El Alquimista Yoga & Spa

Our P4 penthouse had a sweeping view from the balcony over mountains, trees, and ocean, with both sunrise and sunset. The privacy was excellent, and the daily refills in glass water bottles were a welcome sustainability touch. El Alquimista sits in a natural alcove that feels tucked away from Zipolite, though everything is just around the bend. The beach is stunning, the sunrise and sunset are incredible, and the candlelit shore at night is especially lovely. Meals at the restaurant were a pleasure. Guillermo, David, and Luis were attentive and made each one warm and enjoyable. The food was fantastic, though more expensive than many nearby options. A few things could be better: more comfortable balcony seating would help us enjoy that view, and the beach chairs weren’t comfortable for lying down or sitting to read for long. More ergonomic loungers would help. Refillable, higher-quality toiletries would also fit the hotel’s eco-friendly values better. We absolutely loved our stay and have already booked for next year. The location, atmosphere, staff, sustainability touches, and experience were wonderful.

I’ve been coming to Alquimista for years and rarely leave the hotel and restaurant. The staff at the restaurant are amazing: they remember what I like, check in on me, and really look after me. The rooms are all great, and most have balconies facing the garden and ocean. Most of the guests are queer and very friendly, so I always meet new friends. I’m trans, and I feel welcome, safe, and seen here. I don’t think I’ll stay anywhere else.

This is a review of the restaurant, not the hotel. The setting was lovely for dinner, with candles everywhere and tables on the beach, but the food was a big letdown for the price. Of the three starters we ordered, two were okay and one wasn’t good. The seafood risotto was inedible, and the grilled shrimp were so bland they had no flavor at all. The chocolate lava cake was just okay. The presentation was there, but the food itself lacked flavor and nothing stood out.

We’d go back in a heartbeat. We splurged on the pool suite, and while it was expensive, having a private pool to cool off in during the heat of the day was well worth enjoying as a break from the beach. The grounds are beautiful and the staff are great. One thing I’d love to see before my next visit is better window curtains. I don’t always want to wake up at 6:30 on vacation!