Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a beautiful stretch of shoreline on the southern side of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Accommodations are spread out between the towns of Puerto Viejo and Punta Uva, meaning the location caters to the jungle and beach. If Puerto Viejo is known for anything, it’s the unique environment created by the mix of jungle, sea, and reef, plus its African-Caribbean influence, so it’s the perfect place to relax in a boutique hotel.
## Le Caméléon
Nestled just across the main road from the alluring Playa Cocles, you’ll discover the captivating Le Caméléon Boutique Hotel. This luxury establishment provides an exquisite experience, seamlessly blending natural warmth with modern design. The hotel’s architecture and decor create a truly unique ambiance. Think inviting wooden elements and verdant greenery juxtaposed against the striking simplicity of stark-white rooms and suites.
The rooms and suites at Le Caméléon are designed with a minimalist aesthetic in mind. White ceilings, walls, pristine tile floors, and crisp bedding form a clean and uncluttered canvas. However, this simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or convenience. Each unit is thoughtfully equipped with essential amenities, ensuring a delightful stay. You can expect the refreshing coolness of air-conditioning, the entertainment of flat-screen TVs, the peaceful darkness afforded by blackout drapes, and the invigorating touch of rainfall showerheads. Furthermore, each room features a private balcony or terrace, providing a personal space to relax and soak in the surrounding beauty.
For an elevated experience, consider upgrading to one of the oceanfront suites. These premium accommodations offer the unparalleled luxury of direct beach access right from your room. Imagine stepping out of your suite and onto the soft sands of Playa Cocles in mere seconds!
Le Caméléon extends far beyond just comfortable accommodations. The hotel boasts an impressive array of amenities, many designed to promote a healthy and rejuvenating lifestyle. The Jungle Spa stands out as a haven of tranquility. Here, you can indulge in a full menu of treatments and services, ranging from soothing massages to meticulous waxing. For those seeking inner peace and physical well-being, the spa also offers a daily yoga practice in an open-air studio, allowing you to connect with nature while you exercise your body and mind.
In addition to the spa’s offerings, Le Caméléon provides a variety of daily classes and activities to keep you engaged and entertained. Start your day with an invigorating morning walk, followed by a friendly game of beach volleyball. For those with a culinary curiosity, participate in a cocktail workshop or a cooking class to learn new skills and flavors. As the sun begins to set, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with a live DJ performance, creating the perfect ambiance for an evening of relaxation and enjoyment. For a truly immersive wellness experience, you can also opt for the hotel’s comprehensive seven-day detox program or a personalized three-day Ayurveda program.
When hunger strikes or you simply desire a place to unwind, the NOA Beach Club is the ideal destination. This vibrant hub offers a diverse range of experiences. Take a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs perfect for soaking up the sun. Explore the spacious garden, complete with inviting hammocks and other seating options, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and contemplation. The open-air restaurant and bar serve as the focal point of the club. You can indulge in a wide array of culinary delights and refreshing beverages here. The menu boasts everything from fresh smoothies and expertly crafted cocktails to traditional Costa Rican fare and international cuisine. Pizza and sushi options are also available, catering to diverse tastes. Complementing the delicious food and drinks is an extensive wine list, ensuring the perfect pairing for your meal. The NOA Beach Club creates a truly enchanting atmosphere. Whether you choose to dine inside or out, you’ll be surrounded by open-air seating, the soft glow of candlelight, twinkling lights, and captivating music, creating a memorable and immersive experience.
## Relax Natural Village
Escape to Relax Natural Village, an idyllic haven nestled deep within nature, where a cluster of six charming wooden cabins awaits. Surrounded by a profusion of tropical plants and lush greenery, this unique accommodation offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Caribbean coast.
Each bungalow is meticulously designed to allow you to fully embrace the natural surroundings. Sliding front doors invite the refreshing Caribbean breeze to flow freely through the space, creating a seamless connection with the outdoors. As you approach the property, you’ll be greeted by a bright blue gate, marking the entrance to an enchanting world. Beyond the gate, you’ll wander through an overgrown garden teeming with vibrant tropical plants and majestic century-old trees. Remember to look up as you traverse this natural wonderland, as you might be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of elusive sloths gracefully moving through the branches, colorful toucans perched high above, or intriguing iguanas basking in the sun. After immersing yourself in the jungle vibes, a short and pleasant walk will lead you to the inviting shores of Playa Cocles.
