El Rio y Mar Resort

Amazing stay! The staff here are truly fantastic — super friendly, welcoming, and always ready to help, which made the whole experience so enjoyable. The resort has a beautiful, relaxed vibe (almost like a White Lotus setup) with a coral reef just outside the hotel, perfect for snorkeling in calm waters. Food was very good, and we definitely made full use of the happy hour at the drinks bar with a super friendly bar tenders. Great place to relax and enjoy nature with top-notch service.

One of the most beautiful hotels I’ve ever had the chance to visit. A truly unique place, perfect whether you’re looking for activities or simply want to relax. I loved the warm welcome and the musical send-off, as well as the charming wicker beach baskets handmade by local artisans. The only downside was the food quality, which could be improved to make the overall experience absolutely perfect. It was like a dream!

El Rio y Mar offers a peaceful, secluded experience—but getting there is a journey. Expect about 45 minutes total, including a 20-minute van ride and a 15-minute boat ride. This remoteness gives the resort a private, tranquil feel, but also makes trips to town expensive and time-consuming. Because of the location, it makes sense to book excursions directly through the resort—though they are on the pricey side. The same goes for meals; you’re limited to the on-site restaurant. While the food wasn’t a standout, it was satisfying and fairly priced for such an isolated spot. We stayed in a deluxe cabin, which was beautiful and cozy. Just be mindful not to leave food out—since the cabins are made of wood and bamboo, ants can find their way in. Service was excellent, with personal touches like a welcome and farewell song. Amenities were a nice surprise too—kayaks, pool tables, and badminton are available. The outdoor gym was a bit underwhelming, especially during rainy season, but the beachfront bar made up for it with stunning coral views just beside it. We visited during rainy season and saw box jellyfish in the water, but no one got stung and snorkeling still went on. Overall, El Rio y Mar is a great pick if you’re looking to unplug and relax in a scenic, remote setting—with a few trade-offs to consider.