We had an amazing, relaxing, enjoyable stay with our teens and another couple... this retreat was exactly what we needed as a break from life. Was the stay/property perfect... no, not at all. Frankly, if you want "refined," stay out of not just El Salvador, but Central/South America generally, it’s not for you! If you are flexible, can think on your feet and don't require constant pampering (e.g. you have a sense of adventure), read on!
To be very, the less appealing aspects (which are minor) include some dated but functional furniture; beds are very firm, but none of us minded too much; ran out of water one day, but caretaker brought more a few hours later; rolling black outs are apparently common and after a thunderstorm, no power for 8 hours. Again, expected in Central America and more an opportunity for adventure/connection vs. a drawback.
Immediate area has few restaurants; food was very good, but, lacks variety; one needs to stay flexible and working around a problem… in fact, when we had a hard time finding much to eat off property, the staff went out of their way to bring us out an unplanned meal that turned out to be the BEST tostada’s we’d ever and ate over a beach campfire…. They went above and beyond the entire time.
Re crime, we had zero problems and felt safe the entire time; roadsides generally litter filled, but so it goes, and burning trash happens throughout the region; police and military have a presence in the populated areas; many private establishments have guards. Do NOT drink the water.
The black sand beach is AMAZING; been to Peru/ Costa Rica/ French Poly/ Mexico/ Jamaica/ Hawaii and the beach was as pretty as any of them, but with one very important difference… few people! Some busy days, but not many; almost all locals; lots of surfers and giant waves.
The staff make this place go from great to stellar. Every dissatisfaction is truly meaningless once one accounts for the difference the staff make daily. They work SO hard and are beyond attentive and accommodating. The cook/ food are AMAZING. We constantly reflected on how the place is has the benefits of a resort without the people. They give you a ride anywhere for whatever at the drop of a hat; grocery is 20 minutes away and they help you choose items for the cook to make local specialties. The cook repurposes items that are unused to minimize waste and she is SO creative. Truly a special stay!
