Balancé Surf & Yoga Retreat
Playa El Tunco, El Salvador
Boutique surf retreats at a stylish beachfront property at one of the best surf breaks in El Salvador.
Set right on the beach in Playa El Tunco, El Salvador, Balancé has fantastic surf retreats that include everything you need to have an amazing surf trip. Revel in the glory of booking an awesome surf trip without having to do any planning. Beachfront accommodations, delicious meals, surf guides, massages, transportation, and more, are all done for you and wrapped up in a perfect surf trip package.
Balancé has a lot going for them. Besides having a stellar surf break out front (La Bocana), and a few more breaks within easy walking distance, the recently renovated property is a tropical modern haven. Complete with upscale rooms and a lounge-worthy pool and garden lined with palm trees, the hotel is a short walk to all of the great food and nightlife options in El Tunco, but far enough away from the action that you will enjoy a peaceful, noise-free stay.
Surf retreats include most everything you need on your trip, so you can basically pick travel dates, get your flight, and be ready to roll. Surf retreats are available for 5- or 7- nights and cater to both beginner and intermediate surfers (packages slightly differ depending on skill level).
Retreats include accommodation, round-trip airport transfers, a daily morning pre-surf gourmet snack, daily full breakfast, most lunches and dinners, primo surf lessons (or guiding), daily board rentals, deep tissue massage, Waterfall or Mayan Ruin Tour, and all taxes and fees. Full details can be found below.
To add some zen to your surf schedule, Balancé also has a yoga studio on site that holds regular classes with top-notch teachers.
The Lowdown
VIBE: Laidback tropical modern
LOCALE: Beachfront at a stellar surf break
ROOMS: 8 private suites and a separate 3-bedroom villa
FAMILY FRIENDLY: Yes
CLOSEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS: El Salvador International Airport Oscar Arnulfo Romero (SAL)
PRICING: $780 – $2,195 USD per person per week (rates vary depending on room and occupancy)
Features
Inside
Rooms are tropical modern featuring polished concrete, rich wood, and a private terrace with outdoor space and a hammock. All rooms have hot water showers, A/C, premium bedding and linens, safe, mini fridge, high-speed fiber optic internet, and a 5-gallon purified drinking water dispenser that is refilled throughout your stay.
Outside
The tropical palm-fringed pool deck and garden face the waves and are a welcome space to chill in between surf sessions. Kick back in a comfy lounge chair with friends and a cold one to recount the best waves of the day.
Eat & Drink
The cafe serves up made-from-scratch healthy and hearty eats made with fresh local ingredients. Fuel up on delish dishes like veggie burritos, french toast loaded with fruit, and pitaya smoothies. Fresh coconut water and purified drinking water are included. Can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian diets.
The Surf
Multiple waves are within an easy walk from the property – La Bocana is right out front, and it’s a quick walk to La Bocanita and El Sunzal.
El Salvador is the land of world-class righthand point breaks, but there are lefthand points, river mouths, and hollow A-frame beach breaks on offer too. Being a south-facing stretch of coast, the main surf season is from April to October, but there are fun waves and favorable winds year-round. November to March are great months for beginners to intermediate with often fun days for advanced surfers too. Whether you’re a beginner or pro, longboarder or shortboarder, there are a variety of waves to suit your ability and style.
WATER TEMP: 80 – 83 °F ( 27 – 28 °C) all year long but can get a bit cooler on occassion
PEAK SURF SEASON: April – October
SHOULDER SURF SEASON: Nov – March
SURF EXPERIENCE: Beginner to advanced
Rooms
All rooms at Balancé have hot water showers, premium linens, air conditioning, and a 5-gallon purified drinking water dispenser that is refilled throughout your stay. Please bring a refillable water bottle such as a Hydroflask or Nalgene.
The Fuego Suite has 1 King bed and faces the La Bocana surf break on the second story. It comes with an exclusive, large private terrace and deck, a small kitchenette with mini-fridge, tea kettle, coffee maker, and sink; high-speed fiber optic internet, a small desk and workstation, a closet/organizer, a secure safe, and a beautiful open-air bathroom.
