*Denotes local charge
*Denotes local charge
This chic oceanfront resort offers superb facilities and lush tropical surroundings. It's set on a hillside but there are shuttles on hand to take you from your room to the restaurants, pool and spa if you're not feeling particularly energetic. The focus here is very much on low-key relaxation and making the most of the beautiful natural setting. Lounge by the pool, unwind with a soothing treatment at the tropical spa or choose from a range of activities including tennis, volleyball, hiking trails and non-motorised watersports such as kayaking. Look out for local wildlife around the resort – from raccoons and monkeys to iguanas and hummingbirds. Feast on gourmet cuisine at the four restaurants which serve signature dishes with Costa Rican influences, Italian and Pan-Asian cuisine. Three venues serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. At the Market Café you can enjoy international buffets with local flavours, theme stations and show cooking; Seaside Grill serves à la carte meals and great steaks, and Aqua offers healthy cuisine with lots of veggie options. For elegant dinners you can head to Himitsu which specialises in Pan-Asian cuisine and delicious sushi or enjoy Italian favourites at Portofino. Sip cocktails at the oceanfront bar, watch films under the stars on the beach and enjoy regular theme nights including a beach party. You can also learn how to create typical local dishes during a cooking class. The luxurious suites overlook the gardens or the Gulf and Bay of Papagayo. The spacious Bungalow Suites Tropical View overlook the gardens and the Standard Panoramic Rooms offer superb views of the bay. Upgrade to a Preferred Club room or suite to enjoy a host of extras including personalised check-in and check-out with concierge service; access to the Private Preferred Club Lounge; upgraded mini-bar service and bath amenities; daily continental breakfast service, afternoon hot and cold hours d’oeuvres, delicious desserts and fine liquors served in the Preferred Club Lounge.
At one with nature, this beautiful and environmentally-friendly hotel is set at the end of the bay, directly on the beach. Bathed in a calm tropical ambiance with lush gardens and wildlife, this tropical hideaway is both inspiring and relaxing. Stroll along the beach for a refreshing dip in the ocean or find a shady spot by the pretty pool. If you’re a wildlife-lover you’ll love the abundance of animals and birds that can easily be spotted in the beautiful grounds, whether you’re sun-bathing by the pool, enjoying a meal, or relaxing on your balcony. Watch howler monkeys swinging in the trees, iguanas and geckos lounging in the sun and colourful birds and butterflies flitting among the flowers. If you are lucky, you may also spot porcupines, armadillos and anteaters. If you prefer to stay active you can go boogie boarding on the waves, kayak along the coast or play volleyball on the beach. Tamarindo is within easy walking distance if you want to try out some local restaurants or pick up some souvenirs. The open-air beachfront restaurant serves a fusion of European cuisine mixed with Costa Rican flavour using only the freshest ingredients and there are vegetarian and gluten free options. Candlelit dinners on the sand are very romantic and during the week you can enjoy low-key entertainment including marimba music and weekly barbecues on the beach during the dry season. The rooms and bungalows have warm earthy colours and feature a balcony or terrace. Superior Rooms overlook tropical gardens and the individual thatched-roof Bungalows are set in the hotel's grounds and have a seating area, a private terrace and an outdoor shower.
A fantastic base for exploring nearby Manuel Antonio National Park, this sustainable beachfront and rainforest resort is a great choice for those seeking relaxation, recreation and exploration. There are two resident naturalist guides on hand to answer all of your wildlife questions and you can book a range of tours including a night walk, bird-watching hike and a rainforest hawk trail. Spend your days exploring the park in search of wildlife such as howler, white-faced and squirrel monkeys, two and three-toed sloths and colourful tropical birds. You can also choose from a range of local activities such as kayaking, white-water rafting, sailing, zip-lining and horse riding. When you’re not busy exploring, stroll down to one of the gorgeous beaches or relax by one of the small pools – choose from the upper pool which is close to El Mirador restaurant and has breathtaking views over the coast, or the lower pool which is near one of the beaches. Soak up the incredible views over breakfast at El Mirador which serves a range of tempting dishes including freshly-baked bread, made-to-order eggs and tropical fruit accompanied by organic local coffee. You can also try local dishes such as a corn and cheese tortilla or rice and beans. Tuck into delicious seafood at dinner – you could begin with some coconut shrimp, followed by the catch-of-the-day, washed down with tico sours which are made from local sugar cane liquor. Sink your toes in the sand while enjoying tasty lunches at Playitas Restaurant before an afternoon dip in the ocean. The air-conditioned rooms are set in blocks close to the beach or the main restaurant and feature a minibar with free local drinks and snacks. The cosy Garden Superior Rooms are located near El Mirador. Listen to the crashing waves from your balcony in an Ocean View Superior Room or upgrade to an Ocean Breeze Suite for extra space, a hot tub on your balcony and views of the forest and sea.
