The reservation is made through packages that include food and activities or only accommodation. Prices start at $ 110 a night. (I)
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
