This is our first trip to El Salvador and we stayed at Villa Flamar for approximately 2 weeks. We rented a car from the airport and it was about a 2 hour trip to the beach house. The route along the beach is quite scenic. The roads are not well marked, but getting lost here and there is part of the adventure for us! The beach house is comfortable with air-conditioned bedrooms, each with their own bathroom. There was lots of seating and hammocks to laze around in the shade...the sun was scorching most days. We enjoyed all three meals outdoors in the thatched day hut, the ocean breeze and listening to the crashing waves. It was where we hung out and relaxed throughout the day. My children (aged 11 and 13) were in the ocean twice a day and in the pool 3-4 times a day. The waves were big, but manageable and they had a blast! It would be a surfer's paradise. We had the beach to ourselves mostly and the dark sand at Costa Azul went on for miles on either side of the beach house. I beach combed every day. We would watch local fishermen launch their boats as well as cargo ships in the distance travelling to/from the nearby port. The Pacific Ocean and pool water were warm, yet refreshing...just the way I like it! We were able to get groceries from 2 towns - Metalio and Sonsonate. We went on a couple of outings...once to a small town called Ataco, about 1 hour's drive, to purchase some souvenirs and see more of the countryside and culture. The other outing involved hiking Cerro Verde volcano...I won't lie....it was hard work, but we all made it to the top! The property caretakers, Emiliano and Maura, made our vacation more wonderful! They were humble and kind, and they cleaned and helped with meal prep every day. This left lots of time for us to relax and truly enjoy ourselves. There were no safety concerns.

My sister in law also wrote her own review of the vacation at Villa Flamar:

This gem on the north west coast of El Salvador exceeded our expectations. From the accommodating care takers, Emiliano and Maura, the fruit trees (fresh limes) to the lavish day hut, there was so much to discover.

Situated on the black sand beach of the Pacific Ocean where we beachcombed, swam in the waves and enjoyed fresh seafood.

The house was clean and there was beautiful attention to detail in the decor.

At no point did my family or I feel unsafe. We rented a vehicle and explored local towns and the national parks. We were always greeted with a smile and a wave.