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Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos

3.0 star property
3-star spa hotel near MontaƱita Beach

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos

Exterior
Family Room | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, free WiFi
Yoga
Hallway
Reception hall

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Laundry
  • Breakfast included
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

Map
Barrio La Punta, Manglaralto, Santa Elena
  • MontaƱita Beach
    ā€Ŗ7 min walkā€¬
  • Montanita Church
    ā€Ŗ9 min walkā€¬
  • Olon Beach
    ā€Ŗ10 min driveā€¬

Room options

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, free WiFi

Family Room

  • Sleeps 5
  • 3 Twin Beds and 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Quadruple Room

Standard Quadruple Room | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, free WiFi

Standard Quadruple Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Triple Room

Standard Triple Room | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, free WiFi

Standard Triple Room

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Room

Standard Room | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, free WiFi

Standard Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Superior Studio Suite

Superior Studio Suite | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, free WiFi

Superior Studio Suite

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, free WiFi

Standard Double Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Room

Standard Room | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, free WiFi

Standard Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, free WiFi

Standard Double Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, free WiFi

Family Room

  • Sleeps 5
  • 3 Twin Beds and 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Room

Standard Room | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, free WiFi

Standard Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Triple Room

Standard Triple Room | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, free WiFi

Standard Triple Room

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Standard Double Room

Standard Double Room | 1 bedroom, in-room safe, free WiFi

Standard Double Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

About the neighborhood

Montanita

Close to the beach.Within a 10-minute walk of the hotel, you'll find MontaƱita Beach and Montanita Church. Also, Montanita Spanish School is within half a mile (1 km) and Montanita Point is within 3 miles (5 km).

What's nearby

  • MontaƱita Beach - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Montanita Church - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Montanita Point - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Olon Beach - 10 min drive - 2.8 miles
  • Ayampe Beach - 34 min drive - 16.2 miles

Getting around

  • Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Intl. Airport (GYE) - 179 min drive

Restaurants

  • ā€ŖThe Wave - ā€¬10 min walk
  • ā€ŖRestaurante El Surfista - ā€¬10 min walk
  • ā€ŖShankha - ā€¬10 min walk
  • ā€ŖRestaurant Ebenezer - ā€¬9 min walk
  • ā€ŖTiki Limbo - ā€¬11 min walk

About this property

Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos

3-star spa hotel near MontaƱita Beach
Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos offers its guests a full-service spa. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is served daily. Public spaces have free WiFi.

A terrace, barbecue grills, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos. An airport shuttle (available on request) is available for a fee. Self parking is free.

This 3-star Manglaralto hotel is smoke free.

  • 12 guestrooms or units
  • Full breakfast (free)
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos offers 12 accommodations with DVD players and safes. Rooms open to furnished balconies. This Manglaralto hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Rooms have detached private bathrooms. Bathrooms include bathtubs with rainfall showerheads, and complimentary toiletries. Housekeeping is provided daily.
Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, Swedish massages, and body treatments. The spa is equipped with a hot tub and Turkish bath/hammam. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and reflexology. The spa is open daily.

Similar properties

Front of property

Hotel Sol y Playa MontaƱita

  • Pool
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
2.8 out of 5, 5 reviews
The price is $43
includes taxes & fees
$43 per night
Apr 9 - Apr 10
Hotel Sol y Playa MontaƱita

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • DVD player
  • Laundry facilities
  • Living room
  • Separate bedroom

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge) on request
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Full-service spa

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • TV

Bathroom

  • Bathtub
  • Detached private bathroom
  • Free toiletries
  • Rainfall showerhead

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Living room
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: noon
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 8 percent for credit card payments
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation

Renovations and closures

This property is closed from February 28 2025 to March 4 2025 (dates subject to change).

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 5 children 1 year old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Ecuador value-added tax (15%). Nonresident travelers who present a valid passport and tourist visa may be eligible for a tax refund. However, nonresident travelers may be exempt from value-added tax (15%) on package bookings.
  • Deposit is payable by PayPal and is due within 48 hours of booking the reservation.

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 100 per vehicle (roundtrip)
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 8 percent

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and cash
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, and cash.

This property requires a 50% deposit via bank transfer or PayPal, due within 48 hours of booking the reservation.

