Barcelo's three-pearl, all-inclusive resort is the biggest hotel option in southern Nicoya Peninsula. Renovated in 2012, its 402 rooms stretch far and wide over manicured grounds for easy access to a remote beach with dark volcanic sand, great for swimming and sunrises. Three room types have balconies with free minimally stocked minibars, while three restaurants include ubiquitous buffet spreads, as well as decent sushi and steaks for those who actually snag an a la carte reservation. Kids stay busy with activities like mini-golf and kayaking, while adults can hit the pool bar, fitness center, and spa. Expect annoyances like waiting at the front desk and unreliable Wi-Fi, which costs a daily fee. Couples looking for a more romantic atmosphere should consider the nearby Tango Mar Beachfront Boutique Hotel & Villas.
Barcelo's three-pearl, all-inclusive resort is the biggest hotel option in southern Nicoya Peninsula. Renovated in 2012, its 402 rooms stretch far and wide over manicured grounds for easy access to a remote beach with dark volcanic sand, great for swimming and sunrises. Three room types have balconies with free minimally stocked minibars, while three restaurants include ubiquitous buffet spreads, as well as decent sushi and steaks for those who actually snag an a la carte reservation. Kids stay busy with activities like mini-golf and kayaking, while adults can hit the pool bar, fitness center, and spa. Expect annoyances like waiting at the front desk and unreliable Wi-Fi, which costs a daily fee. Couples looking for a more romantic atmosphere should consider the nearby Tango Mar Beachfront Boutique Hotel & Villas.
This small hotel is not so small considering it takes up over 100 acres of space on the jaw-dropping, remote coast of Nicoya Peninsula. Owned by an energetic and omnipresent Belgian and her attentive staff, the place ticks like a well-oiled European machine. Most of the 43 minimalist rooms and three villas, as well as two restaurants (breakfast is included) overlook the dreamy ocean. Waves might make swimming a challenge, but the secluded beach is great for strolling and suntanning -- otherwise, three small pools and a swim-up bar will do just fine. Romantic couples and somewhat older groups who are not concerned with nightlife also enjoy the private access to horses, tennis, a waterfall, a (casual) golf course, and spa services. Everything else will require a drive. Younger couples looking for a slightly more hipper scene should consider Ylang Ylang Resort.
This small hotel is not so small considering it takes up over 100 acres of space on the jaw-dropping, remote coast of Nicoya Peninsula. Owned by an energetic and omnipresent Belgian and her attentive staff, the place ticks like a well-oiled European machine. Most of the 43 minimalist rooms and three villas, as well as two restaurants (breakfast is included) overlook the dreamy ocean. Waves might make swimming a challenge, but the secluded beach is great for strolling and suntanning -- otherwise, three small pools and a swim-up bar will do just fine. Romantic couples and somewhat older groups who are not concerned with nightlife also enjoy the private access to horses, tennis, a waterfall, a (casual) golf course, and spa services. Everything else will require a drive. Younger couples looking for a slightly more hipper scene should consider Ylang Ylang Resort.
Tambor Tropical Beach Resort is a three-and-a-half pearl oceanfront resort in Tambor, a sleepy Costa Rican fishing village. The hotel’s 10 air-conditioned suites are made of gorgeous hardwoods and come with platform queen beds, full kitchens with free coffee, and wraparound patios or balconies with pool or ocean views. The sand and rocky beach is a one-minute walk from the resort and a family of scarlet macaws lives in the lush canopy grounds. Hotel amenities include a big freshwater pool with a cold-water whirlpool, a tasty open-air restaurant, and stand-up paddle board rentals. Freebies include a welcome cocktail, daily afternoon surprise dessert, continental breakfast, and airport transfers from the nearby Tambor Airport. For a beachfront all-inclusive stay with two pools, a golf course, three restaurants, and lots of activities, compare rates at the nearby Barcelo Tambor Beach.
Tambor Tropical Beach Resort is a three-and-a-half pearl oceanfront resort in Tambor, a sleepy Costa Rican fishing village. The hotel’s 10 air-conditioned suites are made of gorgeous hardwoods and come with platform queen beds, full kitchens with free coffee, and wraparound patios or balconies with pool or ocean views. The sand and rocky beach is a one-minute walk from the resort and a family of scarlet macaws lives in the lush canopy grounds. Hotel amenities include a big freshwater pool with a cold-water whirlpool, a tasty open-air restaurant, and stand-up paddle board rentals. Freebies include a welcome cocktail, daily afternoon surprise dessert, continental breakfast, and airport transfers from the nearby Tambor Airport. For a beachfront all-inclusive stay with two pools, a golf course, three restaurants, and lots of activities, compare rates at the nearby Barcelo Tambor Beach.