2 Best Hotels in Golfito, The Osa Peninsula and the South Pacific

Planted between the tranquil Golfo Dulce and tropical forest, this luxury ecolodge brilliantly fuses high design, luxe comfort, and gastronomic flights of fancy in two restaurants with an eco-consciousness dictated by its castaway location accessible only by boat. The original three-story lodge has five spacious suites with panoramic views, even from the chic, beautifully tiled bathrooms. A four-plex building nearby can accommodate family groups, and eight new rooms have private plunge pools and face a swimming pool. A charming cottage for two sits even closer to the shore, screened by tropical foliage. With a palm-fringed beach, a second large freshwater pool, a spa, and trails leading through forest to an organic garden, this is a true tropical paradise. Room rates include the round-trip boat transfer, kayaks and snorkeling in the bay, a two-hour guided tour, and yoga and meditation classes.

This well-managed ecolodge in a 35-acre nature preserve bordering Piedras Blancas National Park is run by Austrians who have successfully instilled some sense of Teutonic order in the jungle. The rustic cabins have two tidy rooms (can be rented separately) with tile floors, reading lamps, and airy, private bathrooms with plenty of hot water. The rooms are a little dark, but are brightened by colorful, appliqué curtains and woven-cotton bedspreads made by Guaymí and Boruca artisans. A saltwater swimming pool is cool and refreshing, and fragrant white ginger and ylang-ylang encircle a pond. Another nearby pond has a lookout for bird-watchers and is home to contented, well-fed caimans. Local guides lead visitors along thrilling trails to the waterfalls and deep into primary forest. The dining room, lighted by romantically flickering candles, serves huge portions of wholesome and delicious local food. For families or foursomes, there is a fully equipped Jungle Villa with two bedrooms with forest views.