Small Distinctive Beach Hotels

Summer has started in Costa Rica, making these months an excellent time of the year to visit this wonderful country!

To get the most out of your vacations during the Costa Rica summer, we absolutely recommend a visit to one of our tropical beaches! Small Distinctive Hotels features 9 member hotels, of which 6 are located on the most beautiful beaches of the country. In this article, we invite you to take a trip with us to get acquainted with our beach hotels, their stunning natural surroundings and the multitude of activities they offer… and then pick your favorite(s)!

Starting with the beach that is closest to San José, we arrive at Jacó after about 1.5 hours. Located on top of rainforest-covered mountains, Hotel Villa Caletas is not only of royal standard due to its majestic location, the decoration and Greek-style amphitheatre with breathtaking views and amazing sunsets add to the magic of this place. The corresponding beach is situated at the foot of the mountain and therefore offers an uncommon seclusion and privacy from which to enjoy the emerald green ocean.

Moving further South, our journey takes us into greener and greener surroundings, until we arrive at the famous Manuel Antonio National Park. Not only does this park host a surprisingly large variety of wildlife, it also hosts the Arenas del Mar Beach and Nature Resort, which is located directly at a truly nature-immersed beach. Operated in a highly sustainable way and integrated in its lush green surroundings, this is a feel-good resort in the truest sense of the word.

Leaving Manuel Antonio behind, we drive towards the South Pacific coast until we reach our third destination: Dominical. The lush rainforest surroundings and sparkling coastline already prepare us for the relaxed atmosphere we encounter at Hotel Cuna del Angel. Literally translated this name means Cradle of an Angel, which is reflected in the angelic decoration, tranquil atmosphere even the heavenly food… The beach, which is situated a short walk from the hotel, is truly located in jungle surroundings and comes close to the description of a tropical paradise.

Our last beach in the Southern part of Costa Rica is located in the Osa Peninsula region in one of the most “naturally diverse areas of the world”, as National Geographic puts it. The Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is truly an example of jungle-chic. The small-scale hotel offers an authentically-friendly and personal service, combined with the most exquisite natural surroundings… With the rainforest as its backyard and the beach as front yard, activities abound in this secluded area of Costa Rica. The owners are seriously dedicated to environmental protection, which is reflected from the construction, to daily operations as well as the food, which is locally grown and primarily organic. Visitors can moreover learn about environmental and social sustainability in an entertaining way here.

From this point, we fly to the most Northern peninsula of the country in the Nicoya Peninsula. This region of Costa Rica boasts a wide variety of beaches and is ideal for beach-hopping or of course, simply relaxing on only one beach… The first beach is located in Tamarindo, a modern, bustling beach town that leads us to the Swiss-run Hotel Capitan Suizo . The atmosphere of this beach-front hotel is best described as “discreet elegance in harmony with nature”, offering a wide variety of beach and nature activities.

The last hotel on this trip is definitely not the least. Florblanca Resort is located in the increasingly popular town of Santa Teresa, known for its laid-back atmosphere and excellent mix of surfing and yoga. The same attributes can be found at Florblanca Resort, mixed with a royal dose of natural elegance in a beautiful environment. The perfect ending for this trip, as well as your own holidays in Costa Rica!

We hope that you have enjoyed this brief tour of Costa Rica’s magnificent beaches, and we are looking forward to hopefully receiving you at one of our unique boutique hotels this season!

For more information about Small Distinctive Hotels, and to learn about the other participating hotel members, please visit” http://www.distinctivehotels.com

Summer in Costa Rica!

We warmly invite you to visit our magnificent country in the beginning of this new year. Not only has Costa Rica recently been named one of the top destinations to visit in 2011 by readers of the New York Times*, moreover the dry season, which is locally called the summer, has recently started!

The green season (which lasts from May to November in most parts of the country) brings with it an abundance of afternoon rains which cover the entire country in a hush of green.

The dry season, or "summer" on the other hand (lasting from December to April in most parts) has less rain and higher temperatures which is especially attractive to those visitors escaping their own winters and encountering more lively atmospheres here. 

Both seasons have their own special appeal, yet during summer season many towns are filled with life; certain bars, restaurants and other ventures open their doors especially during these summer months. No matter the time of the year however, there is a wide variety of activities to be undertaken by young and old during all months of the year. 

Our nine member hotels feature an abundance of activities ranging from adrenalizing adventure, eco-friendly nature exploration to of course plain and simple relaxation!

Hotel Grano de Oro for instance poses the excellent starting point to discover the bustling capital of San José, such as an cultural city tour, a visit to the fascinating gold or jade museums or a day trip to a bird zoo, coffee plantation or butterfly farm, this hotel is moreover a true sanctuary to get back to at the end of an exciting day!

Hotel Capitan Suizo in Tamarindo, Florblanca Resort in Santa Teresa, Hotel Villa Caletas in Jaco and Hotel Cuna del Angel in Dominical are all located on beautiful beaches and offer excellent facilities to make the best out of your stay. From kayaking to sports fishing, surfing to snorkeling or diving, and many more, not to forget simply relaxing on a tropical beach... these hotels have got it all.

For an even more direct experience of the stunning nature of Costa Rica; Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge in the Osa Peninsula, Arenas del Mar Beach and Nature Resort in Manuel Antonio National Park, Hotel Casa Turire in Turrialba and Peace Lodge in Vara Blanca (close to the impressive Poas Volcano) are all located in unique natural surroundings. Activities such as hiking, canopy tours, horseback riding, mountain biking, rainforest walks, bird-watching and many more can be undertaken here.

The described activities are only a fragment of what Costa Rica has to offer. We can only recommend you to experience this versatile country for yourself and enjoy the unique natural environment, friendly inhabitants, bountiful beaches, widely varied activities and laidback lifestyle! We hope to welcome you here in 2011!

*http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/travel/2010-places-to-go.html?ref=travel

Playa Nicuesa Lodge receives Fodor’s Choice Distinction

Small Distinctive Hotels’ latest member, Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge, recently received the Fodor’s Choice 2010 distinction by the renowned Fodor’s travel guide book series.

Fodor’s describe their distinction as recognizing “the top sights, properties, and experiences that we've found while traveling the world. These places are the "best of the best," providing remarkable experiences in their price range, destination, or category.” The properties that have been distinguished as Fodor’s Choice are highlighted on both the internet and the guide book with an orange star as a special recommendation.

And indeed, located on a secluded spot on the Pacific Coast (only to be reached by boat), this unique Rainforest Lodge does seem to offer it all: adventure, relaxation and impressive nature on both land and sea. As Fodor’s describes the plentiful diverse activities, there is enough for every taste: ”Out the front door of the lodge are beach, bay, and mangroves, with kayaks, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, and swimming; out the back door is a forested mountain with hiking trails, a waterfall, and plenty of wildlife and a resident naturalist to interpret the trails. For more contemplative types, there is a new yoga deck and a resident yoga instructor in high season.”

At the same time, the owners, Donna and Michael Butler, have been committed to sustainability directly from the start. The construction of the lodge, which has been built from fallen wood and recycled material, reflects the seriousness of the preservation of their stunning natural environment, and so do activities such as: the use of solar power, composting, an organic septic system, as well as a chemical-free garden and a kitchen that uses local produce and freshly-caught fish. Moreover among the support of various programs and activities, the owners match guests' donations to the Osa Campaign, a cooperative conservation program.

We congratulate Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge with this well-deserved distinction, and can only add our own recommendation to experience this special lodge and enjoy its beautiful location between rainforest and ocean!


For more information, please visit Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge on our  website.