Recently the Nicoya Peninsula (most of which is in Guanacaste Province) was given "Blue Zone" status, because the many centenarians found here still manage to live active and healthy lives. It's easy to see why. A province in northwestern Costa Rica, Guanacaste boasts pristine white sandy beaches and a renowned surfer culture. Laid-back and beautiful, it also boasts rare dry tropical rainforests, volcanoes and an interior peopled by cowboys and rodeos. In our collection of the best places to stay in Guanacaste, we've highlighted a great range of boutiques, pampering luxury resorts and ocean-front eco-hotels, all of which are perfect for that tropical seaside escape you've surely been dreaming of!

Stretching from the yoga-loving, underdeveloped beachfront of Nosara to the wilder shores of the southern Nicoya Peninsula, this region is home to a chilled yet healthy pace-of-life. There are plenty of activities available, from golf at a number of courses along the Papagaya Peninsula to the north, great surfing around Tamarindo, and a wide range of adventure sports in the interior. Whether you're watching turtles nesting along the coastline, bird-watching in the Santa Rosa National Park or just lazing in the sunshine on the Playa Azul, you'll fall in love with this enchanting and diverse province.

Where to stay - which town/area?

• Tamarindo is a wonderful town towards the top of the peninsula. Boasting fantastic beaches, watersports like surfing predominate here. During nesting season you can watch turtles lay their eggs on the beach, and there's also an excellent Saturday farmer's market. It's a good place to stay if you want easy access to the rainforest.
• The smaller Nosara, two hours south by road, is less developed, but therein lies its charm. Also popular with surfers, it's renowned for its yoga retreats and the Ostional Wildlife Refuge for turtles, who hatch on its black volcanic sands year round, though they peak between August and December.
• Nicoya Peninsula in general is ideal for hikers and bird-watchers, and boasts another important wildlife refuge in the Diria National Park.

In summary, Guanacaste and in particular the Nicoya Peninsula (all but its most southern end is in the province - for further resorts and hotels at its southern end, see our Best Places to Stay in Puntarenas) is a mesmerising region of enchanting natural beauty, attracting surfers, hikers and those just looking to escape. However, Costa Rica is becoming an increasingly popular holiday destination, so if you don't want to be disappointed, we advise you book your choice of the best places to stay in Guanacaste as soon as possible.

The best places to stay in Guanacaste

In Tamarindo

• Cala Luna is a contemporary boutique hotel boasting an enviable location rght on Playa Langosta, on the outskirts of Tamarindo. Chic rooms are light and airy with soft hues, plenty of glass and luxurious bathrooms. Spend days spotting exotic wildlife or surfing the waves. Fabulous.

In Nosara

• The Harmony Hotel is an eco hotel steps away from the pristine surfer haven Playa Guiones, on the edge of Nosara. Ten secluded bungalows are beautifully designed with simple white washed walls, high beamed ceilings and private patios. Food is health driven and delicious.

For Romance

• Villa Buena Onda is a small luxury boutique hotel sitting peacefully above Playa del Coco. The 8 spacious suites are contemporary in style with soft hues, minimalist design and large terraces to take in the outstanding views. A spoiling spa and pool complete with swim-up bar makes this a hard spot to leave. Glorious.
• For an adult only experience, head for the Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas. Perched above the sea, each suite boasts a four-poster bed, a plunge pool and an expansive deck to enjoy the glorious sunsets. Romantic and grown up, in a top location with great food.

For Beach life

• Azul Ocean Club Hotel is an elegant oceanfront club set in lush gardens. Light and airy white washed rooms benefit from lovely sea views. Feast on excellent cuisine in the Seaside Restaurant. Just steps from a white sandy beach and multiple tours are on offer to the surrounding nature reserves. A tropical paradise

Eco hotel

• Rancho Humo is a contemporary eco ranch boasting a spectacular location on the plains of Tempisque River delta. Smart rooms are light and airy with floor to ceiling windows, crisp white linen and contemporary art. A glorious spa and tranquil pool provide utter rejuvenation after a day outdoors. Rural bliss.

• Rio Perdido is a fabulous property nestling amid the forest in Fortuna and provides beautiful scenery right on your doorstep. It features chic, contemporary suites with an award-winning restaurant and there's even a thermal river with hot-spring pools! A splendid choice for a countryside escape.

For Wellness

• Punta Islita is a collection of simply decorated villas and suites between the forest and the ocean. What's special about this place is its combination of wellness and activities - from local healing treatments in the Nanku spa to horseback riding on the beach or kayaking amongst the mangroves - in a totally unspoilt and pristine environment towards the southern end of the Nicoya Peninsula.

For an apartment or villa

• Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of villas and apartments in the nearby area.

Travel information

• The best time to travel is during the dry season, between January and April, when the temperature ranges between 22 and 35 degrees celsius. Peak turtle nesting though is in the rainy season from August to December,
• Fly to Daniel Oduber International Airport, in Guanacaste.
• If you want to rent a car, contact our partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include the best places to stay in Costa Rica
• or contact one of our Gurus for advice.