Paradise Beach House: piscina privada, playa 100m

The women’s dorm gave me the treat of a private bathroom and balcony, and the hostel is right by one of Fuerte's best surf spots. I had an amazing time there. The vibe was so fun and the staff were super helpful. I'll definitely be back :)

We spent 11 days there and had a wonderful time. The staff were so friendly and welcoming, and the coffee was amazing. They put on a barbecue for all the guests, which was great. The surf gear is worn out, though the teachers are very kind.

We only came for surf lessons and didn't stay in the house, so I can't rate the accommodation firsthand. While we were there, the kitchen and bathroom looked fine, and the people staying seemed happy and positive. Some had returned two or three times, which seems like a good sign. We did notice that the place needs maintenance and some new gear. Given the location, price, and service, though, it was a very positive experience. The school had a friendly, international crowd and made us feel welcome right away. My husband and I are over 45, and we worried we might not fit in, but the hostel and school community welcomed us into the group. Ana was our contact on WhatsApp and replied quickly whenever we had questions, even at 10 pm on a Sunday. The classes were small and personal, with lots of help and attention. We took five lessons with Gianni, an experienced instructor with an extensive surf record. He knows his stuff and pushed us to improve in a really good way. I had mobility issues and not much strength, but he quickly taught me a workable pop-up, helped me train and improve my stance, showed me how to read waves, and, above all, how to get the “eye of the tiger” when going for one 😄. We also liked that he took us to different spots around the island, choosing the best times and conditions for our level.

I traveled alone and felt at home almost straight away. The small hostel has a cozy, familiar feel, like everyone knows everyone, and the volunteers Betty and Matteo were lovely and welcoming. They were happy to show us around. I also took surf lessons there and would absolutely recommend them. Sonya is great! :)