About
Kim Hassan left American corporate life to pursue happiness. Originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, by way of Washington, DC, she relocated to Playa Negra (Black Beach) in August 2022. There, this Howard University alum created mecca, a picturesque oasis and sanctuary for solo travelers and couples to unplug and unwind. The beginning of Kim’s journey was featured on HGTV’s popular House Hunters International series [Season 182, Ep. 1: Price vs. Project].
mecca is an adult-only (18+) destination property offering accommodations and curated experiences. mecca boasts three, private rooms and a casita. Each room features a hand-crafted double bed, en suite bathroom, air conditioning, ceiling fan, open-air closet, desk and direct access to the Balcony Bar. Our casita has a kitchen, bedroom with a hand-crafted queen bed with closet and air conditioning, ceiling fan, outdoor bathroom, jacuzzi and lounge area. Property amenities include:
Air conditioning
Hot water
Concierge Service and travel consultancy
Free, secure parking
Jungle Pool
Sala with Sorbo Bar
Balcony Bar
Sunsoaked Lounge
Jungle Garden
Pura Vida Kitchen (fully-equipped)
Poolside bathroom
Laundry facilities
Fire Pit & Grill
Scooters (rent)
Bikes (gratis)
Fiber Optic Internet
Jungle shower
Private casita with kitchen, queen bed and jacuzzi
mecca is conveniently located 550 meters (five-minute walk) from Playa Negra beach, and 1.7 km (15 min walk) from Puerto Viejo center. mecca also offers convenience to Route 36, grocery stores, bars, restaurants, shops and nightlife.
Puerto Viejo
Set along the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Viejo is a charming Afro-Caribbean beach town situated 50 km from Limon, the main city in the province. Puerto Viejo is a unique haven that is comprised of a mixture of Jamaican, African, indigenous peoples and a recent addition of many expats from the US, Canada, Europe and Australia. People are drawn to Puerto Viejo because of its gorgeous beaches, lush jungles, diverse wildlife and laid back “Pura Vida” lifestyle.
Duafe
The duafe which is prominently featured in the mecca logo is the Adinkra symbol for femininity. Adinkra symbols were originally created by the Bono people of Gyaman. [Gyaman, a branch of the Akan, was founded in the late 15th century, located in what is now the Bono region of Ghana and Ivory Coast.] The Gyaman king, Nana Kwadwo Agyemang Adinkra, originally created or designed these symbols, naming it after himself. Adinkra cloth was worn by the king and its usage eventually spread from Bono Gyaman to Asante and other Akan kingdoms.
The Adinkra symbols were largely used on pottery, stools and household items by the people of Bono. They are incorporated into walls and other architectural features. The symbols are decorative, but also convey traditional wisdom, aspects of life or the environment. Many have distinct meanings, often linked with African proverbs.