Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos

3.0 star property
Hotel with a full-service spa, a short walk to Montañita Beach
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos

Exterior
Reception hall
Family Room
Yoga
Hallway

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Spa
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Breakfast included
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

Map
Barrio La Punta, Manglaralto, Santa Elena
  • Montañita Beach
    7 min walk
  • Montanita Church
    9 min walk
  • Montanita Spanish School
    11 min walk
  • Salinas (SNC-General Ulpiano Paez)
    82 min drive

Room options

Family Room

Highlights

Furnished balcony
TV
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Detached private bathroom
Rainfall showerhead
Living room
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 5
  • 3 Single Beds and 1 Queen Bed

Standard Quadruple Room

Highlights

Furnished balcony
TV
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Detached private bathroom
Rainfall showerhead
Living room
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Single Beds

Standard Triple Room

Highlights

Furnished balcony
TV
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Detached private bathroom
Rainfall showerhead
Living room
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Single Bed and 1 Double Bed

Standard Room

Highlights

Furnished balcony
TV
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Detached private bathroom
Rainfall showerhead
Living room
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Superior Studio Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony
TV
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Detached private bathroom
Rainfall showerhead
Living room
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Double Room

Highlights

Furnished balcony
TV
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Detached private bathroom
Rainfall showerhead
Living room
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room

Highlights

Furnished balcony
TV
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Detached private bathroom
Rainfall showerhead
Living room
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Standard Double Room

Highlights

Furnished balcony
TV
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Detached private bathroom
Rainfall showerhead
Living room
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed

Family Room

Highlights

Furnished balcony
TV
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Detached private bathroom
Rainfall showerhead
Living room
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 5
  • 3 Single Beds and 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room

Highlights

Furnished balcony
TV
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Detached private bathroom
Rainfall showerhead
Living room
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Standard Triple Room

Highlights

Furnished balcony
TV
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Detached private bathroom
Rainfall showerhead
Living room
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed

Standard Double Room

Highlights

Furnished balcony
TV
Ceiling fan
Separate bedroom
Detached private bathroom
Rainfall showerhead
Living room
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Similar properties

About the area

Montanita

At Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos you'll be within just a 10-minute stroll of Montañita Beach and Montanita Church. Highlights at this hotel include a full-service spa, a restaurant and free daily breakfast. .A pampering day can include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, aromatherapy and reflexology along with access to the hot tub. For a drink, you can stop by the hotel's own lounge bar. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a Turkish bath/hammam and laundry facilities. Free full breakfast is available daily between 8:30 AM and 11 AM. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .With a stay at this 3-property class Manglaralto hotel, you'll be 0.9 km (0.6 mi) from Montanita Spanish School and 3.1 km (1.9 mi) from Montanita Point.

What's nearby

  • Montañita Beach - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Montanita Church - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Montanita Spanish School - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Montanita Point - 3 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Olon Beach - 10 min drive - 4.5 km

Getting around

  • Guayaquil (GYE-Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Intl.) - 179 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Wave - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Restaurante El Surfista - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Shankha - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Restaurant Ebenezer - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Tiki Limbo - ‬11 min walk

About this property

Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos

Hotel with a full-service spa, a short walk to Montañita Beach
Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos offers its guests a full-service spa. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served daily. Public spaces have free WiFi.

A terrace, barbecue grills, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos. An airport shuttle (available on request) is available for a fee. Self parking is free.

This 3-star Manglaralto hotel is smoke free.

  • 12 guestrooms or units
  • Full breakfast (free)
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos offers 12 accommodations with DVD players and a safe. Rooms open to furnished balconies. This Manglaralto hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Rooms have detached private bathrooms. Bathrooms include a bath with a rainfall showerhead, and complimentary toiletries. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.
Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, Swedish massages and body treatments. The spa is equipped with a hot tub and Turkish bath/hammam. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and reflexology. The spa is open daily.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Return airport shuttle (surcharge) on request
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 8:30 AM to 11 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Family friendly

  • DVD player
  • Laundry facilities
  • Living room
  • Separate bedroom

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Hot stone massages
  • Reflexology
  • Spa open daily
  • Spa tub
  • Swedish massages
  • Turkish bath

More

  • Reception hall
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Bathtub
  • Detached private bathroom
  • Free toiletries
  • Rainfall showerhead

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • TV

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Living room
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: noon
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 8 per cent for credit card payments
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival
For more details, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 5 children 1 year old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Ecuador value-added tax (15%). Non-resident travellers who present a valid passport and tourist visa may be eligible for a tax refund. However, non-resident travellers may be exempt from value-added tax (15%) on package bookings.
  • Deposit is payable by PayPal and is due within 48 hours of booking the reservation.

