Such a unique place. A true Oasis just 20 minutes from downtown Medellin where I was able to relax and get back in touch with myself and nature. The art collection tells a story of the owners life and the food prepared is absolutely exquisite. Each room has its own unique feel and donu2019t even get me started with the downstairs tropical paradise he has created. If you are looking for a unique experience that you will not find anywhere else in the country, I highly recommend you visit here!
Mariano and team have raised the bar for other hostels to aspire to.
This beautiful, peaceful, relaxing escape will be the only place I stay every time I visit Medellin.
The food was 5 star dining! The art, the decor, and the location are perfect. Itu2019s easy to navigate from here even if you do not speak Spanish.
Mariano speaks multiple languages and is always happy to help any traveler with things to do in Colombia.
I feel like Iu2019m staying with family and friends at the Secret Buddha.
My stay at the Secret Buddha was exceptional! The moment I arrived I was greeted by two very friendly dogs and pleasant staff. The location and theme of the Secret Buddha is very unique and something I have not experienced along my travels. I would seriously encourage anyone visiting Medellin to stay here as it allows for great acccess into the city and at the same time offers a peaceful place to chill in the evenings. By far one of my favourite spots in South America.
Really nice if you like isolation! Secret Buddha is tucked away a few miles south of the bustling city center of Medellin. After staying in a bunch of dirty party hostels, this was a nice, relaxing, (and cleanly!!) end to my trip in Medellin. Well-decorated, kind staff, and friendly pets. IMPORTANT NOTE: This is one of the few hostels in Medellin that only accept cash. You pay at the end of your stay, so make sure you visit an ATM (located a few miles from this hostel) well before you check out!
This place is amazing. Its a bit outside the main parts of the city, but you get a really =great place to relax and chill in exchange, Mariano and Cecillia are really nice and really knowledgeable about the area, where to eat, what to see and what to do. He was willing to help us arrange transportation all over the place, can provide amazing mezcal tastings, and he is an incredible chef, so there is always top notch food there for really cheap. The best food we ate on our entire trip was there.
For our 4-night stay in Medellin we decided to spend 2 nights in Poblado and 2 nights a bit more quiet south of Medellin, in the Secret Buddha in Estrella. After staying in a few hostels in Colombia, we expected something else. The Secret Buddha is more like a bed&breakfast, you stay in the house with the owner Mariano, his little boy and help Cece (lovely lady). The house and garden are amazing, all designed/built by Mariano himself. Mariano is very welcoming and hospitable, made us feel at home right away.
The room was medium clean. Expect to be in a house, not a hotel or (fancy) hostel. We upgraded our room but misinderstood the costs. In the end our stay turned out to be quite expensive, also because we had to pay for our laundry. The description of the hostel says a washing machine is available and Mariano told us the first night that this service was included. We had quite a bit of laundry, so thought it was reasonable to pay something, but we had to pay 90.000 COP for it, which made the total 570.000 COP for two nights (50.000 COP extra per night for the other room) Wouldn't have want to miss the experience of our stay here, but I am not sure if it's something for everyone. (Not if: you value perfect cleanliness, you want to party in medellin -taxi around 50.000 COP-, you feel uncomfortable being in someone's house, you travel on a budget).
All in all a nice, special experience :)
In a beautiful part of Medellin, outside of the city centre, the hostel is more like a guest house. You need to look at it with 'romantic eyes' and have a sense of humour to appreciate your stay. The decor is unique and made the stay memorable - for example an outdoor bath, shower and toilet! Do not stay here if you do not speak Spanish as it is hard to get to and the lovely lady who greets you does not have a word of English. You are also left to your own devices and there is nothing to do around the hostel without getting a taxi. If you do stay here, we went to dinner in a local area called Sabanetta which has loads of bars, restaurants and had amazing Christmas lights. You need to get a taxi there for about 10,000 COP each way. I would recommend this place if you speak Spanish and are looking for a break where you don't do any activities. Also expect to get taxis or a public bus/metro everywhere.
I had an incredible time at the secret buddha. The hostel itself is in a fantastic location, with a beautiful garden, very comfortable rooms and a unique atmosphere. The owner could not have been more hospitable - showing me around and explaining the culture and history of Medellin. Very highly recommended.