We should mention

  • Up to 5 children 1 year old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

Property is also known as

Balsa Surf
Balsa Surf Camp
Balsa Surf Camp Hotel
Balsa Surf Camp Hotel Montanita
Balsa Surf Camp Montanita
Balsa Surf Camp Hotel Manglaralto
Balsa Surf Camp Manglaralto
Balsa Surf Camp
Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos Hotel
Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos Manglaralto
Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos Hotel Manglaralto

Frequently asked questions

How close is Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos to the airport?

Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos is 100.8 mi (179-min drive) away from the Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Intl. Airport (GYE) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos?

As of Mar 26, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos on Apr 5, 2025 start from $36.0, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos have an airport shuttle?

Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos offers an airport shuttle on request, for a charge of USD 100 per vehicle, roundtrip.

How close is Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos to the beach?

This hotel is a short 7-minute walk from MontaƱita Beach and 2.8 mi (10-min drive) from Olon Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos offer free breakfast?

Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos offers free full breakfast every day from 8:30 AM to 11 AM.

Is there a casino at Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: noon.

Is there free parking at Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos have a pool?

Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos does not have a pool.

Does Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos have a spa?

This hotel has a spa, which features deep-tissue massages, body treatments, and aromatherapy.

How close is Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos to downtown Manglaralto?

Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos is 0.5 mi away from Montanita.

Balsa Surf Camp by Rotamundos Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 31 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 31 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 31 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 31 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 31 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Brad, Queensland, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Balsa Surf Camp is like staying with family! It has a wonderful atmosphere, and the location is nice and quiet within a very easy walk to town. For a surfing adventure, everything is at your fingertips and the team are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I thoroughly enjoyed the daily yoga, thank you to the wonderful instructor Darcy Lynch. I will visit Montanita again, and I wouldn't think of staying anywhere other than Balsa.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Barb, Philadelphia

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was a little tropical oasis! The ambiance of the place is laid back and comfortable. Everyone is friendly. The food is good. The yoga class is good. The location is fantastic. If I ever return to montanita (and I probably will), I would not stay anywhere else!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing place to relax and unwind. Very friendly staff, great breakfast, yoga and beach, only problem was we didnā€™t stay longer!!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great vibes. Amazing food. Really kind and attentive staff. Very relaxing atmosphere.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The property was beautiful. The staff was wonderful and so warm and helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Very good location as it is close to the beach and far enough away from the sounds from the bars downtown. The staff are very friendly... this was the third time we stayed here
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

tyler, cleveland

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Paradise on the beach
They have an amazing sense of community at the hotel and itā€™s so relaxing I canā€™t wait to come back. People say montanita is too loud and to stay in olon but balsa is far enough away from downtown that itā€™s very tranquil. Also their surf lessons were awesome thatā€™s a must do while youā€™re here.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

Andres

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A hideout
Amazing experience. Total unexpected. This is a retreat for anyone looking to be away from civilization, and city noise. Very peaceful experience, amazing staff, and the food totally down to earth. The place breaths stillness and calm with the sound of the crashing waves.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Corey, San Francisco, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location, service, chill vibe
I really enjoyed my time here. Location is perfect - away from the main town center of MontaƱita but close enough to walk to it. Great breakfast served every morning. Very relaxing to lounge in the hammocks. Great yoga classes taught by Duff. Great staff. Location is perfect if you're looking to relax, surf, yoga, etc. I will definitely return.

10/10 Excellent

Brooke , Byron Bay Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful little Haven right on the beach
What a great place balsa is. Set 10minites up the beach from montaƱita, it's the perfect place to stay away from the mayhem. Daily yoga, breakfast included is delicious. The staff are really friendly and helpful and they provide all the services of a hotel, in a laid back setting. The rooms are clean and comfortable, it's is quiet and has a great laid back vibe. There is other yoga studios and restaurants near by id you want to mix it up. Surf lessons and board hire at the surf shop on site too. The massage and healing at the spa was amazing. All in all a great weeks stay in Ecuador! As a solo female traveller I felt safe and comfortable here. Definitely recommend for those not wanting to live in amongst the party of the town.

