El Surf Club — Restaurant in Nayarit

Horrible. The hotel owners and corporate property owners have privatized the beach and made it nearly impossible for locals and surfers to access La Lancha beach. My neighbor tells me years ago the beach would be full of local families in the dry season (December). Now we had to walk 25+ minutes through extreme mud to arrive at this beach.

I asked the security guards if visitors can rent a beach chair, rent a board, or order drinks from the club? They said, "Absolutely not, this is private property only." Absurd. "Federal law in Mexico states the public cannot be denied access to a space 20 meters inland from the high tide line, but some businesses mark off exclusive areas almost up to the water’s edge." On September 19, 2020 Mexico’s Senate voted to levy fines of up to $47,000 USD against hotels, restaurants and/or other property owners who restrict and/or deny access to the country’s beaches.

I hope El Surf Club and the Four Seasons in Mita (who have an agreement to use this area as well) somehow have their day in court. Guests here should feel guilty for supporting poor ecological and awful neocolonial practices like the operation of...

So, this is a private, members-only beach club. As soon as I set foot on "their" sand, I was politely but swiftly intercepted by a friendly Mexican gentleman who informed me I couldn’t be there. Really?

La Lancha is a stretch of otherworldly beauty, and this little slice seemed like the perfect spot to grab a frosty drink—especially after hiking half a mile through the jungle with a surfboard. But no dice. The gentleman, still smiling, let me know the membership fee was "muchismo" (his word, not mine) and kindly showed me the exit.

Fine, fine. Moving along. Fortunately, this "exclusive" beach club only occupies a small sliver of this glorious beach, so I happily reclaimed my freedom a few steps away.

For what it’s worth, this beach club didn’t exactly scream luxury. Three rows of loungers crammed together—really? Imagine paying mucho dinero for a membership only to end up three rows deep from the ocean view. If that’s the pinnacle of having more money than sense, I’ll take my free oceanfront and a...

I had the unfortunate experience of attempting to dine at El Surf Club, a beachside establishment that prides itself on its ocean views and culinary delights. Despite having a confirmed booking through OpenTable, we were denied entry upon arrival. The staff's attitude was dismissive and unapologetic, leaving us stranded without entry or alternative arrangements. This lack of professionalism and disregard for customer service is unacceptable. I would strongly advise against patronizing this establishment unless you enjoy disappointment with a side of...