Max Guests: 2
The Mango Suite is located at the heart of the surf retreat – right under the shade and beauty of the central Mango tree. This is the ideal room for 3-person groups and families because of the option for 3 separate beds. The ground floor space has the option for 1 King bed or 2 Twin beds, and there is an additional mezzanine level with a queen bed and desk. Includes a small kitchenette with mini-fridge, tea kettle, sink, private bathroom, air conditioning, private terrace with hammock space, high-speed fiber optic internet, a closet/organizer, a secure safe, and a large beautiful bathroom.
Max Guests: 4 adults or 2 adults, 3 kids
The Viento Suite has the option for 1 King bed or 2 Twin beds and faces the La Bocana surf break on the second story. It comes with an exclusive, large private terrace and deck, a small kitchenette with mini-fridge, tea kettle, and sink; high-speed fiber optic internet, a small desk and workstation, a closet/organizer, a secure safe, and a chic bathroom.
Max Guests: 3
The Agua suite sits poolside and faces the La Bocana surf break. Agua is on the ground floor and is one of five “element” suites on the waterfront side of Balancé. This room comes with 1 Queen bed and a private terrace with a garden. Agua has a mini-fridge, high-speed fiber optic internet, a small desk and workstation, a closet/organizer, a secure safe, and a beautiful bathroom.
Max Guests: 2
The Tierra suite sits poolside and faces the La Bocana surf break. Tierra is on the ground floor, adjacent to the Agua Suite, and is one of five “element” suites on the waterfront side of Balancé. This room comes with 1 Queen bed and a private terrace with a garden. The room has a mini-fridge, high-speed fiber optic internet, a small desk and workstation, a closet/organizer, a secure safe, and a beautiful bathroom.
Max Guests: 2
The Bamboo Suite is located at the center of the retreat under the shade and beauty of a bamboo and mango tree. The suite comes with an option for 1 King bed or 2 Twin beds. Includes a small kitchenette with mini-fridge, tea kettle, and sink; private terrace with hammock space, desk/workstation, high-speed fiber optic internet, a closet/organizer, a secure safe, and a beautiful open-air bathroom with shower garden.
Max Guests: 2
The Almond Suite is located just behind the waterfront suites and near the café and almond trees. The room comes with an option for 1 King bed or 2 Twin beds. Includes a small kitchenette with mini-fridge, tea kettle, and sink; private terrace with hammock space, small desk, and workstation, high-speed fiber optic internet, a closet/organizer, a secure safe, and a beautiful open-air bathroom with shower garden.
Max Guests: 2
The Madera suite sits poolside and faces the La Bocana surf break. Madera is on the ground floor and is one of five “element” suites on the waterfront side of Balancé. Madera comes with 1 Queen bed and a private terrace with a garden. The room has a mini-fridge, tea kettle, high-speed fiber optic internet, a small desk and workstation, a closet/organizer, a secure safe, and a beautiful bathroom.
Max Guests: 2
The Jacaranda Suite is located adjacent to, but separate from the Villa. This room comes with 1 Queen bed, a private bathroom, and a private terrace. This room is equipped with a small kitchenette with a mini-fridge and tea kettle, high-speed fiber optic internet, a closet/organizer, a secure safe, and a small desk/workstation. Please note, we offer a discount ($245 off for 5-nights, and $355 off for 7-nights) for the Jacaranda Suite because it is a bit separate from the rest of the hotel, right at the entrance to the property and close to the road which comes with with a bit of road noise and isn’t ideal for light sleepers.
Max Guests: 2
Details
Three types of Surf Retreat Packages are available for 5- and 7-nights with flexible check-in dates: Beginner Packages for those learning to surf, Intermediate Packages for more experienced intermediate to advanced surfers (who can appreciate the local insights gained through guided surf trips), and Family Packages for either beginners or intermediate to advanced surfers. See below for details on what’s included and rates.
