Quinta Esencia B&B

Quinta Esencia B&B is reminiscent of a treehouse, with its thatched roofing, wooden staircases connecting open-air areas, and trees elegantly protruding through the wooden flooring here and there. Aside from the abundant natural materials, the bed-and-breakfast’s other distinctive feature is its artwork and trinkets. The tiny property has a pleasantly cluttered feel, with multicolored ornaments covering almost every surface. Paper lanterns hang from the ceilings, colorful rocks lead up staircases, potted plants rest on shelves, and most walls feature signs with positive affirmations like, “Life’s all about finding your own paradise.”

Befitting the property’s hippie vibe, guests are generally laid-back and friendly. The owners, Stephanie and Jerome, are French expats, and therefore the bed-and-breakfast attracts a fair number of French speakers (the owners also speak English and Spanish). The couple lives on the property with their kids, and the reception area is part of their family home, which furthers the welcoming and friendly atmosphere of the place.

Quinta Esencia is set along a nondescript road lined with greenery, but a five-minute walk west will bring you to Playa Brasilito. The town of Brasilito has an authentic feel, with its town square and pink church, while its golden sand beach offers good swimming and snorkeling conditions. Playa Conchal beach is even prettier, and can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot. There are a number of restaurants in Brasilito, as well as a grocery store. The hotel is a 30-minute drive from the surf town of Tamarindo, while Liberia's airport is about an hour away. Rincón de la Vieja National Park can be reached in about three hours by car. 

Guest rooms at Quinta Esencia are bohemian and inviting, centered around beds with bold blue, pink, or green bedspreads backed by wooden headboards. All rooms have a combination of natural wood walls and plain white ones, and though individually decorated, colorful ribbons are a common theme throughout. The ribbons are wrapped delicately around fresh towels laid out on the beds, in addition to being used in earthy artwork with tree branches.

All rooms include free Wi-Fi, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, and wooden wardrobes. Minibars are stocked with beer, juice, soda, and water (fees apply). Knickknacks like little plants and Eiffel Tower statues decorate floating shelves. Each room is triple occupancy, offering a king bed as well as a single bed that can function as a daybed. Bathrooms have cute dolphin borders in the tilework and basic showers. Mosaic patterned toothbrush holders and soap dispensers are set beside round sinks. Towels and off-brand bars of soap are provided. 

Quinta Esencia has several features that bump up its charm. The property has a small, square hot tub surrounded by a concrete deck painted red. There’s no sundeck or loungers around it, but a few folding chairs and a hammock give a little seating for bathers between dips.

Rooms open onto a breezy common area shaded by a thatched roof and furnished with a few beanbag chairs, a small sofa, and a few other soft chairs. A toaster, microwave, and free coffee are available here for guests, along with loaner books. The common area is defined by the same vividly colored fabrics, inspirational signs, and eclectic artwork seen throughout the property. A free continental breakfast, which includes homemade bread, is served in this common area every morning. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and there’s free parking on-site. The owners can assist with booking tours.