14 Best Hotels in Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

Set on stunning, palm-fringed Playa Quizales and backed by 15 acres of exuberant gardens and a 9-hole executive golf course, this comfortable, contemporary resort has a wide range of luxurious lodging options that appeal to families and couples of every age, including honeymooners. Every room faces the ocean with a mile of sandy beach for sunset walks. A large rock reef just offshore provides some protection for swimmers, but if you don't want to brave the waves there are three exquisitely designed swimming pools, one with a waterfall. Just a short hike away, there's an impressive natural waterfall, during rainy season, that drops right into the sea. Hammocks are strung between coconut trees and plenty of comfortable lounges dot the beachfront. Almost every room—from tropical villas high on a ridge to spacious standard rooms in a three-story building a stone’s throw from the beach—has endless ocean views and terraces to catch ocean breezes. Romantic, wooden tiki huts have in-room whirlpool tubs; and six deluxe beachfront rooms are set apart for privacy. There are also chic villas with two to five bedrooms, all with ample private terraces overlooking the sand. Breakfast and dinner, a mix of sophisticated Costa Rican and continental cuisines, using organic vegetables grown in the hotel's own garden, are served at the elegant main restaurant; lunch is at the attractive open-air poolside restaurant. On-site activities include rides along the beach on horses from the hotel’s own stables ($45), golf ($23 greens fee), and tennis on two courts. There's a beachfront yoga deck, and a spa and hair salon provide serious pampering opportunities. The hotel has earned three leaves for its sustainability efforts.

This intimate adults-only inn is the place to be for honeymooning couples to get away from it all, or for stressed-out high achievers in need of some serious relaxation therapy. Rooms, with queen- or king-size beds, are elegant and comfortable, opening out onto a large pool with expansive views to the faraway ocean. The Eros honeymoon suite has a private terrace and Roman tub. But the main draw here is the spa, built into the side of a mountain and staffed by a team of professional therapists, offering such treatments as volcanic mud wraps, honey-cucumber-lime facials, papaya body polishes, and relaxing massages. Day spa packages are available for nonguests with gourmet lunch included. Guests staying in suites can take a free shuttle into Tamarindo, a bumpy 14-km (8½-mile) ride away, to hang out on the beach and experience the local dining scene. Other perks include cooking classes, an outdoor gym, international calls, transportation to Tamarindo, and laundry service. Early-morning yoga classes and hikes around the steep 70-acre property keep you active.

This boutique hotel built from recycled materials is inspired by the owners’ travels to Southeast Asia and has nine contemporary rooms overlooking a pool-centered courtyard. Gourmet breakfasts are served on a breezy upstairs patio bordered by papaya trees frequented by monkeys. Spacious rooms have concrete floors, organic bath products, flat-screen TVs, walk-in closets, and foam-insulated walls for noise and temperature control. Tinted-glass doors keep outsiders from looking in, allowing for ultimate privacy even if the curtains aren’t drawn. There are complimentary beach cruisers and longboards for a day on the coast (a 10-minute walk), or guests can lounge by the UV-filtered pool, completely protected within the confines of the gated property. It’s definitely worth splurging on the 800-square-foot suite with a private patio, Nespresso machine, massage treatment, bottle of champagne, enormous bathroom, and California king bed made from guanacaste trees.

Secluded and serene, this gorgeous tropical resort neighboring a reserve sits in an exuberant garden, nestled between the sea and a lush forest. The geodesic-dome bungalows are snug but charming, with bright Mexican textiles, colorful murals, and sunny terraces. Some have ocean views and cozy loft sleeping areas. Facing the beach, a three-story building has spacious two-story suites with balconies, and refreshed and brightened standard rooms below. Well-designed ocean-view cabinas with king-size or single beds and decks, offer a back-to-nature experience—but not all the way back, because they also have a/c, private bathrooms with hot-water showers. There's also a secluded tree-top canopy, complete with kitchenette, on a platform high up in the trees; it's perfect for honeymooners. Rates include breakfast and dinner for two. The grounds are covered with trees that hold iguanas, howler monkeys, tricolor squirrels, and an array of birds. Adding to the romance is a jungle-fringed pool with a waterfall. Daily yoga classes and spa services are offered, and a restaurant with tables under the stars serves some of the tastiest fusion dishes in Montezuma, along with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. Much of the electricity used here is solar generated. There's a nature trail that climbs the ridge above the hotel, and once a week, owner Patricia Slump leads a tour (upon request) of the hotel garden, 34 years in the making. Weekly yoga and sound healing classes are offered in the new fitness center. 

With three pools, a spa, and luxurious rooms, there's more to this resort than just yoga. Sitting on eight acres replete with gentle streams, waterfalls, and ambrosial gardens, the rooms don't disappoint, with special details like private outdoor showers and Balinese stone sinks. Room rates include a healthy and generous breakfast buffet, one yoga class per day, a complimentary shuttle around town, and use of the gym. The rooms range from jungle rooms to deluxe two-bedroom villas with private pool and outdoor kitchen. Although the property is not beachfront, they offer a surf club with lessons and board rental for an additional fee.

This chic and charming breezy boutique hotel is a welcome hideaway from the dusty bustle of Tamarindo, but still walking distance to everything. There are eight clean and comfortable rooms with king beds surrounding a refreshing pool. A carefree aesthetic abounds, encouraging you to leave your worries behind. The French owners treat you to a different delicious breakfast every morning and will take care of anything else you may need while you're visiting. 

