Costa Rica luxury beach hotel
| country: | Costa Rica |
| location: | Playa Guiones, Nosara |
| price: | From US $120 (double room) - US $490 (house per night) see below for details |
description
This hotel is a sustainable operation with a relaxing, healthy environment with comfortable rooms, excellent dining, melodies mixed with the sound of the ocean, a perfect beach, and various activities available.
The location, in the province of Guanacaste, is the perfect setting for people to get in tune with their natural rhythm. Just beyond the bananas trees, a coconut palm marks the arrival at Playa Guiones. Here you will find what you are looking for in the perfect atmosphere, whether it is a relaxation, adventure, nature, good waves or just beautiful beaches.
Our accommodations reside in a tropical garden, at the heart of which is the pool. The open-air restaurant seats 40 guests in a stylish but casual atmosphere with a mostly vegetarian menu.
Nosara offers the perfect blend of a small town and a tourism destination. There are various dining options, nightlife, tours and activities available. However the uniqueness of a small Guanacaste village is maintained in the Nosara vibe.
We hope that our hotel will inspire the natural rhythm and sacred connection to the earth that we find so profound here. We want to provide you with great satisfaction on many levels, in particular, a deep relaxation brought by knowing that the pleasures you savor are geared to be in tune with the surrounding land, sea, animals, and rural community.
There are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy in and around the accommodation including:
Pool (with natural form of chlorine) Beach just down the path or at Guiones, Pelada, Nosara, Garza or Ostional Healing centre offering massage, yoga & meditation Horseback riding Cycling (we have complimentary bicycles for guest use; voluntary donations of US $5 accepted) Surf lessons & surfboard rental 
Spanish lessons Use of laptop (WiFi) & stereo Games (backgammon, board games and ping-pong) Bar, open-air restaurant & juice bar
Tours: There's a rich, beautiful world to discover right outside our doorstep. Explore Guanacaste, Nosara, Guiones and its surroundings with one of our tours:
Reserve Tour Guaitil Ceramics Tour 
Olive Ridley Sea Turtles Nesting Tour Sustainable Coffee Tour in Hojancha Miss Sky Canopy Tour & Wing Nuts Canopy Tour Nosara Boat Tours Plant a Tree Program La Esperanza School Tour Sustainable Tour
The front desk can provide information and arrange your adventure in advance or upon arrival.
National Parks: The Guanacaste area has several amazing Protected Areas and National Parks. We invite you to explore them, as you will experience sights and sounds you may have never known before. By visiting these incredible natural attractions, you will also be supporting the Costa Rican National Parks system and contributing to the conservation of our natural resources. By protecting the flora and fauna, you are ensuring future generations will get to see them as well.
The location, in the province of Guanacaste, is the perfect setting for people to get in tune with their natural rhythm. Just beyond the bananas trees, a coconut palm marks the arrival at Playa Guiones. Here you will find what you are looking for in the perfect atmosphere, whether it is a relaxation, adventure, nature, good waves or just beautiful beaches.
Our accommodations reside in a tropical garden, at the heart of which is the pool. The open-air restaurant seats 40 guests in a stylish but casual atmosphere with a mostly vegetarian menu.
Nosara offers the perfect blend of a small town and a tourism destination. There are various dining options, nightlife, tours and activities available. However the uniqueness of a small Guanacaste village is maintained in the Nosara vibe.
We hope that our hotel will inspire the natural rhythm and sacred connection to the earth that we find so profound here. We want to provide you with great satisfaction on many levels, in particular, a deep relaxation brought by knowing that the pleasures you savor are geared to be in tune with the surrounding land, sea, animals, and rural community.
special things to do and see here
There are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy in and around the accommodation including:Spanish lessons Tours: There's a rich, beautiful world to discover right outside our doorstep. Explore Guanacaste, Nosara, Guiones and its surroundings with one of our tours:
The front desk can provide information and arrange your adventure in advance or upon arrival.
National Parks: The Guanacaste area has several amazing Protected Areas and National Parks. We invite you to explore them, as you will experience sights and sounds you may have never known before. By visiting these incredible natural attractions, you will also be supporting the Costa Rican National Parks system and contributing to the conservation of our natural resources. By protecting the flora and fauna, you are ensuring future generations will get to see them as well.
rooms, food and facilities
Accommodation: All 24 accommodations reside on a path that meanders through a tropical garden overflowing with native vegetation. The graceful simplicity of earth tones and crisp whites creates rooms that are rooted in nature and beach life. Rooms have daily maid service, king size bed, refrigerator, air conditioning, ceiling fans, laptop-sized safe deposit box, coffee maker and WiFi access.
Cocos rooms: From US $120 - US $185 per room per night (sleeps 2)
Closest to the pool, each room opens onto a private, enclosed patio with a heated shower, seating area and shaded overhang.
Bungalows: From US $180 - US $260 per bungalow per night (sleeps 2)
Just off the beaten path, each bungalow welcomes with an open layout and comfortably furnished seating area. From here, the room extends to a raised floor with an inviting bed. Each bungalow also includes a front deck.