Intimacy and privacy are paramount at Relax Natural Village. As an adult-only property, it provides a serene and secluded atmosphere, perfect for couples or individuals seeking a peaceful retreat. The picturesque jungle greenery and meandering walking paths further enhance the sense of seclusion and tranquility. Each wooden cabin, carefully crafted by hand, exudes a bright and airy ambiance. You’ll find practical amenities such as ceiling fans to keep you cool and comfortable, as well as a porch furnished with a relaxing hammock and Adirondack chairs, perfect for lounging and enjoying the surrounding nature. The large bathrooms feature luxurious walk-in showers, providing a spa-like experience in the privacy of your own cabin.
Start your day with a complimentary all-natural breakfast served in the main building. Indulge in the rich aroma of local coffee, savor the sweetness of fresh fruits, and sample other regional staples, providing a delightful introduction to the flavors of Costa Rica.
## Namuwoki Lodge
If you’re searching for a quiet and intimate boutique experience near Playa Chiquita, widely regarded as one of the best swimming beaches in the area, look no further than Namuwoki Lodge. This charming establishment offers a collection of 18 simple bungalows, each thoughtfully designed in the traditional Caribbean style.
The bungalows feature tall ceilings, creating a sense of spaciousness and airiness. Wooden accents add a touch of rustic charm, while the thatched roofs evoke the authentic feel of the Caribbean. Due to the density of the surrounding jungle, the rooms can sometimes feel a bit dark, but the lodge maintains an overall open and bright atmosphere.
The spacious huts are available in a variety of configurations to suit different needs. Options include suites and family villas with multiple rooms and floors, offering ample space for larger groups or families. Some even feature private Jacuzzis, providing an extra touch of luxury and relaxation. All rooms boast a private terrace furnished with hammocks and/or seating, offering the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the natural surroundings. While some rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, others rely on the natural ventilation of the Caribbean breeze. Although the bungalows are situated close together, the abundance of tropical plants and lush forest ensures a sense of privacy for each room.
The Naum Restaurant, the lodge’s onsite eatery, is a beautiful open-air space serving a delectable selection of local and Spanish-inspired dishes. It overlooks a small outdoor pool and a welcoming bar, where you can enjoy refreshing afternoon cocktails. Here, you’ll also be treated to a complimentary breakfast each morning, providing a delightful start to your day.
## Shawandha Lodge
For those seeking an eco-conscious lodging experience in individual wooden huts, Shawandha Lodge is an excellent choice. Each bungalow at Shawandha Lodge showcases the beauty of native wood, utilizing three distinct types to create soaring A-frame ceilings, traditional thatched roofing, and inviting porches complete with hammocks. The bathrooms are spacious, bright, and adorned with unique mosaic designs.
For an enhanced level of seclusion and tranquility, consider opting for one of the adults-only cabins, which feature a private pool area. However, you may find yourself drawn to the nearby sea, as the property is conveniently located just 500 feet from Playa Chiquita. This beach is renowned as an excellent place to swim, thanks to the protective coral reef that keeps the waves calm and gentle.
As you wander through the grounds of Shawandha Lodge, remember to look up into the trees and observe the diverse array of wildlife and listen to the melodious songs of the birds. The lush jungle vibes are further enhanced by the presence of two outdoor pools, perfect for a refreshing dip. The open-air restaurant serves a traditional and exceptionally delicious breakfast buffet each morning, as well as other meals throughout the day. After indulging in the culinary delights of the restaurant, take a stroll through the five-acre property, which serves as a private wildlife refuge. It’s home to over 100 species of birds and other animals, as well as more than 200 species of plants, making it a true paradise for nature lovers.
## Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort
Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort offers a comfortable and standard accommodation option. As a relatively large property, it can sometimes feel a bit bustling. However, the resort strives to maintain a sense of intimacy by housing guests in lodges of four to six rooms, separated by lush jungle greenery.
Each room features a shared or private terrace or balcony furnished with hammocks, providing a relaxing space for lounging and enjoying the surrounding views. While only some units offer sea views, the wooden lodges with their traditional thatched roofing contribute to an authentic Costa Rican ambiance. It’s worth noting that the hotel provides only hand soap for the rooms, so guests should remember to bring their own toiletries.
Although not directly on the beachfront, Cariblue is conveniently located just across the road from Playa Cocles. The five acres of protected surrounding rainforest add to its boutique feel. Reaching the main building for breakfast requires a short and pleasant walk through the rainforest, allowing you to immerse yourself in the sounds of birds and animals in the trees above. The breakfast buffet offers a wide variety of options, including fresh fruits, continental breakfast staples, yogurts, locally made pastries and cakes, a hot-food station, and local dishes on rotation.
Other perks of the property include two outdoor pools, bicycle rentals, and weekly live music performances. You’ll also find a restaurant and two bars serving a fusion of Mediterranean and Caribbean dishes. Guests can enjoy happy hour in the late afternoon and sample the property’s signature cocktails.
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