Places You Will Want To StaySOME REALLY GOOD IDEAS FOR YOUR TRIP TO COSTA RICA
We'd like to introduce you to some places that represent the nicest accommodation and best hosts in Costa Rica today. But don't take our word for it, check them out at the top hotel ratings web site (TripAdvisor). We have stayed at 100's of places in Costa Rica but a few stand out as places we will or do return to again and again.
What's important to us about these places? First and foremost is that the owners are on-site and have a sense of humor - we know that this leads to a wonderful attention to detail and a laid back atmosphere for guests and staff. Next we want to connect with good food at the end of a long Costa Rican drive (they all are!). Great food and a nice comfy place to relax are as important as anything - that's what we want when we travel. We get out about once a month to experience new places in Costa Rica, so we want to be sure our recommendations are only for "places we would stay". We want our guests to to be able to fully experience the areas they are going to (our guests are VERY inquisitive types) - so knowledgeable Innkeepers are a huge plus. You can't go wrong with few days at any of these; our friends in Costa Rica.
TORTUGUERO - out on the Caribbean coast - great wildlife, turtles or lazy beach days
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Turtle Beach Lodge We took the night turtle tour after an exciting "fast boat" along pitch black canals (don't miss it in turtle season). There's an early morning canal tour to visit with caymans, turtles, birds and bats. Recommended and we'll be back. Snag a kayak or two and take yourself on a jungle adventure. Yes, the pic is from our most recent trip on the canals. The Lodge has the canals on one side and the beach on the other and is as far into nature as you may get. And Turtle beach will do a pickup from the Pura Vida and van/boat you all the way to your lodge and back - this is a great way to start your Costa Rican vacation. Phone: (506)2248-0707
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NEAR NOWHERE - the northern Costa Rican rainforest between 3 volcanoes
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La Anita Rainforest Lodge Ana and Pablo are a couple of Costa Rican agronomists with a keen understanding of hospitality and a complete connection to their environment. La Anita was once a macadamia farm and you will still find quite a bit of farming going on. Often you will find they have students visiting learning about sustainable practices - why not become a student yourself for a day? An excellent place to do some down time and see new futures you may not have considered. Highly recommended - "our best off the beaten path" location.Hosts: Ana y Pablo Phone: (506) 2466-0228 |
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SOUTHERN NICOYA - does it get any better at the beach in Costa Rica?
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Ylang Ylang Beach Resort This hidden gem is set in lush tropical gardens edging a white sand beach. A secluded romantic getaway for travelers who want a casual resort and love the sounds of the ocean! Ylang Ylang Beach Resort has 20 units spread throughout the property. You can choose from your own romantic bungalow with air conditioning, a family suite with a loft, or a unique tent cabin. Strolling along the path to your room, you're likely to see a variety of wildlife such as white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, agoutis, iguanas and coati mundis. Get a massage in the Spa nestled in the jungle, dip into the waterfalls in the tropical pool, or enjoy Happy Hour on the Restaurant terrace. Breakfast and candlelit dinner are included. If you’re looking to get away, this is the getaway place . . . The resort is located a 10-15 minute walk on the beach from Montezuma, a small beach town only 30 minutes from the local Tambor airport. Check in is at the Sano Banano Restaurant in the center of Montezuma. Since no driving is allowed on the beach without a permit, the hotel driver will transport you and your luggage on your arrival and departure days. US Phone: +1-415-692-5294CR Phone: +(506) 2642-0636 WEB: www.ylangylangbeachresort.com
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MONTEVERDE - in the cloud forests of Monteverde about 3 hours from the Pura Vida
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El Sol Just 2 log cabinas crafted with love - a big one and a smaller one situated on the sunny side of Santa Elena. If you go to our tour site (InsightCostaRica.com) and click on the big yellow box ("the road less travelled"), you will see the view from our cabin. You will never forget your visit to the sunny smiles of El Sol. Every guest is touched in some way by the experience at El Sol - we recommend a few days up here and don't miss a trip with Javier, Elisabeth's son and "native of the region." His horseback rides are a delight and his local knowledge will make all the difference to your trip. Host: Elisabeth WEB: El Sol |
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MONTEVERDE - in the cloud forests of Monteverde about 3 hours from the Pura Vida