Packages & Rates
5-Night Beginner Surf Package
What’s Included
- 5 nights accommodations
- Daily morning snack – Balancés signature early morning healthy gourmet spread
- Daily full breakfast
- 3 lunches
- 5 dinners
- 3 surf lessons (90 minutes)
- 1 Waterfall or Mayan Ruin Tour
- 1 deep tissue massage (60 minutes)
- All taxes and fees
- 10% gratuity on meals
- Round-trip airport transfers
Rates for 5-Night Beginner Surf Package
Single Occupancy: $1,495
Shared Double: $1,030 per person
Shared Triple: $915 per person
4 Surfers in Mango Suite: $830 per person
4 Surfers in 2 rooms: $955 per person
7-Night Beginner Surf Package
What’s Included
- 7 nights accommodations
- Daily morning snack – Balancés signature early morning healthy gourmet spread
- Daily full breakfast
- 4 lunches
- 7 dinners
- 5 surf lessons (90 minutes)
- 1 Waterfall or Mayan Ruin Tour
- 1 deep tissue massage (60 minutes)
- All taxes and fees
- 10% gratuity on meals
- Round-trip airport transfers
Rates for 7-Night Beginner Surf Package
Single Occupancy: $1,975
Shared Double: $1,345 per person
Shared Triple: $1,190 per person
4 Surfers in Mango Suite: $1,160 per person
4 Surfers in 2 rooms: $1,245 per person
5-Night Intermediate Surf Package
What’s Included
- 5 nights accommodations
- Daily morning snack – Balancés signature early morning healthy gourmet spread
- Daily full breakfast
- 3 lunches
- 5 dinners
- 3 days of full-day guided surf trips
- Daily surfboard rental from a quality selection of boards
- 1 deep tissue massage (60 minutes)
- All taxes and fees
- 10% gratuity on meals
- Round-trip airport transfers
Rates for 5-Night Intermediate Surf Package
Single Occupancy: $1,700
Shared Double: $1,230 per person
Shared Triple: $1,120 per person
4 Surfers in Mango Suite: $1,030 per person
4 Surfers in 2 rooms: $1,155 per person
7-Night Intermediate Surf Package
What’s Included
- 7 nights accommodations
- Daily morning snack – Balancés signature early morning healthy gourmet spread
- Daily full breakfast
- 4 lunches
- 7 dinners
- 4 days of full-day guided surf trips
- Daily surfboard rental from a quality selection of boards
- 1 deep tissue massage (60 minutes)
- All taxes and fees
- 10% gratuity on meals
- Round-trip airport transfers
Rates for 7-Night Intermediate Surf Package
Single Occupancy: $2,195
Shared Double: $1,565 per person
Shared Triple: $1,415 per person
4 Surfers in Mango Suite: $1,295 per person
4 Surfers in 2 rooms: $1,470 per person
5-Night Beginner Family Package
What’s Included
- 5 nights accommodations
- Daily morning snack – Balancés signature early morning healthy gourmet spread
- Daily full breakfast
- 3 lunches
- 5 dinners
- 3 surf lessons (90 minutes)
- 1 Waterfall or Mayan Ruin Tour
- All taxes and fees
- 10% gratuity on meals
- Round-trip airport transfers
Rates for 5-Night Beginner Family Package
Family of 4 in Mango Suite: $780 per person
Family of 5 in 2 rooms: $835 per person
7-Night Beginner Family Package
What’s Included
- 7 nights accommodations
- Daily morning snack – Balancés signature early morning healthy gourmet spread
- Daily full breakfast
- 4 lunches
- 7 dinners
- 5 surf lessons (90 minutes)
- 1 Waterfall or Mayan Ruin Tour
- All taxes and fees
- 10% gratuity on meals
- Round trip airport transfers
Rates for 7-Night Beginner Surf Package
Family of 4 in Mango Suite: $1,105 per person
Family of 5 in 2 rooms: $1,195 per person
5-Night Intermediate Family Package
What’s Included
- 5 nights accommodations
- Daily morning snack – Balancés signature early morning healthy gourmet spread
- Daily full breakfast
- 3 lunches
- 5 dinners
- 3 days of full-day guided surf trips
- Daily surfboard rental from a quality selection of boards
- All taxes and fees
- 10% gratuity on meals
- Round-trip airport transfers
Rates for 5-Night Intermediate Family Package
Family of 4 in Mango Suite: $945 per person
Family of 5 in 2 rooms: $1,035 per person
7-Night Intermediate Family Package
