Arennas Máncora hotel review: experience Northern Peru's blissed out vibes in this luxury hotel right on the beach front

• Rating: 8/10
• Rooms at Arennas Máncora start from $252 (£212) a night
• Check current rates and availability

Driving from Piura to Máncora in Northern Peru, I couldn’t keep my eyes off the incredible sky, turning from orange to lilac, then pink, as the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. Arriving at a new destination in the dark is one of my favourite experiences, you still have that excited anticipation the next morning when you wake to see what the new world around you has to offer. It turns out Arennas Máncora has a lot to offer—it’s SO beautiful, I thought I must be dreaming. 

Pool view at Arennas Máncora

Sitting right on the beachfront, along a bumpy, dusty road, ten minutes outside of Mancora town, Arennas Máncora is the place to come for quieter beaches and a seriously blissed out break. 

What’s the vibe at Arennas Máncora?

Just like the luxurious Aguas Claras hotel in Costa Rica, and the idyllic Pereh Hotel in Israel's Golan Heights, location is paramount and oh-so relaxed. Once you arrive it's hard not to just float around in a haze of delight. Staff are so helpful, rooms are a mere 20 steps from the beach and breakfast is served overlooking the sea. Bring a book and your swimsuit, that’s pretty much all you’ll need.

Breakfast overlooking the ocean

How are the rooms at Arennas Máncora?

My suite had ocean and garden views plus a huge veranda with loungers to laze away the day. Although I wasn’t in the first row of ocean front rooms, the view from my room was still super impressive with the bright blue sea contrasting brilliantly against verdant green palm trees—it was so perfect it almost didn’t look real. 

The view from my bedroom

Inside, my room was fairly simple in design, a few pictures on walls, the usual TV, minibar and air conditioning (although I didn’t need to use it), nothing that stood out creatively but the main draw here I guess are the outside views. The bathroom was pretty big and had a glass panelled shower so I could see the sea while a showered—so dreamy! The bed was huge and I fell asleep to the sound of the sea.

My room at Arennas Máncora

What is there to eat and drink at Arennas Máncora?

After eating at the best restaurants in Lima, I was worried the food at Arennas Máncora would fall below par but the Tiradito Mar & Rio—thin slices of salmon and tuna marinated in lime with sesame seeds and soy, alongside a potent Pisco Sour were made all the more delicious by the epic surroundings. The outdoor restaurant overlooking the ocean is also where the breakfast buffet is set up each morning. Serving fresh juices (papaya and watermelon are the best), cheese, cold meats and pastries, you can also order hot dishes from the menu, (although I’d avoid the eggs benedict!).

Any highlights?

The pool, surrounded by palm trees and daybeds is so beautiful, day or night. There’s also a jacuzzi that you can use well into the evening, maybe with a cocktail in hand and I keep banging on about the views, but for me this was one of the main highlights of Arennas Máncora. The beach is only a few steps from any room and you’ll pretty much have it to yourself. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for cute beach foxes that come out at night. 

Máncora beach

Anything they could improve on?

Nothing at all. 

Follow @arennasmancora

Check rates on Booking.com