Fodor's Expert Review Latitude 10˚

Editor's Note: This location is no longer in operation.

Totally removed from the crowd, this exclusive and exquisite, intimate beach resort is for well-heeled couples who want to enjoy the action of the Santa Teresa beach scene without actually staying in it. The beachfront property is serene and secluded, buffered from the dusty road by a jungle garden that contains just about every shape and shade of green leaf that tropical plants can muster, along with howler monkeys. Set amid the foliage are five very private open-air wood-and-bamboo villas, with king-size canopy beds center stage. There are no screens, no air-conditioning, just a high-quality mosquito net at night and overhead fans. Simple and tasteful dark-wood furniture with some Balinese touches, large porches, and gorgeous tiled open-air bathrooms with rain-forest shower heads complete the castaway-island feel. If you absolutely have to have air-conditioning, there is one equally luxurious—but cheaper ($250)—guest room in the main lodge. All paths lead to the beach, where hammocks and lounges await and waves crash against a monolithic rock formation. There's also a pretty, aquamarine swimming pool with water cascading over the edge. But the key luxury here is the service—attentive, friendly, and professional. Your every wish can be catered to, with excellent breakfasts (included) and a chef on hand to whip up healthy, delicious, contemporary cuisine. It really is as advertised: like staying at a friend's luxury beach house. This luxury comes with a green stamp of approval—the hotel's sustainability record is also first-class.