Villas del Mar Máncora

I stayed here for 10 days during the first part of my month long solo tour of Peru and Bolivia. I was fresh from a very stressful contract at work and just wanted to lie on a sun-lounger for 10 days without interruption. Peru is not renowned for its beaches, however a bit of investigation showed me that the best bits are up around Mancora on the very north border with Ecuador, however a bit more investigation showed me that Mancora is primarily a party town and I didn't fancy it. After a couple of weeks of piling back through the hotel listings on here I came across Villas del Mar. I have no idea why it is so low in the ratings, I assume because it doesn't have many reviews at the moment, because it really is a little piece of paradise. I wanted somewhere with a pool as I don't trust the Pacific waves coming onto the beach here (heavy surf and riptides) but I also wanted a sea view. Having looked at the bungalows they are exactly as the photos show. I had lucky number 7 - every morning at 7am exactly my coffee was brought to my room (some mornings I was running and others I was just getting up). This is a family run hotel and the owner pops in and out...in school holidays they may be up at the big house and also using the bar area. They were very kind to me whilst I was there - even inviting me up to dinner on my penultimate evening and showing me around their own home (I have to admit I was being a bit nosy). The food is excellent, but be aware that it is Lima prices and as I wasn't very hungry and don't have a big appetite, I tended to just have breakfast and lunch and then either skip dinner in favour of Heinekens. There is a happy hour but it is not super well-advertised that it is only on certain drinks. I had assumed my beers were included but I only discovered this mid-week - however the owner advised I could have my 2 for 1 beers for the rest of the time I was there as well. I expect they will have to have shipped in a job lot upon my departure! The pool area is lovely too - it is a kidney shape and there were never so many people that the loungers ran out. Most days I had the place to myself (after the first weekend, which was school holidays). If you want to venture out and about, you can take a tuk tuk to Mancora, which is 3km away. I didn't bother, partly because I was exhausted and didn't want to move, and partly because I wasn't 100% sure it was safe being by myself. You don't need to worry about being safe on site, as they have 24 hour security. The only snagette I would say is that the wifi is very, very patchy. I could rarely get it to work in my room or on my verandah, although it is pretty reliable around the pool area. When I'm by myself I do like to be online all the time as it's my only communication link with my friends and family. So hopefully the owners have got this sorted out by now. Anyway, thank you very much for a fabulous stay all round :).

Before booking we called to ask a few questions regarding the crib for our 1 year son. The owner himself explained everything and was extremely friendly and helpful. We booked a regular villa and it was beautiful! but after the first night we were upgraded to the family villa! for free! it was a house with 3 bedrooms, living room, terrace, lovely view! The whole time the staff made us feel like home, they prepare special meals for our son (even at times when the kitchen was supposed to be close) and were always very helpful and kind. The hotel property is beautiful and really well kept, the gardens, the pool, the common areas. We specifically were looking for a property that was not beach front to avoid our son to be at the sand the whole day and this was perfect, we spend time at the pool, at the gardens, at the house, at the beach when we wanted (they have this little car to drive you to the beach, but it is 2 minute walk anyway). I think this hotel is ideal for families with children and also for couples. Since it is above the sea level the view is spectacular. They can arrange for a masseuse to come to the hotel and also a taxi to take you or pick you up from the airport. The food was delicious! and really big portions. When we left we forgot a few things in our villa, they let us know by calling the taxi driver immediately and the owner was so kind to bring our stuff to Lima a couple of days later. We had the best time there and can´t wait to come back! The owner and his staff go beyond expected to offer a wonderful experience.

Villas del Mar was an absolutely wonderful place to stay. After spending time trekking to Machu Picchu it provided the perfect relaxation. As there are a small number of rooms it was always quiet, even around the pool. The food was absolutely delicious and the staff were extremely accommodating and friendly. Finally, the individual hut-style rooms are large and spacious with a perfect view of the ocean from our king size bed.