The Nicoya Peninsula

The Nicoya Peninsula is a dry tropical zone with some of Costa Rica’s best beaches, such as Tamarindo. While there are a few sprawling resort hotels large stretches of largely unspoilt coastline still exist. For those seeking privacy and a feeling of isolation, the areas of Nosara and Malpaís to the south are still mostly untouched. Here one can find some enticing small hotels and explore the coastal hills on horseback.

Our preferred accommodation

Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort

Beach hotel - Papagayo Peninsula
A stunning low rise resort surrounded by forest and nestled between two white sand beaches at Culebra Bay. Facilities include two infinity pools, one for families, with views of the bay and one for adults only, with views to the mountains. There are three restaurants serving international and local cuisine.
Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas

Beach hotel - Las Catalinas
A chic hotel perched on a hill above Las Catalinas, with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The hotel's infinity pool, restaurant and bar are all sunset-facing.
El Mangroove

Beach hotel - Playa Panama
A chic beach-front hotel overlooking Papagayo Bay that offers barefoot luxury with personalised service. This boutique hotel was designed by one of Costa Rica's most iconic architects, Ronald Zurcher and features a large pool, gym and spa. There are two restaurants, Matiss and Makoko, with unique menus that are inspried by local cuisine.
Esh Hotel

Beach hotel - Nosara
A chic boutique hotel nestled in lush tropical surroundings, a 10 minute shuttle ride from Nosara's beautiful beaches. The property has a good restaurant, a bar, and a relaxing pool, as well as an extensive wellness program that includes yoga, pilates, and jiu jitsu. All rooms have an outdoor rain shower.
Hotel Cala Luna

Resort - Just outside Tamarindo
Small, intimate hotel on the outskirts of Tamarindo, a fishing village of about 1000 inhabitants. There is a wild, beautiful beach about 100 yards away, and we would usually recommend a hire car in order to explore the area and for easy access to the village with its beach, restaurants and bars.
Hotel Capitan Suizo

Beach hotel - Just outside Tamarindo
Bungalows are set in tropical gardens with direct access to the beach, a 10 minute walk from Tamarindo, a fishing village of about 1000 inhabitants. Large pool and restaurant area and informal, relaxed atmosphere.
Isla Chiquita

Beach hotel - Gulf of Nicoya
A comfortable glamping hotel on a small island in the Gulf of Nicoya. Small thatched huts housing the hotel's common areas are spread across the grounds, which stretch along the beach and forest. There is an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, bar, wellness centre and spa.