Set on a hillside surrounded by jungle, this luxury hotel embodies pura vida (pure life), the Costa Rican way of life, and it was rated as one of the best new hotels in the world by Condé Nast Traveller. The beautiful design of the resort is inspired by nature, with shell- and cocoon-shaped communal areas and lots of wood, stone and wicker. Soak up the serenity by the adults-only infinity pool or splash around in the family-friendly pool – free sun cream, fruit and snow cones by the pool are a thoughtful touch. Spot monkeys and birds in the tropical grounds and take a stroll down to one of the small beaches to enjoy paddle boarding, snorkelling and kayaking. Each of the three exceptional restaurants has an open-kitchen concept so there’s a relaxed feel to meals. At Rio Bhongo you can enjoy home-baked bread and international options or eat like a local with tasty dishes such as gallo pinto – rice, beans and eggs, yucca fries and coconut French toast. Ostra restaurant serves delicious seafood and ceviche with live cooking stations so you can watch the chefs at work. Live Latin music sets the scene for traditional tapas such as empanadas, ceviche and chifrijo – rice, beans and pork, washed down with exotic cocktails and craft beers at Chao Pescao. The spacious rooms are beautifully designed and feature neutral tones with wood and woven textiles. They are set in blocks and offer a balcony with views of the forest or Culebra Bay as well as useful amenities to use throughout your stay, such as sun hats, beach bags and flip-flops. The Andaz Forest Rooms are nestled in the forest so you’ll feel closer to nature and the wildlife while Andaz Bayview Rooms offer incredible views of Culebra Bay.
Crafted from wood, bamboo and natural stone, the fresh and modern design of this luxe resort complements its natural environment while the sleek facilities put the ‘groove’ in Mangroove. The resort is set around an attractive pool area that has a cool Ibiza vibe – think creative cocktails, classic house beats, and private cabanas to hire - complete with your own flat-screen television and butler! There are plenty of activities on land and at sea, from hiking and yoga to island-hopping tours and whale watching. Head down to the dark-sand beach to enjoy a host of watersports such as stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and surfing. The Bearth Spa is a tranquil sanctuary and the secluded treatment pavilions are perched on stilts surrounded by forest. At Matiss, the casual beach-style restaurant, you can sink your toes in the sand while tucking into light bites and international favourites such as burgers sandwiches, pizzas and tacos. The swing seats are very inviting and the deckchairs are the perfect spot to enjoy sundowners. There’s no need to get up early for breakfast at Makoko which offers a fantastic buffet with made-to-order eggs until 11am. Gourmet dinners here focus on delicious seafood such as seabass and yellow fin tuna tartar, along with steaks and veggie options. You also have the freedom to explore local restaurants which are just a ten-minute drive away. The gorgeous suites are spacious and feature earthy tones and lots of local wood. The main attraction is the large glassless window which beautifully frames the surrounding forest – who needs a picture on the wall when you have a living landscape right outside. The open-air feel brings you closer to nature while the mosquito net keeps the bugs out.
This family-friendly hotel is wonderfully remote but has plenty of activities to keep you busy, most of which are included! Whether you’re keen to spot monkeys on a nature walk, have a go at making ceviche, experience the thrill of zip lining, make crafts or go horse riding, each guest can enjoy up to four free activities each day. This ‘Authentic Costa Rica’ programme is a great way to make the most of the incredible setting, see wildlife and engage with the local culture. The infinity pool – Costa Rica’s first – has a stunning setting on the top terrace with spectacular views over the hills and Guanacaste coast. Drink in the panoramic views while sipping fruity cocktails at the swim-up bar. The poolside Pacifico Restaurant offers dishes made from fresh local and regional ingredients, and served under a palm-thatched roof. There is a focus on freshly caught seafood for dinner and if you’ve been out fishing then you can bring your catch back for the chef to cook. For a special occasion you can arrange romantic torch-lit dinners on the beach. Families will adore Los Cocos Beachfront Club which is set between tropical gardens and a secluded beach. Splash around in the family-friendly pool, enjoy the sea breeze and watch scarlet macaws in the trees. Los Cocos Restaurant offers a casual setting for lunch with popular choices such as burgers, sandwiches, brick-oven pizza, salads and fresh seafood. It’s a bit of a climb back up from the beach but there are water stations and swing seats along the way so you can stop to rehydrate and enjoy the views. The air-conditioned rooms are scattered along the hillside, adorned with local artwork and feature free Wi-Fi and an inviting hammock on the terrace. Standard Mountain View Rooms and Deluxe Partial Ocean View Rooms have respective views. Honeymooners will love the secluded Junior Suites with Outdoor Whirlpool which have a canopy bed and ocean view, and the Junior Suites Premium Casita which also have a small garden and private plunge pool.
