Costa Paraiso (which translates to paradise coast in English) may be just that for surfers and nature lovers. This mid-range property is built on the crashing coastline of Playa Dominicalito, a rarity in Dominical. It has just four bungalow-style rooms with kitchenettes (but no TVs) and a suite with ocean views. ¿Por Que No? is one of the most popular restaurants in the area; it serves prettily presented smoothies, fresh salads, fish tacos, and more on a comfortable covered deck overlooking the beach. Expect to pay extra for breakfast. Overall, the vibe and decor are much like the area itself: laid-back and friendly, with an emphasis on the jungle, beach, and animals of Costa Rica.
Costa Paraiso (which translates to paradise coast in English) may be just that for surfers and nature lovers. This mid-range property is built on the crashing coastline of Playa Dominicalito, a rarity in Dominical. It has just four bungalow-style rooms with kitchenettes (but no TVs) and a suite with ocean views. ¿Por Que No? is one of the most popular restaurants in the area; it serves prettily presented smoothies, fresh salads, fish tacos, and more on a comfortable covered deck overlooking the beach. Expect to pay extra for breakfast. Overall, the vibe and decor are much like the area itself: laid-back and friendly, with an emphasis on the jungle, beach, and animals of Costa Rica.
Hotel Cuna del Angel is a three-and-a-half pearl boutique hotel that wouldn't look out of place in the Mediterranean. Each of the 22 rooms is stocked with minibars and named after an angel. Deluxe Rooms overlook the outdoor swimming pool and Standard Rooms are set in the rain forest. A free and tasty breakfast buffet is served along with distant views of the Pacific Ocean in the semi-outdoor and stylish Palapa Restaurant, which does gourmet lunches and dinners a la carte. There's a romantic partially hidden outdoor whirlpool that's open 24 hours, plus a cute spa. The hotel is easy to access off of Route 34, but not within walking distance of the beach. For better ocean views and villas with kitchens, check rates at Villas Alturas -- but expect a steep uphill drive.
Hotel Cuna del Angel is a three-and-a-half pearl boutique hotel that wouldn't look out of place in the Mediterranean. Each of the 22 rooms is stocked with minibars and named after an angel. Deluxe Rooms overlook the outdoor swimming pool and Standard Rooms are set in the rain forest. A free and tasty breakfast buffet is served along with distant views of the Pacific Ocean in the semi-outdoor and stylish Palapa Restaurant, which does gourmet lunches and dinners a la carte. There's a romantic partially hidden outdoor whirlpool that's open 24 hours, plus a cute spa. The hotel is easy to access off of Route 34, but not within walking distance of the beach. For better ocean views and villas with kitchens, check rates at Villas Alturas -- but expect a steep uphill drive.
This mid-range resort 15 minutes north of Jaco is quite expansive in terms of acreage, with two beaches, several outdoor pools, and eight different types of accommodations. Most guests will find themselves staying in an area called Selvamar, with basic Standard and Superior rooms. This area has a buffet restaurant for all three meals and it’s advisable to get the all-inclusive package due to the resort's remote location. Guests can also opt to stay in one of several condo-style units with kitchens. (A new area called Arrecifes has more modern interiors.) Expect a lot of walking and driving from hub to hub, or guests can wait for the shuttle that makes rounds every half hour. A butterfly park, walking trails, and toucan sightings provide some nature opportunities, but do not rely on consistent Wi-Fi.
This mid-range resort 15 minutes north of Jaco is quite expansive in terms of acreage, with two beaches, several outdoor pools, and eight different types of accommodations. Most guests will find themselves staying in an area called Selvamar, with basic Standard and Superior rooms. This area has a buffet restaurant for all three meals and it’s advisable to get the all-inclusive package due to the resort's remote location. Guests can also opt to stay in one of several condo-style units with kitchens. (A new area called Arrecifes has more modern interiors.) Expect a lot of walking and driving from hub to hub, or guests can wait for the shuttle that makes rounds every half hour. A butterfly park, walking trails, and toucan sightings provide some nature opportunities, but do not rely on consistent Wi-Fi.
Located in the heart of Santa Elena, Santa Elena Hostel Resort offers charming budget digs within a block of the town’s tourist district -- restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions are all within a five-minute walk. Like most area hostels, there's not much here beyond a small restaurant and bar, and a garden courtyard with hammocks. The 20 lodge-like rooms range from dorm rooms with bunk beds and en-suite bathrooms to private rooms with flat-screen TVs. Overall, the property feels like a step above most competing hostels, though constant noise and finicky hot water can be problematic.
Located in the heart of Santa Elena, Santa Elena Hostel Resort offers charming budget digs within a block of the town’s tourist district -- restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions are all within a five-minute walk. Like most area hostels, there's not much here beyond a small restaurant and bar, and a garden courtyard with hammocks. The 20 lodge-like rooms range from dorm rooms with bunk beds and en-suite bathrooms to private rooms with flat-screen TVs. Overall, the property feels like a step above most competing hostels, though constant noise and finicky hot water can be problematic.
La Lancha is one of a handful of exclusive Central American hideaways owned by Francis Ford Coppola. This small 10-room rainforest retreat has a lakeside location 40 minutes away from the famous Mayan ruins at Tikal National Park. Rooms are rustic and comfortable with fantastic balconies and hammocks for admiring the views. Hotel highlights include a split-level pool, the beautiful Lake Peten Itza with canoes, and an on-site restaurant and bar serving Guatemalan cuisine and Coppola wines. Some guests have complained about the lack of a hot tub and the thin walls between casitas. There are no TVs, and climbing stairs is required on this hillside property.
La Lancha is one of a handful of exclusive Central American hideaways owned by Francis Ford Coppola. This small 10-room rainforest retreat has a lakeside location 40 minutes away from the famous Mayan ruins at Tikal National Park. Rooms are rustic and comfortable with fantastic balconies and hammocks for admiring the views. Hotel highlights include a split-level pool, the beautiful Lake Peten Itza with canoes, and an on-site restaurant and bar serving Guatemalan cuisine and Coppola wines. Some guests have complained about the lack of a hot tub and the thin walls between casitas. There are no TVs, and climbing stairs is required on this hillside property.
