Villa Caletas
Perched above the sea on Costa Rica's central Pacific Coast near Punta Leona, this classy resort's rooms, villas and suites are spread out over a forested hilltop. Guests can dine at the elegant Mirador Restaurant or at the Anfiteatro Sunset Restaurant & Bar, or enjoy snacks at the casual Pelican Beach Bar.
Standard rooms have a courtyard view; the spacious standard deluxe rooms offer ocean views. The hotel also has 14 villas, each with its own terrace and either an ocean or garden view. For the ultimate in luxury, choose from five types of suites that offer amenities such as private two-person Jacuzzis, panoramic ocean views and private plunge pools bordered by tropical greenery. All rooms offer turndown service and are equipped with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, a safe, a minibar, cable TV and a coffeemaker.
A.P. 12358-1000
San José
Costa Rica
011 (+506) 2 637-0505
hotelvillacaletas.com
Arenas del Mar
This small beach and nature resort in Manuel Antonio on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast offers comfort and sustainability in a local Costa Rican setting. Not all rooms have ocean views, but most have outdoor Jacuzzis on private terraces. The large apartments have kitchenettes--a great choice for families and long stays.
Amenities include a restaurant and bar, babysitting, a concierge, room service, a spa and two small pools. The guest rooms offer TV, air-conditioning, a minibar and free Wi-Fi.
Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica 2008
011 (+506) 2 777-2777
arenasdelmar.com
Turtle Beach Lodge
Locals call lush, green Tortuguero "the Amazon of Costa Rica" because the only way to get to it is by boat. With miles of verdant jungle trails that open out onto secluded beaches, kayaks to take for a ride on the Canal of Palms, and a swimming pool and garden where toucans play in the trees, Turtle Beach Lodge has much to keep guests busy. Guided jungle, garden, boat and turtle-watching tours are offered, as is a tour of Tortuguero town.
The resort's wooden cabins feature ceiling fans, cool tile floors and large screened windows through which the melodic sounds of the jungle lull you to sleep. A tasty buffet is served three times a day in the spacious open-air restaurant. Guests can play pool and have a drink in the thatched-roof bar.
Caño Palma, Tortuguero
Costa Rica
011 (+506) 2 248-0707
turtlebeachlodge.com
Pachira II
This resort, located five minutes from Tortuguero National Park, is right next door to Pachira Lodge. Pachira II is smaller and more private, though, with 32 bungalows that have no next-door neighbors. The bungalows are joined by wooden walkways that are especially romantic when lit up at night.
Amenities include a turtle-shaped pool, a dining room, conference rooms, a game room, a spa and private terraces with rockers. Fishing, kayaking and canopy tours are available as well.
P.O. Box 1818-1002
San José
Costa Rica
011 (+506) 2 256-7080
pachiralodge.com
