When we moved our asses to Costa Rica to embark on this big surf adventure, we honestly had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. We had never been to Costa Rica before, had little knowledge about its culture, its people, or how beautiful this country really was. But it surprised us in many ways, and it still does.
One of the highlights of this country is of course its nature, but also the role nature plays in its approach to tourism. Eco-tourism is thriving in Costa Rica. This also means there are quite a lot of special, unique, hotels that will make your trip through Costa Rica even more of an adventure. While most tourists tend to hang around the North of the country, they are actually missing out on the best part. Southern Costa Rica has the most beautiful national parks, unspoiled beaches, uncrowded waves, and undiscovered gems. We decided to do a little field research on the coolest hotels in Costa Rica in order to elevate your trip to the next level.
Art Villas | Uvita
If there’s one place in Costa Rica that needs a spot on your bucket list, then it’s Art Villas. After a steep, bumpy, ride uphill you’ll arrive at this jungle luxury hideout. You know what we say, right? Bumpy roads lead to beautiful hidden gems! And that’s absolutely true for Art Villas. Do arrive by 4×4 though, otherwise, it will be a long, steep, uphill walk with your suitcases.
Pinterest worthy
At Art Villas, they’ve thought about everything. Plunge pools with a slide? Check! Gym with plenty of equipment? Check. A massive kids’ room with anything your kids can dream off? Check. Just to name a few things. But what really does the magic is the way it’s set up. Surrounded by nature, with endless views, and the unique design of both the Coco pods and the houses suitable for bigger groups. It’s what Pinterest boards are made of.
Isla Chiquita Glamping
Another one that’s serious bucket list material, is Isla Chiquita Glamping. There is truly no place like it. From the moment you set foot on this tiny island, you’ll feel like you arrived in paradise. Not just because its lush nature is absolutely beautiful, but also because Isla Chiquita Glamping takes every little detail into account. The staff goes above and beyond to give you the best experience while staying with them and will make you feel at home the moment you get out of the boat. At home might mean sleeping in a tent, but don’t be fooled… this is next level glamping.
Island life
Does staying on a tiny island sound a bit claustrophobic to you? Don’t worry, there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied! Get on a SUP or grab a kayak for a relaxing paddle around the island before breakfast. Walk around the island for some guaranteed howler monkey spotting. Join the yoga class, get a massage, or dive in the pool. And definitely, do a bioluminescent kayaking tour!
The Green House | Santa Teresa
Most of the hotels in this list can be found in off the beaten track locations. But there are some real gems to be found in some touristic spots as well. That’s why we can’t withhold you The Green House in Santa Teresa. The three houses Mint, Myrtle, and Moss are a design dream, hidden up in the hills of bustling Santa Teresa. With a big comfy bed, a kitchen, and a balcony with plunge pool overlooking the jungle hills, The Green House is a great spot to stay when visiting Santa Teresa.
Planning a visit to Santa Teresa? Make sure to check out our Santa Teresa Guide!
Igloo Beach Lodge | Manuel Antonio
Fast becoming an Instagram hype, Igloo Beach Lodge is definitely a unique place to stay. Based in the ever-popular Manuel Antonio, this place is located very well if you wanna visit the most famous national park of Costa Rica. The white igloo-shaped rooms covered in jungle plants are a feast for the eyes, just like the whole pool area and little cafe that comes with it.
Pipas and pool days
Being welcomed with a “Pipa Loca” (young coconut with rum), our stay at Igloo Beach Lodge was very relaxing and welcoming. The rooms are very comfortable, with big bathrooms and soft beds. Rolling from our bed into the pool for our morning swim during sunrise, and having a yummy breakfast at Casa Planta was the ideal start to our days in Manuel Antonio. Do expect a bit of a party vibe, especially on the weekends. The fact they’re only footsteps from the beach makes this the perfect stay in Manuel Antonio.
Oxygen Jungle Villas | Uvita
Houses made of glass surrounded by jungle, an infinity pool overlooking the Pacific, and daily tucan visits. Doesn’t that sound like the ideal holiday spot? Oxygen Jungle Villas in Uvita is one of the coolest hotels in Costa Rica. I mean, did you ever sleep in a glass house, to begin with? This adults-only resort is everything if you’d like to get pampered. The food is delicious, the views priceless and the service outstanding. Add all the animal encounters, the waterfall in the garden, and some outstanding spa treatments, and I believe you don’t need any other reason to leave ever again.
Congo Bongo Eco Village | Manzanillo
Unique? Definitely! Surrounded by nature? Absolutely! Congo Bongo ticks all the boxes of a one of a kind experience off the beaten path. Enjoy the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica from your jungle home at Congo Bongo Eco Village. White empty beaches, crystal clear blue waters, punchy waves to surf, and wildlife in basically every single tree. The Caribbean coast is a must-visit on your Costa Rica itinerary, and staying at Congo Bongo just as much.
