Mandala Eco Villas — Hotel in Municipio de La Libertad

The good stuff: Hotel looks pretty much as it does in the pictures, so no harm there. We stayed at a big villa that fit 5 but you could probably comfortably fit 6 in there. The villa was big and the beds were comfortable, and everything was clean. The food was good, but very undersalted. Funnily enough I had heard this from some of my friends that had visited prior and boy were they right. Nothing easily fixed though.... We had the shrimp pizza, the coconut shrimp, two different tacos, and ceviche salvadoreño - enjoyed them all. ||The only bad things about the room: the screen on one of the windows was entirely unattached in our room, meaning we had to fully close it (quite a problem with no a/c) or let bugs in at night. Luckily the room was big enough where it fell rather airy. The bathroom was fully out of shampoo and conditioner when we arrived, and we had to go request more that night as they hadn't checked. ||Now what was wrong with the rest: first of, we arrived at 1pm (check in is at 3) and hoped to just wait around the restaurant prior to getting our room. However, there were no tables left for us to sit at (until we noticed a family of 9 was using two tables). We found it rather odd that they have no way to prioritize a sitting area or something of the sort for those paying for a night of stay over those that are just there for lunch, and it seems a bit ridiculous to think that you can get to the hotel you paid a room at and not be seated because others are taking up space and probably only spending the $$ minimum and leaving after. Other hotels like this have areas that can only be accessed by hotel guests, therefore always allowing them a place to sit/hang... So, not a deal breaker but keep it in mind if u're going on a crowded day. When we were assigned a table by the only person in the hotel that actually helped during our stay (a woman whose name I unfortunately forgot) - she took part of our order. Everything went downhill from there - ordering drinks, dinner, etc required me following a server every single time because they'd never come to our table or by the pool or really anywhere we were. I literally chased a server down to order piZZA for dinner at some point... Quite ridiculous. At breakfast, not only did I have to again walk towards the corner where the server was just standing to order (after we'd been sitting at the table for a while), but I also had to go ask like 20min later for the coffee and drinks to be brought to us (as is done anywhere else). Even then food arrived prior to drinks and while the head of kitchen apologized after I complained, the server acted annoyed that I had pointed it out. Additionally, my sister found two hairs in her tortillas and the server didn't apologize but said "we'll let the kitchen know". Since I didn't hear anything in response for a while, I went to complain to the kitchen - They said that they buy tortillas from a lady in town and don't actually make them, but I feel like we should've gotten a little more of an apology than "thanks we'll get the kitchen know". ||Honestly, if all you want is a pretty place with a pool, go for it. If you're looking for good service, run away. I'd never give another cent to this hotel if this is how guests are treated. People that come for lunch seem to get priority over hotel guests, or at least that's how it went for us yesterday... So what's the point of spending a good amount of money in stay and consumption for such a...

A Serene Oasis for Nature Lovers and Surfers

I recently had the pleasure of staying at Mandala Eco Villas during my trip to El Salvador, and it was an absolutely remarkable experience. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the resort's commitment to ecological sustainability and the breathtaking beauty of its surroundings.

The location of Mandala Eco Villas couldn't be more perfect for surf enthusiasts. Situated in front of the best waves in El Salvador, it offers a haven for those seeking thrilling adventures on the water. Even if you're not a surfer, you can still appreciate the stunning vistas and the rhythmic crashing of the waves.

One of the standout features of this resort is the fantastic day pass option they offer. It allows you to indulge in their delectable menu of food and drinks, all of which are 100% consumable until sunset. I particularly enjoyed starting my mornings with their refreshing pineapple smoothies, made from real pineapples. Each sip was a burst of tropical goodness that set the tone for the day ahead.

The restaurant at Mandala Eco Villas is a true culinary gem. With an eclectic collection of flavors, textures, and colors from different places and cultures, it offers a unique dining experience. What makes it even more special is the stunning ocean view from the restaurant, where you can enjoy your meals while overlooking the majestic waves. The staff members were incredibly professional and attentive, ensuring that every aspect of my dining experience was impeccable.

The villas themselves are designed to provide a sense of privacy and tranquility. Spaced out from one another, they are nestled amidst lush greenery and vibrant plants, creating an atmosphere of vibrant life and ultimate relaxation. The attention to detail in the villa's decor and amenities was impressive, making my stay comfortable and luxurious.

Overall, Mandala Eco Villas exceeded my expectations in every way. It's a sanctuary for nature lovers, surf enthusiasts, and those seeking a serene escape from the daily hustle and bustle. The commitment to ecological sustainability, the mouthwatering cuisine, and the attentive staff all contribute to an unforgettable experience. I can't wait to return to this paradise...

Overall our experience was ok staying at Mandala Eco Villas. I liked the idea of the bungalows to be romantic with my husband for a weekend in El Salvador. Kind of a bora bora experience in El Salvador. However, we stayed in the bungalow closest to the pool so it was very loud due to a larger party and not so romantic as we could hear everything. Our room got very cold and we were freezing at night as they only give you a flat sheet to cover with. The pool was nice and well kept (we saw them clean it each morning). The food had nice presentation and colorful display but wasn't the best in taste. The drinks were not great but my husband did enjoy the fresh juices. The staff was nice.

I did not like how they bill your credit card way before your stay as soon as the 30 days hit bam they bill the card on file and they don't allow for modifications of your stay. We had plans change about a week before our stay due to work and they were unwilling to move days or allow us to cancel 2 extra days that we didn't need. They suggested we give it to our family or friends; however, we are from the US and don't have family there to use it. After complaining about this, they gave us a credit to use in the restaurant and bar.

This hotel is pushed back into the forest, which was a drive to anywhere you wanted to go locally. Which was kind of a bit inconvenient that we couldn't walk anywhere. The place is fence and gated which we liked the security component. The beach access is gated off as its very rocky and you're unable to swim there. Overall we had a 3/5 experience but would...