Tango Mar Beachfront Boutique Hotel & Villas

Tango Mar is reached via a long gravel driveway, past tropical flora and fauna, intermingled with rolling hills and horses. The property is big enough for a massive resort development (like the nearby Barcelo), but this is where the difference lies: Tango Mar is privately-owned and has only a fraction of the rooms that Barcelo has. It is peaceful, natural, and expansive at Tango, and as guests drive closer to the lobby, glimpses of the postcard-worthy coastline begin to appear. Parking (or taxi drop-off) is along the beach -- even these spots have views -- and newcomers have an easy walk to the front desk. Sure, the hub has the features of a standard hotel with a business center, billiards table, bar and restaurant, but then it turns boutique again, with a charming wood deck where guests can dine outside, facing the waves. Many of the rooms are close to the pool and beach for easy back and forth, but some will require light hiking. It's best to bring good walking shoes, or the hotel can provide golf cart lifts.Palapas, hammocks, and lounge chairs are scattered along the beach reserve (protected by rocks to the east) so everyone has a piece of paradise. The waves may be too dangerous for swimming but are always a vision to look at, especially from the infinity pool and swim-up bar where many choose to spend a good portion of the day. On the other hand, active types can explore the grounds or take an excursion to nearby Tortuga Island.  Evenings are low-key as couples (there are also small charter groups from Europe) dine at the restaurant for gourmet á la carte fare, or head out on bumpy roads to nearby towns, like Montezuma. Drinks are served at the lobby bar until late in the evening, and then most guests hit the hay (if they haven't already). The Belgian owner, Hilda, lives on-site and is often running around in heels with a smile, greeting everybody at breakfast and dinner. She runs a tight ship -- -- and yet provides enough personality and warmth to keep the place from straying too far from its roots.

Tango Mar Beach Resort is located on the southern end of Nicoya Penisula, a wildly beautiful and underdeveloped part of Costa Rica (except for one major resort nearby). The hotel grounds take up over 100 acres in an already remote area with unpaved roads and very few options for restaurants and nightlife. Many choose to either stay within the perimeters of the property for shorter vacations, or to rent a car in order to do some exploring. For surfing and nightlife, Montezuma (30 minutes away) and Santa Teresa (55 minutes away) have more action. A popular daytime excursion is to Tortuga Island for diving and snorkeling (20 minutes away). The best way to arrive to the hotel is to take a commuter plane from Liberia or San Jose International Airport into the smaller Tambor Airport, and then a 15-minute taxi to the hotel (some roads will be a rough). This is the most expensive way, but the most convenient. Another cheaper option is to take the ferry from Puntarenas to Tambor, though ferry times are not always reliable. Another ferry makes regular rounds between Jaco and Montezuma. This probably only makes sense for those who are planning on visiting the Jaco area, which is a two-hour drive west of San Jose. The hotel can arrange transportation (for a fee) for the first two options. 

The family-owned hotel has 43 rooms and it will most likely continue to grow down the road. Some sections are newer than others, but all rooms have simple wood furnishing, tile floors, and accents of pale green, blue, or yellow. They include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and patio or balconies -- many that face the ocean. Bathrooms have large walk-in showers and Paya bath products. Most rooms are located on either side of the hub within easy walking distance of the restaurants and pools. The Tropical Suites are the furthest away (by foot or golf cart), higher above on the hill, and they come with King-sized canopy beds and separate jetted tubs. Ocean views are not as direct here due to the vegetation, but they have larger terraces (shared with the neighbor next door) and access to a private plunge pool, which stays quiet. Beachfront Rooms are a better option for those who want easy walking distance to the restaurants, beach, and pools. Tiki Suites, also with jetted tubs, are authentic standalone units, made mostly of wood, across the road from the beach near the entrance. These are best suited for romantics. Larger groups can choose from one of three villas, like the Beachfront Royal Villa, which has a higher level of luxury, full dining room, kitchen, and private pool. 

The beautiful beach along this part of the coast is public, but one would never guess. It seems private due to the rock formation on the eastern side, which keeps out crowds (not that there are any in this part of Costa Rica anyway). The soft white sand is great for long walks, but the waves can suddenly (without notice) become strong, which will make it dangerous for inexperienced swimmers and children. Alternatively, there are three separate pools overlooking these Pacific Ocean views, just a few steps up from the sand. The infinity pool is the biggest of the three, and has a swim-up bar and plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas. Iguana sightings are also common.Other activities on-site include light hikes to areas within the grounds, including a waterfall and a lookout point that is accessed by key -- great for picnics or sunset drinks. There are also several horses for riding, two tennis courts with floodlights, a soccer field, and a nine-hole rustic golf course that is great for practicing (a $25 greens fee is required).Breakfast and dinner are served at the Cristobal Restaurant overlooking the ocean. This restaurant is decorated with bamboo and furnished with fine Cristobal wood, and the deck turns from cheerful in the morning to romantic at night. Breakfast is included in the room rate with buffet options and a Belgian waffle station, while dinner is served á la carte and focuses on Italian cuisine. Lunch can be ordered at the poolside restaurant where there's an elegant selection of salads, sandwiches, and snacks (again, focusing on Italian). The lobby bar is the only bar open in the evenings and serves a wide range of cocktails, beer, and wine until 11pm.There is an Asian-themed spa for single or couples massages, and a sparse but well-lit fitness center with a few cardio machines and free weights. Free Wi-Fi and parking are both provided.