The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica isn’t nearly as developed as the Pacific side. This side doesn’t have any big resorts like the Four Seasons or The Springs, however, there are plenty of charming high-end boutiques that dot the coastline or are nestled back into the rainforest. All of these boutiques offer their guests luxurious accommodations, awe-inspiring settings, and the opportunity to soak up the Caribbean vibes. Several of the following boutiques are also actively involved in environmental conservation efforts and eco-friendly hospitality practices.
Hotel Banana Azul is an adult-only luxury beachfront boutique on Costa Rica’s picturesque Caribbean coast. There are a variety of accommodation choices at Hotel Banana Azul, including 14 guest rooms that are attached to the main hotel, a treehouse apartment, and four two-story guest houses that have full kitchens and private plunge pools. The grounds are lush with vegetation. There’s a restaurant, a pool, a beach club, a number of outdoor spaces to explore, and wireless internet. If you are looking for a luxury tropical escape, this is your place.
Kenaki Lodge is a relatively new beachfront bungalow and bed & breakfast boutique on Playa Grande in Cahuita. The Balinese-inspired architecture will immediately bring about a feeling of peace and zen. The four guest rooms come with a home-cooked breakfast each morning that includes coffee, tea, fruit, bread, jams, eggs, and Gallo pinto. The bungalows have their own full kitchen, but you can request the breakfast for an additional charge, if you want. Kenaki Lodge can help you set up all of your Caribbean tours, they have bike and surf board rentals, and offer massages. The beautiful setting and accommodations will make for a truly beautiful vacation on the Caribbean.
Almonds and Corals is a family-owned boutique glamping hotel harmoniously situated in the Gandoca-Manazanillo Wildlife Refuge. There are three different types of open-air, tent-inspired accommodation choices. The open-air design allows guests to feel truly connected with their wild and enchanting surroundings. While the idea is to provide a rustic and authentic jungle feel, there is hot water, hammocks, luxurious beds, an exquisite restaurant and bar, a Jacuzzi in the middle of the forest, and a golden sand beach right out front. Almonds and Corals also has earned five leaves (the highest number) as a C.S.T. (Certified Sustainable Tourism) establishment and is actively involved with the Blue Flag Ecological Program.
Tortuga Lodge and Gardens is the perfect honeymoon spot for those looking for a nature-rich and authentic Costa Rican experience. Tortuguero is a rather remote location that can only be accessed by boat or by 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. The Tortuga Lodge and Gardens provides guests with a completely customized and personable service, authentic Costa Rican meals like grandma would make, and exceptionally comfortable and beautiful accommodations. This is the ideal location for the adventure- and nature-loving couple.
Samasati Retreat and Rainforest Sanctuary is harmoniously situated on an elevated 250-acre piece of pristine rainforest on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. The sustainable retreat sanctuary is a truly tranquil and magical place to come and revitalize your mind, body, and soul. There are yoga classes, spa treatments, delicious meals, and outrageously beautiful surroundings to help you recharge your batteries. Samasati also hosts different types of yoga and wellness retreats throughout the year that you can join. Treat yourself to a nature-infused wellness escape.
Le Cameleon Boutique Resort is surrounded by beautiful tropical forests and is right behind the captivating Caribbean Sea. Le Cameleon is an upscale luxury boutique that offers guests great comfort and peace after a long day of exploring this spectacular region of Costa Rica. The rooms are crisp white and modern with pops of bright colors. There is a restaurant, a market café, and a beach club, so you can rest assured that all of your culinary and libation needs are met. Le Cameleon takes part in the Blue Flag Ecological Program, regular beach-ups, and contributes to Amigos de las Parques Nationales.
Cariblue Beach and Jungle Resort is just steps away from the stunning Playa Cocles just outside of Puerto Viejo. They pride themselves on providing guests with the most comfortable accommodations, delicious food, divine spa treatments, and amenities to help make this your best tropical vacation. They offer bike rentals and surf lessons, too. There are a number of other beaches and several national parks and reserves to explore while you are staying at Cariblue Beach and Jungle Resort. There are also around 120 species of birds that reside in this immediate area, making this the perfect choice for bird-lovers. Cariblue Beach and Jungle Resort is part of the Blue Flag Ecological Program.
Selva Bananito Lodge is one of the top C.S.T. eco lodges in Costa Rica. It is located off of the Bananito river in the foothills of Cerro de Mochila. Selva Bananito Lodge is dedicated to sustainable tourism, socially responsible practices, and protecting the rich ecosystems of the area. There are 11 cabins, which have all been built from salvaged wood and sit up on stilts – a feature of traditional Caribbean architecture. There is a communal ranch where guests can enjoy delicious meals. This is an incredible place to spend some time immersed in nature.
Azania Bungalows is a charming thatched roof boutique bungalow accommodation on the Caribbean coast. It is just steps away from the warm and inviting Caribbean Sea. It has a rustic vibe, but no corners are cut on luxury here. Each bungalow is spacious and can comfortably fit up to four people and the lush gardens are stunning and well manicured. This is a lovely home base for all of your Caribbean adventure tours or for your laid-back rejuvenating beach vacation. There’s a pool, bar, and restaurant on the property and an option to rent bicycles so that you can cruise around the surrounding beaches and towns.
Welcome to your home in the trees | | Courtesy of Tree House Lodge
The Tree House Lodge is situated on a 10-acre piece of land close to the breathtaking Playa Uva on the Caribbean coast. The Tree House Lodge is highly dedicated to the environment and to its guests. It is one of the few hotels that has a certificate for sustainable tourism (C.S.T.). Each treehouse has its own theme and has been built using recycled and sustainable materials and reclaimed wood from the surrounding jungle. These tree houses are exquisite and quite luxurious, while keeping an authentic, rustic jungle feel. The lodge also has its own foundation, the Igunaverde Foundation, committed to protecting and restoring green iguana populations.
