Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel

Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel’s compact property centers around its pretty pool and relaxed common area. The hotel’s largest building, which includes the reception area and several guest rooms, overlooks this central hub. From here, narrow pathways lined with tropical vegetation lead past additional buildings that house other guest rooms. Paths culminate at a flight of stairs leading up to the breakfast terrace, which offers views over the grounds where guests can spot local wildlife like iguanas and howler monkeys.The Zen-chic feel of the property is inspired by the owners’ international travels in Asia. Joe and Bathsheba live on the property, and interact regularly with guests. They’re almost always available to provide local tips and recommendations.Eco-conscious practices are a big focus here. Breakfasts incorporating organic produce, as well as UV lighting and the use of recycled materials, are among the hotel’s numerous environmentally-friendly initiatives. The owners have two friendly rescue dogs that live on the property -- an important note for guests with allergies or aversions to dogs.The hotel is adult-only and the romantic atmosphere mainly draws couples. With only a few guest rooms, the vibe is quiet and low-key. But the poolside lounge area and breakfasts on the terrace offer opportunities for guests to mingle.

Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel is set along a low-traffic, gravel side street just outside of downtown Tamarindo. Its only neighbors are a few other hotels, but it’s a two-minute walk to Avenida Central, where banks, restaurants, bars, and a grocery store can be found. Even more dining and shopping is located a 10-minute walk away along Calle Central. It’s also about a 10-minute walk to Tamarindo Beach.Other nearby beaches include Playa Langosta, which is about a five-minute drive away, and Playa Grande, which can be reached in 30 minutes by car. It’s just over an hour by car to Liberia’s airport, and a bit over two hours to Rincón de la Vieja National Park.

Guest rooms at Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel are decorated in a muted color palette of gray, lavender, steel blue, and beige. The rooms have a modern, Zen feel with natural bamboo accents, polished concrete or tile floors, and one or two orchids. Most have retro photos of surfers, and some have small Buddha statues. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Walk-in closets hold safety deposit boxes and beach towels. Rooms also include small sitting areas with comfy chairs or sofas.Sliding, frosted glass doors lead to bathrooms with round above-counter or pedestal sinks. All bathrooms have rainfall showerheads and pump bottles of organic shampoo and body wash. Some rooms have Bali-inspired outdoor showers. The Deluxe King Suite has a private patio overlooking the pool, as well as a Nespresso machine and cotton bathrobes. The suite’s enormous bathroom includes a hardwood countertop and pebbled shower floor.

This intimate boutique property doesn't cover all the features associated with a typical mid-range hotel, but the extras it does offer add to its charm. The hotel’s 36-foot-long outdoor pool is surrounded by attractive, recycled plastic decking. This low-chlorinated pool features an environmentally-friendly UV filter system and multicolored underwater LED lights. A cluster of Adirondack chairs, loungers, a hammock, and beach umbrellas are set by the pool. There’s also a living/dining area alongside it, shaded by a thatched roof. This airy space is furnished with daybeds, bean bag chairs, sofas, and rocking chairs. A few games, magazines, and a watercooler are available for guests.Free breakfast is served on a breezy second-floor terrace, which overlooks the hotel’s lush grounds. The terrace is simple and elegant, with polished concrete floors, a thatched roof, and wooden tables. The breakfast buffet includes a mix of fresh fruit, pastries, and omelets, among other dishes. Though there's no full restaurant on-site, private dinners can be prepared by the resident chef (for a fee).Bikes, boogie boards, snorkel gear, and beach coolers are all free for guests to use. Wi-Fi is offered throughout, and there’s free parking on-site. The hotel hosts weddings and other special events, and staff can assist with the arrangement of local tours.