Beach Break Hotel & Surf Camp de Playa Venao

*This is long--sorry* We couldn't have asked for a better trip! We came to Beach Break Playa Venao wanting to learn how to surf for our 20th anniversary. We weren't expecting much from this tiny town of 800 people that takes 6 hours to get to from the airport, but it has everything and more! Our flight was delayed 7 hours but the driver of our airport transfer was still cheerful and friendly. We didn't arrive at Beach Breack until 1:30 AM but we were greeted with an immaculately clean room, soft bed, large rain shower, comfy hammock, all just steps from the pool and beach. Morning brought a perfectly relaxing yoga class, delicious breakfast at Pizza Gavilan, and meeting Brent the surfing instructor. Brent was great! We had 5 days of instruction where he not only got us up consistently with his help, but he also taught us how to catch waves on our own. I was incredibly impressed since we were two 45 year olds from the middle of the US with zero surf experience. On day 6 we were able to swing by the shop, pick up boards, and actually catch a few waves! We did the inclusive package which included breakfast every morning (we tried every option at least once, it was all great). Paddling through the Mangroves was peaceful plus visiting the town of Isla Canas wasn't a weird, awkward tourist thing like we've experienced in Mexico and St. Lucia. We did yoga every morning, each class was just unique enough to be fresh and the instructors were kind and knowledgeable. We took one jiu jitsu class (everyone there was kind and and knowledgeable also). Jiu jitsu is a full body workout and much harder than it looks and we know our limits so one class was enough! We hiked to the waterfall and lookout at Eco Venao. It's completely worth the effort. We went in the middle of the day do no monkeys on that hike. They are active early morning and later afternoon. We took the "path" (also a hike) at the end of the beach past the Villa Marina Condos to Playita at 4ish and saw tons of monkeys! And the food! Everywhere we at was delicious and very reasonably priced. My favorites were La Hummuseria and Coleos Cafe. El Sito was beautiful and a perfect place to enjoy our last night with great drinks and relaxing upscale atmosphere. Almendro was a cute little restaurant tucked away in Selina River resort that has amazing vegan pizzas. We went during "rainy season" which meant everything was quiet and peaceful. Many times we were the only people in a restaurant, or at the pool, or walking along the shore. Rainy season meant mostly clouds or partial sun, and tiny patches of rain that passed quickly. The temp was still 80-85F so cloudy days were perfect to walk around and hike and not get too hot. With just enough sun to tan and not burn. This place is truly paradise. It's definitely being "discovered" with new construction all over. I hope on 5 years Beach Break is still a quiet little resort in a quiet little town that has everything you cou

We spent 4 full days (5-nights) at Beach Break Surf Camp, and would’ve loved to have stayed longer! Booking was super easy. The property manager, John, was super responsive throughout the booking process, and we went with the all-inclusive package. The morning after we arrived (we got in pretty late), the surf camp manager, Brent, immediately found us and got us set-up. We brought my daughter’s surfboard with us, but never needed it, as they had plenty of quality board options for her to use (we’ve had experiences elsewhere where that was not the case). The rooms were pretty basic, but were plenty comfortable; especially given that we spent nearly all of our time outside. Each room has its own dedicated hammock, there were lounges around the pool and overlooking the beach, and the property never felt crowded (at least while we were there). I thought the pool appeared small in the pictures I’d seen, but it actually feels super spacious when you’re in it, and it’s deeper than you’d expect. It was very refreshing to have as option, even though you are literally steps from the ocean! The restaurant, Pizza Gavilán, was fantastic! A wide range of menu options, and ALL of the food was delicious (and I truly mean EVERYTHING we ordered was really good)!! All-in-all, we had a fantastic holiday at Beach Break Surf Camp! But is it worth the 6 hour drive from PTY? Heck yeah it is! Without a doubt, we will return! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

I spent 9 days at Beach Break. 5 days surf camp and I liked it so much I extended my stay. The place itself is clean, homely and peaceful. Facilities include a gym offering great classes and a big kitchen. What makes Beach Break stand out is the care and attention of John and the staff who strive to ensure your stay is memorable. I took surf lessons with Brent which were included in my surf camp package and went from never standing on a board before to catching green waves (with a little help!). He is an amazing teacher with great patience and puts his heart and soul into every class he gives. My only regret was leaving Beach Break and I hope to return sometime in the not too distant future!