Pacific Kalokairi - Adults Only

This hotel is so unique - each ‘room’ is a small bungalow with a dedicated AC and private porches. We stayed in the “jungle view” side and it felt like a tree house - very cool and relaxing. Each morning you wake up to the sound of howler monkeys moving through the trees. The staff is exceptional - Herman, Carlos, and Virginia do an incredible job of making sure you have everything you need - from creative and delicious meal options from their kitchen to coordinating taxis to take you to and from town. They have great recommendations for food and activities. The location is very relaxing - it tends to be very quiet and is very much removed from the noise and bustle of downtown Tamarindo, so it’s a great place to unwind after a busy day of adventures in the surrounding area. Sitting poolside and seeing the ocean in the distance was so lovely. The breakfasts are perfect, and nothing like your typical hotel. One evening we did the Tapas tasting menu and that was incredible. Overall the food was great, limited options because it’s a small place and everything is fresh, but it’s so well made. The hotel also shared information to book tours with Native Way - we booked everything in advance and got emails about locations and times and reminders from the scheduling service so that was so convenient. The vast majority of the activities we did through that service were incredible and well worth the money (the sunset cruise Marlin del Rey on a 66 foot catamaran in particular was so so fun and special). The only downside was moving to and from town was a bit of a hassle - the hotel is up a steep hill and the final part of the trip is a mile or so up a dirt road, so using the taxis and transport service to and from the airport through the hotel is critical - if the driver doesn’t know the roads, they can get stuck. The hotel does over two drop offs and pickups in town as well per day, so you can time it so you only need a taxi one way. The hotel staff makes it as convenient for you as possible though.

This place is incredible. My husband and I stayed here for 3 nights. What a spectacular experience. The villas are stunning- very comfortable and great decor. Ours faced the jungle and we saw howler monkeys from our balcony. The staff, especially Carlos, were incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. The property is very close to Tamarindo and they offer a free shuttle to town every day at 10 am and 6 pm. This was great because we went to the beach and then came back to relax for a bit before heading back out for dinner. The lunch and dinner food at the hotel is also fantastic. I was especially obsessed with the salmon tiradito. I also had a massage which was spectacular. You will love it here! Note that you need to go over a pretty rough road to get here. Most uber drivers will apparently deal with it but one of ours was definitely uncomfortable driving it and we offered to walk the last part. Most of the time we took the shuttle so it wasn’t an issue.

This small boutique hotel is on the outskirts of Tamarindo, making it feel isolated, but in reality, the beach and town are not far away (by car). The road to the property is bumpy and the driveway steep, but once you enter the electric gates, you are greeted with an amazing view. The staff are friendly, helpful and welcoming and the rooms are a slice of luxury. They are modern, offering all amenities, but feel minimalist at the same time. We stayed in a garden view room, which allowed you to watch the sunrise from the comfort of your own bed. Of an evening, there was nothing better than sitting by the pool with a drink watching the sunset. Breakfast was included, offering fruit, pastries and hot items cooked to order. Dinner was created by a chef from Bilbao offering a selection of daily specials with a Spanish twist. If you're lucky, the monkeys will pay a visit during your stay, providing some non-TV entertainment.

Preface: This review is from a 25 y/o US based, moderately active couple visiting Costa Rica for their first time. My partner found this resort through our Chase travel portal and we wanted to ensure we left a very thorough review to help others understand our stay and what theirs could look like as well. Location: The resort is roughly an hour and a half from the airport, so make sure you get snacks and drinks at the airport before you leave. The ride to the resort is simple. Slow, but simple. Costa Rica has lots of motorcycles and drivers passing around each other, so if you pick up a car, be mindful of this. When you arrive at the resort, the first thing you will notice is the dirt road that leads up to the main entrance. This road is bumpy and difficult for smaller cars, so if you rent a vehicle, be sure it has 4X4 and get the insurance due to rocks and potholes along the way. The resort is beautifully nestled at the top of a considerable hill, and some drivers will get frustrated about it, but every ride made it up without having any issues. The views are immaculate, with the infinity pool overlooking the scenery and ocean, allowing for wonderful nights swimming or eating at the resort while watching the sunset. Rooms: We stayed on the left side of the property in a jungle facing room. From what I understand, all rooms are the same except for the view. Our room was absolutely perfect. It’s a well sized, modern bungalow that is perfectly designed for virtually any style of couple. It’s romantic, comfortable, clean, and well air-conditioned. The cleaning staff is outstanding about knowing when you clean your room and they don’t interrupt if you want to have a relaxing morning or a chill day indoors. When they do clean your room, you have options for new sheets and towels or they ask you to consider reusing them, which we didn’t mind doing. The balcony is spacious and there’s nice chairs for relaxing and enjoying the scenery. We saw monkeys (they howl, so be mindful of this) and lots of cool birds. They provide a safe and we had absolutely no issues feeling safe to leave our stuff out since it was such a small and well staffed resort. Staff: The best part of Pacific Kalokairi is by far the staff. Virginia, Carlos, Carmen, the chefs, and cleaning staff, and everyone else who helps maintain the immaculate experience are some of the best people I’ve ever met while on a vacation or even in general. They make you feel like family. They’re always looking to help, they want to get to know you, and they communicate as a team better than most high-functioning organizations could ever dream of. They even remembered my partner’s nut allergy seven days after she told them and made sure not to include any on a desert platter they prepared for us on our last night. It was an excellent touch. They offer a shuttle into downtown and often provide helpful recommendations and share stories of the resort, their lives, and Costa Rica. Every time we left and we

We just got back from a week here. From the moment you get there until the day you leave you know that you have experienced something special. Every morning you are greeted with a friendly Good Morning from Charlie. He makes you feel like you are the only ones there. The staff is very attentive and it starts with Virginia and and flows from the bartender (Carlos), waiter (Herman), and the remaining staff. Can't say enough about the staff. This place is a little gem! Thanks for a perfect vacation Jim/Christine

What a great time! Small lodge with individual expansive and modern villas overlooking the ocean. Virginia and staff treated us like family and took care of anything you needed. If you are looking for a quiet place to chill, this is it. Chef Dan was top notch, we had dinner and lunch here pretty much every day (and I'm a picky American eater). The ride to town is short so all options are available for alternative meals. Mom made us breakfast every day, Carlos is always ready to make a drink or "eliminate" a grasshopper, Herman is the cool Argentinian we got to chat with every day and don't forget to give Charley some watermelon at breakfast when you go. If you like being treated like family, awesome views, clean, modern rooms and a quiet place to relax, this is your place. We'll be back to see our friends again...Pura Vida!