This 27-acre, upper-middle-range property of 82 one-story bungalows feels almost like its own sprawling town, and the working dairy farm is a highlight -- it supplies the hotel with milk, and guests are welcome to milk the cows. Both hot and cold spring pools with swim-up bars are on offer. The property is not too secluded, however, as La Fortuna is within a 15-minute drive. The rooms are modern (if a bit lacking in local character) and offer plenty of privacy, as each takes up one half of a bungalow; all have terraces with volcano views. Those who want a similar experience that's closer to town may prefer El Silencio del Campo (if they're OK with a hotel that's a little more worn-in) or Arenal Volcano Inn (if they don't need as much privacy).
This 27-acre, upper-middle-range property of 82 one-story bungalows feels almost like its own sprawling town, and the working dairy farm is a highlight -- it supplies the hotel with milk, and guests are welcome to milk the cows. Both hot and cold spring pools with swim-up bars are on offer. The property is not too secluded, however, as La Fortuna is within a 15-minute drive. The rooms are modern (if a bit lacking in local character) and offer plenty of privacy, as each takes up one half of a bungalow; all have terraces with volcano views. Those who want a similar experience that's closer to town may prefer El Silencio del Campo (if they're OK with a hotel that's a little more worn-in) or Arenal Volcano Inn (if they don't need as much privacy).
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 Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal is a four-pearl all-inclusive resort located in the northeastern part of Guanacaste. The resort’s 326 guest rooms are understated and contemporary, with many featuring a smart split-level design to separate the bedroom and living area. With 11 restaurants, two enormous pools, access to an idyllic beach, and a nonstop entertainment line-up, there's plenty to keep guests busy. The property’s forested grounds attract wildlife, giving guests a glimpse of the “real” Costa Rica, but ocean views are few and far between. For those who are fans of big, all-inclusive properties, the Westin is a top-notch choice, but it might be worth comparing rates and amenities with the Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica on Playa Matapalo.
The Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal is a four-pearl all-inclusive resort located in the northeastern part of Guanacaste. The resort’s 326 guest rooms are understated and contemporary, with many featuring a smart split-level design to separate the bedroom and living area. With 11 restaurants, two enormous pools, access to an idyllic beach, and a nonstop entertainment line-up, there's plenty to keep guests busy. The property’s forested grounds attract wildlife, giving guests a glimpse of the “real” Costa Rica, but ocean views are few and far between. For those who are fans of big, all-inclusive properties, the Westin is a top-notch choice, but it might be worth comparing rates and amenities with the Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica on Playa Matapalo.
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.
The 14-room Hotel Banana Azul is one of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca's smaller properties. The upper-middle-range hotel is tucked away along the Costa Rican town's popular surf beach, Playa Negra, just a five-minute drive from Puerto Viejo's central town area. Banana Azul, situated along a rain forest and the beach, has lush foliage, agouti, lizards, and exotic birds. Room decor will vary depending on the room type, but they are generally spacious with bright or deep wood color schemes, clean bathrooms, and private patios with hammocks. The main pool is small, so the hotel's selling point is its beach club, which includes a restaurant, bar, and lounge on the sand. While there's no fitness facility, visitors can enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking, international phone calls, a full breakfast buffet, morning coffee, bike rentals, iPods, and boogie boards for the beach.
The 14-room Hotel Banana Azul is one of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca's smaller properties. The upper-middle-range hotel is tucked away along the Costa Rican town's popular surf beach, Playa Negra, just a five-minute drive from Puerto Viejo's central town area. Banana Azul, situated along a rain forest and the beach, has lush foliage, agouti, lizards, and exotic birds. Room decor will vary depending on the room type, but they are generally spacious with bright or deep wood color schemes, clean bathrooms, and private patios with hammocks. The main pool is small, so the hotel's selling point is its beach club, which includes a restaurant, bar, and lounge on the sand. While there's no fitness facility, visitors can enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking, international phone calls, a full breakfast buffet, morning coffee, bike rentals, iPods, and boogie boards for the beach.
The three pearl Lizard King Hotel and Resort may be closer to a bed-and-breakfast in size than what its name implies, but it's a comfy and cozy place to stay near the fun happening in the heart of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. The pet-friendly hotel's 16 rooms -- most of which are without air-conditioning -- are all bright with simple white and wood decor, clean bathrooms, and pool views. In addition to the plate options served during free breakfast hours, Lizard King has its own restaurant/bar and cafe on site. Guests can rent bikes and surf gear to explore the beach area down the street and beyond. Free parking and Wi-Fi are nice bonuses.
The three pearl Lizard King Hotel and Resort may be closer to a bed-and-breakfast in size than what its name implies, but it's a comfy and cozy place to stay near the fun happening in the heart of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. The pet-friendly hotel's 16 rooms -- most of which are without air-conditioning -- are all bright with simple white and wood decor, clean bathrooms, and pool views. In addition to the plate options served during free breakfast hours, Lizard King has its own restaurant/bar and cafe on site. Guests can rent bikes and surf gear to explore the beach area down the street and beyond. Free parking and Wi-Fi are nice bonuses.
Puerto Viejo's three-pearl Korrigan Lodge is a one of the area's better spots for jungle solitude. Housed within the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, the bed-and-breakfast's four quaint bungalows and open-air reception area are totally surrounded by high trees, bright flowers, thick shrubbery, and fauna such as monkeys, sloths, exotic birds, and frogs. It's just a five-minute walk from the white-sand beach of Punta Uva, one of the best stretches in the area and a snorkel haven. The restaurants, shops, bars, and nightlife in central Puerto Viejo are a 15-minute drive, and it's under a 10-minute drive to the Parada Jaguar Center. La Finca Chica is a comparable option in this price range.
Puerto Viejo's three-pearl Korrigan Lodge is a one of the area's better spots for jungle solitude. Housed within the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, the bed-and-breakfast's four quaint bungalows and open-air reception area are totally surrounded by high trees, bright flowers, thick shrubbery, and fauna such as monkeys, sloths, exotic birds, and frogs. It's just a five-minute walk from the white-sand beach of Punta Uva, one of the best stretches in the area and a snorkel haven. The restaurants, shops, bars, and nightlife in central Puerto Viejo are a 15-minute drive, and it's under a 10-minute drive to the Parada Jaguar Center. La Finca Chica is a comparable option in this price range.
The mid-range Hotel La Costa de Papito is located across from Cocles Beach in the jungle area of Costa Rica's coastal Caribbean town, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. There are just 12 wooden bungalows and one budget cabin, with (some) cave-like bathrooms, scattered through lush grounds home to toucans and sloths. After the free daily breakfast buffet, most guests spend their time exploring the beach or town center, as there isn't a pool on-site. One unexpected perk is a full-service spa. On weekends, live calypso bands attract locals and guests for nightly entertainment.
The mid-range Hotel La Costa de Papito is located across from Cocles Beach in the jungle area of Costa Rica's coastal Caribbean town, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. There are just 12 wooden bungalows and one budget cabin, with (some) cave-like bathrooms, scattered through lush grounds home to toucans and sloths. After the free daily breakfast buffet, most guests spend their time exploring the beach or town center, as there isn't a pool on-site. One unexpected perk is a full-service spa. On weekends, live calypso bands attract locals and guests for nightly entertainment.