Puntarenas Province is Costa Rica's largest, and covers a huge amount of territory, including most of Costa Rica's Pacific coastline. From a visitor perspective, the province can best be split into three main areas. At the northern end is the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, most of which is in Guanacaste Province. There are some stunning hideway boutiques here, as well as a number of surf hotels, bordering the spectacular Cabo Blanco nature reserve and its marine conservancy.
Moving further south you come to a long stretch of Pacific coastline, dotted with beach resorts - some super luxurious, some more affordable. The area is known for it's long white pristine beaches and mangrove swamps, stretching over 100 miles from Playa Hermosa in the north, past the chic resorts around Quepos (gateway to the Manuel Antonio National Park, and one of the world's finest areas for big sport fishing), to Uvita in the south.
Finally you come to an area of extensive rainforests in the Osa Peninsula and on the Gulf of Dulce (the Gulf of Sweetness), all protected in a number of national parks and nature reserves - the Terraba Sierpe wetlands, Corcovado National Park, the Golfo Dulce forest reserve, and Piedras Blancas national park. Dotted amongst them are some of Costa Rica's loveliest eco-lodges and rainforest hideaways.
Below, we've categorised the best places to stay in Puntarenas by geography. As you would expect, they are all very popular, especially in the January to April peak season, so book ahead in plenty of time to avoid disappointment.
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Puntarenas
An intimate jungle retreat about half an hour from Uvita. Four suites are beautifully designed with a fresh Mediterranean feel, and plenty of natural materials. The best offer a large roof terrace. There's a pool for all and restaurant championing the best local produce. Romantic and relaxing.
Puntarenas (Puntarenas)
A small boutique hotel tucked away in the forest yet just a stroll from Santa Teresa's beaches. A handful of bungalows are spacious and simply styled with exposed beams, private terraces, and hanging day beds. With surf and yoga at the forefront of this property, this is ideal for an active break.
Puntarenas
An ocean front resort tucked in the Costa Rican rainforest. Spacious rooms have an organic feel with natural hues and materials being used. Dine in the romantic restaurant specialising in seafood. Spend days exploring the rainforest or lounging on the white sand beach. A tropical haven.
Puntarenas (Puntarenas Province)
A charming, laid back, beach front resort that caters for both families and couples. Rustic chic rooms and bungalows with either rainforest or beach views and all with private terrace or balcony. There's a small pool, spa, and daily yoga lessons. Plus restaurant championing local organic fare.
Uvita (Uvita de Osa)
A boutique collection of Balinese-style villas in the Costa Rican jungle overlooking the Pacific. Smart villas feature mosquito framed four-poster beds, plenty of glass and luxury bathrooms. An infinity pool boasts epic views and the spa is utterly spoiling. Adult-only and undeniably romantic.
Puntarenas (Santa Teresa)
A stylish adult-only boutique hotel set amidst the jungle with spectacular ocean views. Each of the five rooms are sleek, spacious, and airy. Expect sharp lines, locally crafted furniture and art, and epic views from your bed. With an infinity pool and the beach a stroll away, this is a hip stay.
Puntarenas
A secluded property set in lush jungle and just minutes from the beach. A variety of accommodation suits all budgets. Find organic design, luxury bathrooms and oh-so comfy beds. From yoga classes to jungle safaris there's numerous activities to keep all entertained. A glorious hideaway.
Puntarenas (Manuel Antonio, Km. 2.7)
An adult-only hilltop hotel nestled amongst its own nature reserve. Contemporary rooms feature polished wooden floors, crisp white linen and local artefacts. An infinity pool sat seemingly perilously overlooking the forest boasts spectacular views. The perfect spot to get back to nature.
Puntarenas (Ojochal)
A luxurious adults-only hotel with fabulous panoramic views of rainforest & ocean. Smartly styled villas offer plenty of privacy while luxe touches include Egyptian cotton sheets, private terraces, and king size beds. There's a spa, wrap-around infinity pool, and gourmet dining — ideal for couples.
Puntarenas (MANUEL ANTONIO)
A luxurious hotel set within the rainforest and boasting a private and secluded white sand beach. Spacious rooms and enormous suites are contemporary and chic with expansive windows, sharp lines, and modern art. With a standout spa, gourmet dining, and private chef experiences, this is a luxe stay.
Uvita
An adult-only haven set overlooking the famous Whale’s Tail Beach. Spacious suites, treehouses and villas connect seamlessly with the abundance of nature all around. Beyond the hotel’s alluring tranquility, find an endless array of activities on land or by sea. The perfect romantic getaway.
Puntarenas (Golfo de Nicoya de la Torre del ICE)
A luxurious hideaway comprising of just 10 stunning villas. With nature taken as inspiration airy rooms feature plenty of wood set against organic hues. Luxury is taken seriously here with each villa housing a plunge pool and service is efficient and friendly. The restaurant is superb too. Fabulous.
Puntarenas (Manuel Antonio)
An impeccably designed jungle property boasting fantastic views over the surrounding canopy. Individually designed rooms are contemporary in style with plenty of glass, uber luxurious bathrooms and endless space. Dine in the romantic outdoor restaurant and unwind over a massage in the spa. Bliss.
Puntarenas (Santa Teresa)
A glorious resort nestled amidst the forest and opening out onto a secluded white sand beach perfectly primed for surfers. Wonderfully romantic rooms feature polished wooden floors and shutters, white muslin draped beds and large terraces. A tranquil tropical hideaway.
Puntarenas (Playa Cativo)
A luxury eco lodge boasting an enviable position on the Costa Rican coast and backed by lush rainforest. Contemporary rooms have an organic feel with plenty of wood and windows framing spectacular views. Enjoy farm to table dining an indulgent spa and tranquil pool. A nature lovers dream.
Puntarenas
A chic boutique hideaway set right on the beach in Santa Teresa. Bungalows & villas have been craftily designed so as not to disturb the natural habitat. However, interiors are modern with sharp lines, swathes of glass, and little luxuries such as Netflix. A stylish stay suited to groups & families.
Puntarenas
A secluded eco lodge surrounded by rainforest and just a short walk from beautiful white sand beaches. Romantic thatched cabins have three open walls bringing you close to nature, large terraces and luxurious bathrooms. Exemplary cuisine makes use of produce from the surrounds. A glorious escape.
Puntarenas
A luxury hotel offering a spectacular cliff-top location and glorious ocean views. Minimalist interiors draw focus to the beautiful natural surrounds. Set beside Manuel Antonio National Park and just minutes from the beach, there's plenty to explore.
Uvita
A sublime hilltop paradise with private villas and bedrooms offering gorgeous views to the South Pacific. A tropical hideaway with a sparkling infinity pool and small spa. Bedrooms have private balconies and the restaurant offers Costa Rican fusion cuisine. Romantic, remote and relaxing.
Puntarenas (Drake Bay)
Eco-luxury hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Drake Bay Jungle. Each modern cabin boasts a private balcony and has an eco-friendly design and structure. The resort offers wellness and relaxation as well as wildlife adventure tours. The restaurant uses the best local fish, fruit and veg.
Puntarenas (1 km al sur del Codo de Diablo)
A contemporary eco-lodge boasting a spectacular setting within a 380-acre private reserve of primary and secondary rainforest. Indulgent suites are simply styled drawing attention to the surrounding nature. Each has a private terrace and outdoor shower. A tranquil hideaway for nature lovers.
