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.
Kalapiti Luxury Jungle Suites is a three-and-a-half pearl boutique hotel surrounded by lush gardens, a nine-minute drive from Montezuma. There are only two suites, both are infused with Moroccan elements like arched doorways, Arabian windows, and baby-blue paint-washed walls. Expect king or twin beds, cedar accents, paintings of Moroccan streetscapes, and amazing bathrooms with whirlpool tubs and open-air showers. The hotel’s gorgeous infinity pool has a waterslide, a cold-water whirlpool, and lots of lounge chairs. Hotel amenities include a shared chef’s kitchen, an outdoor grill, a steam room, and naturalist trails full of blossoming fruits, herbs, and flowers. The free breakfasts include home baked bread and pastries. There’s nothing like this hotel nearby, but for an oceanfront stay with gorgeous villas and a tasty restaurant, it might be worth the higher rates at Santa Teresa’s (a 35-minute drive) Latitude 10 Beachfront Resort.
Kalapiti Luxury Jungle Suites is a three-and-a-half pearl boutique hotel surrounded by lush gardens, a nine-minute drive from Montezuma. There are only two suites, both are infused with Moroccan elements like arched doorways, Arabian windows, and baby-blue paint-washed walls. Expect king or twin beds, cedar accents, paintings of Moroccan streetscapes, and amazing bathrooms with whirlpool tubs and open-air showers. The hotel’s gorgeous infinity pool has a waterslide, a cold-water whirlpool, and lots of lounge chairs. Hotel amenities include a shared chef’s kitchen, an outdoor grill, a steam room, and naturalist trails full of blossoming fruits, herbs, and flowers. The free breakfasts include home baked bread and pastries. There’s nothing like this hotel nearby, but for an oceanfront stay with gorgeous villas and a tasty restaurant, it might be worth the higher rates at Santa Teresa’s (a 35-minute drive) Latitude 10 Beachfront Resort.
Hotel El Jardin is a basic two-pearl hotel just a one-minute walk from Montezuma Beach. The hotel’s 14 rooms and two bungalows have teak furniture, en-suite bathrooms, and mini-fridges, but air-conditioning isn't standard and there are no TVs. Wooden bungalows are rustic, but roadside rooms will suffer from traffic noise. The steep hillside location means amazing ocean views, but the steps can be challenging to navigate for some. El Jardin’s bi-level pool is one of the best in town, with its waterfall and cold-water whirlpool. Otherwise, amenities are limited but include free coffee and tea in the mornings and free slow Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. For a beachier stay closer to the ocean, rooms and bungalows with TVs, and an on-site restaurant, it’s worth considering Luz De Mono Hotel instead.
Hotel El Jardin is a basic two-pearl hotel just a one-minute walk from Montezuma Beach. The hotel’s 14 rooms and two bungalows have teak furniture, en-suite bathrooms, and mini-fridges, but air-conditioning isn't standard and there are no TVs. Wooden bungalows are rustic, but roadside rooms will suffer from traffic noise. The steep hillside location means amazing ocean views, but the steps can be challenging to navigate for some. El Jardin’s bi-level pool is one of the best in town, with its waterfall and cold-water whirlpool. Otherwise, amenities are limited but include free coffee and tea in the mornings and free slow Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. For a beachier stay closer to the ocean, rooms and bungalows with TVs, and an on-site restaurant, it’s worth considering Luz De Mono Hotel instead.
Off-the-beaten-track and oozing Tican charm, this 22-room hotel is situated at the end of a scenic beach, within walking distance of Montezuma -- an area popular with surfers and dreadlocked expats. The property stretches across a lush rainforest nature preserve, where monkeys and exotic birds are common (so carry a camera at all times). Add in healthy breakfasts and dinners (both meals are included in the rates), and there isn't another place in Nicoya Peninsula like it. Simple accommodations include cozy Tent Cabins (without A/C) and romantic bungalows (with A/C) -- all come with empty mini-fridges. Guests also have use of an outdoor pool, spa, water sports, and an open-air yoga studio facing the sea. Free Wi-Fi and transfers to town are provided.
Off-the-beaten-track and oozing Tican charm, this 22-room hotel is situated at the end of a scenic beach, within walking distance of Montezuma -- an area popular with surfers and dreadlocked expats. The property stretches across a lush rainforest nature preserve, where monkeys and exotic birds are common (so carry a camera at all times). Add in healthy breakfasts and dinners (both meals are included in the rates), and there isn't another place in Nicoya Peninsula like it. Simple accommodations include cozy Tent Cabins (without A/C) and romantic bungalows (with A/C) -- all come with empty mini-fridges. Guests also have use of an outdoor pool, spa, water sports, and an open-air yoga studio facing the sea. Free Wi-Fi and transfers to town are provided.
The Marriott Los Suenos is one of Costa Rica's few large-scale resorts, with 201 comfortable rooms, an 18-hole golf course, a big pool complex, full-service spa, six restaurants, and beautiful Spanish colonial architecture. But the on-site beach is extremely rocky, so you may want to take a taxi to one of the other nearby beaches instead.
The Marriott Los Suenos is one of Costa Rica's few large-scale resorts, with 201 comfortable rooms, an 18-hole golf course, a big pool complex, full-service spa, six restaurants, and beautiful Spanish colonial architecture. But the on-site beach is extremely rocky, so you may want to take a taxi to one of the other nearby beaches instead.
