The Harmony Hotel

The Harmony Hotel Review

Surf's up, upscale, that is; this ultracool, holistic retreat gets top marks for both comfort and sustainability, earning the coveted top rating of five leaves. The American owners are surfers, but of an age where comfort, quiet, and thinking ecologically are more appealing than partying. The Cocos rooms surround a huge garden that holds a gorgeous, chlorine-free pool and sundeck—an oasis of shaded tranquility. Enclosed back decks with hammocks and privacy walls expand what are otherwise standard-size rooms. The larger duplex bungalows in back offer even more privacy with large decks enclosed with teak walls and spacious bathrooms. But every room and one-bedroom bungalow is luxuriously outfitted, with soothing sage-and-cream-color walls, king-size beds dressed in white linen, and natural and polished wood trim and furniture. The best surf breaks are just 180 meters (600 feet) away, down a shaded path. There's an organic garden and guests can take a free sustainability tour and plant a donated tree. The retro '60s lounge bar adds to the sophisticated ambience, along with the adjacent sushi bar and restaurant ($$-$$$), serving trendy seafood and wholesome desserts. For the health-conscious traveler there's a tranquil "healing center" complete with spa, yoga classes, and a juice bar. But chic and green do not come cheap—this place is markedly more expensive than its neighbors.