Coral Hill Bungalows

It's hard to imagine being stressed out during a stay at the bed-and-breakfast-style Coral Hill Bungalows. Already located in the quiet town of Cahuita, the intimate hotel is set off an isolated, stony road with almost nonexistent traffic. The hotel's three bungalows and owners' house -- the outside of which also doubles as the lobby/breakfast area -- are surrounded by rich garden grounds on all sides. Trees, dense bushes, high ferns, and colorful flowers border and arch over both paved and unpaved pathways, with sloths, monkeys and exotic birds calling their branches home. Since each of the three rentable bungalows have a maximum occupancy of two people, there are minimal chances of being disturbed by any noise (other than howler monkeys in the morning) or interacting with fellow guests other than at breakfast time. This also means that the hotel is geared more towards adult couples than larger families or ones with small children. The couple that owns Coral Hills is always on-site and available to assist with any needs.

The Coral Hill Bungalows are located in Cahuita -- a coastal city in the province of Limon known for its Caribbean culture -- about 30 minutes outside the buzzing Puerto Viejo de Talamanca by car. The bungalows are housed on a still dirt road that doesn't get much traffic at all, adding to the privacy and tranquility of the quaint locale. This small area of town is overall sleepy and quiet with a small strip of restaurants dotted along the popular surf beach, Playa Negra, which is a five-minute walk from the hotel. For those who want more dining options and a slightly busier scene, the main Cahuita village is three minutes away driving and, for nice days, a 20-minute walk. The area's biggest natural attraction, Cahuita National Park, is less than a five-minute drive away. Juan Santamaria International Airport, the region's primary entry point, is three and a half hours away by car.

There are three standalone bungalows on the property: Toucan, Calibri, and Mongo Congo, with a maximum occupancy of two people each. Each is made up of carved wood and includes a private wraparound porch and views of the lush garden grounds. Four-poster beds are flanked with bamboo poles and made up with white bedding and orange pillows; mosquito netting adds an element of romance but doesn't always keep the bugs out. Colorful artwork lines the wall and surfaces are composed of polished wood; the bed frame and desk chair have been carved to resemble shooting flames. Built-in cupboards hold an electronic safe, hangers on a hanging rod, and an extra blanket. None of the bungalows have TVs or phones but Wi-Fi is free. Huge bathrooms have frosted glass bricks and colorful mosaic designs over the open air shower. Sinks are hand painted with images of plants and birds. The shower has two shower heads -- one overhead waterfall fixture and another mobile nozzle -- that function at the same time. 

Coral Hill's selling point isn't a laundry list of extras and features. There's no pool here and a short walk is necessary to access the beach. The highlight here are the free, extensive breakfasts served in the morning. The couple who owns Coral Hill go out of their way to provide a personalized gourmet breakfast of fresh squeezed juice; coffee; a variety of locally grown fruits like pineapple, guava, and papaya; a tray of fresh baked breads; eggs; meats; pancakes; French toast; and omelets. Note that breakfasts are timed for early risers who want to get a head start before morning tours and excursions, which staff is happy to help set up and book. Dinners are available only with certain booking packages. Additionally, there is free Wi-Fi, free parking, and drinkable water from bungalow faucets. Pets are allowed.