We all know it: Costa Rica is magnificent in more ways than we know it when we see it from the outside. It is very small, and yet it has 5% of the total living beings on Earth. It is in the middle of two huge continental plates and one of the most convulsed (historically speaking) isthmus in the planet, and yet it managed to abolish its army and protect one third of its rainforests.
Only five million people were born in this fantastic land, and yet thousands look our way and retire in our mountains and beaches to live a life of joy and ease.
Guanacaste has the best of Costa Rica concentrated in one province with its own airport. From the mystical cloud forests to rumbling volcanoes and a great opportunity to see wildlife throughout the national parks and reserves, you can also find the most luxurious resorts, barefoot luxury or classical comfort.
From tiny boutique hotels and villas to superb resorts, find in this blog post the most beautiful and upscale places in Guanacaste and all you need to know about them.
Dreams Las Mareas Resort in La Cruz Guanacaste:
Located on a small, isolated peninsula near the Nicaraguan border in Guanacaste’s northwest, the sleepy fishing village of El Jobo is a haven for locals and tourists alike. The Pacific Ocean is a beautiful sight to behold because it surrounds El Jobo on three sides.
It is the Dreams Las Mareas Resort, which sits on Jobo Beach, a beautiful ash-colored sand beach surrounded by the rare dry tropical forest, which for six months is lusciously green, and the rest of the year shows its name becoming a dream-like destination that everyone loves!
Copal, Rajada, La Coyotera, and Papaturro are just a few of the nearby beaches in Bahia Salinas. Playa Pochotes and Puerto Soley are two quieter beaches that can be found to the north and closer to Nicaragua.
Visiting El Jobo: Things to Do
Several national parks, reserves, and even volcanoes can be found within a short distance of El Jobo.
The Guanacaste National Park, the Junquillal Refuge, and the Santa Rosa National Park are all located in the Guanacaste World Heritage Site.
Protecting mangroves and coastal areas is the mission of the Junquillal Reserve. The Orosi Volcano and the tropical dry forests of Guanacaste National Park are among the park’s many highlights. As one of Costa Rica’s most important national parks and home to a wide variety of wildlife, Santa Rosa National Park is located to the south.
Olive Ridley Sea Turtles use Playa Nancite during the arribadas as a major nesting site, with tens of thousands of them converging at a time.
Papagayo Peninsula
The Pacific Ocean and the Area de Conservacion Guanacaste, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encircle Peninsula Papagayo’s 1400 acres of privately owned land on three sides.
Gated communities, high-end resorts, private homes, a beach club, a golf course, and a marina are all part of the luxury hub.
Small coves and bays that extend out from the turquoise green waves of the Pacific make these views even more stunning.
Even more convenient is the proximity to the Guanacaste International Airport.
Places to stay in Papagayo Peninsula
With breathtaking beaches, a patch of unique tropical dry forest extends into the Pacific Ocean, filled up with well hidden superb accommodations.
We can make it happen for you to experience the return to paradise.
Papagayo Peninsula activities
Guanacaste’s Gulf of Papagayo is a great place for families with young children or teenagers, couples in a romantic escapade, or groups of relatives or friends. Older adults can also enjoy it immensely.
Papagayo’s beaches are a little more private and secluded than other Costa Rican beaches because of the peninsula’s remote location.
In the Gulf of Papagayo, the Marina Papagayo is considered the luxury marina in Costa Rica. The eco-friendly marina blends seamlessly with the gulf’s colorful bays and inlets.
In the Papagayo Peninsula, you can do all the expected water experiences. Swimming, snorkeling, sports fishing, and sailing are just some of them.
If you are a golfer, this is heaven! You can also enjoy the Anthony Palmer Golf Course by the edge of the sea in Four Seasons.
In the area of the Papagayo Peninsula, you can also enjoy hiking, mountain biking, parasailing, ATV tours, and surfing.
Amazing Costa Rica can also arrange for other excursions to visit volcanoes or rainforests.
Conchal Beach
Conchal Beach is named after the Spanish word for shell, “concha.”
