TORTUGUERO AND THE CARIBBEAN COAST
A unique luxury holiday destination that offers Caribbean beaches and the chance to observe wild turtles.
This part of the Costa Rican coastline has a colourful and vibrant afro-Caribbean culture, and boasts unspoilt and stunning scenery. As an important protected area for nesting turtles, Tortuguero National Park allows visitors to observe breeding turtles digging nests and laying eggs. Tortuguero beach is unquestionably the most important nesting site of the endangered green turtle in the western hemisphere. Leatherback, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles also nest here too. Depending on what time of the year that you visit, it is possible to watch these ancient creature lay their eggs or hatch as babies and make their way into the ocean. Fascinating flora and fauna abound, and it’s a chance for visitors truly reconnect with nature, particularly in the mangroves, where it possible to take a canoe through the silent network of waterways and admire this unusual ecosystem. Howler monkeys, otters, caiman and even manatee can be found in the dark and wild areas of Tortuguero National Park. In the southern stretch of Caribbean coastline as you head south of Limon, the pace of life becomes much slower nearer the border of Panama. The villages around Puerto Viejo offer a real get away from it all, with minimal infrastructure but ideal if you are just wishing to fly and flop on a luxury holiday to Costa Rica.
WHERE TO STAY
Our favourite luxury hotels
Manatus Hotel
Exuberant gardens and a swimming pool with a fantastic view of the canals welcome guests to this little slice of comfort in an otherwise remote and wild region. Nestled along the edge of the canals that Tortuguero is famed for, this hotel is ideally located for exploring the surrounding national park and the hotel has its own private reserve which guests can visit via the hotel’s own boat, making spotting wildlife that much easier. Manatus Hotel has 12 fully equipped, luxury rooms that promote a sense of extraordinary peace and comfort.
Le Cameleon
A boutique hotel on the outskirts of Puerto Viejo on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Moments from the beach and surrounded by tropical forest, this is a delightful hotel. It is set amongst beautiful gardens and features an outdoor pool and Jacuzzi. The 23 rooms range from Deluxe through to suites. Some feature private balconies and terraces and some have direct access on to the gardens. Each room is decorated in minimalist white with bright colour accents.
Umami
Located on Costa Rica’s unspoilt Caribbean coastline, Umami Hotel is the perfect mix of luxury and nature for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The laid-back Caribbean vibe and beauty of Costa Rica combine at Puerto Viejo, where Umami is located, to create an idyllic location for a holiday. This adults-only hotel is just a short stroll from many excellent beaches. The minimalist styling of this property extends from the pool and restaurant, through to the rooms which offer exceptional comfort.
Hotel Aguas Claras
A tastefully renovated Victorian-style house which is located close to the laidback Caribbean village of Puerto Viejo. Within walking distance of the crystal clear Caribbean sea, white sand beaches draped with palms and primary rainforest, this hotel is a haven for those seeking relaxation. There are just 6 individual houses, or ‘casas’ for guests to stay in, each artistically decorated in a tropical, modern style with all the facilities one could want. The whole property is focused on sustainability and has been carefully constructed to make full use of recycled materials and solar panels.