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Arco Iris The cabins are very nice, spotless too and the hospitality excellent. We rarely have found a place like this so close to town and yet so seemingly in the forest. The Arco Iris makes a great base to start your explorations of the area - most people try out the Monteverde Reserve but ask the front desk for places they like such as the night walk or a jungle horseback ride. Maybe you can get a peek at Susanna's most interesting veggy garden growing most of the greens for the hotel. Hmmm and tell us when was the last time a "downtown cabin" looked like this one? Phone: (506)2645-5067 WEB: Arco Iris Lodge |
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ARENAL - most visited Volcano (or for that matter any destination) 3 1/2 hours from the Pura Vida
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Leaves & Lizards They recently added an nice restaurant and a couple more huge cabins. The place is more like a rural farm than a hotel but you won't mistake the hospitality for anything but home. An excellent surprise was a delightful visit to Cano Negro - this is a day trip into the jungle by car and by boat, just south of the Nicaraguan border. We met with cayman, bats, toucans, howler monkeys and a whole lot more you'll spend a lifetime trying to see. There are 3 really amazing spots with huge animal life and this is one of them. It helps there are no roads and few people. While you are there, try to get out on one of their little herd of amazing horses - the photo is of one of the great local guides (and conservationists) with a poison dart frog from the forest. Hosts: Steve & Debbie |
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MANUEL ANTONIO - we got an invite to our friend's beach house
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Biesanz Beach In a beach town with as much activity as Manuel Antonio it is a sheer delight to walk for 3 hours and see - well nobody. There is still some wilderness even here. The house itself is on a quiet road located near some of the upmarket hotels like Makanda and Mariposa. All the ameneties including wifi, kitchen etc. To rent the house check this link at Flipkey.
The view is a delight, there are 2 bedrooms with A/C as well as a careful caretaker on site to help if you need it. Like being home. If you have any questions just ask us and we'd be happy to help. |
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MANUEL ANTONIO - most visited beach location just 3 1/2 hours from the Pura Vida
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The Falls Resort They recently built a new restaurant which we were very happy to dine at. Good choices and very fresh ingredients to make sure you have all you need on the property. The location is very convenient not too far from the beach end of the Manuel Antonio road though we always would recommend a car - and easy parking right in front of the hotel. The management and staff was super friendly and it always makes a difference to have onsite owners - the only way we recommend hotels. If you need ideas for day trips and things to do the front desk will be happy to help set you straight - we spent the day in kayaks paddling off shore - tired and relaxed, the bar was ready with an excellent margarita on our return. The last 10 years we have searched Manuel Antonio for a "place we would like to stay" and this is finally the one we enjoyed - and we stayed at a number of them. Boutique, great service, good food and most of all, good people. We'd not only recommend, we'd guarantee it :-). Hosts: Scott & Tracy |
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TAMARINDO - Guanacastican beaches about 5 hours from the Pura Vida
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Villa Alegre Villa Alegre offers Spanish style villas built within walking distance to the beach of Playa Langosta.Last time we stayed in the one called Russia - very nice. This is what we think a tropical B&B is all about - great location on the beach, 38 different breakfasts (maybe more?), beautiful beach with usually nobody on it, the wildlife strolling by (the iguana is a local resident) and funny hosts. Oh and did I mention great pool and you are steps to the beach. Don't miss a day at Avellanas beach when you are in the neighborhood. Oh, and shhhhhhhh, pls don't mention that the Pura Vida sent you or Barry might not treat you as well as real guests :-). Hosts: Suzye and BarryPhone: (506) 2653-0270 Fax: (506) 2653-0287 Toll free (US/Canada): (650)860-6317 WEB: Villa Alegre FYI: this year Suzye and Barry raised $25,000 through their "Have a Heart" golf tournament all being donated to local schools in the vicinity of Tamarindo. Great job guys! |
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PLAYA JUNQUILLAL - Guanacaste beach, great turtle watch & 5 hours from the Pura Vida
