Fodor's Expert Review La Ponderosa Beach and Jungle Resort

The world-famous Playa Pavones surf break is a 10-minute walk from La Ponderosa, the area's only beach resort and several cuts above the usual surfer hangout, with accommodations verging on luxurious. Fresh, bright rooms have high-end mattresses dressed in crisp white linens and gleaming tiled bathrooms, air-conditioning, small refrigerators, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi. Two of the three spacious suites also have screened-in porches overlooking the pool. A large, two-bedroom villa with kitchen is also available for about double the price of a standard. If you're not into surfing, there are nature trails winding through 10 acres of magnificent gardens and forest, loaded with birds and specimen plants. On-site massages can be arranged. Everything is within walking distance, including a swimmable beach, so you don't need a car. For rainy days, there's a large game room with Ping-Pong, darts, and a collection of DVDs and a book exchange. In addition to board and bike rental, there's a tranquil swimming pool set in an enchanting garden with an ocean view. Breakfast is not included in the price, but optional meal plans cover two or three meals.