Chicama Boutique Hotel & Spa

Finding the entrance by car took some figuring out, but locals can point you in the right direction. There’s a big door with a bell; ring it and wait, and arriving feels great once they let you in. Inside, the rooms are huge, stylish, and feel brand new after a renovation two years ago. Management was lovely, and they can rent you pro surfboards, arrange a boat, or help hire someone with a drone. It’s a high-end resort in a very poor area, which surprised me. One of the best places I stayed during my two-month trip around Peru.

Other surfers seem to get very little respect from this hotel in the water. I don’t know Emma from the previous review, but I agree with her. The bald guy needs to learn the rules of surfing and how to respect others on the waves. Locals and other visitors speak negatively about the resort over this, and guests may get some sideways looks if it keeps happening.

Daniel and Ralph deserve a big thank you. They juggle tons of requests and logistics, especially when groups are staying, yet still remember small details and go out of their way to help. I got really sick during our stay, and Ralph checked in on me while Daniel gave my husband probiotic liquid and electrolyte drinks for me. That kind of care says a lot about them. We stayed almost two weeks over two visits, and this is easily the best hotel in Chicama for luxury, atmosphere, service, food, and location. The modern, clean rooms are roomy, with big comfortable beds and nice hot showers. The restaurant and bar staff work incredibly hard, and everything from the kitchen was five-star, especially the chorrillana fish and burger. It’s right by the way down to the surf, with storage for boards, foils, and other gear. After long surf sessions, the hot tubs, sauna, steam rooms, and daily yoga were just what we needed. It feels high-end but still relaxed. We could lounge on the couch or walk around barefoot, and some guys wore speedos. It never felt stuffy or too fancy. Can’t wait to come back.

Lucy’s daily yoga was awesome, and Charo gave me massages every day. Miguel and Marie were so accommodating, and the whole staff was fantastic. I loved the hotel and its focus on foiling and surfing, plus it’s in the best location in Chicama. I’m definitely coming back for more foil and surf, good food, and that friendly Peruvian culture. My foil and surf videos are on the GoPro Grandpa YouTube channel.