A personal note from Ales!
While Costa Rica has been gaining in popularity as a travel destination, it is still a place I would consider where you can find some great off the beaten path places and experiences.
In some ways it reminds me of Bali – the lush scenery, volcano and pristine beaches are just some of the things these two places have in common but I think what makes them both so attractive is the special energy which each of them seems to exude.
If you are living in North America, Costa Rica has the added bonus of being just a few hours away by air.
While there are many wonderful resorts to choose from in Costa Rica, here is one of my personal very favorite properties, tucked away overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Guanacaste – the Hotel Punta Islita.
In this month’s newsletter I would like to take an in depth look at this breathtaking resort.
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At Hotel Punta Islita, Costa Rica’s best experiences are enjoyed in a planet-friendly, people-positive balance.
Surrounded by a lush tropical forest and colorful birds, Hotel Punta Islita sits upon a secluded beach cove of Guanacaste’s coastline. Travelers will find a premium vacation destination resort to enjoy fun eco-adventures, sustainable luxury, and Costa Rica’s signature friendship and peaceful hospitality.
The accommodations stand out for their design, a tropical fusion of modern and traditional, an upscale design that blends indigenous and Spanish-colonial characteristics. Luxury options offer the best lodging for honeymoons, family vacations, and couple getaways.
Let’s take a look at the different accommodation options
- Standard– Standard Rooms feature two double beds, local art details, and a private al fresco terrace with hammock for tropical-style lounging.
- Deluxe – Deluxe Rooms feature either one king-sized bed or two double beds. Perfect for those who seek affordable luxury in Costa Rica. These accommodations enjoy partial ocean view and have an open terrace with hammock.
- Junior Suite – A couple’s getaway or honeymoon is best enjoyed in the secluded privacy of a beautiful Junior Suite. The locally-crafted king-sized canopy bed, an indoor or patio sitting area, private deck, ocean view, and private outdoor whirlpool will inspire romance.
- Junior Suite Premium – The Casitas capture the charm of a tropical beach cottage in Costa Rica. They feature a spacious lounging area with ocean view a petite garden, a private terrace, and a refreshing plunge pool. All are outfitted with king-sized canopy bed. Perfect for couple getaways or honeymoons.
- Private Villas – Private Beach Villas welcome families and friends with the comforts of a private luxury beach home. Available in 2-4 bedroom configurations, they can accommodate families and groups of friends. A full kitchen, spacious dining and lounging areas, and a private plunge pool are some of the outstanding luxury features.
The hotel’s stylish 1492 Restaurant showcases locally-sourced ingredients to promote sustainability and ensure an authentic Costa Rica culinary experience.
Delicious vegetables, exotic tropical fruit, fresh caught fish, and other favorite traditions create a memorable dining experience for savvy foodies.
The Infinity-edge pool merges with the ocean horizon, playfully reflecting spectacular cloud shapes and colors. Set at the property’s top terrace and adjacent to 1492 Restaurant, it offers a tranquil setting to enjoy the Guanacaste coastline and Islita Beach’s signature islet outcropping.
Harry’s Bar is located by the pool and is ranked among the world’s best-view pool bars; it is the perfect place to enjoy a signature tropical cocktail, a favorite glass of wine, or a refreshing smoothie.
If you are traveling with younger children, it is important to know that the minimum age to enjoy the pool bar swimming pool is 16, however Younger guests and their families are welcome to enjoy the beautiful ocean front Los Cocos Beach Club.
Los Cocos Beachfront Club’s main attractions are a free-form family-friendly pool, the secluded Guanacaste beach, and landscaped tropical gardens with lounging areas and cabanas.
For an invigorating spa experience, visit the Casa Spa. From the moment you are greeted with a relaxing cup of just-brewed herbal tea, you will feel the soothing warmth of its homelike ambiance, reflecting Costa Rica’s legendary hospitality and heartfelt friendship. Casa Spa’s ample selection of treatments offers options for the whole family and include massages, aromatherapy baths, body scrubs, and skin nourishing wraps.
Hotel Punta Islita’s wonderful natural setting and 300 acre property provide ideal opportunities to live the authentic excitement of Costa Rica’s legendary eco-thrills.
From intense adrenaline to slower-paced fun, travelers will find their favorite Costa Rica adventure on-site or within a short driving distance.
Zip Line – Soar through the forest canopy while safely suspended from a steel cable zip-line! Hotel Punta Islita’s tree-friendly adventure is set on ground platforms and crisscrosses a deep canyon for spectacular views and a generous rush of adrenaline. For the ultimate thrill… try the nighttime version!
Horseback Riding – Horseback Riding is perfect to explore and take in Costa Rica’s beautiful beach scenery and tropical forest. The selection of guided riding adventures let riders of all levels enjoy signature Guanacaste lansdscapes and spectacular views.
River & Mangrove Kayaking. – During the Costa Rica Green Season you can paddle down the gentle Ora River through a pristine swath of tropical jungle until reaching El Carmen, a charming village. Enjoy the sight of different bird species and the occasional howler monkey.
The Dry Season is perfect to explore the Ora River’s peaceful mangrove and the out-of-this-world landscape created by “trees on stilts.”
Surfing Lessons – Costa Rica’s legendary surf is ready for you! All levels are welcome. There is simply no other sensation like gliding down the face of a breaking wave. An experienced instructor will teach basic techniques or guide you to the area’s best surfing spots.
Hotel Punta Islita opened its doors in 1994 and was developed in full synergy with its local neighbors, promoting wildlife conservation, reforestation, and local employment opportunities.
Art programs and complementary education further provide empowering tools for the local communities.
Today, Hotel Punta Islita is not only a globally recognized sustainable travel destination, but also a thriving region characterized by a healthy natural environment and a dynamic collective of travel professionals, community artists, and micro-entrepreneurs. The motte here is that travel should be planet-friendly and people-positive.
I hope that you have enjoyed this in depth look of this wonderful resort and if you feel excited and inspired to find out more, please don’t hesitate to contact me for information on a customized itinerary to this amazing country.
Wishing everyone happy travels – Ales; Custom & Group Travel Specialist at Journeys of the Spirit Luxury Travel
About Ales
I’ve been passionate about travel ever since I can remember. Having had the opportunity to travel all around the world for many years it’s my greatest desire to enrich peoples lives in a profound way by creating unforgettable journeys, and give each of my clients the amazing experiences I’ve had throughout my travels.
By allowing me to design your journeys, you can be assured that you will be taken care of from the moment we start planning your vacation until the moment you return. Contact me and let me know where you would like to go or let me help you find the destination that will give you the experience you are looking for.
May all your travels stir your soul and change your life forever – Ales.
