The Best Boutique Hotels in Costa Rica

Hidden away in the relatively undiscovered town of Puerto Viejo, Hotel Banana Azul is a 25-room boutique hotel reserved just for adults and children over 16, ensuring a quiet, peaceful stay. With a casual, rustic vibe, we recommend opting for the Tree House Apartment for full jungle vibes. Not all of the rooms have air-conditioning, but the sea breeze will keep you cool. Don’t forget to visit the nearby Jaguar Rescue Center for an up-close encounter with Costa Rica’s incredible wildlife.

With Balinese-inspired architecture, Kenaki Lodge is a small beachfront hotel with just four rooms, 100m from the Playa Grande in Cahuita. Wake up to a home-cooked breakfast each morning that includes coffee, tea, fruit, bread, jams, eggs and gallo pinto. Owners Isabelle and Roberto are on hand with any recommendations you need, plus Roberto teaches tae kwon do and jiu-jitsu lessons on-site. If you visit between February and August, you may be lucky enough to witness the leatherback turtles laying eggs on the beach outside.

Tortuga Lodge and Gardens is the perfect vacation spot for those looking for a nature-rich, authentic Costa Rican experience. Only accessible by boat or plane, the Tortuguero National Park is one of the most spectacular national parks in the country, and is an incredibly important nesting zone for four different types of sea turtles. This secluded hotel has 27 luxury rooms, including family rooms. Join a daily nature walk led by the hotel’s naturalist guides, or find one of the free fishing poles for some solo time by the river.

Cariblue Beach and Jungle Resort is steps away from the spectacular Playa Cocles, just outside of Puerto Viejo. The 23 rooms range from junior suites to the luxury bungalow with a private porch for relaxing in the hammock. Breakfast is included – tuck into omelettes, fresh fruit and pastries, washed down with Costa Rican coffee. They offer bike rentals and surf lessons, plus there are also around 120 species of birds that reside in this immediate area, making this the perfect choice for bird-lovers.

Health comes first at Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel. From beach yoga classes and reiki healing sessions to raw cooking classes, this upscale hotel knows how to look after its guests. The crisp, white, modern rooms contrast to the wild jungle surroundings outside. Alongside the wellbeing program, it’s also a great hotel for families looking to entertain kids with mini soccer and beach volleyball on-site. Head to the Noa Beach Club for fresh Caribbean lobster with lime hollandaise sauce, live music and after-dinner cocktails.