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Hotelito Si Si Si The little beach community is not far but you do need a car. We go for the turtles and a laid back vacation. The turtles are protected under a unique local program that uses volunteer high school kids to collect the eggs with the help of an expert biologist. The eggs are protected in beach nests and released when hatched. One of the best run turtle protection programs we have seen. For more info on this check out the WWF page here. The photo is called “Baula boys” with leatherback turtle in Junquillal beach, Costa Rica.from © Gabriel Francia/ WWF CARO Nice visit, very rustic little beach town "the way Costa Rica was." Host: Joan |
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CENTRAL NICOYA - lovely beaches, nice village, turtle nights
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Costa Rica Yoga Spa Costa Rica Yoga Spa is set on the mountain of a private ranch in Nosara, Guanacaste on the Gold Coast of Costa Rica. The resort looks out on both the Pacific Ocean and Ostional National Wildlife Park, where hundreds of thousands of Olive Ridley turtles come to nest and a wide variety of birds call home. Phone: (506) 2682-0192 |
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SOUTHERN PACIFIC - an adventure in the jungle
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Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge We have visited many a jungle lodge but none quite as interesting. You are 1/2 an hour by boat from anywhere and maybe 8 hours drive from anywhere else (or a short 1 hour flight from San Jose) and though deep in the jungle we much enjoyed the food and accommodations as well as the team at Nicuesa. Don't miss a kayak ride to the Orchid man! For a jungle experience we'd very much recommend our friends at Nicuesa. From our friends at Playa Nicuesa: Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is an environmentally sensitive lodge set on a 165-acre private preserve in the undeveloped Pacific Coast Osa Peninsula/Golfo Dulce region of Southern Costa Rica. The lodge embraces conservation and harmony with the natural environment and caters to travelers interested in ecotourism, nature, adventure and sports. Their goal is to provide guests with an experience that they will always remember: Excellence, friendly service, hi-end accommodations, exceptional “edible landscape” cuisine, educational opportunities and unique, well run adventure activities, and to provide this experience while operating the lodge in the most environmentally friendly manner possible. Contact: Marcela US/Canada phone: 1-866-504-8116 Costa Rica: (+506) 2258-8250 |
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UVITA - less than an hour south of Manuel Antonio - the best views
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Shelter From The Storm Yes, another great place we take a break at . . . almost no time for Innkeeping with such nice places to visit. If you are not one for the crowds of Manuel Antonio just keep on driving another hour and you'll reach the turnoff for Shelter From The Storm. A few of the best appointed Villas with 180 degree views of the Pacific are perched on a hill in just about the middle of nowhere. Well except for the fact that you probably won't find places as detailed or as nice anywhere in Costa Rica. Then there are the hosts, good friends Daryl and Donna - yes that is Daryl in the Santa suit leading a bunch of elves to the indigenous Borucans and their annual Christmas party. If you go do try and bring some gifts for the party - every year they bring gifts for over 400 kids. If you are at the lodge in December join us on the trip! Boruca is one amazingly lovely village and center of the Borucan mask making in Costa Rica. Oh and Daryl and Donna are the funniest Innkeepers anywhere. . . you'll want a 4WD when exploring the area. Host: Donna y Daryl |
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SOUTH OSA PENINSULAR - pristine Rainforest and "good eats" too
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El Remanso Lodge This unique Rainforest Wildlife Lodge is located on the Osa Peninsula, in the southwest corner of Costa Rica. It is halfway between Puerto Jimenez and Carate on the road to Corcovado National Park. Every Pura Vida guest that comes back from El Remanso is impressed with the combination of beautiful jungle lodge and people totally committed to their amazing environment - um, and did I mention "good food" too? There is no better place in Costa Rica to use as your jungle base and no better place on the planet to explore the extraordinary biodiversity that is Costa Rica - just outside your room. All this just down a dirt road to the Corcovado National Park, labeled by National Geographic as "the most biologically intense place on Earth in terms of biodiversity" Drive or fly - if you drive stop by Shelter from the Storm (see above) and turn your transfer into a tour. Contact: Gabby |
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The Osa (Pueto Jimenez) and The Southern Caribbean (Cahuita/Puerto Viejo)
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| Our friends in both places moved on, we are seeking the best owner managed hotels or B&B's in these locations - do tell us! |
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