What’s Included
- 7 nights accommodations
- Daily morning snack – Balancés signature early morning healthy gourmet spread
- Daily full breakfast
- 4 lunches
- 7 dinners
- 4 days of full-day guided surf trips
- Daily surfboard rental from a quality selection of boards
- All taxes and fees
- 10% gratuity on meals
- Round-trip airport transfers
Rates for 7-Night Intermediate Surf Package
Family of 5 in Mango Suite: $1,275 per person
Family of 5 in 2 rooms: $1,315 per person
* Additional nights, special requests, and other family sizes can often be accommodated. Please get in touch for pricing and availability.
Good to Know
- In addition to being experienced with teaching lessons to beginners, their team of surf instructors are also competitive surfers that can help intermediate surfers hone their skills.
- If you want to travel without boards, Balancé has the best quiver of surfboard rentals in El Salvador (and daily board rentals are included in your retreat). You can choose from longboards to shortboards that are in excellent to like-new condition. If you like to try different shapes, you’ll have access to different boards each day as the surf conditions change. All boards come with premium fins and a reliable leash.
- While yoga is not included in the packages for your flexibility, Balancé has a nice onsite yoga studio with excellent teachers. Classes can easily be added to any package for $12 per class.
- Balancé has some helpful amenities for families available like great nannies, car seats for airport pickup, pack-and-play, etc. When booking, please let us know if you are interested in any of these items.
Location
Playa El Tunco, El Salvador
Balancé stands out from the rest of the hotels in Playa El Tunco because it is waterfront to one of the best surf breaks in the country (La Bocana) and a short walk to all of the great food and nightlife options in El Tunco. The location is ideal because it’s close to everything, yet far enough away from the restaurants and bars that you will always have a peaceful, noise-free stay.
Getting There
Balancé is located just 45 minutes away from the airport. The property has parking for some guests, and a separate parking lot available with secure, ample parking space a few doors down. The majority of guests go without a vehicle, and they have 24/7 service to the airport for your airport pickup and dropoff, and experienced surf guides for those who want to explore other surf breaks nearby.
On-site parking is on a reservation basis and is first-come-first-served. We highly recommend not renting a car, as you’ll find it unnecessary once you are there. You can walk to the surf, restaurants, and everything you need, and you will be exploring the coast with their awesome team of surf guides.
The Small Print
Terms and Conditions
General
- Check-in: 3pm
- Check out: 12pm
PAYMENT TERMS
Full payment is required to confirm your reservation.
Payment Options
- ACH/Bank Transfer
- Zelle
- Credit card (3% processing fee)
CANCELLATION POLICY
Before 14 days of check-in, full refund. Within 14 of check-in, non-refundable. Depending on when your reservation is made, after 120 days of making payment, all payments are non-refundable and final. However, if cancelled with 14 days advanced notice of your originally planned check-in date, your payment can be applied to a future reservation. We retain a $75 administrative fee for cancelled reservations that may be applied to any new reservation with Balancé during the 12 month period starting with the date your booking was made. A 3% processing fee will also be retained from the final refund amount.
CREDIT CARD POLICY
Credit Card on File: For add-ons and extra services ordered onsite, Balance requires a credit card on file which can be provided upon arrival along with a signed waiver for use of surfboards and lessons or surf guiding.
Inquires for Balancé are currently on hold.
