Fodor's Expert Review Hotel El Magnifico

You will find a healthy dose of unexpected pleasure at this stellar, boutique hotel made up primarily of one- to three-bedroom condominiums and a few regular hotel rooms tucked in a serene oasis away from the noisy main town. Coral-stone paths wind around two exquisite tropical gardens of cacti and orchids, each with a pool and Jacuzzi. The open reception area is flanked by a quiet seating area that whispers tranquility. There are five different choices for lodgings, all have different designs and ages (all contemporary in style), ranging from full apartments with kitchens to regular hotel rooms with only a mini-fridge. Views are truly stunning, particularly from the penthouses. Owner Gerard Hebert is a charming French Canadian, an early surfer who arrived in 1984 and has a following. The exceptionally helpful receptionists speak Spanish, English, French, and German.