Esencia nativa is a fairly nice hostel/hotel in El Zonte. Staff are quite blunt but friendly, facilities are basic but comfortable, pool is nice but needs to be cleaned more regularly. Prices are a little too high for what they offer. The food is fairly tasty but again a little expensive plus they automatically add a tip despite average waiters. The room was quite clean but we found a scorpion on the bed side table.
Hotels.com
Expedia.comExpedia.com
Our family ( from Canada ) spent 4 days here and Absolutely Loved every minute.
We have 3 children ages 9 , 10 , 14
The kids all did surf lessons and had so much fun as did myself & my husband.
The beach was great , apparently certain times of the year the beach is more rocky but in January it was Beautiful black sand.
The food was amazing, the staff is so friendly.
Such a peaceful place and extremely family orientated.
Thank you Alex .. looking forward to our next trip
We came here for a quick drink and some dessert one evening in El Zonte. The restaurant is a bit overpriced but this is understandable, given that it is the most popular place in the small community. What bothered us was the attitude we received when asking to use their wifi (a rare good in El Zonte), which they don't give to restaurant customers because it would consume too much; the staff was very unpleasant to us. We were the only customers that evening, the only other people hanging around were staff members - using their phones to watch youtube and listen to music. We don't know about the room or food quality - they actually look good, for what we have seen. The experience with the staff, though, was very disappointing - being a little bit kinder to external guests wouldn't be a bad idea!
Alex is great. His surf lessons were the best. Have nothing to do with Rivas though, he is dishonest and scammed us, and then tried to bribe us. It was such a bad experience with him that I never want to return to El Zonte.
If you're looking for a qenuine experience, something off the beaten track it's a great place to relax, surf and enjoy the nature. You feel like time slows down. I've visited it off season and it was amazing. You can enjoy great food and spend time in the patio looking at the ocean. Alex is a great host and very patient surfing instructor. He can give you hints not only about surfing but also on lifestyle and El Salvador in general.
I ve stayed only one night in a single room with a fan and I would recommend ones with AC or dorms instead. If you're looking for more luxury maybe ask about rooms on the first floor. The interior was very simple but it's kind of trade off some are willing to take to enjoy the view and atmosphere.
Thoroughly enjoyed my trip here! Would recommend it to anyone. Alex is an amazing surfing instructor, patient and encouraging! Also the staff at Escenia Nativa are amazing, they work with Rivas to take you on tours to wherever your heart desires! The hotel has a great kitchen, with excellent food! The location of the hotel is ideal. Especially when you can enjoy your meals on their patios that over look the ocean!