2 bedroom suites: From US $275 - US $395 per bungalow per night + US $50 each person over 4 people (sleeps 6)
Located just steps away from the ocean, our 2-bedroom bungalow suite is ideal for your family or group, featuring 2 ample bedrooms with luxurious king sized beds and additional sofa beds, a large bathroom with bathtub and shower, and a mini-bar in each bedroom. A wide wooden deck with hammocks and outdoor furniture wraps around the bungalow and gets dowsed with sunlight each morning, making this the perfect lounging place. Comfortably accommodates up to 6 adults.
House: From US $350 - US $490 per house per night (sleeps 6)
With a gorgeous view of the beach and an amazing infinity pool to relax in, this house is a perfect spot for you to enjoy beautiful Guanacaste sunsets. The house has two rooms with king sized beds and separate bathrooms. One of the rooms can accommodate an extra bed. It also has a full kitchen, dining and living area, a terrace surrounded by lush gardens, laundry room, air conditioning and ceiling fans. It is perfect for families or small groups of up to six people. Rates include housekeeping service, laundry service and breakfast.
Other facilities
Bar, restaurant & juice bar: The open-air restaurant seats 40 guests in a stylish but casual atmosphere. The menu is mainly vegetarian but does offer fish and chicken options, accompanied by fresh, local produce, delightful salads, and creative sauces. In accordance with the healthy, natural concept of the hotel, we promote the use of fresh, local fruits in our cocktails and smoothies, rather than sodas. Our juice bar is an environmentally conscious, casual eatery that serves up fresh juice and tasty organic salads, sandwiches, and healthy desserts, perfect for stopping in on your way to the beach.
Healing centre: We hope that during your stay you will play hard, relax deeply and get in tune with your natural rhythms. To that end, our healing centre has been designed as a place of restoration, nurturing and peace. We offer massage, yoga, meditation and a contemplative, supportive environment in which to embrace life – and your own healing – anew.
Pool, beach & activities: The pool water is clear and silky because of a system that gradually converts salt into a natural form of chlorine. The salt presence is subtle, not strong like ocean water, but there’s just enough to make the water buoyant and soft. The beach is just down the path through the dune forest at the lower end of the property. Our reception can provide in-depth information on local activities and help you arrange regional and local tours, equipment rentals, etc (see the activities section above).
Practicalities: Our little shop supplies crucial gear that's hard to find in Nosara. Guests with laptops may connect to the hotel’s WiFi access at no charge. We have security guards for our guests; we post a guard at the beach everyday to keep an eye on flip flops, towels, bags, etc.
Family friendly: This is not an exclusively family destination, however, there are plenty of activities for the kids to enjoy; beach, horseriding, cycling, sea turtles, surfing, swimming pool, boat tours, Spanish lessons and laptop & stereo use. Baby cribs are available for the rooms.
Disabled access: The paths at the hotel were designed without stairs to allow the easy transit of disabled people from the main entrance to the lobby, public areas or rooms. In May 2007 the parking lot will have two special spaces for cars and two of our one bedroom bungalows will be remodelled with facilities for disabled people which will include special toilets, locks and room number on doors at a certain height, special bars, toilet holder and soap holders, everything regulated by the Costa Rican Law.
We are located in Playa Guiones, Nosara, in the province of Guanacaste. Most visitors arrive in San José (6 hours by car or a short 45 min flight from Nosara). Some guests also fly in to Liberia (3 hour drive or two short domestic flights of about 25 and 45 min each). If driving, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended, but other cars should have no problem. Domestic flights arrive at the small airport of Nosara just a 10 min shuttle ride away; we will be happy to pick you up.
Cocos rooms: From US $120 - US $185 per room per night (sleeps 2)Closest to the pool, each room opens onto a private, enclosed patio with a heated shower, seating area and shaded overhang.
Bungalows: From US $180 - US $260 per bungalow per night (sleeps 2)
Just off the beaten path, each bungalow welcomes with an open layout and comfortably furnished seating area. From here, the room extends to a raised floor with an inviting bed. Each bungalow also includes a front deck.
2 bedroom suites: From US $275 - US $395 per bungalow per night + US $50 each person over 4 people (sleeps 6)Located just steps away from the ocean, our 2-bedroom bungalow suite is ideal for your family or group, featuring 2 ample bedrooms with luxurious king sized beds and additional sofa beds, a large bathroom with bathtub and shower, and a mini-bar in each bedroom. A wide wooden deck with hammocks and outdoor furniture wraps around the bungalow and gets dowsed with sunlight each morning, making this the perfect lounging place. Comfortably accommodates up to 6 adults.
House: From US $350 - US $490 per house per night (sleeps 6)With a gorgeous view of the beach and an amazing infinity pool to relax in, this house is a perfect spot for you to enjoy beautiful Guanacaste sunsets. The house has two rooms with king sized beds and separate bathrooms. One of the rooms can accommodate an extra bed. It also has a full kitchen, dining and living area, a terrace surrounded by lush gardens, laundry room, air conditioning and ceiling fans. It is perfect for families or small groups of up to six people. Rates include housekeeping service, laundry service and breakfast.
