La Finca Chica

This property is laid-back and serene—two seriously important qualities in any Costa Rican escape—with low-slung wooden casitas scattered throughout 2.5 acres of lush gardens. The hotel's name translates to "little farm" and the property used to be farmland before La Finca Chica was built 15 years ago. Now the property, which is just outside of Puerto Viejo, is a go-to locale for low-key living—it's woodsy and peaceful, with palm trees and tropical flowers inhabited by plenty of wildlife including birds, monkeys, iguanas, butterflies, peacocks, ducks and more. The hotel has an eco-tourism bent and the focus here is independent leisure, as there is no designated common area for guests to congregate. With only four casitas, there won't be much noise from other guests, but couples, groups, and families looking to wake up to the sounds of the jungle are all welcome here.

The hotel is located in the Playa Cocles area of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, and its setting off of the main road provides added peace and privacy. Playa Cocles' jungle-lined, Caribbean beach beach is just a five-minute walk from the grounds and the bars, restaurants, and buzzing nightlife of Puerto Viejo are only seven minutes away by car (food and other goods to stock the hotel's full kitchens are also available in Puerto Viejo). The Parada Jaguar Rescue Center and Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge—both excellent for wildlife lovers—are less than 15 minutes away by car, while Cahuita National Park (25 minutes by car) and the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica (35 minutes by car) are both nearby as well. The main international airport in San Jose is a four hour drive away.

The four charming wooden casitas that comprise La Finca Chica range from cozy (La Casita Chica) to a six-room huge family treehouse (La Casita del Rio), and all include full kitchens and gorgeous garden-view patios with hammocks. Each casita has a similar breezy, rustic vibe, with wooden exteriors and interiors, as well as earth-toned accent pillows, tiling, and lamps. Comfortable beds have white blankets, mosquito nets, and standard pillows and all casitas include satellite TV and local-dial phones. The warm hardwood running through each cabin give them an effortless romance, while La Casita del Rio has interesting design features that are especially great for families with kids, like a ladder-accessible loft with two twin-size beds directly above one of the main bedrooms, although the lack of railing is something to consider. Bathrooms have tan tiling with light blue accents and include small wooden vanities and walk-in showers. They aren't the most stylish, but match with the hotel's low-key, farm-meets-lodge atmosphere. Guests should keep in mind that none of the casitas have air-conditioning, but every room does come with a stand-up fan, and there will be jungle noises early in the morning.

La Finca Chica's main draw is its simplicity and comfort within a tropical setting just next to the beach, and features here are slim. There aren't any pools, bars, restaurants, lounges, or fitness centers to frequent here, and since each casita comes with a full kitchen, the property doesn't serve breakfast. The hotel does offer bikes to rent for guests so it's easy to see some of the local sights in the area including the shops and restaurants of Puerto Viejo. Each house comes with free Wi-Fi and there is free parking on the premises. The hotel can also arrange private airport transfers to and from San Jose's international airport.