Simply Baku was highly recommended to us by family, who had stayed there several times. The recommendation came with a caveat, though. We were fairly warned that we would have a very difficult time LEAVING. I'm not just talking "oh, I'm so sad to go" type of difficult. We literally spent our last day commiserating on how we could finagle more time there. It was THAT difficult to leave. And we are home bodies; after 10 days away, we are ALWAYS ready to get back to our life and routines, and we have been lucky enough to visit some pretty amazing places.
SIMPLY BAKU: I guess the best place to start is with Marianne. From the time we "met " her online when making reservations, to when she picked us up at the airport, to our final goodbyes at the same place, she was a true force to be reckoned with. She made everything SO smooth and easy, and was an absolute delight while doing it. From the moment she walked us through our gate to the casita, I was speechless with awe. There really are not any words in the English (or Spanish!) Dictionary to describe the feeling. It's something you have to breathe in and smell, with your eyes closed. It's that magical. And when you open your eyes again, you have to slowly turn in a circle because EVERYwhere you turn is an astonishing array of color and light. The entire Casita is a work of art in and of itself, but the carefully selected art pieces all over the house are incredible. It is like walking into a very high- end Mexican Art Gallery. Fun and eclectic throughout. One feels instantly, how much love and care and thought Marianne has put into the whole Baku experience.
Every morning, we woke to wide open shutters and the sea breeze. Already swept and tidied, we were drawn to the very comfy private chaises on the beach. I wish we could have spent more time on them, but there is SO VERY much to see and do, we didn't really take as much down time as we'd have liked. A lesson learned for next time, when we will be staying for a much longer visit!
I will write more in another testimonial about the surrounding village, where we loved to go, and side trips to other towns as well. But I have to wrap this one up as I have to shut down the computer. Stay tuned for more.....
Malia and Derek

We've been coming for 10 years and look forward to it more each year! Our latest visit was during Semana Santa (Holy Week) which puts everyone in fiesta mode. Unwinding was easy with morning walks at the marina, lazy afternoons at our private beachfront bungalow, dinner at some of our favorites (Black Forest and Street Tacos) as well as making some new favorites (Falconis and Marcellas), and evenings under the moonlight and stars. Our most romantic night was a dinner by private Chef Daniel on the beach....the food was awesome and you can't beat the atmosphere of a sunset in La Cruz. The natural beauty surrounds you and can be enjoyed from the privacy of your own terraza. Be sure to stop in at the ice cream shop in the plaza central and take a short walk down to Playa de Manzanilla for a relaxing lunch and a dip in the ocean with the locals, Come to Casa Baku...you will leave renewed!

My husband and I, along with three other couples of friends, had the wonderful opportunity of spending a long weekend at Simply Baku. It surpassed our expectations in every way! We each stayed in one of the four casitas and found them to be beautifully appointed, comfortable and relaxing in every way. The grounds are lush, tropical and beautiful and the breezes from the beach just steps away from our casitas were divine. Marianne and her staff couldn't have been more accommodating and helpful and we are already looking forward to our return!

After returning to Casa Baku for a 3rd time, we are convinced that this has truly become a sanctuary for us, where we can relax, rejuvenate our spirits, and reconnect with our life’s priorities! Marianne has created a place of visual beauty and an atmosphere of peace and tranquility…..interrupted, of course, with laughter and great stories between new and old friends! Ernesto, Nancy, Sonia, Daniel, and others all contribute to make each stay more memorable than the last. Marianne is the consummate host, whose willingness to do what she can to enhance our visit only reinforces our belief that she thoroughly enjoys her guests and people in general! We have scheduled our 4th annual visit because the memories of our previous trips remain stubbornly in the front of our minds until we can get back and feel the magic of Casa Baku all around us again!