Lapa Rios, located in the remote coastal rainforests of the Osa Peninsula, is Costa Rica’s original luxury eco lodge. This is the opposite of a Cancun-style beach resort -- guests come to the upscale Lapa Rios to enjoy the spectacular surroundings, learn about sustainable tourism, and re-connect with nature. The 17-bungalow lodge sits amid 1,000 acres of rainforest filled with wildlife, but it's far from a no-frills jungle camp. There are many comforts here, including a pool overlooking the ocean, a splendid restaurant serving sumptuous cuisine, and rustic-luxe rooms with private decks. This is a place to get in touch with nature without roughing it.
Lapa Rios, located in the remote coastal rainforests of the Osa Peninsula, is Costa Rica’s original luxury eco lodge. This is the opposite of a Cancun-style beach resort -- guests come to the upscale Lapa Rios to enjoy the spectacular surroundings, learn about sustainable tourism, and re-connect with nature. The 17-bungalow lodge sits amid 1,000 acres of rainforest filled with wildlife, but it's far from a no-frills jungle camp. There are many comforts here, including a pool overlooking the ocean, a splendid restaurant serving sumptuous cuisine, and rustic-luxe rooms with private decks. This is a place to get in touch with nature without roughing it.
Alma del Pacifico Beach Hotel & Spa is an upscale hotel located on picturesque Playa Esterillos beach. Its 20 bungalows and villas have dazzling, open-plan layouts that include wet bars and private terraces. The property is defined by imaginative art and architecture, with its rooms, restaurant, spa, and pool area all exuding oodles of color and character. The hotel’s secluded setting allows its beach to remain blissfully uncrowded, but guests without a rental car may find the location a bit remote. Travelers may want to compare amenities and rates with Florblanca Resort in Santa Teresa.
Alma del Pacifico Beach Hotel & Spa is an upscale hotel located on picturesque Playa Esterillos beach. Its 20 bungalows and villas have dazzling, open-plan layouts that include wet bars and private terraces. The property is defined by imaginative art and architecture, with its rooms, restaurant, spa, and pool area all exuding oodles of color and character. The hotel’s secluded setting allows its beach to remain blissfully uncrowded, but guests without a rental car may find the location a bit remote. Travelers may want to compare amenities and rates with Florblanca Resort in Santa Teresa.
Renovated in 2014, three-and-a-half pearl Villas Alturas is where nature and style come together on a hilltop overlooking Uvita and its famous Whale's Tale. It's a bit of an adventure to get to the entrance via a winding, rocky road that's steep enough to require four-wheel drive. When we pulled into the parking lot, we spotted a brown snake, unsurprising when you consider that the nearest neighbor is the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary. There are just seven Villas on-site, with either one or two bedrooms and full kitchens. An organic and vegetarian-friendly restaurant and bar is adjacent to the outdoor swimming pool; made-to-order breakfast is free. Views of the Pacific Ocean, Whale's Tail, and Uvita are some of the best in Dominical. For faster beach access and kitchenettes (without the uphill drive) check rates at nearby Costa Paraiso.
Renovated in 2014, three-and-a-half pearl Villas Alturas is where nature and style come together on a hilltop overlooking Uvita and its famous Whale's Tale. It's a bit of an adventure to get to the entrance via a winding, rocky road that's steep enough to require four-wheel drive. When we pulled into the parking lot, we spotted a brown snake, unsurprising when you consider that the nearest neighbor is the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary. There are just seven Villas on-site, with either one or two bedrooms and full kitchens. An organic and vegetarian-friendly restaurant and bar is adjacent to the outdoor swimming pool; made-to-order breakfast is free. Views of the Pacific Ocean, Whale's Tail, and Uvita are some of the best in Dominical. For faster beach access and kitchenettes (without the uphill drive) check rates at nearby Costa Paraiso.
Villas Rio Mar is a mid-range family-style resort with low rates, located across the street from the Baru River and a 15-minute walk to the main drag of Dominical. The 52 rooms each have a private, furnished terrace equipped with a sink and mini-fridge and are housed in 13 bungalows across the property. Some of the units have maintenance issues and could use a style update. El Rancho restaurant serves a quality, free breakfast buffet and a variety of options for lunch and dinner, including a kids' menu. Outdoor fun can be had in the large outdoor swimming pool, kids' playground, tennis courts, or mini-golf course. A small spa provides a spot for parents to relax. It's a bit of a trek to Dominical Beach with little ones, so a car is recommended. This is a solid pick for families and groups; couples would probably be happier at Cuna del Angel or Villas Rio Mar -- though they're farther from the beach.
Villas Rio Mar is a mid-range family-style resort with low rates, located across the street from the Baru River and a 15-minute walk to the main drag of Dominical. The 52 rooms each have a private, furnished terrace equipped with a sink and mini-fridge and are housed in 13 bungalows across the property. Some of the units have maintenance issues and could use a style update. El Rancho restaurant serves a quality, free breakfast buffet and a variety of options for lunch and dinner, including a kids' menu. Outdoor fun can be had in the large outdoor swimming pool, kids' playground, tennis courts, or mini-golf course. A small spa provides a spot for parents to relax. It's a bit of a trek to Dominical Beach with little ones, so a car is recommended. This is a solid pick for families and groups; couples would probably be happier at Cuna del Angel or Villas Rio Mar -- though they're farther from the beach.