Jungles Edge

The name Jungles Edge couldn't be more appropriate -- it's a hilly property right on the edge of the jungle. The hotel is a bit removed from the touristy “G-Section” of Nosara, but many travelers appreciate its seclusion. Jungles Edge feels like a best-kept secret, and regulars would like it to stay that way. The hotel embodies Costa Rica’s “pura vida” lifestyle. Staff members are warm and welcoming, the atmosphere is laid-back, and guests spend their days practicing yoga, learning to surf, and mingling with one another at the on-site juice bar. Jungles Edge is best suited for young, active travelers who enjoy mingling with fellow guests and don’t mind walking a few kilometers to reach the beach, bars, and restaurants in Nosara. It should also be noted that Jungles Edge is located on a massive hill. Most of the property -- the tents, the shipping containers, the yoga studio, and the juice bar -- is at the bottom of the hill. But the villas and the pool are located at the top of the hill. In order to reach the top, guests have to climb a massive winding staircase, but the views up there are unbeatable.  

Jungles Edge is located in Nosara, and for many travelers, this area offers the perfect blend of rustic Costa Rica and modern convenience. Its gravel roads have local coconut vendors next to chic boutiques; Tico “sodas” neighbor vegan smoothie joints; and yoga classes are as widely available as surf lessons. Nosara is known throughout Costa Rica for having some of the best and most consistent wave breaks in the country, which compels surf enthusiasts from around the world to relocate here. The large expat population brings global cuisine and a health-conscious lifestyle to Nosara, evidenced by the town’s numerous trendy restaurants, healthy cafes, and yoga studios. Travelers come to Nosara to take part in its unique culture; therefore most hotels offer surf lessons, yoga classes, and health-focused restaurants. Nosara’s one glaring flaw is the condition of its roads. The gravel side streets around town add to Nosara’s charm, but its punishing potholed “highway” is a nightmare. All of the major roads that lead to Nosara are horrific, and travelers will likely encounter river crossings without bridges. Four-wheel drive is necessary -- so is a healthy dose of patience. Part of Nosara’s allure is its hard-to-reach location, but some travelers may not find the trek worthwhile. The closest international airports in Liberia and San Jose are a whopping three and four hours away.  

The touristy part of Nosara centers around Playa Guiones, one of the country’s best surfing beaches. This area of Nosara is often referred to as the G-section. Jungles Edge is located on a hill that overlooks the G-section. From the hotel, it’s about a 20-minute walk to the beach, local bars, and restaurants. Though Nosara is one of the safest destinations in Costa Rica, guests should be careful when walking around at night. Since there aren’t any street lights, it’s often hard for drivers to see pedestrians walking along the highway.  

There are multiple room types at Jungles Edge, but the hotel’s three main room categories are bungalows, suites, and villas. Bungalows are the hotel’s entry-level category. They’re essentially glorified tents -- screened-in enclosures with pitched roofs and wood-plank floors. Bungalows lack privacy and don’t have air-conditioning, but they appeal to travelers looking for rustic (and cheap) accommodations. Guests can either rent a private bungalow, or a single bed in a shared bungalow. All of these have access to shared bathrooms, which are clean and well maintained. 

Guests who’d prefer something more private should consider upgrading to one of the hotel’s suites. The suites are housed in repurposed shipping containers and most have private bathrooms (but not all; travelers should enquire when booking). The shipping container suites aren’t much to look at -- they feature fluorescent lighting and mismatched sheets -- but they’re the most centrally located rooms on the property. Suites have one double or two single beds, and some have kitchenettes and separate living spaces. These units are air-conditioned and have small gravel patios with two-seater table-and-chair sets.  

Villas are located at the top of the hill, in a large Costa Rican style house. Rooms can be booked separately, but large groups can also rent the entire house. Groups that rent the house have access to a communal kitchen and living space. Villas are the closest rooms to the pool, but they're a long walk from the rest of the property’s amenities. All villa guests will have to contend with the massive winding staircase that spans the hillside. These rooms are the largest and nicest at Jungles Edge, but this doesn’t mean they’re luxurious. The family villa we visited had dated decor with lots of dark-wood molding and furniture. All villas are air-conditioned and have their own private bathrooms.  

One of the nicest amenities at Jungles Edge is its beautiful mosaic tile infinity pool. Perched on a hilltop, the pool overlooks the surrounding canopy and offers stunning views of the property. Many guests spend their days lounging by the pool, or use it at night, after surf lessons or yoga classes. The pool is actually deep enough in the center to be used for beginners’ surf instruction. 

The juice bar and surrounding open-air common space is a popular hangout spot for guests to gather, get to know one another, and bond over shared Nosara experiences. It's here guests can order a light breakfast, along with smoothies and fresh juice throughout the day. The property’s on-site organic garden and fruit trees supply most of the juice bar’s ingredients. This area also serves as an informal lobby, where guests come to check-in. 

Jungles Edge has a large open-air yoga studio and adjacent fitness center. During the high season (December-April) guests can expect a regular schedule of Prana, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Hatha classes, but during the low season (May-November) classes aren’t as regular. Next to the yoga studio is a small fitness center, which is really just a collection of old gym equipment and a handful of free weights. 

Jungles Edge is available for yoga, surf, and fitness retreats, too. Groups looking to book the resort for retreat purposes should contact the hotel directly. Retreats are all-inclusive, so rates include lodging, yoga/surf/fitness instruction, and daily meals.

Spa services like massages and facials are available upon request. The property typically sets up massage tables on covered balconies near the villas, but reservations must be made in advance. Wi-Fi is free for all guests.