Fodor's Expert Review Tamarindo Bay Boutique Hotel

Opened in 2014, 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 for 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.