This destination’s white sand and small shell particles make it one of the most stunning beaches in Central America.
The countless shells washed up on the beach and constantly softened by the water before being crushed into small, brilliant sand certainly make this a one-of-a-kind beach worth seeing.
The turquoise seas and tranquil break are ideal for all visitors.
Where to stay in Conchal Beach:
This unique location has three fascinating properties:
The W Costa Rica, Reserva Conchal, and The Westin Conchal Resort & Spa.
The W is not an all-inclusive resort like the Westin. The Reserva Conchal rents out homes and apartments.
Ask Amazing Costa Rica experts about these incredible accommodations and some other options in the region.
Las Catalinas Seaside Resort Town
Las Catalinas, one of the world’s most beautiful beach communities, is only a half-hour drive from Guanacaste International Airport and three hours from Monteverde.
For those interested in hiking, biking, or bird watching, the lush tropical dry forest that surrounds Las Catalinas offers a plethora of opportunities.
When it was first proposed, it was envisioned as a place where parents could relax with a drink in hand while their children played and ran around in safety.
All visitors will find a sanctuary at Las Catalinas, inspired by the Mediterranean architecture of the colonial Americas. Places like Cartagena in Colombia, Antigua en Guatemala, or San Miguel de Allende in Mexico were an inspiration for the beautiful Las Catalinas.
Activities in Las Catalinas
Boogie board and snorkeling are among the water activities that you can participate in at the resort.
You’ll be able to find not only delicious food to eat but also markets where you can stock up on fresh ingredients and gourmet items.
For those staying in villas, access to the beach club is possible, but many houses have their own plunge pools, and Beach Town North has a fun plaza and fountain for children.
Las Catalinas also offer fantastic accommodations:
Posada San Rafael, located near Playa Danta, offers four luxurious suites with their own private terraces where guests can marvel at the natural beauty of the area.
At the Santarena Hotel, guests will find a rooftop pool and a cafe serving espresso drinks, cans of kombucha, and a piece of banana bread with buttery icing.
Casa Chamaleon is a twenty-one breathtakingly beautiful villa that overlooks the sea and the town.
By removing the automobiles from the equation and building communities in the way they were before automobiles, Las Catalinas show a result in sociability and beauty as well as safety. Adults are likely to benefit from this, as it gives children more freedom.
Hacienda Pinilla
Hacienda Pinilla is one of Costa Rica’s most private and distinctive resort communities, located on the spectacular northwestern coast of the nation, just four miles from downtown Tamarindo.
Hacienda Pinilla, a 4,500-acre classic ranch property that sprawls across sun-bleached savannah, pastureland, tropical forest, and golden shoreline, will wow you with its opulence, facilities, and wonderful activities.
There are magnificent sunsets and beachfront golfing here, as well as a wonderful beach club and three of our area’s most stunning beaches: Playa Avellanas, Playa Langosta, and Playa Mansita.
Accommodations in Hacienda Pinilla:
The most remarkable and renowed hotel in the hacienda is, of course, the JW Marriott, a fantastic hacienda like hotel in front of the ocean.
La Posada Inn Hacienda Pinilla is situated a little over a mile from Avellanas Beach and it is located near the golf course. Its rooms are luxurious villas with swimming pools, WIFI throughout the property, and very good restaurants.
To wrap it up
Guanacaste is a treasure trove of stunning beaches and luxurious resorts, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Each destination showcases the natural beauty and diverse experiences that Costa Rica has to offer. Whether you’re seeking upscale accommodations, thrilling outdoor activities, or simply a tranquil escape, Guanacaste has something for everyone. Ask Amazing Costa Rica about these incredible places and see which suits you best! Explore these magnificent locations and create lasting memories in one of the most breathtaking regions of Costa Rica.
References
Visit “Costa Rica´s Central Pacific Top 10.” Visit Costa Rica. 19 Sept. 2016. Web. 12 Sept. 2022. <https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/where-to-go/central-pacific/top-ten>