Things to do at Buenaventura
Play the Jack Nicklaus design golf course, book the Corotú Spa, go fishing or sailing from the marina, ride at Las Cuadras, or take the children to the zoo, which is a hidden gem. Most of these charge a fee.
Corotú Spa
A spa in the centre of Buenaventura, next to the hotel. It has five treatment rooms, therapy baths, rain showers, two hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and a beauty salon. Treatments include massage (also for couples, and in the apartment), facials, body scrubs and wraps, and manicures and pedicures. Book ahead.
Buenaventura Golf Club
A Jack Nicklaus design 18-hole course facing the Pacific. Play a round, or take a lesson. Hoyo 19, the clubhouse restaurant, is good before or after a round.
Buenaventura Sports Club
Right next door, with very friendly staff: a gym, a semi-Olympic pool, tennis, racquetball, padel, basketball, a football pitch, yoga and fitness classes, a pro shop, and day camps for children in some seasons. Children can book swimming lessons in the semi-Olympic pool. Book with the Sports Club. It charges a fee. See the pass prices.
Fishing
The fishing here is great. Inshore, boats go for snapper, jacks and mackerel. Further out there are yellowfin tuna and sailfish. Charter boats leave from the Buenaventura marina, 2 minutes' drive from the apartment, and from Santa Clara and San Carlos nearby. Ask the marina office to put you in touch with a captain.
Private sailing trips
Private sailing trips from the Buenaventura marina, with Sailing Outventure.
Wet and dry boat docks
Why not sail to the apartment? The Buenaventura marina has wet and dry docks for boats and jet skis, 2 minutes' drive away.
Las Cuadras Equestrian Club
Ride around Buenaventura or along the beach, or take lessons. Horses and ponies are for rent. Book ahead.
Buenaventura Zoo
A hidden gem, and much better than you would expect. Many of the animals are rescued: monkeys, coatis, agoutis, turtles, macaws, snakes, crocodiles and more. There is a petting zoo with chickens, rabbits and goats that children can feed. The entry charge is small.
Children's playground
A good climbing structure next to Grand Deli Gourmet. Let the children play while you buy snacks.
For trips further away, such as El Valle de Antón, La Pintada and Natá, see Day trips.