Even the owners aren’t sure what to call Las Flores Resort & Surf Club. Is it a resort? Is it a surf club? The answer is: it’s both. This casual coastal find offers a first-rate break and all the non-surfing amenities required for a first-rate break. Opened in 2004, this elegant retreat is located in a cove that reliably produces some of the most surfable waves in the region. No wonder it’s become a favorite among surfers who are ready to ditch the dorm room and ramen noodles. However, you don’t have to ever enter the ocean to reap the rewards of a stay at Las Flores.

All 11 suites have chic, modern décor, all the expected amenities and some remarkable original...