We stayed at BVSC for 5 nights, and while the view was beautiful and the hotel is very accessible to the beach, I would never choose to stay here again. It is a unique hotel, it is very well constructed and beautiful, but as soon as we arrived (late, because our flight was delayed, and even later due to vague directions), we felt that we were being overcharged for just about everything. The room price comparable to other hotels in Nica is double, but without level of service you would expect. The Nicaraguan staff, however, is absolutely wonderful.

We asked how much it would be to have Marc and Marielle arrange a taxi for us from the airport, and it was about $30 dollars over what you could arrange for yourself. Instead we chose to rent a car, which is pretty much essential to staying here, otherwise you are a 20 minute cab ride from town (or you can hitchhike). I think the final nail in the coffin was when we went on a deep sea fishing excursion, caught some wonderful Mahi-Mahi and asked our hosts to cook it for us. They happily agreed, and we all shared a lovely meal of our hard caught fish. Then when it came to check out, they insisted on charging us full price for 2 meals, despite the fact that we had caught the fish and they had eaten it as well.

Overall, the view is beautiful, but not worth feeling like you went on vacation with those type of friends who always forget their wallet.

We stayed at the Buena Vista Surf Club for a week in late March. The hotel is brilliant! It’s very chic, yet its eco-friendly ways make you feel like you’re Indiana Jones… with all the comforts of a Rockefeller retreat.

The main house has a huge deck built out of native hard wood, that looks similar to teak, with a view that would rival that of any to be had in St. John, St. Barts, Crete or Capri – but you have a bit of the jungle as well, which makes it seem a bit more audacious! The A-frame, Indonesian styled, palm frond roof provides fantastic coverage for the light sprinkles that rarely touch it and cover the well stocked bar filled with snacks and endless choice of beverages to suit any palate. Each day much time was spent around the bar on its comfortable handmade stools and elongated table where many dinners were spent with our gracious, cool and entertaining hosts, Mark and Marielle. Marielle’s cooking is diverse and fabulous!

Each night the sunset would spray across the sky in brilliant shades of red to deep purple, which we were equally happy to watch from the beach or even better from the deck of the hotel with cocktails!

By the by, the walk to the beach is a mere stone’s throw away. And when you get there, you feel as if you’d joined the midst of Kelly Slater, as the 10 to 15 foot waves raged down and resident surfers are shredding waves – they make it look too easy. Ah, but then you get a few lessons and learn that the long boards are better (easier!) and getting in the tube is a pipe dream on your first day! Although, the native surfers don’t make you feel like an outcast, as you chill with them on the beach usually as the sun is going down. And if you’re up for a tan, it’s not going to take long. I’m Italian and was tan after day one, for my paler travel companions, the sun was a bit more of a challenge… aka sunburn for the first few days.

And even if you aren’t into animals all that much, the sight of the fantastic howler monkeys nursing their children is touching and almost hypnotic. Although they live near, they seem to relish their own familial bliss, but aren’t unhappy to be observed! Not to mention, Hustle and Flow, the resident guard dogs (just kidding, they are the most mellow, sweet mannered and loveable dogs you’ll ever have the honor of meeting!). AND, there was a distinct lack of mosquito’s during our stay!

We stayed in the far tree-house. The view of the sea was absolutely spectacular and with a cool breeze that was felt each night and we were lulled to sleep, safe and cozy in our jungle hideaway. We had power from sundown until midnight to light our hideaway and the bathroom had beautiful mirrors and a shower that had the feel of a waterfall with its island style shower head. The tree-house was an epithet of peace and tranquility.

Additionally, the people in the town of San Juan Del Sur were very friendly and we had a fantastic experience scuba diving. We dove a wreck and saw the biggest puffer fish we’ve ever seen, with a PADI dive instructor that was the best of the best (his name is Geronimo, ask for him in town)!

This vacation was exhilarating and relaxing, and could be either at any moment dependent on our whim! Buena Vista Surf Club and its host’s Marc and Marielle were the nexus to our rockin’ experience and we hope to visit them again soon – get down there before Buena Vista get’s TOO HOT!!

From the food to the service, everything about Buena Vista is terrific!

We were a little tired and weary upon our arrival at BVSC due to the fact that we had been travelling since 5 AM that morning, my brand new surfboard was lost in transit, and it took a three hour ride on rough roads to get there.

However, all of that changed once we arrived at BVSC. The second I walked out on that deck all of my travel stress and apprehensions were quickly blown away by the warm offshore breeze blowing at my back. I knew right away that the travel was well worth it. That first look at the sunset with perfect waves in the foreground and a cool Tona in my hand was all I needed to enter a deep state of relaxation.

The fun, family style dinner we had that night was amazing. Mariel is a wonderful cook and the food we had was delicious. It was as if we were sitting down to dinner with friends we had known for years. That night we hung out and played cards (watch out, Mariel is a poker shark) and shared stories.

The next day we woke up with the sun; bright and early, feeling like new people. We were greeted by our smiling hosts, ready with hot delicious Nicaraguan coffee and a delectable breakfast of the freshest fruits, local breads and old favorites.

We then grabbed some boards and went to play in the surf at the beach. The beach and surf at Maderas are perfect, great for beginners on the inside and challenging enough for experts on the outside.

After surfing, drinking beers at the beach shack and sunning all day, we headed back a short walk to BVSC and were greeted by another delicious home cooked meal.

This was our schedule for the remainder of the week. It was one of the most relaxing vacations I have ever had and would highly recommend it.

Of course there are lots of other things to do. Whether going into town, playing frisbee golf or just reading on the deck; there is someting nearby for everyone.

The greatest asset of BVSC is the hosts of course. They are fun, friendly, and beyond accomodating. Marc even went as far as driving a full six hours round trip to pick up my surfboards when they arrived.

BVSC is definitely a unique place to stay and was a wonderful adventure. I wouldn't stay anywhere else if I returned.

Recommended Attractions:
Sunsets
Drinks at Mango Rosa
Howler Monkeys
Movie Night at Bambu Beach
Boat Trip

We included BVSC for a two night stay during our 24 day trek throughout Nicaragua. We are in our 60's and not into the surfing culture so we were anticipating a marginalization - instead Marc and Marielle could not have been more welcoming. In fact, we sensed a keen interest in talking about something else. This is no small matter since when you stay at BSVC you feel like part of a large family gathered around the dining room for ample and delicious breakfasts and dinners.
We stayed in one of the two cabanas that are on stilts giving the impression you are in a tree house. the kingsized bed was under a mosquito net - necessary, not for mosquitoes during the dry season, but for other, exotic crawlies. With the windows and openings wide you feel you are part of the surrounding jungles with all the accompanying sounds of howler monkeys and birds.
Not surfing we hiked to the surrounding beaches looking for swimming opportunities which we found in Playa Majagual. Both days we lunched at a small beach palaypa - offering delicious sandwiches (eg curried chicken) for $2.00.
We would advise you book ahead for this accomodation since there is limited space and there are no other similar options in this especially delightful area.