This small, mid-range hotel, more like a home-away-from-home, has five villas on a hillside, where the highlight is an infinity pool (said to be the first in Nicoya Peninsula) from which guests can watch surfers in the distance. Owned and operated by a lovable, eccentric family of four, along with their team of expats, the hotel encourages guests interaction, including eating the free breakfast together. Anyone is able to use the pool and swim-up bar for a buzzy happy hour designed for meeting friends -- and yes, it will happen. After sunset, guests can enjoy prime steaks on the grill or head to Santa Teresa for more options. Spotlessly clean, but simple, villas come with Egyptian cotton sheets, empty mini-fridges, and outdoor bathrooms. Two sons (both easy on the eyes) offer surf lessons, ATV tours, and airport transfers. For more privacy and romance, consider Casa Chameleon down the road.
This small, mid-range hotel, more like a home-away-from-home, has five villas on a hillside, where the highlight is an infinity pool (said to be the first in Nicoya Peninsula) from which guests can watch surfers in the distance. Owned and operated by a lovable, eccentric family of four, along with their team of expats, the hotel encourages guests interaction, including eating the free breakfast together. Anyone is able to use the pool and swim-up bar for a buzzy happy hour designed for meeting friends -- and yes, it will happen. After sunset, guests can enjoy prime steaks on the grill or head to Santa Teresa for more options. Spotlessly clean, but simple, villas come with Egyptian cotton sheets, empty mini-fridges, and outdoor bathrooms. Two sons (both easy on the eyes) offer surf lessons, ATV tours, and airport transfers. For more privacy and romance, consider Casa Chameleon down the road.
This off-the-radar getaway for couples may not be on the beach, but those seeking secluded luxury will love the location high up in the hills, neighbor-free. Ten stylish villas -- all stand-alone and individually decorated -- have private pools with flora, fauna, and ocean views beyond. Most of the focus takes place in the villas themselves, but the hotel has a great home-base where guests come together for food and drink. Meals are often prepared one-on-one from the personable chef, and a chic lounge serves quality cocktails. Four additional villas will be added by the end of 2015, and the group also manages other rental properties like Mel Gibson’s vacation house. But travelers who prefer direct beach access could consider Florblanca Resort.
This off-the-radar getaway for couples may not be on the beach, but those seeking secluded luxury will love the location high up in the hills, neighbor-free. Ten stylish villas -- all stand-alone and individually decorated -- have private pools with flora, fauna, and ocean views beyond. Most of the focus takes place in the villas themselves, but the hotel has a great home-base where guests come together for food and drink. Meals are often prepared one-on-one from the personable chef, and a chic lounge serves quality cocktails. Four additional villas will be added by the end of 2015, and the group also manages other rental properties like Mel Gibson’s vacation house. But travelers who prefer direct beach access could consider Florblanca Resort.