While traveling, especially to someplace new and off the beaten path such as Utila, a safe, comfortable, convenient home base is really important to me. Coral Ridge House was all that and SO MUCH MORE! Location was perfect--breezy side of the island, few if any bugs and a SPECTACULAR view of the mainland to the south, the sunrise and the sunset to the east and west. Very quiet save for the constant sounds of the sea just a stones-throw away, but close enough to town to walk, bike or taxi. Beautifully maintained exterior and the interior was lovely, with every comfort of home you could want, need or imagine: CLEAN, beautiful tile floors, sparkling windows everywhere, fans, AC, fresh breezes, comfortable beds, linens and towels, plenty of closet space, fun, tiled showers, FABULOUS kitchen (and I love to cook), spacious dining and living areas with thoughtful art and decorations creating a perfect environment in which to unwind and renew, play and dream. Only problem: I didn't want to leave! All of this said about the property and house, I must say I may have been content ANYWHERE with the guiding hand, wisdom and warm heart of host Blanca. From the moment I met her at the ferry dock where she had a taxi waiting to take us "home", to the moment I said goodbye at the house, where she'd come with a taxi to take me to the airport at 7 am, I felt grateful to her for making everything smooth and enjoyable. She smiled like no one I've ever know, shopped with us, showed us which fish to buy, got us great bicycles--I could go on and on... In summary, this is an exceptional property; these are exceptional people!