Took my 8yr old daughter on a "girls trip" from March 11-18th, 2024. My 3rd time to Vik, her 2nd but she was 21 mths old for her 1st time and doesn't remember.
It was a cute smaller resort. Perfect for families, couples & elders. You can walk from the lobby to the other side of the resort in probably 8mins.
2 good sized pool, the 'salt water' pool (closest to the lobby) was just repaired. The pools are chilly in the AM, however refreshing, but warm by the afternoon. They are not deep pools, one pool has a volleyball net and a smaller kiddie pool (pool furthest from the lobby.) Lots of huts around both pools made from Palm Tree leaves. And these are refreshed with new leaves as required. Lots of lounge chairs, make sure you wake early to reserve your spot!
There is a buffet restaurant open for breakfast, lunch (Jonathan and Emmanuel are fantastic) and dinner. They have a 'chinese food' station on the side, you pick your meat(s), veggie(s), rice and or noodles and he'll cook it up with your choice of sauce(s) (I always hand him a tip.) On the other side of the buffet there's a pasta station.
There is one a la cartè restaurant which rotates International, Italian and Mexican cuisine. We tried all 3 each night. Delicious dishes at each.
On Friday nights they have "Caribbean Night" dinner at Cayena at an extra cost (I'll post a pic of the menu) you need to reserve ahead of time. It's steak and seafood. We never went as my daughter is picky and she'd just waste food.
My only complaint about the restaurants is that I wish they opened earlier. (7am for breakfast> Continental breakfast starts at 6am.)
Snack bar is opened during the day in front of building #4 and #5. They make fresh pizzas, hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries and grilled chicken.
Entertainment> kids disco on stage at 8:15pm (very cute) they do dances.
Adult entertainment (shows) started around 9:30-945pm. Although the adult entertainment was not every night. It's a very low key, quiet chill resort, so if you're looking to party, this isn't the place. They have activities during the day by the pool and on the beach.
I recommend for families to book a Superior room or the family suite. More room. We had a Superior Ocean View (breathtaking) 2 double beds.
Housekeeping was fantastic. But I did leave $5->USD + a gift that I bought ahead of time daily for her. She left extra bottled waters & 4 extra towels when I left a note. Then everyday she did.
The Beach is breathtaking! Clean white sand. Beautiful turquoise blue water. I recommend getting water shoes if you plan on going further into the ocean then near the tide as you will walk onto Coral. There are a lot of huts and lounge chairs you'll always find a spot to sit in the shade or in the Sun. About 45 minute walk from the resort on the beach is the shops.
The property is beautiful and well kept and they are constantly up keeping the ground without disturbing there guests.
I did use the spa facilities for a massage and it was very relaxing and I enjoyed it quite well we did not use the gym or the children's playground.
*** When you are approached by people in light blue golf shirts offering you a welcome gift and a welcome meeting. They are recruiting you to buy into a timeshare. If you are not interested a strong "no gracias" is enough for them to leave you alone.
Ricardo at the lobby bar is so gracious ask for "his special" if you drink alcohol. If not still ask for a surprise. Pedro Julio at the beach bar is also a fantastic a bartender. For first time travelers I definitely recommend bringing two reusable insulated water bottles, one for your alcohol and one for water. It saves you many trips to the bar to get more water or more booze whatever your preference is. Instead of the tiny glasses they give you.
Overall we had a fantastic time at vik Arena Blanca and we would like to thank the staff for their care and service.
I definitely recommend this hotel for a quiet vacation resort, see you next year!
