Oxygen Jungle Villas

Oxygen Jungle Villas are situated on over five acres of mountainside jungle. The 12-villa hotel takes up about 10 percent of the total property, giving guests space to immerse themselves in the surrounding nature with little distraction. Spotting and crossing paths with jungle wildlife -- think howler monkeys, toucans, and sloths -- is a highlight for many guests (though it's not a given), and most evenings are spent watching the sunset over the distant ocean. Be aware that bugs do make their way into rooms (you're in the middle of the jungle, after all). Also expect lots of beautiful Balinese-inspired decor throughout. Travelers looking for a serene holiday will find just that here. The relative privacy, exclusivity, and seclusion of this small boutique draws almost all couples, especially folks on their honeymoons or celebrating anniversaries. 

Oxygen Jungle Villas has a jungle-set mountain location that makes for excellent landscape and distant ocean views. It's a 12-minute drive down the mountain to the small village of Uvita, and about 30 minutes' drive north to the surfing mecca of Dominical or south to the delicious restaurants in Ojochal. The hotel is in the Puntarenas Province of southwestern Costa Rica, and has an exceptionally biodiverse setting thanks to three surrounding national parks, including the Marino Ballena National Park which houses one of the region's largest coral reefs. Juan Santamaria International Airport is the closest airport and just over a three-hour drive from the hotel (bring cash for tolls). Travelers renting a car will need one with four-wheel drive. 

The 12 villas here make for an immersive experience thanks to glass walls on all sides. Needless to say, the views of both the jungle and ocean are stunning, and strategic landscaping and fences help keep privacy intact. The eight ocean-view villas overlook Marino Ballena National Park, while the four jungle-view villas have more opportunities for spotting wildlife such as toucans and monkeys. These villas are also slightly more convenient to the hotel's pool area and hiking trails, and offer a pinch more privacy since they are not located side by side. Bathrooms are surrounded by frosted glass for extra privacy and sport bowl sinks made of carved-out stones, rainfall showers, bulk toiletries, hairdryers, and cotton bathrobes. Modern white wicker couches and Bali-inspired statues give a stylish, romantic flare, while the wooden A-line roofs and four-poster king beds with mosquito netting feel rustic. All villas have comforts like AC, minibars, covered terrace space, and decent Wi-Fi. There are no phones or TVs in rooms.

Features are excellent for a small boutique property. Firstly, a narrow infinity-edge pool was built into a wooden deck overlooking the jungle, and it's a favorite spot for watching sunsets. A handful of white wicker sunbeds under umbrellas sit on the deck. To the sides, a set of stairs leads down to walking paths, and to the back lies the restaurant's covered terrace dining area. The O2 Restaurant uses organic produce whenever possible and cooks up simple, fresh international and local dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while O2 Bar pours everything from herbal teas to cocktails, and services the pool area. To take advantage of the location, the hotel has created an easy, 20-minute stone-tiled hiking path that leads to a private waterfall, and it's common to see wildlife along the way. Guests can reward sore muscles with one of the hotel's spa treatments. However, since there's no dedicated spa here, facials and massages are given in-villa or in a jungle-set pavilion. All treatments use organic ingredients, and couples' treatments are available. The hotel can also help to arrange local tours, airport transfers, and car rental.