With eight ultraspacious, deluxe rooms with two queen beds, and five beautiful bungalows boasting high, sloping cane ceilings, handsome contemporary furniture, and sleek marble bathrooms, there's something for everyone on this chic compound, half a block off one of Tamarindo's main drags. Stone pathways lead to each unit, fronted by a private porch, hammock, table, and chairs.  All accommodations include flat-screen TVs, hair dryers, coffeemakers, and mini-refrigerators. There's a small pool and two pleasant cabanas with natural slate floors that keep you cool on hot days, and the pool bar shakes up some serious martinis. Amiable owner Richard Resnick is usually around to fill you in on the local scene.

This beachfront hotel has everything: a spectacular beach with a major surf break; a trendy restaurant with ocean views; a round, palm-fringed pool; bungalows and rooms sprinkled throughout a mature garden; twice-daily yoga sessions on the beach; and a full-service spa. And it's smack in the heart of the liveliest section of Santa Teresa, with restaurants and bars within easy walking distance if you ever tire of the fusion food at the romantic, beachfront Shambala. At the entrance you leave the dusty noise of the main road behind and enter a quiet, dark tropical forest. The shaded garden path eventually leads you into brilliant sunlight and a panoramic beach view. When the surf’s up, you’ll see dozens of surfers riding the waves. Lodging runs the gamut of comfort and price—from superior beachfront bungalows to houses equipped with kitchens for families or groups to garden-view cabins and cheaper rooms in a triplex, close to the entrance parking area. All have Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, terraces or porches, private baths, security boxes, and coffeemakers with complimentary coffee.

With rooms wrapping a lush garden setting—and within walking distance to one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches—you get the best of both worlds at this four-star boutique hotel overlooking Playa Carrillo. Setting the scene are stone fountains and a small shop near reception, followed by garden pathways that lead to two pools, a jacuzzi, spa, and two restaurants. A 1-mile trail leads down to a crescent cove, or you can hop on the free shuttle to the beach. Sun beds, showers, restrooms, food service, and other beach amenities are available exclusively for hotel guests. This family-friendly property boasts a children’s pool, entertainment area, playground, foosball, ping pong, and other games. Among the six categories of rooms are some with kitchenettes and others with private Jacuzzis.

With a prime spot on the beach and a mammoth pool with a swim-up bar to lounge around, this Jimmy Buffet–themed hotel is eager to please. Plus, there are large family and honeymoon suites with kitchenettes. Beds, decor, and televisions were last updated in 2018.

On the hillside above Playa Carrillo, this modern hotel has three categories of rooms, some as large as 807 square feet; despite the name, there are no bungalows nor is the property beachfront. Yet, what it lacks in branding, it makes up for in size and comfort. Even the most basic rooms have two queen beds, hammocks, and balconies with ocean views. Take it up a notch with a spacious suite equipped with a Jacuzzi on the terrace. If you want to spend less time in your room, there’s always the infinity pool, yoga studio, spa, and the beach just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Two bars and a restaurant shake up strong drinks and serve Costa Rican-fusion cuisine, but both service and prices could use a little ironing out. If you happen to be in Monte Verde, it's worth visiting Nammbú's sister property, El Establo Hotel.

Bordered by the Ostional-Nosara Wildlife Refuge, a private path through native jungle gets you to the beach at this welcoming hotel, which has a surf school and organic restaurant on-site. Mindful of every detail, from the beautiful mosaics done by local artists that adorn the exterior to the kitchenettes in rooms and free laundry service, the Olas Verdes and its staff make you feel right at home. At this small Costa Rican hotel, you can chose from poolside rooms, beach apartments, or luxury suites that can sleep up to four guests. Regardless of the category, rooms are spacious with day beds, coffee makers, mini-refrigerators, and refillable canteens. 

The name of this beachfront bed-and-breakfast means "Dream of the Sea," and the front gate opens into a dreamy world of intimate gardens, patios, and hand-painted tiles. The downstairs rooms are a little dark but full of interesting, often amusing folk art, and have Balinese showers that open to the sky. The only drawback is that they are lined up along the main corridor, so there isn’t a lot of privacy. If privacy is paramount, opt for the breezy honeymoon suite upstairs, a sensuous lair with rich red fabrics, rugs, hanging glass lamps, and an ocean view. There are also two large casitas with kitchenettes and loft bedrooms. A lavish, multicourse breakfast is served on the patio next to a tiny garden pool. Nonguests can come for breakfast ($15), by reservation. Or you can take your morning coffee on the beach, with chairs and hammocks amid the trees and driftwood—it's also the perfect spot for sunsets. At low tide a large snorkeling pool forms in the rocks that surround the beach, but the swimming area is a 10-minute walk to the south.

Centered on the scenic sweep of placid Bahía Tambor with its warm, shallow water, intimate Tambor Tropical offers "beds with a view" in spacious suites, along with sportfishing, a turtle hatchery, horseback riding, bird-watching, and just lolling in a hammock by the pretty, blue-tile pool. Attractive two-story houses, with up-and-down suites equipped with kitchens, are entirely built and furnished with varnished, tropical hardwoods: floors, ceilings, walls, and even toilet seats. Large front windows provide panoramas of the sea and surrounding gardens—slightly pricier second-floor rooms have the best views—and platform beds really do enable sunrise views. All rooms have air-conditioning. Carefully prepared meals are served poolside or in the thatch-covered dining room during the rainy months. Paddleboards and kayaks get you out onto the water, and bird-watchers can comb nearby trails with a guide, in search of about 250 species. The spacious reception area also serves as an art gallery for local artisans.