Planning a visit to the Caribbean? Make sure to check out our guide!
Jungle vibes
I felt like stepping into Pippi Longstockings jungle home while entering Congo Bongo Eco Village. The collection of seashells, local art, beach gems, empty perfume bottles, and reused plastic artifacts take me back to my favorite childhood series. There are several houses set around the property, but while sitting on your front porch you have no idea there’s actually any sign of civilization anywhere near. You are surrounded by the jungle and its sounds. While typing this there’s a hummingbird flying (and pausing) just right in front of me. When I look around I see the most colorful butterflies flying around, I hear sounds of birds I’ve never heard before and the howler monkeys are playing in the trees just out front. Basically, the only thing you have to do at Congo Bongo Eco Village is lie in the hammock and look around.
Friends, family, or couple hideout
You can rent one of the bigger houses with a group of friends or your family, or feel like Tarzan and Jane with just the two of you. All houses have a fully equipped kitchen, a big outdoor sitting area, rain showers, and big comfy beds. Craving a jungle hideout only footsteps from a paradise beach? Then Congo Bongo is your way to go.
Finca Exotica | Carate
When driving towards Finca Exotica it really feels like you’re driving towards the end of the world. The bumpy road through lush jungles, along rugged coastal lines and beautiful lagoons, will bring you to one of my favorite hotels in Costa Rica. Finca Exotica is a sustainable eco-lodge at the gateways of Corcovado National Park.
Barefoot luxury
Finca Exotica just breathes barefoot luxury. Everything is well thought through. Their service is incredible, the food is delicious and everything is in line with nature. They first grew the bamboo in order to build the houses, they grow their own fruits and vegetables, they reintroduced many species of trees and plants in the area while nurturing everything that was already there. No wonder Finca Exotica’s garden feels like a mini Corcovado National Park (their neighbor) with such great variety in flora and fauna. Nose bear and anteater encounters are just daily business. And never in my life have I seen so many red macaws in one place. I can’t recommend this place enough if you love nature and feeling special while enjoying it.
Sola Vista Eco Lodge | Punta Banco
This is the ultimate honeymoon spot in Costa Rica. If you like nature and ocean views, this truly is one of the most unique experiences you can have in Costa Rica. The all-bamboo houses have 360-degree nature views and daily visits of basically all animals of the jungle. You feel like you are in the middle of nowhere, while you’re actually two footsteps from the little town of Punta Banco and the beach. Waves roll in just out front, with even more surf spots down the beach and the world-famous Pavones left-hander just 6 km away.
Wildlife visits and ocean vistas
The open-air cabinas have everything you need, combined with the best views in town. Wake up with ocean views and monkey sounds in the most comfortable beds you can find in any hotel in Costa Rica. While taking a shower outdoors you might be able to spot some tucans or nose bears sliding down the trees. After a long day of surfing, there’s no better place to enjoy the sunset than your deck. Both houses are equipped with a kitchen, and you can even ask Denise & Renato to stock up your fridge before arrival.
Renato and Denise are the best hosts you can imagine, who would love to help you out with fun activities to explore the beautiful surroundings. Good times guaranteed at one of the most beautiful hotels in Costa Rica. Sola Vista Eco Lodge is calling your name!
Rancho Burica | Punta Banco
Literally, at the end of the road, Rancho Burica might just be the last destination of Costa Rica before the Panamanian border. One of the few places in the whole country that is actually positioned right at the beach, with a wave out front. The accommodation might be basic but accommodates both those on a shoestring with their dorm, as adventurous couples or families with their ocean view private rooms. Every single room is footsteps from the beach, and you will fall asleep with both the sounds of the waves and of the jungle.
Nature runs the day
There’s a waterfall in the garden, hammocks everywhere, and relaxing decks from where you can spot flying stingrays or jumping humpback whales in the Pacific depending on the season. Rancho Burica is also involved in the local community project to protect the turtles, which means you might be able to witness one of their baby turtle releases. The vibe at Rancho Burica is relaxed with family breakfasts and dinners, which makes it very easy to socialize with the other guests and staff. Careful, you wouldn’t be the first to extend your stay.
Would you like to go here? Check out our surf retreat!
Most beautiful hotels in Costa Rica
All of the places above have stolen our hearts. Maybe it’s the close proximity with nature, the paradise set up, or the best sunset views, that has made us feel so special while staying at each of these hotels in Costa Rica. It for sure is the incredible hospitality, the personal touches, the unique character of all of them, and the “can-I-pinch-myself”-feeling we had while enjoying these hideouts. So, are you planning a trip to Costa Rica? Make sure to put these hotels on your to-do-list!
Love,
Marthe
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Photos by: M. Barends & J. Roeland ©.
