Tambor Tropical Beach Resort opened in 1994 and is a tranquil, relaxing spot. It’s lush, manicured grounds are covered with blossoming flowers and palm trees. Hammocks, chairs, and tables are set up near the ocean, to soak up the view. The resort’s bright lobby is made of glistening teak and its entryway doors -- like all doors at the resort -- feature skillfully carved images of animals and jungle scenes. The lobby doubles as a gallery with bicycle-inspired paintings on the walls and crafts from local artists for sale. The heart of Tambor Tropical is its big freshwater pool and cold-water whirlpool. There are a ton of wooden lounge chairs with plush pillows. The hotel’s open-air restaurant has ocean and pool views, and a thatch-roof bar. Birders will love seeing and hearing the family of scarlet macaws who live on the property. Their raucous screeching is a regular backdrop to the otherwise rustling leaves and ocean wave soundtrack. Hummingbird feeders are scattered throughout the grounds and there’s also a short hiking/birding trail in the back of the resort. Guests at Tambor Tropical are a mix of mostly American and Canadians and avid birders, but the hotel also draws quite a few Europeans and some honeymooners. 

Tambor Tropical is located in the sleepy fishing village of Tambor, along the similarly named Tambor Beach. From the resort, it’s a one-minute walk across a grassy field to the beach. There are a pizza and Italian restaurant and an open-air bar a two-minute walk from the hotel. A grocery store and a restaurant serving Costa Rican cuisine are about a three-minute walk away. The 100 Species Trail, a walking trail known for the huge variety of birds that can be seen (it’s common to see more than 100 species during a three-hour hike) starts a one-minute walk from the resort. There’s also a nine-hole golf course a 10-minute drive from Tambor Tropical. Cobano, a commercial hub full of restaurants, banks, gas stations, and a pharmacy, is a 15-minute drive away. The Jesus Tree, a tree growing on an offshore rock that looks like it’s floating during high tide, is an hour-and-15-minute walk away. Montezuma, the hippy, backpacker town with a beautiful beach, 79-foot waterfall, and great restaurants is a 35-minute drive from the resort. Santa Teresa, a famed surf and yoga beach is a 45-minute drive away. Tambor airport is a seven-minute drive from Tambor Tropical. Getting from Tambor Tropical to Liberia requires either a three-and-a-half-hour drive or a seven-minute drive to the airport and a 25-minute flight. San Jose is a four-and-a-half-hour drive away, or a seven-minute drive to Tambor airport and a 20-minute flight. 

The suites at Tambor Tropical are gorgeous and at 800-square feet, pretty big. Suites are octagonal shaped and their walls and ceilings are constructed of glistening teak. Floors incorporate 13 types of wood, including the extremely rare (and sustainably harvested) purple heart wood that provides a rainbow of color and contrast. All furniture was made in the resort’s wood shop and include platform queen beds, live-edge coffee tables, and plush gray couches and armchairs. Also standard are multiple ceiling fans, walk-in closets, and alarm clocks. Suites have full kitchens with blue-tiled counters, coffeemakers (with free coffee and cookies), blenders, toasters, electric ranges and ovens, and small refrigerators. There’s a minibar stocked with beer and wine. Other room amenities include air-conditioning, a safe, umbrellas, flashlights, and a nice touch are the bird-watching field guides. Wi-Fi is free in all rooms but can be spotty (and at times slow).

Bathrooms are big, and like the rest of the suite, all wood except for blue tile counters and tiled stand-up showers. Bathrooms also include Neutrogena conditioner, lotion, shampoo, and bar soap. Irons, ironing boards, and hairdryers are available to borrow from the front desk. All units have wraparound balconies, but the second-floor suites upgrade to wraparound ocean-view balconies. 

Tambor Tropical’s features cater to vacationers and emphasize the beautiful grounds. Its freshwater pool and cold-water whirlpool are surrounded by palm trees and blossoming flowers. There are a bunch of wooden lounge chairs with plush blue cushions. The pool has ocean views and spectacular views of Crocodile Mountain, a mountain across from Ballena Bay with a crocodile silhouette. The open-air restaurant and thatch-roof bar are located next to the pool and serve local and international cuisine. Free continental breakfasts of homemade bread, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, juice, and coffee are included with all stays. A la carte options are also available for purchase. All guests receive a free fruit or rum punch upon arrival. At five-o’clock, a secret dessert is served to guests at the pool and restaurant area. 

Massages are available and conducted in the open-air massage area that also has a hot water whirlpool. There are hammocks, chairs, and tables overlooking the ocean and two horseshoe pitches. There’s also an in-house guided kayak tour and stand-up paddle board (and lessons) can be arranged (for a fee). Birders will appreciate the bird watching trail. Other amenities include free airport transfers from Tambor Airport, laundry service, a small book exchange, free Wi-Fi, and drinkable tap water. The resort is associated with a nearby school and guests can volunteer with the kids there.