Occidental Papagayo is an adult-only, three-and-a-half-pearl property located on the Gulf of Papagayo. The resort’s 163 rooms aren’t especially chic, but they’re nonetheless adequate, offering coffeemakers, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Occidental’s all-inclusive package covers food, drinks, and entertainment. Guests also have access to a solid roster of amenities that includes a picturesque pool, four restaurants and numerous bars, as well as beach access. While this resort lacks wow factor, travelers looking for a fun, all-inclusive vacation are likely to be satisfied. Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica has sleeker facilities and a better beach, but its rates are generally higher.
Occidental Papagayo is an adult-only, three-and-a-half-pearl property located on the Gulf of Papagayo. The resort’s 163 rooms aren’t especially chic, but they’re nonetheless adequate, offering coffeemakers, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Occidental’s all-inclusive package covers food, drinks, and entertainment. Guests also have access to a solid roster of amenities that includes a picturesque pool, four restaurants and numerous bars, as well as beach access. While this resort lacks wow factor, travelers looking for a fun, all-inclusive vacation are likely to be satisfied. Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica has sleeker facilities and a better beach, but its rates are generally higher.
Open since 1980, Hotel Condovac la Costa is one of the oldest time-share properties in Guanacaste. With 107 one- and two-bedroom apartments, multiple pools, a kids' club, and an optional all-inclusive meal plan, Condovac attracts a lot of families, many of whom are locals. Though the beach isn’t within walking distance, the hotel’s hilltop location provides stunning views of Playa Hermosa. The infinity-edge pool is gorgeous and kitchens are well-equipped, but room decor is dated, the restaurant receives mixed reviews, and the property shows signs of age throughout. Another drawback is the steep hill that separates rooms from the public areas, though there are shuttles that make trips around the property. Nearby Casa Conde Beach-Front Hotel is completely flat and has better food, but nightly rates are more expensive.
Open since 1980, Hotel Condovac la Costa is one of the oldest time-share properties in Guanacaste. With 107 one- and two-bedroom apartments, multiple pools, a kids' club, and an optional all-inclusive meal plan, Condovac attracts a lot of families, many of whom are locals. Though the beach isn’t within walking distance, the hotel’s hilltop location provides stunning views of Playa Hermosa. The infinity-edge pool is gorgeous and kitchens are well-equipped, but room decor is dated, the restaurant receives mixed reviews, and the property shows signs of age throughout. Another drawback is the steep hill that separates rooms from the public areas, though there are shuttles that make trips around the property. Nearby Casa Conde Beach-Front Hotel is completely flat and has better food, but nightly rates are more expensive.
Nearly all of Nosara’s hotels offer some kind of yoga class, but the upper-middle-range Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort is the area’s premier retreat for serious yogis. The Bodhi Tree has the best yoga teachers, facilities, and equipment in Nosara, with six indoor and outdoor shalas and an international staff. Guests can also sample additional fitness classes, like Pilates, indoor cycling, and samba. The Bodhi Tree’s main focus is wellness -- expect green smoothies and energy shots at the juice bar, and only healthy, organic food at the restaurant. Travelers who aren’t interested in a holistic vacation will feel entirely out of step. Families are welcome, but the atmosphere may be too serene for boisterous little ones. Those traveling with children may prefer the nearby Olas Verdes Hotel, though it lacks The Bodhi Tree’s yoga-centric environment.
Nearly all of Nosara’s hotels offer some kind of yoga class, but the upper-middle-range Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort is the area’s premier retreat for serious yogis. The Bodhi Tree has the best yoga teachers, facilities, and equipment in Nosara, with six indoor and outdoor shalas and an international staff. Guests can also sample additional fitness classes, like Pilates, indoor cycling, and samba. The Bodhi Tree’s main focus is wellness -- expect green smoothies and energy shots at the juice bar, and only healthy, organic food at the restaurant. Travelers who aren’t interested in a holistic vacation will feel entirely out of step. Families are welcome, but the atmosphere may be too serene for boisterous little ones. Those traveling with children may prefer the nearby Olas Verdes Hotel, though it lacks The Bodhi Tree’s yoga-centric environment.
The 447-room Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica is an upscale all-inclusive resort with a quiet and secluded beachfront location. Contemporary decor complements the natural beauty of the rainforest and beach surrounding the resort. Rooms have views of either the pool, ocean, or gardens, plus terraces with whirlpools, minibars refilled daily, AC, and flat-screen TVs. The comprehensive all-inclusive plan covers nearly everything, including meals at five specialty restaurants and three eateries, top-shelf drinks at seven bars (including a swim-up bar), activities and entertainment, and even tips. Note that long pants are required for men at some restaurants, but reservations are not. Expect several pools, including an adults-only pool and waterslide pool, kids' and teens' clubs, and water sports. Note that the airport is a 90-minute drive away. Couples may prefer the adults-only Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica, which is also closer to Liberia.
The 447-room Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica is an upscale all-inclusive resort with a quiet and secluded beachfront location. Contemporary decor complements the natural beauty of the rainforest and beach surrounding the resort. Rooms have views of either the pool, ocean, or gardens, plus terraces with whirlpools, minibars refilled daily, AC, and flat-screen TVs. The comprehensive all-inclusive plan covers nearly everything, including meals at five specialty restaurants and three eateries, top-shelf drinks at seven bars (including a swim-up bar), activities and entertainment, and even tips. Note that long pants are required for men at some restaurants, but reservations are not. Expect several pools, including an adults-only pool and waterslide pool, kids' and teens' clubs, and water sports. Note that the airport is a 90-minute drive away. Couples may prefer the adults-only Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica, which is also closer to Liberia.