Fodor's Expert Review El Sol

A charming family tends to guests at this peaceful, bohemian Shangri-la just 10 minutes down the mountain from—and a noticeable few degrees warmer than—Santa Elena. Two fully furnished ojoche-wood cabins with kitchens, skylights, and patios with hammocks are perched on the mountainside of this nearly 30-acre farm. The smaller cabin sleeps two, while the three-story larger cabin sleeps four. Every vantage point in the cabins—the living area, the bed, the desk, the shower, and even the toilet—has stupendous views. The property has horseback riding, a stone-wall pool, and a Finnish sauna. Optional meals are prepared by a neighboring Costa Rican family and can be taken in the main house or brought to your cabin. Although cabins are affordable, be sure to factor in $10 taxi rides to Santa Elena and $15 entrées if you're dining in. If arriving by car, there are no signs for the hotel so look for the yellow painted rocks and sun logo.