DoceLunas Hotel, Restaurant & Spa

DoceLunas should please travelers who prefer to stray from the norm, which is becoming harder to do in Jaco -- a touristy surf town where many businesses and hotels aim to please the masses. To get here, guests have to drive on a residential backroad past modest Tican houses and bodegas offering a glimpse into local life. The property's entrance appears first on a wooden sign adorned with a carved tree, in front of a tall gated entrance manned by 24-hour security. Once inside, the gravel road turns to a brick paved parking area and turnaround entrance -- this is the reception area, set with polished ceramic floors and artwork. The construction looks clean and new, and yet completely in line with its natural environment. In all directions are several types of flowering plants, palm, and fruit trees -- especially mango -- and guests can spot colorful macaws, toucans, hummingbirds, and other critters like anteaters and capuchin monkeys. There's even a resident cat who wanders about. Just beyond the lobby is a large pool and terrace. There are long pathways that meander down both sides of a large section of land, past the rooms, and to the end of the property where there's the restaurant and bar, as well as an indoor and outdoor yoga studio up a set of stairs. It's not unusual to cross this entire space without seeing another guest.

DoceLunas isn't necessarily romantic for couples on their own (it's too bland, too practical), but for those who are renting the entire property (and many weddings and retreats do) this blank canvas can mold itself into anything they want, a true rarity. And that's the charm of this laid-back, flexible hotel that draws partiers, yogis, families with kids -- or a mix of all three. 

DoceLunas is a few miles inland from the ocean on a private area tucked into the rain forest. The location is wonderfully free of neighbors but hot in the midday sun. It’s a cheap taxi ride to downtown Jaco -- approximately five U.S. dollars. This is a bustling tourist city along Costa Rica's Pacific Coast, and it's the closest beach area to the capital city San José, with two-and-a-half miles of darker volcanic sand, low-lying mountains, and beautiful sunset views. Consistent waves and warm ocean temperatures make this one of the more popular surfing spots in the country (great for learning -- especially the southern side). There are dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore along the main paved road. A newer resort called Crocs, a 10-minute drive away, also has the biggest casino in the area. Jaco has experienced a great deal of growth in recent years -- some good and some bad -- and it attracts a mixed crowd, including families, international surfers, and even tourists who want to partake in the sex trade as prostitution is legal here. But long-time locals and early expats are still very much a part of the scene, and they work hard to preserve Jaco's authenticity as one of the country's foremost surf towns. 

It takes just under two hours to arrive to DoceLunas from Juan Santamaria International Airport. Those who rent a car will have free parking at the hotel. There are several opportunities for land activities and water sports in the area, as well as day-trips to places like Manuel Antonio National Park to the south a little over an hour's drive away. There is also a ferry from Jaco to Montezuma -- a hippie town on the southwest tip of Nicoya Penisula. 

Each of the 20 rooms and suites on the property has tile floors and traditional Costa Rican hardwood furniture made with local wood. Most have a simple color scheme with potted plants, a few pieces of art, with thin (and faded) bedspreads that are washed between guests. All rooms have air-conditioner units, cable TV on older tube-style televisions, and coffeemakers with local coffee provided. Bathrooms in most units are large with jetted tub/shower combos; some -- like the Deluxe Rooms -- have double-vanity sinks. All rooms are equipped with double-purified drinkable water on tap.

Deluxe Rooms have two queen-size beds with a view of the gardens and/or pool, and shared outdoor space in the breezeway. Handicap Accessible Rooms have one king-size bed, a wheel-in shower with rails, and a private patio with a garden view. Family Junior Suites have one king-size bed as well as a twin bed -- great for families. These units also have a separate desk area, mini-fridge, and a private patio with two Adirondack chairs. 

The most expensive options are the Luxury Suites and V.I.P. Suites, which come with more amenities and higher quality linens; the latter includes paintings by local artist Felix Murrillo.

Near the reception area, surrounded by trees for shade, is an attractive outdoor pool and hot tub marked with a large orange and yellow sun icon in the center. A green area represents the shallow spot for kids, and a small waterfall cave for ambience. The terrace is rather sparse, with just a few sets of sun loungers on each side of the pool, and a few tables and umbrellas for dining or working in the shade. 

There is a spacious and bright indoor yoga studio, which offers Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and hot yoga, with hard-wood floors, full-length mirrors and air-conditioner units. Attached is a spa and beauty salon for massages and treatments. Outside on a deck, a few steps below the spa, is another yoga area for those who prefer a more natural setting for their practice. 

Groups (retreats and weddings, mostly) receive individual attention and freedom to create their own environment -- like music and drinking by the pool, or peace and meditation. The resort itself is private, and the minimal and laid-back staff are pretty hands-off, unless needed. 

Wi-Fi is available for no charge, but it's spotty in this remote setting. Surprisingly, there's a conference center here which can seat up to 100 people. Bose stereo equipment and speakers are set up, along with a podium.

For dining, there's a large open-air space called Eclipse for all three meals under a palapa roof. Free breakfast is served buffet-style with eggs, toast, beans, rice, and tropical fruit. Lunch and dinner depends on the crowd and menus change often with international dishes like Indian and Mediterranean, combining local ingredients with fruits, veggies, chicken, and freshly caught fish. There is a large barbecue area, too, for theme nights. Since groups often take over the entire property, guests can plan their meals with the kitchen staff -- for instance if there are several vegans on board, they will be accommodated. Boruca Bar provides a variety of liquor and beers, along with a projection TV and a poker table.