You’ll feel on top of the world, both figuratively and literally, at this remote hideaway which is perched high on a mountain ridge surrounded by forest. The jaw-dropping views stretch for miles over forested hills to the crashing surf beyond. Crafted from teak, bamboo, stone and glass, this contemporary retreat is the brainchild of an architect and biologist, and effortlessly blends sleek design with sustainability. As there are just eight rooms, the service is very personalised and you’ll feel like a VIP as the charming yet discreet staff anticipate your every need. Disconnect from everyday stresses and soak up 180° views over the Pacific and iconic Whale’s Tail sandbar formation from the comfort of a Balinese bed or hammock by the spectacular infinity pool. Or slip beneath the water to enjoy soothing music from the underwater speakers. The adjoining restaurant serves creative fusion cuisine with delicious seafood such as tuna carpaccio, ceviche and grilled mahi mahi, and dishes seasoned with fresh herbs from the garden. Enjoy freshly-baked banana bread at breakfast and watch the sun set while sipping exotic cocktails made with sugar cane juice. If you can tear yourself away from the views there are plenty of local activities available. Hiking, surfing, kayaking and boat trips are popular ways to explore the 22-mile-long Whale Coast which is famous for its migrating humpback whales. The beautiful open-plan suites and villas have huge beds, thatched roofs and showers with a glass wall facing the forest. Each room has a pair of binoculars and bird books so you can learn about local wildlife and spot toucans and hummingbirds from your balcony. There are no distracting televisions in the room but there is an iPad and free Wi-Fi if you’re not ready for a complete digital detox. At night the room is romantically lit up with candles and the hammock for two is the perfect place to snuggle up and watch the sun set. Junior Suites are located at canopy-level overlooking the rainforest and Infinity Suites have stunning sea views. The splurge-worthy Master Suites are set at the highest point of the property and boast impressive views and a private pool – perfect for honeymooners.
Tucked away in forest behind the main road to Puerto Viejo, this contemporary hotel combines modern style with a laid-back Caribbean vibe. The hotel’s name translates as ‘Chameleon’ and it keeps things fresh with daily-changing coloured lighting, artwork and furnishings – you may do a double take when you step into your room to find that the main colour has switched from blue to orange! The pool deck is nestled in tropical foliage and there’s a stylish open-air lounge. The charming spa is surrounded by forest and you can request a massage on the beach and let the sound of the waves soothe you into a state of deep relaxation. And if you long to explore, there are plenty of activities available locally, from hiking and horse riding to rafting and kayaking. See if you can spot sloths lounging in the trees as you follow the path to the Market Café for a leisurely breakfast in a relaxed tropical setting. The à la carte menu offers freshly-made bread and local specialities as well as popular western dishes such as blueberry pancakes and eggs benedict. Cross the road and stroll down to pretty Cocles beach where you’ll find the NOA Beach Club. Soak up the sun, lounge in a hammock under shady palms, and enjoy chill-out music from the DJ and lunch served to your lounger. Ocho y Medio restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and you can arrange a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach. The elegant rooms are set in two-storey blocks and feature chic white interiors with bursts of colour, a balcony or terrace and modern luxuries such as coffee machines, iPhone docks and free Wi-Fi. Superior Rooms are set on the upper level overlooking the tropical grounds. Deluxe Rooms are on the ground floor and offer extra space and a terrace that opens up to the beautiful gardens. Junior Suites are on the ground floor, close to the pool and feature a living area. Splash out on the sleek Le Caméléon Suite for twice as much space and a bath looking out over the forest.
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