Sneak preview (1)

ROOM 1 & 2

This time we invite our reader to take a little stroll with us through parts of the finished rooms and areas of the Santuario Hibiscus. We hope to trigger one’s curiosity and invite to follow the second part of our renovation or maybe even animate to a visit?
The first two rooms are almost complete. The custom made beds found their places and we expect the delivery of the matching closets shortly.
Our idea was always to create four individually decorated rooms. We think that we are well on the way to make this become a reality and the months of shopping at second hand places in the US finally pays off. The first bedroom with its orange accent wall and black and white photographs will definitely be the most modern room.
The focus of the second bedroom is definitely the slightly cherry colored bed. Most of the pictures in this room show different varieties of palms. Who knows – intentionally or not – this might become our “palm room”?

LOFT UND COVERED WALKWAY

Our loft is intended to be the reading room and library. The wooden floors are freshly sanded and oiled. Dan added cupboards and the bookshelf that we brought from the US fits right in. The restoration of the window allows a lot more light into the room and the afternoon sun shining in invites to sit down and take a rest or indulge in a book.
All four rooms can be reached from the covered walkway. Looking out into the green listening to the chirping of the birds and barking of dogs reminds you of the beautiful nature surrounding you but also of the community.

WHAT WE OFFER OUR GUESTS

The focus of our conversations slightly shifted. We no longer talk about what color tile we use in our bathrooms or the shape of the sinks – but spend a lot of time discussing amenities, room prices, menus and activities. Is breakfast included, tax? Should we offer a welcome drink? These and many more questions keep our minds busy at the moment…
There are a few different ways to reach the Santuario Hibiscus. Public buses take you every 20-30 minutes from Cuenca to La Unión. Cuenca is the closest airport to our guesthouse. Once you arrive in town you can catch one of the many white “camionetas” that will take you – at a cost of approx. $2.00 – up the hill to your destination. We would like to be able to offer and arrange for private transportation, just to make it a little bit easier on the less adventurous people. We were amazed when we first traveled in Ecuador at how little people spoke English – even at an international airport like Quito!

ADVERTISING

How do we organize our marketing/advertising? Do we solely rely on the internet? Should we create flyers or brochures?
We do take every opportunity to distribute our freshly printed business cards to start spreading our name…

6 Responses to “Sneak preview (1)”

  1. Quinell says:

    It’s looking sooooo great! Love it!

  2. Wow! All I can say is wow! Yolanda has always told me how beautiful Ecuador but seeing your pictures – it truly is amazing! Keep up the good work…can’t wait to come and visit!

  3. Kathrin says:

    … and before I forget – you do have the best shower in Ecuador!

  4. Michael Guttman says:

    Love what you have done…the whole picture. I too would like to make a move to a place like this. Did you consider the coast before deciding on your location near Cuenca?
    I did landscaping and masonry for many years and need to be around the living breathing environments….a garden, fountains, earth, etc. or I go nutty. Please tell me more about your lives there.
    Michael

    • Franziska says:

      Yes, we did consider the coast (Puerto Lopez, Montanita etc.) but realized very fast that there is a tremendous water shortage! Weather (lots of foggy and overcast days) and the amount of moscitos didn’t really encourage much…The Yunguilla Valley has an incredible climate – temperatures do not vary more than a few degrees celcius throughout the year! With quite a few expats here you would certainly cover a niche in landscaping…Why don’t you come and stay and see for yourself?
      Franziska

  5. James Patten says:

    I want to come visit with my wife (Susie) and girls… hopefully, soon! I just want to relax and rest; we need some rest. I’ve bookmarked your site.

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