Curator’s statement
I spent a recent weekend lounging in the sun in the picturesque coastal village of San Lorenzo de Manta at Villas San Lorenzo. San Lorenzo is a small, traditional, Ecuadorian beach town, about 30 minutes south of Manta (airport). The Villas are brand new (completed in the summer of 2022) and operated by Marilyn and Keith Keller who are seasoned hotel owners. This is their third and most luxurious project in Ecuador!
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Villas San Lorenzo consist of three, two bedroom, 2.5 bath homes, and one, one-bedroom casita. The casita and the three villas share a large pool, hot tub, covered yoga deck, and outdoor kitchen and lounge. The villas are fully air conditioned and spotlessly clean. Each villa has a second story balcony to view the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
This would be an ideal property to rent for a small retreat or group trip. You could easily rent the entire property and have the place to yourself (7 bedrooms total). The villas are beautiful and extremely well-appointed, each has a full kitchen and living room, washer/dryer, beach towels, beach bag, kitchen supplies, and outdoor shower. But the number one reason to stay here are the owners themselves! Marilyn is by far the most hospitable, welcoming, and accommodating host I have met, anywhere in the world. You will leave feeling like a part of the family!
The villas are located one block from the gorgeous beach of San Lorenzo and within walking distance to one of the biggest attractions in the area, the San Lorenzo Lighthouse hike. You can also hike from the villas to a completely undeveloped, virgin beach (La Botada) within about 30 minutes.
San Lorenzo is a small and traditional coastal Ecuadorian town. There are several traditional Ecuadorian seafood restaurants along the beach and if you want some variety, Manta is only 30 minutes away and has an ever-growing selection of fabulous restaurants. It would be ideal to have a car for this trip so that you can easily explore the surrounding beaches and Pacoche Nature Reserve (monkeys!). The ideal time to visit San Lorenzo for sunny beach vibes is December through May but it is warm year round. The Villas have a two-night minimum stay requirement.
Instagram: @villas_san_lorenzo
Need to know
This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Ecuador. In need of further inspiration? Check out Sarah Mills’ guide, An Insider's Guide to Cuenca, Ecuador's Most Charming City.
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