Playa Venao
After exploring the mountains, it was time for the coast
— and Playa Venao was the laid-back beach town we all needed.
Known for its surf culture, colourful shops, and good restaurants,
it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the ocean vibes.
We stayed in two very different (but equally memorable) accommodations:
Alaya, a dreamy hideaway where you literally sleep in transparent “bubble” domes set into nature
and Selina Playa Venao, the very first Selina hostel in the world, located right on the beach.
On rainy moments, you'd find us at the bar with cocktails in hand; when the sun came out, we were either lounging on the sand or exploring the cozy town.
There’s not much else to do here—and that’s the beauty of Playa Venao. It’s all about chilling, soaking up the surf town energy, and living on island time.
HOTEL: ALAYA
Alaya felt like a hidden gem tucked into the lush hills of Playa Venao — a stunning dome stay with ocean views and our own private pool. When we saw the property online and how cool the domes looked, with that private pool and beautiful interior, we knew we had to stay here.
The hotel was brand new when we visited, and we were the only guests, which meant we were spoiled with incredible service — great food at their restaurant (breakfast, lunch, and dinner all hit the spot), delicious cocktails, and even dinner shots.
There’s also a huge dome for yoga sessions and a cozy massage dome right next to it. Between relaxing poolside, getting pampered, and enjoying the views, this stay was pure bliss.
HOSTEL: SELINA PLAYA VENAO
Selina Playa Venao — the very first Selina ever — is where the now-famous hostel chain began, right here on the beach.
Since we had treated ourselves at Alaya, we decided to switch things up and stay closer to the town center, where all the shops and restaurants are. We booked a private room (not your typical hostel bunk beds), and it was clean and comfortable — perfect for a more budget-friendly beach stay.
What makes this Selina stand out is how much it offers beyond just a place to sleep. There's a super cool terracotta studio where you can make your own pottery, a craft room for DIY jewelry (we made our own necklaces!), yoga classes, and surf rentals if you're feeling active. The on-site bar is also great — good food, great drinks, and a laid-back atmosphere.
All in all, a super fun and creative spot right on the beach.
Some Recommendations:
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Sol
Sol is a cozy little spot just around the corner from the hostel — perfect for a fresh smoothie bowl or coffee. The interior is cute and beachy, and it's a great place to start your day before hitting the waves or exploring town.
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Motek
Motek is a charming little ice cream shop with a colorful vibe and super friendly staff. They let you sample different flavors before choosing — which made the decision even harder! A sweet stop for a treat on a hot day.
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Cantina
Cantina is a cozy and stylish restaurant that totally surprised us — we had one of the best Thai beef salads ever here. Not exactly what you'd expect to rave about on the other side of the world, but it was that good. We even asked the owner for the recipe of the dressing!
