Oceanfront Resort Surrounded by Tropical Rainforest

Hotel Punta Leona fully embraces its stunning environment, a unique transitional zone between dry forest and tropical rainforest in northwest Costa Rica. When the wait staff sets up for breakfast on the patio, families of white-faced monkeys are often high above in the trees, foraging for their own breakfasts. The dense tangle of vegetation all around the hotel flashes brilliant hues, butterflies flutter among the blooms, and occasionally, a scarlet macaw will swoop below the treetops and flaunt its rainbow plumage. From snorkeling to canopy tours and bird watching at the onsite reserve, Hotel Punta Leona provides its guests with the opportunities to interact intimately with nature.

The hotel’s naturalists lead tours of the surrounding forests that begin with early morning bird walks and conclude with twilight tours in search of owls and nocturnal reptiles. There are about 330 bird species that migrate through the area, plus a year-round community of toucans and hummingbirds. With this Getaway, travelers also have a chance to explore the treetops during the Monkey Trail canopy tour and observe uniquely rainforest scenes, such as ultra-slow sloth high-fives. Other adventures, including whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and boat cruises to nearby Tortuga Island, are available for an additional fee.

Back on the resort's manicured grounds, four swimming pools offer an alternative to secluded, white sand beaches on the edge of the property. Guests can hit the tennis courts and golf courses (both mini and full-scale), or let massage therapists and aestheticians work their magic at the onsite spa. Air-conditioned Selvamar standard rooms are situated just a few minutes' walk from the beach, and they boast postcard-worthy views of the tropical forests.

Costa Rica's Central Pacific Coast: Endless Tropical Adventure

Costa Rica's central Pacific coast attracts the majority the country's tourism, and for good reason. Pristine beaches, national parks with incredible biodiversity, and world-class surfing share a relatively small piece of the map. About 6 miles (10 km) south of the hotel, the town of Jaco buzzes with backpackers and locals alike who haunt its beachside restaurants and nightclubs between heavy surf and sun sessions.

A few more miles down the coast, Playa Hermosa's black sands afford a unique photo op, and about 25 miles (40 km) south of the resort, the largely deserted beaches of Playa Esterillos Oeste give intrepid travelers a place to consider the top five albums they couldn't live without. Immediately northeast of Hotel Punta Leona, Carara National Park sprawls across 14 square miles (36 sq. km) of protected forest, cut through with hiking trails along the banks of the Rio Tarcoles, where crocodiles are often spotted sunning.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.