Kunken Boutique Hotel & Spa ★★★★

"Our family of 10 stayed at the Kunken Hotel for 5 days. Here are my pros and cons: Pros: This is a stunning property, a small paradise in the middle of the jungle, where you are woken up by howler monkeys and birds. We saw scarlet macaws, toucans and many other birds, as well as howlers and coatis up close, which was a real treat. We all enjoyed the big pool and the short walk to the beach. The hotel staff at the property were all very nice and tried their best to accommodate our group. The rooms were spacious and clean. There were 2 bathrooms in each of the cottages. One shower contained plants to give you the feel of an outdoor shower. There were screens everywhere to keep the bugs out as well as it is possible in a tropical environment. Cons: The communication with the main office before we arrived at the hotel was unacceptable. When I would ask 4 questions, one was answered and many times the answer was very vague. Question: “How much do you charge for meals for the children”. Answer: “It depends on how much they eat.” Even when at the property, it took a while before I was told the price of meals for children. There also was no children’s menu and most of the food options were not suited for children. Also, I was not told any details of our pick-up at the P J airport despite several emails until I finally wrote a WhatsApp the day before we left and got an answer from one of the property managers, Estoban. Not stress that I needed the day before our travels. The second big con was the food. If we would have stayed for 2 days, we would have thought that it was okay but getting the exact same side dishes every single day with no change in menu for the whole 5 days was frustrating. Also, neither meat nor fish were usually well cooked. On our last day, 6 of us ordered well-done steaks (we learned that otherwise the meat would be almost raw), and only one was well done. The same meal was also not consistently done in the same fashion-chicken with passion fruit sauce came with the sauce on one day and no sauce the other day. The food is very expensive and for the price, we would have expected something different. Cocktails were also very expensive, but at least, they were good. It seems that there was a general lack of attention to detail at this hotel on several fronts. We did not mind that there was no air conditioning in the rooms and did not need a TV (which was in our room, not the other villas) but we felt that there should be at least a table and one or 2 chairs inside the room. Currently, there were chairs on the porch but inside the room you had to sit on the bed if you wanted to sit somewhere. The furniture at the pool was old and not all umbrellas were functional. Overall, this is a truly beautifully located property but improvements are needed to make this a place to which you would like to return."

Casitas Del Rio Riverfront Nature Lodge - Sloth Luxury Villa ★★★

Casa Drake Lodge ★★★

Ukinca Hostel ★★

Pirate Cove ★★

"My husband and I have just left Pirate Cove after 3 wonderful nights there. We loved the hotel: the staff were really friendly and helpful, the food was delicious and the view from our balcony straight onto the beach was amazing. We stayed in one of the non air-conditioned bungalows and although it was hot the fan made it bearable and we were tired after long days so slept well. I don't think it's possible to find a hotel balcony with a more beautiful beach view and sightings of scarlet macaws and toucans! When we checked in we decided to brave it and book on a snorkeling trip. That proved to be a fantastic decision. We swam with mantra rays and sharks - a truly memorable trip. We also enjoyed our bird watching tour and our visit to Corcovado where we saw tapirs, a boa constrictor and many other beautiful animals and birds. I would highly recommend this hotel - it's not high end but it does what it does very well - it's clean, friendly, organised and is situated in a paradise."

Whales Tail Views Del Congos Uvita Great Privacy, WSlide Pool, Fast Internet ★★★

Copa De Arbol Beach & Rainforest Resort ★★★

"We have traveled extensively- resorts and luxury hotels across the globe.. and nothing has come close to Copa de Arbol. This place doesn't just check boxes; it transports you somewhere entirely its own. From the moment you arrive, you're immersed in a world where rainforest meets beach and every sense is alive. The soundtrack alone is unforgettable: macaws swooping overhead, frogs singing at dusk, waves crashing in the distance, and rain falling through the jungle canopy. It's pure magic. The grounds are absolutely impeccable— lush, pristine, and clearly cared for with real pride. But what elevates Copa de Arbol above any resort we've ever visited is the staff. They know your name. They anticipate what you need before you ask… a cold drink appearing exactly when you need one, a gentle escort to catch a glimpse of wildlife they just spotted nearby, a warm smile or a fascinating animal fact if you're in the mood to chat. They are not just attentive; they are genuinely wonderful people who make you feel like a guest in their home. They are every bit as special as the place itself. The food and drinks are fantastic, the rooms are spotless, and the tour team handles absolutely everything so seamlessly that you never once feel like you have to think. It's effortless in the best possible way. We traveled this week as a family of 5 with three kids and it was perfect for all of us. Oh and another fan favorite? Randy the coati, who has clearly claimed this property as his own and absolutely stole our hearts. Add in the monkeys, macaws, and toucans that practically join happy hour each day perching nearby as if they're part of the staff — and you have something that doesn't feel real. I never wanted to leave. I still don't. If you're looking for a place that is secluded, soulful, and completely unlike anything else you've experienced, Copa de Arbol is it. A true secret paradise."

5 Bedrooms, large pool & spectacular whale tail ocean view! ★★★

Beach Front Home in Ballena Marine Natl Park ★★★