Other facilities
Bar, restaurant & juice bar: The open-air restaurant seats 40 guests in a stylish but casual atmosphere. The menu is mainly vegetarian but does offer fish and chicken options, accompanied by fresh, local produce, delightful salads, and creative sauces. In accordance with the healthy, natural concept of the hotel, we promote the use of fresh, local fruits in our cocktails and smoothies, rather than sodas. Our juice bar is an environmentally conscious, casual eatery that serves up fresh juice and tasty organic salads, sandwiches, and healthy desserts, perfect for stopping in on your way to the beach. Healing centre: We hope that during your stay you will play hard, relax deeply and get in tune with your natural rhythms. To that end, our healing centre has been designed as a place of restoration, nurturing and peace. We offer massage, yoga, meditation and a contemplative, supportive environment in which to embrace life – and your own healing – anew.
Pool, beach & activities: The pool water is clear and silky because of a system that gradually converts salt into a natural form of chlorine. The salt presence is subtle, not strong like ocean water, but there’s just enough to make the water buoyant and soft. The beach is just down the path through the dune forest at the lower end of the property. Our reception can provide in-depth information on local activities and help you arrange regional and local tours, equipment rentals, etc (see the activities section above).
Practicalities: Our little shop supplies crucial gear that's hard to find in Nosara. Guests with laptops may connect to the hotel’s WiFi access at no charge. We have security guards for our guests; we post a guard at the beach everyday to keep an eye on flip flops, towels, bags, etc.
Family friendly: This is not an exclusively family destination, however, there are plenty of activities for the kids to enjoy; beach, horseriding, cycling, sea turtles, surfing, swimming pool, boat tours, Spanish lessons and laptop & stereo use. Baby cribs are available for the rooms.
Disabled access: The paths at the hotel were designed without stairs to allow the easy transit of disabled people from the main entrance to the lobby, public areas or rooms. In May 2007 the parking lot will have two special spaces for cars and two of our one bedroom bungalows will be remodelled with facilities for disabled people which will include special toilets, locks and room number on doors at a certain height, special bars, toilet holder and soap holders, everything regulated by the Costa Rican Law.
how to find us
We are located in Playa Guiones, Nosara, in the province of Guanacaste. Most visitors arrive in San José (6 hours by car or a short 45 min flight from Nosara). Some guests also fly in to Liberia (3 hour drive or two short domestic flights of about 25 and 45 min each). If driving, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended, but other cars should have no problem. Domestic flights arrive at the small airport of Nosara just a 10 min shuttle ride away; we will be happy to pick you up.how this holiday makes a difference
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At our accommodation, comfort meets effortless sustainability. Here guests can enjoy the rare luxury of knowing that the beauty they see goes further than grass deep. The hotel’s many natural treats are sure to enhance our guests’ experience of green living. An awareness of our interconnectedness within nature is shown in our practices which include permaculture, worm farming, recycling program, use of biodegradable products, biodegradable guest room amenities and gray water purification irrigation system.
We use organic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers - such as compost from the restaurant waste. Native plants, which make up 50% of the plant life in our landscape, not only preserve local character, but also provide food and shelter for the local animal population. We transformed our old pool into a living aquatic system with shallow areas for herons, egrets and other wading birds plus deeper areas amongst vegetation for protecting fish and turtles from predation. Donations to the community’s schools and library are constantly made. We also support local farmers by buying and designing our menu around the locally available products. And rather than bringing in already skilled hotel workers from elsewhere, we hire and train 90% of our staff from the surrounding area. Our project Turning Hope into Reality is an effort to improve the school’s infrastructure, equipment, and learning aids while addressing the issues of sustainable practice and environmental awareness. Our staff create the opportunity for mentorships; their skill sets include language, computer and maintenance skills, which they would share with students as volunteers.  Our project Arribadas of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle is a non-profit initiative to help the MINAE (Costa Rica’s Ministry of Environment and Energy) promote environmental conservation and keep the Ostional Natural Wildlife Reserve clean. Building on the government’s recent efforts to improve the sea turtles’ habitat (which includes a successful policy to curtail the widespread poaching of turtle eggs, which are prized in the region for their aphrodisiac qualities,) the project is guided by the belief that education is a requisite for change. We promote plastic recycling by placing bins & transferring the waste to the plastic recycling center (the income this generates is allocated to the local school). We participate in beach clearing days. Guests can participate by volunteering with the Tortuguitas Program to oversee baby turtles as they hatch and protect them from predators as they make their way to the ocean, or by making a donation. By participating in our Plant a Tree project, you and our gardening staff will plant a tree of a species endemic to the region, in a specific MINAE (the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment and Energy) designated location nearby. There is a serious problem with the positioning of electrical lines in Nosara. As a result of lines being close together, Howler monkeys are electrocuted when they try to use these power lines to access habitat that has been isolated by roads or cleared land. The result is not only the death of howlers but also orphaned monkey young. We are working with The Refugio de Animales, other local businesses and the electric company to raise funds for re-wiring Nosara and to rehabilitate the orphans. We are grateful to the people of Nosara for welcoming us here. As all of our lives and futures are intrinsically connected, we want to be positive members of the local community. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |