Discover the essence of CoCo Bongo Hostel in an exclusive interview with Sean. Explore what makes CoCo Bongo unique as Sean shares insights and experiences. Join us on a journey into the heart of CoCo Bongo.
Xavier: Sean, can you share with us what sets CoCo Bongo Hostel apart from other lodging spots?
Sean: Absolutely. CoCo Bongo isn’t your run-of-the-mill accommodation—it’s an experience in itself. Nestled in the coastal paradise of Bahia de Caraquez, it’s more than just a place to lay your head; it’s a vibrant canvas where art comes to life.
Xavier: CoCo Bongo has garnered quite the reputation, ranking among the top 10 hostels not only in Ecuador but across all of South America, according to OMGhostels.com. What do you think makes it stand out?
Sean: CoCo Bongo has this incredible ambiance that draws in artists and muralists from all corners of the globe. Walking through its halls is like wandering through a living art gallery, with every wall adorned in captivating murals that tell stories of passion and creativity. When we ran out of wall space, we took the paintings hanging on the walls and hung them from the ceiling. However, we quickly ran out of that space too, so every few years, we repaint over the existing murals to make room for new ones. It’s a testament to the ever-evolving nature of CoCo Bongo and the endless wellspring of artistic talent that it attracts.
Xavier: I understand there’s a strong emphasis on inclusivity at CoCo Bongo. Can you elaborate on that?
Sean: Definitely. At CoCo Bongo, everyone is welcome with open arms. You don’t need to be a seasoned artist to contribute to the artwork; it’s all about passion, not perfection. Many volunteers, regardless of their artistic background, have found themselves inspired to create masterpieces during their stay. In fact, some of the most amazing murals have come from first-time muralists. You don’t have to be a painter; you just have to be someone who enjoys being creative. We’ve had guests showcase their culinary talents by cooking at the CoCo Bongo restaurant, and we often organize fun beach driftwood projects that bring out the artist in everyone.
Xavier: That’s fascinating. Can you share any memorable stories from volunteers who’ve stayed at CoCo Bongo?
Sean: Absolutely. We’ve had some incredible experiences with volunteers at CoCo Bongo. For example, we’ve had volunteers arrive on their gap year, thinking they’d stay for just a short while, but end up extending their stay for months, and in some cases, even returning years later. CoCo Bongo has this special vibe that really brings out people’s creative side and encourages them to follow their passions. It’s been amazing to see the impact it’s had on some of our volunteers. I remember a few occasions where they had these lightbulb moments about what truly makes them happy. There were even instances where they decided to change their academic path to pursue art after discovering their love for it during their time here.
Xavier: And what about your personal favorite mural at CoCo Bongo?
Sean: Oh, man, that’s a tough one. Honestly, I can’t pick just one favorite. Each mural at CoCo Bongo has its own unique charm, and they all mean something special to me. There’s just something magical about sitting in front of a mural, getting lost in its details, and discovering a new brushstroke you haven’t notice before. We like to keep things fresh, so we switch up the murals every few years to make space for new masterpieces. It’s always bittersweet saying goodbye to the old ones, but it’s exciting to see what new creations will take their place.
Xavier: CoCo Bongo seems to offer more than just visual appeal. Can you tell us about the atmosphere you’ve cultivated there?
Sean: Oh, absolutely. So, when I was setting up CoCo Bongo, I really wanted to create a vibe where people could just chill and connect. You know, I didn’t want guests cooped up in their rooms watching TV all day. So, we decided not to have TVs in the rooms. Instead, we encourage everyone to hang out in the cafe/lounge area, where the real magic happens.
Now, here’s the kicker. When I was getting everything sorted, this ministry—won’t name names—told me I had to have TVs in the rooms at the price I was going for. I mean, can you believe it? I thought that was crazy! So, I stuck to my guns and went with my gut. Instead of TVs, we’ve got canvas and paint kits in every room. And you know what? Turns out, a lot of people really dig that. It’s all about fostering a sense of community and encouraging everyone to express themselves freely. It’s pretty cool to see folks from all over the world come together, paint, and just hang out. That’s what CoCo Bongo is all about.
Xavier: It’s clear that CoCo Bongo has made a significant impact on the travel scene. How do you think it’s reshaping the way people travel?
Sean: CoCo Bongo provides a travel experience for modern travelers who are seeking more authentic and soulful experiences. Instead of opting for traditional hotels, they’re drawn to the vibrant energy and communal spirit of hostels like CoCo Bongo. People nowadays want to have an interesting experience when they travel. Do you think you can get that at one of those big box hotels with no soul? Absolutely not. At CoCo Bongo, we pride ourselves on our cool vibe and energy. Plus, we’ve got the largest English book library on the coast of Ecuador. Imagine chilling on the beach, soaking up the sun, and diving into a good book. And if you’ve got an e-book reader, we’ve got thousands of eBooks to choose from as well. It’s all about creating those unforgettable moments that make traveling truly special.
Xavier: Finally, what do you hope guests take away from their experience at CoCo Bongo?
Sean: My hope is that guests leave CoCo Bongo feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and connected. It’s more than just a place to stay—it’s a community where memories are made, friendships are forged, and dreams are realized. We’ve built a regular clientele over the years, and it’s growing steadily. What’s interesting is that we’re also attracting new clients—people who’ve stayed at much more expensive places but are drawn to our vibe and energy. They often mention that they wish they had discovered CoCo Bongo sooner, as they would have saved a lot of money. We even have clients from Quito who own $50,000 motorcycles, but they choose to stay here because they love the vibe of the place. It’s truly humbling to see the impact CoCo Bongo has on people from all walks of life.
We have people come from the country as well. We’ll have a young couple who’ve pooled their money together, and a place like CoCo Bongo is like staying at the Four Seasons or something for them. They’re really excited and so polite, taking pictures of all the murals and art. It feels really good seeing all these people from different economic levels mix together; you don’t see that at other places
Xavier, can you tell us a bit about what inspired your move to Bahia de Caraquez and your decision to purchase CoCo Bongo?
Sean:
Xavier, sure, I can tell you a bit about that. Well, it all began with a desire for a change of pace. I’d actually founded Ecuador’s most popular disco, Bungalow 6, up in Quito. While it was an exhilarating experience, I found myself craving a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle. That’s when Bahia de Caraquez caught my eye. Its tranquil ambiance and picturesque coastal setting seemed like the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of city life.
Xavier: What drew you specifically to CoCo Bongo?
Sean: CoCo Bongo just had this vibe that drew me in. I heard about its good reputation as a watering hole for expats, lots hung out there, and I’ve met some very interesting characters. It kept life interesting. The mix of travelers, the friendly atmosphere—it all clicked with me. I saw a chance not just to run a business, but to create a space that felt right for me. I like to own businesses I enjoy hanging out in, and that’s one of the reasons I bought CoCo Bongo. Funny story, I actually tried to purchase it way before I actually did, but Susy, the owner, kind of blew me off. I can understand that though, CoCo Bongo was her baby.
Xavier: How did you envision transforming CoCo Bongo?
Sean: When I first laid eyes on CoCo Bongo, I immediately sensed its potential. It had this raw energy that drew me in. So, I rolled up my sleeves and started on renovations, but it felt like there was always something more to be done. I was constantly tinkering, knocking down a wall here, adding one there. Eventually, I decided to expand, adding a third floor and that amazing rooftop deck. The addition of features like the hammock balconies with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Rio Chone was just the cherry on top. My goal throughout it all was simple: to create a one-of-a-kind destination that would truly wow our guests and leave them with a fun experience that they would want to come back too.
Xavier: And how has your experience been since taking over CoCo Bongo?
Sean: It’s been an incredible journey so far. CoCo Bongo isn’t just a business for me—it’s a passion project, it was like an addiction. Every day, I get to share my love for hospitality, creativity, and connection with travelers and volunteers from around the world and I’ve made some really close friends. It’s immensely rewarding to see guests come together, sharing stories and forging friendships in this special place. I truly believe that CoCo Bongo has the power to leave a positive impact, both on the local community and on travelers’ lives.
My name is Xavier Chriboga, and I volunteered at CoCo Bongo a few years ago. I ended up staying much longer than planned because I had such a fantastic experience. I’m eagerly looking forward to returning and spending more time in CoCo Bongo and Bahia de Caraquez.
Last modified: May 9, 2024
