Costa Rica’s long list of accommodations is as diverse as the country itself. There is everything from camping grounds and friendly hostels to eco lodges and five-star resorts. What makes a place memorable can be the inviting comfort of the room, the outrageously beautiful location, the exquisite food, the helpful staff, or even just the person with whom you are traveling; the experience will often be individually based. However, there are some hotels that most can agree are unforgettable.
The Harmony Hotel is located a beach path away from the extensive and captivating Playa Guiones in Nosara. This charming and environmentally friendly hotel is nestled into lush beach flora and is the ideal location for those looking to surf, do yoga, relax, and soak up the tropical sun. The restaurant is essentially farm to table and serves organic Costa Rican fusion fare. There is also a juice bar and wellness center on the property. This is truly a place that you won’t want to leave. It has everything you could possibly want from an escape to the tropics.
Finca Rosa Blanca is a luxury boutique hotel that is situated in the highlands of the central valley. The view of the central valley, Barva and Poas volcanoes, and surrounding tropical gardens is unmatched and a sensory intoxication. The weather is much cooler in this part of the country; think spring with temperatures ranging from 65F–82F (18C–28C). This is an ideal choice for those looking for a romantic rendezvous, a nature-saturated adventure, or just a place to rejuvenate. A common comment that the owners receive is that guests had wished they had booked a longer stay.
Arenas del Mar is a carbon-neutral, environmentally friendly, sustainable luxury hotel that is oceanfront and mere moments away from the world famous Manuel Antonio National Park. Winner of the Five Sustainability Leaf Award and the Five Star Award, Arenas del Mar is a haven for nature lovers with a taste for the finer things. The restaurant serves locally sourced and often organic cuisine that is traditionally inspired. Rooms offer phenomenal views of the ocean, beach, or rainforest. There is complimentary yoga and a divine list of a la carte spa treatments. Arenas del Mar is where nature meets sustainable luxury.
Latitude 10 is an intimate five casitas resort hidden in the midst of trees on the beach in Santa Teresa. It was originally constructed as a private residence with two casitas and a shared common house for cooking, drinking, and socializing. Three casitas were added for guests. In 2006, it was converted into a boutique hotel, but kept the same concept of small houses around a big common house where guests meet to eat and be merry. Everything about Latitude 10 is luxurious while at the same time keeping a nature and beach inspired feel to it. Guests are treated to completely personalized treatment and an experience like no other on a slice of paradise.
The Rip Jack Inn is a family owned boutique hotel that is situated right in front of the beach path to Playa Grande and the Baulas National Marine Park. There are budget-friendly standard rooms, romantic deluxe rooms, one adorable bungalow, and even family- (or surfer buddies-) friendly suites. There is no shortage of comfort and amenities offered at the Rip Jack Inn. There are two pools, a large rancho-style bar and restaurant, yoga, and an extensive list of tours to join. The staff will make you feel like family right away, which is probably one of the reasons why so many guests continue to return to the Rip Jack Inn year after year.
A perfect little bungalow by the beach | Courtesy of Rip Jack Inn
Almonds and Corals Hotel
Almonds and Corals Hotel is a truly unique destination on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Guests will feel like they are at a luxury boutique hotel with a rustic jungle vibe. The concept behind this eco-friendly establishment is to create the feeling of camping but with the amenities and comfort of a luxury hotel. This fabulously unusual hotel is located within the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge; a photographer’s and nature lover’s utopia. The hotel has Jacuzzis, a mouth-watering restaurant, a bar that whips up smile-inducing tropical cocktails, and a golden sand beach just around the corner.
