Naio Hotel y Villas

We ended up leaving early. The place looks lovely, but it felt more like renting a nice villa than staying at a hotel that was being run well. Communication was poor and service was nearly absent, with little sense that anyone cared about the guest experience. Breakfast disappointed, cleanliness and presentation fell short of basic standards, and the rooms had almost no amenities. The price doesn’t make sense for that level of service, and I wouldn’t return. I was close to giving two stars, but the staff came across as reluctant and careless. I honestly don’t know how they got into the Michelin’s guide.

The clean, attractive rooms and air conditioning were a welcome contrast to Palomino’s heat, and I’d stay at this hotel again. In the 2.5 days I was there, I didn’t see another property that matched its quality, though some other reviews suggest better options exist. The pools were clean and warm, and breakfast before checkout was fine. I kept my time at the hotel short because I wanted to experience the town. Palomino has a very different feel: it’s a small, distinctive place that seems aimed mostly at backpackers and people passing through on a budget. Open sided bars and restaurants, no air conditioning, lots of mosquitoes and stray dogs, and a real off-grid atmosphere. I loved how authentic and not yet westernized it felt. The beach has simple bars and restaurants with umbrellas and chairs, and the local food was good and very cheap. The bars were fun for a drink, though I wasn’t there on a weekend and can’t speak to the nightlife then. It’s very hot, and nearly everything is open on the sides, apart from tattoo shops. The hotel, by comparison, is posh and upscale, quite unlike the rest of town. I’d go into town for more authentic cooking, no offense to the hotel. Dogs barking all night were really annoying, and I had issues with the water quality. Walking to the center isn’t easy, so I’d wear closed toe sneakers. A tuk tuk can take you by the main roads, but it takes much longer. You can also reach town along the beach past some fun hotel bars that are worth stopping at. If you want beautiful, clean accommodation with air conditioning and still want to experience Palomino’s culture, I’d recommend it. Below are some pictures of the town and hotel.

We loved our stay at Naio Hotel y Villas. The property was beautiful and calm, the staff were attentive, and the food was genuinely top notch. Reception answered our questions promptly and handled things professionally. They’re the front desk, not a personal concierge, and people should keep that in mind. The rescued pups wandering around were a lovely touch. When one got a little too curious, staff stepped in quickly. At the beach bar, the visible portable coolers took away from the atmosphere a bit, though the service was great. A filtered water refill station available around the clock would be a nice addition too.

The hotel is gorgeous, almost like being in the jungle, and it has so much potential. But a pile of small issues made it hard to enjoy, especially at what’s probably one of the highest prices in the region. I wouldn’t recommend it for what you pay right now. Our first room was beside air conditioners that made a strange, loud noise all night. They moved us the next day, which was good, but a hotel like this should try to prevent that situation. The restaurants were very average, and the food didn’t match the premium prices. Breakfast was okay, but the dishes weren’t clearly labeled, including whether they were vegetarian. Service was poor. We kept having to ask for a fork or spoon that had been forgotten. A massage cost around 200k pesos per person and was very average too.