Ast Surf Hotel

I was hopeful about this place, but as soon as I arrived I knew it wasn’t for me, and it might not suit you if you’re traveling from abroad. I’d messaged beforehand with a few questions and got incorrect answers. The attendant was really nice when I arrived and confirmed I’d get a full refund through Expedia, but the Expedia contact later denied it. Be careful. To clarify a couple of things, there’s little to no beach by the hotel, just erosion. The room also doesn’t have a private balcony, despite what you may be told. I hesitated to write a review, but the condescending response from their WhatsApp attendant made me feel this might help other travelers.

I paid 60$ for food and it was way too expensive, basura. They served pre-cooked packaged rice, one small tortilla, and hardly anything else. A real disappointment. I can see why no one goes there.

We booked a surf package through the resort, with five days at Punta Mangal and five days in la Libertad. Jorge, the owner, was fantastic to deal with and paid close attention to the details, which made the trip go smoothly. Our surf guide Emilio was amazing, brought great energy, and taught us a lot about surfing. I highly recommend the package. Ask for Emilio specifically, he made the trip one to remember.

We went to AST at Libertad, El Salvador for my 40th birthday, me, my cousin, and my brother. We had beginner, intermediate, and advanced surfing experience between us, and wanted culture, adventure, and plenty of surf. AST was a great fit. The staff were friendly, and we enjoyed trying to make sense of each other’s languages. Manager Jorge was responsive on Whatsapp with questions about conventions, trips, and other things. The rooms were clean and comfortable, the AC made a cool little sanctuary, and the view of the boardwalk, pier, and Punta Roca was hard to beat. We’d heard the food was good, but it was really, really good. Meals took a little longer than at US line cook restaurants because they were making gourmet food especially for us. The preparation and presentation were great. Coming home to my own cooking and usual food spots was a reality check, there was a different level of passion in each meal at AST’s restaurant. Location-wise, Punta Roca is right there, and La Paz is just out front. La Paz was a good beginner break with lots of sand, which felt familiar to us East Coasters. I caught some of my longest rides there, almost a quarter mile at the peak of a 4-6ft day, according to my watch’s GPS. From the pool, you walk down a staircase straight to the water. The crowd was mostly sparse, with local groms, learners, or other travelers. El Sunzal is a fun break, but it gets crowded with surfers at a range of skill levels. Check it out, but I was happy to stay in La Libertad and surf La Paz whenever I wanted instead of being stuck surfing El Sunzal in El Tunco. La Libertad is a local area, and the people and culture were welcoming and kind. We felt safe the whole time, even when we went inland past the merchants waiting for visitors. Anibal really made the trip for us. He’s a friendly, funny La Libertad local ripper who knows a lot about all things EL Salvador. My advice if you’re following our tracks: get a surf guide, eat pupusas between meals, and wake up early. If you want nightlife, Uber to El Tunco, it’s $5 each way.