GUANACASTE AND THE NICOYA PENINSULA
Surfers and sun seekers alike flock to Costa Rica’s west coast for the tropical beaches and sporting opportunities it can offer.
Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula form part of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Big waves and deserted coastlines with a backdrop of lush rainforest, plus laidback beach bars and luxurious boutique hotels are a very attractive combination. Enjoy a fresh seafood dish whilst watching the dazzling sunsets here, and you may just think you’ve slipped into paradise. The Nicoya Peninsula is home to numerous luxury hotels and empty beaches around Santa Teresa which make it a popular spot for yoga retreats. Guanacaste is Costa Rica’s perennial top surf and party destination and very popular with tourists. There’s no shortage of boutique hotels, trendy bars and restaurants serving the very best seafood dishes. This coastal region is home to nesting turtles and spectacular marine life, plus many species of colourful birds and insects. For keen scuba divers, the remote Cocos Island National Park is just a short flight away which offers exceptional world class diving. This isolated island is a dedicated nature reserve and the only residents are park rangers. The waters surrounding it are home to some of the biggest, and most impressive, deep water species including whale shark, hammerhead shark, manta ray, yellowfin tuna, humpback whale and various species of turtle and dolphin. If you are looking for a luxury honeymoon retreat in Latin America, this could be the idyllic location you’ve been dreaming of.
WHERE TO STAY
Our favourite luxury hotels
Casa Chameleon
A luxurious adults-only hotel on the beautiful Nicoya Peninsula, this property enjoys spectacular views over the unspoiled beaches of Mal Pais and Santa Teresa. This is a preferred destination for pure nature lovers and a stunning location. With its intimate setting, the hotel offers complete seclusion, relaxation, and personalized service that will turn your holiday into an unforgettable experience. Extensive tropical landscaping and natural borders create perfect privacy, making each villa at the hotel a secluded piece of paradise that blends perfectly with the jungle.
Nantipa
Nantipa is a stunning boutique property, with a series of distinct features including beach front access, independent bungalows and easy access to a range of restaurants, shops and bars. The suites and bungalows are either beachfront or offer pool views. The design is contemporary, bright and fresh and every luxurious amenity is provided. The staff at the hotel will happily help you to organise any adventures further afield such as sport fishing, ziplining, wildlife walks, snorkelling trips or surf lessons.
Latitude 10
A boutique hotel located on the stunning Nicoya Peninsula. Originally constructed as a private residence, Latitude 10 now welcomes guests who can enjoy their own charming, secluded bungalows and gather at the communal house for meals with a private chef and bartender. Here, guests can experience the diverse wildlife, hire boogie boards and bicycles and easily visit the nearby town of Santa Teresa which offers a great variety of restaurants, bars, shops, activities, pristine beaches and spectacular sunsets.
Lagarta Lodge
An idyllic escape situated between beach and jungle, where you can enjoy the peace of nature and first-class facilities. The property maintains its own private nature reserve with magnificent mangrove trees where you can immerse yourself in nature and the luxurious ambiance of the resort. The 26 guest rooms are bright and airy, each with its own private veranda offering stunning views across the jungle to the ocean. Guests can enjoy meals prepared using local ingredients by the talented chef or indulge in a relaxing spa treatment as well as exploring the beautiful surroundings.
Andaz Papagayo Hyatt
Nestled in a beautiful location where the Gulf of Papagayo meets the sapphire blue waters of Culebra Bay, this property captures the native spirit of Costa Rica. The breath-taking setting – a relaxing ocean with a mountainous background – will make you feel like you belong in this stunning natural setting. Images of creatures of the tropical forest are found throughout the beachfront property while unique rooms become one with the lush natural vegetation found behind the resort. Vibrant yet stylish, the hotel offers specially designed amenities and luxury accommodation.
Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas
Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas offers stunning views, ultimate privacy and sheer luxury in one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Las Catalinas is an adult only retreat where guests can experience the best of Costa Rican adventure whilst also taking time to relax. The property features unrivalled panoramic views, minimalist contemporary design and a terrific bar from which to watch the sunset. There is a fabulous zero-edge infinity pool from which to enjoy the view, and the property is surrounded by tropical dry forests and lowland mountain forests.
Isla Chiquita
Isla Chiquita is a luxury glamping resort on its very own private island off the coast of Costa Rica which combines the excitement of the great outdoors with all the comforts of a top hotel. Luxury safari tents make for exciting and cosy accommodation and mean that nature is always at your fingertips. The island is surrounded by crystal clear waters, covered in tropical jungle and has plenty of private beaches waiting to be explored. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities or simply relax in beautiful surroundings.
Westin Resort Golf and Spa Playa Conchal
Located on the magnificent North-Pacific Riviera, the Westin Golf Resort & Spa is a spectacular all-inclusive resort located within 2,400 acres of gardens. Nestled between lush forests and the sparkling azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, the hotel offers a lagoon-style pool, gardens, tennis courts, golf course, personal concierge service, gym facilities, a spa, 6 bars and fine dining in 8 different restaurants. Guests can also enjoy a variety of leisure activities including trips into the rainforest, kayaking, fishing, snorkelling, beach volleyball and free use of bicycles.
Capitan Suizo
Named after the small island, El Capitán which lies in front of the hotel and the Swiss owners, this is a charming hotel in a beautiful location. The property has been lovingly constructed using environmentally friendly techniques to be in sync with the natural surroundings. The hotel is set beneath native trees and nestled between rich, organically maintained gardens which are home to a wide variety of wildlife. The rooms exude barefoot luxury, combining authenticity with every necessary comfort
Punta Islita
A luxury beach resort in Guanacaste offering a unique and relaxing experience in an idyllic location. The sister hotel to El Silencio Lodge, Punta Islita maintains the same excellent service, this time in a beach setting. Each room features a unique design, perfectly blending indigenous Costa Rica with the charm of Spanish colonial design. The restaurant serves delicious cuisine prepared using fresh, local ingredients. Costa Rican traditions run throughout the menu and the sea inspires many of the dishes with fresh fish and seafood.
Flor Blanca
Flor Blanca is a luxury beachfront hotel on the stunning Nicoya Peninsula, set in the rainforest and just metres from the beach, this is the perfect place to experience the beauty of the North Pacific. The accommodation is comprised of ten villas nestled amongst the leaves of the forest. They offer a relaxing and luxurious environment during your stay. The décor is earthy tones with tropical accents, in keeping with the surroundings. Each features an outdoor bathroom, incorporated into the garden for complete privacy and a sense of being at one with nature.
El Mangroove
Favourite pool side hangout of hipsters and celebrities, El Mangroove is the place to seen in Costa Rica. The boutique hotel is a fusion of an eco-friendly retreat and uber cool contemporary landmark. The minimalist design, exclusive location and impressive amenities combine to create an incredible luxury. Surrounded by verdant jungle, this property blends with the natural surroundings and rates high on the sustainability scale. Just a few footsteps away from the sandy shores, it is surrounded by lush rainforest making this an idyllic place to relax.