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 100 per vehicle (return)
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 8 per cent

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard and cash.

We should mention

  • Up to 5 children aged 1 year old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

Property is also known as

Balsa Surf
Balsa Surf Camp
Balsa Surf Camp Hotel
Balsa Surf Camp Hotel Montanita
Balsa Surf Camp Montanita
Balsa Surf Camp Hotel Manglaralto
Balsa Surf Camp Manglaralto
Balsa Surf Camp
Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos Hotel
Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos Manglaralto
Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos Hotel Manglaralto

Frequently asked questions

Is parking available at Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos?

Yep, Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos has a free self car park.

How much does it cost to stay at Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos?

As of 25 Nov 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos on 3 Dec 2024 start from AU$83.66, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Are there any beaches close to Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos?

Yep, Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos is a short 7-minute walk from Montañita Beach. Fun beach activities include body boarding.

Is there a spa on site at Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos?

Yep, there is an onsite spa at Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos. You'll enjoy heaps of services like body treatments and Swedish massages.

What makes Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos a romantic place to stay?

A hot tub and a lounge bar, as well as rainfall showerheads and private balconies in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos.

Does Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos serve breakfast?

Yeah, complimentary full brekkie is available daily between 8:30 AM and 11 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos?

No, but there's an airport shuttle on request for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves Regional cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos?

Check-in begins at 2 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos?

No, pets and service animals are not allowed.

Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 30 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 30 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 30 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 30 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 30 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Brad, Queensland, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Balsa Surf Camp is like staying with family! It has a wonderful atmosphere, and the location is nice and quiet within a very easy walk to town. For a surfing adventure, everything is at your fingertips and the team are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I thoroughly enjoyed the daily yoga, thank you to the wonderful instructor Darcy Lynch. I will visit Montanita again, and I wouldn't think of staying anywhere other than Balsa.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Barb, Philadelphia

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was a little tropical oasis! The ambiance of the place is laid back and comfortable. Everyone is friendly. The food is good. The yoga class is good. The location is fantastic. If I ever return to montanita (and I probably will), I would not stay anywhere else!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing place to relax and unwind. Very friendly staff, great breakfast, yoga and beach, only problem was we didn’t stay longer!!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great vibes. Amazing food. Really kind and attentive staff. Very relaxing atmosphere.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The property was beautiful. The staff was wonderful and so warm and helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Very good location as it is close to the beach and far enough away from the sounds from the bars downtown. The staff are very friendly... this was the third time we stayed here
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

tyler, cleveland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Paradise on the beach
They have an amazing sense of community at the hotel and it’s so relaxing I can’t wait to come back. People say montanita is too loud and to stay in olon but balsa is far enough away from downtown that it’s very tranquil. Also their surf lessons were awesome that’s a must do while you’re here.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

Andres

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A hideout
Amazing experience. Total unexpected. This is a retreat for anyone looking to be away from civilization, and city noise. Very peaceful experience, amazing staff, and the food totally down to earth. The place breaths stillness and calm with the sound of the crashing waves.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Corey, San Francisco, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location, service, chill vibe
I really enjoyed my time here. Location is perfect - away from the main town center of Montañita but close enough to walk to it. Great breakfast served every morning. Very relaxing to lounge in the hammocks. Great yoga classes taught by Duff. Great staff. Location is perfect if you're looking to relax, surf, yoga, etc. I will definitely return.

10/10 Excellent

Brooke , Byron Bay Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful little Haven right on the beach
What a great place balsa is. Set 10minites up the beach from montañita, it's the perfect place to stay away from the mayhem. Daily yoga, breakfast included is delicious. The staff are really friendly and helpful and they provide all the services of a hotel, in a laid back setting. The rooms are clean and comfortable, it's is quiet and has a great laid back vibe. There is other yoga studios and restaurants near by id you want to mix it up. Surf lessons and board hire at the surf shop on site too. The massage and healing at the spa was amazing. All in all a great weeks stay in Ecuador! As a solo female traveller I felt safe and comfortable here. Definitely recommend for those not wanting to live in amongst the party of the town.