10/10 Excellent

Adam D, Portland Oregon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great beach access is just a few steps away. Quiet yet close.

6/10 Okay

Juan

Liked: Cleanliness
Hotel did not have hot water or a TV. Place was clean and staff very friendly. Far from the noisy montanita, yet close enough so you can enjoy the nightlife of the town.

10/10 Excellent

Megan, Madison, WI

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Most Amazing Hotel!
This hotel was nothing short of Amazing! The hotel had all of the amenities that you would want in a very nice hotel, the bathroom was SO clean and nice. The bed was of ok comfort, but nothing bad about it. The mosquito netting was wonderful! There was a table and 2 chairs to sit in, a wardrobe for clothes with drawers and hangers, a lockable drawer and a safety box with 2 locks in the room. They also had a fan! There was a balcony, with a hammock, a chair hammock, a couch AND a table. It was so Amazing, besides the pampering amenities, it was also very ecological! The materials we all very ecological, the design as well. They reuse the waste water to help water the garden which is simply amazing! The staff are SO helpful, there is always someone at the desk ready to speak English of Spanish (and French too I believe!). They will help you with anything from, towels in your room, restaurant suggestions, where to get sun screen in town, how to get to other cities, etc. They whole trip was AMAZING, a breeze, nothing was overlooked and I felt completely at home with them.

8/10 Good

Joe, Phoenix

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good place for a stay.
Great staff, very helpful and accommodating. Not right on the beach but a very very short walk to the beach and is located far enough from the weekend high volume night noise in town (but close enough to walk the beach to the middle of town to partake in the atmosphere). Bottom line is if you plan to turn in before 2 am on the weekend consider the short walk to the middle of town as a good thing

10/10 Excellent

Shawn, Cuenca, Ecuador

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hotel on the Beach.
Wonderful place with great staff! Breakfast served until 11am.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great hotel!
Lovely spot, not far from town centre but far enough to be able to sleep at night. Rooms lovely, most staff great one or two needed a bit more sleep (were fairly grumpy). But would defo stay again

10/10 Excellent

Real, Ottawa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Close, clean and friendly
This places is close enough to be able to walk to town, but far enough that you dont hear all the noise. It's clean and the staff is very helpful.

10/10 Excellent

Arie, NY

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed for 5 nights with my girlfriend. The owners of the hotel are lovely people, they were both very helpful and attentive and even gave us a free breakfast when we showed up way before our check-in time. The property is beautiful and relaxing. If you want to surf this is the place to stay. The owner shapes his own balsa boards which he rents and sells. they are beautiful boards, he has every shape and length you could want, and a short alley leads you directly to the best surf spot in montanita, a 30 second walk from your door. It was also nice not to sleep in the middle of the rave that is downtown montanita. It's only a 10 minute walk along the beach away from the center of town, but its totally tranquil. Breakfast was free and delicious everyday and the fries I ordered as a snack were great. The only downsides were the Internet was weak sometimes, but that's been the case pretty much everywhere I've traveled in S.A., and the hot water ran out a couple of times, but it would come back if you let it rest for a bit.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
More than we expected
Balsa was great. Clean, quiet, friendly, and worth the extra money compared to other places.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great hotel to relax and surf
Good located, 10min to walk to the center of montanita (party place -> very noisy during the nights). You dont hear the party music at the hotel. Breakfast is very good. Nice garden in the hotel area. Absolutly recommendable.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great Surf Camping in Montanita
We spent a week at Balsa Surf Camp and were really happy with our stay. In the village there are cheaper options, but if you are not travelling on a shoestring budget we would highly recommend this place. Carefully crafted balsa/bamboo huts stand in a paradise like garden. Surfboards available for rent at the camp and there is only one minute walk to the beach ā€“ right at ā€œthe point breakā€. Breakfast was delicious and staff was friendly and helpful. The bed was a little hard for our taste, but this is understandable as Balsa is a surf camp, not a spa. :)

10/10 Excellent

Calin Dan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Muy relajante !!!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
El trato, instalaciones y ubicaciĆ³n excelente . El restaurant es muy bueno
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Calin Dan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Es un hotel muy acogedor, cerca de la playa y alejado del ruido . El personal es fantƔstico
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018