10/10 Excellent

Adam D, Portland Oregon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great beach access is just a few steps away. Quiet yet close.

6/10 Okay

Juan

Liked: Cleanliness
Hotel did not have hot water or a TV. Place was clean and staff very friendly. Far from the noisy montanita, yet close enough so you can enjoy the nightlife of the town.

10/10 Excellent

Megan, Madison, WI

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Most Amazing Hotel!
This hotel was nothing short of Amazing! The hotel had all of the amenities that you would want in a very nice hotel, the bathroom was SO clean and nice. The bed was of ok comfort, but nothing bad about it. The mosquito netting was wonderful! There was a table and 2 chairs to sit in, a wardrobe for clothes with drawers and hangers, a lockable drawer and a safety box with 2 locks in the room. They also had a fan! There was a balcony, with a hammock, a chair hammock, a couch AND a table. It was so Amazing, besides the pampering amenities, it was also very ecological! The materials we all very ecological, the design as well. They reuse the waste water to help water the garden which is simply amazing! The staff are SO helpful, there is always someone at the desk ready to speak English of Spanish (and French too I believe!). They will help you with anything from, towels in your room, restaurant suggestions, where to get sun screen in town, how to get to other cities, etc. They whole trip was AMAZING, a breeze, nothing was overlooked and I felt completely at home with them.

8/10 Good

Joe, Phoenix

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good place for a stay.
Great staff, very helpful and accommodating. Not right on the beach but a very very short walk to the beach and is located far enough from the weekend high volume night noise in town (but close enough to walk the beach to the middle of town to partake in the atmosphere). Bottom line is if you plan to turn in before 2 am on the weekend consider the short walk to the middle of town as a good thing

10/10 Excellent

Shawn, Cuenca, Ecuador

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hotel on the Beach.
Wonderful place with great staff! Breakfast served until 11am.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great hotel!
Lovely spot, not far from town centre but far enough to be able to sleep at night. Rooms lovely, most staff great one or two needed a bit more sleep (were fairly grumpy). But would defo stay again

10/10 Excellent

Real, Ottawa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Close, clean and friendly
This places is close enough to be able to walk to town, but far enough that you dont hear all the noise. It's clean and the staff is very helpful.

10/10 Excellent

Arie, NY

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed for 5 nights with my girlfriend. The owners of the hotel are lovely people, they were both very helpful and attentive and even gave us a free breakfast when we showed up way before our check-in time. The property is beautiful and relaxing. If you want to surf this is the place to stay. The owner shapes his own balsa boards which he rents and sells. they are beautiful boards, he has every shape and length you could want, and a short alley leads you directly to the best surf spot in montanita, a 30 second walk from your door. It was also nice not to sleep in the middle of the rave that is downtown montanita. It's only a 10 minute walk along the beach away from the center of town, but its totally tranquil. Breakfast was free and delicious everyday and the fries I ordered as a snack were great. The only downsides were the Internet was weak sometimes, but that's been the case pretty much everywhere I've traveled in S.A., and the hot water ran out a couple of times, but it would come back if you let it rest for a bit.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
More than we expected
Balsa was great. Clean, quiet, friendly, and worth the extra money compared to other places.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel to relax and surf
Good located, 10min to walk to the center of montanita (party place -> very noisy during the nights). You dont hear the party music at the hotel. Breakfast is very good. Nice garden in the hotel area. Absolutly recommendable.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great Surf Camping in Montanita
We spent a week at Balsa Surf Camp and were really happy with our stay. In the village there are cheaper options, but if you are not travelling on a shoestring budget we would highly recommend this place. Carefully crafted balsa/bamboo huts stand in a paradise like garden. Surfboards available for rent at the camp and there is only one minute walk to the beach – right at “the point break”. Breakfast was delicious and staff was friendly and helpful. The bed was a little hard for our taste, but this is understandable as Balsa is a surf camp, not a spa. :)

10/10 Excellent

Calin Dan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Muy relajante !!!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
El trato, instalaciones y ubicación excelente . El restaurant es muy bueno
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Calin Dan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Es un hotel muy acogedor, cerca de la playa y alejado del ruido . El personal es fantástico
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018