Lush Tropical Oasis in Rain-Forest Hillside

A shuttle descends through a soaring mountain's tropical spread as sunlight filters through emerald trees until the dense forest opens onto a stretch of pebble beach. Flocks of scarlet macaws glide above the Pacific as guests bask in seclusion, lounging on sun beds or grabbing refreshments from the snack bar. Villa Caletas gives travelers easy access to these secluded oceanfront sands via complimentary, hourly shuttle jaunts. The resort, inspired by tropical Victorian architecture, is nestled 1,150 feet above the Pacific's Nicoya Gulf, and boasts a friendly concierge desk staff ready to book everything from a relaxing massage at the on-site spa to tours of the Costa Rican rain forest.

Housed in a four-story building with its own first-floor community pool, Villa Caletas' junior suites Superior welcome lodgers with vibrant walls and plush, prismatic furniture, reflecting the resort's tropical surrounds. Each suite connects to a private terrace overlooking the forest and bay, where a private jacuzzi proffers a setting for a romantic soak under the clear night sky or a beginner-friendly game of Marco Polo.

Also part of the Villa Caletas complex, the Zephyr Palace mansion embodies luxury as bartenders serve drinks by the column-bordered infinity pool and social activity converges on the art gallery. The African suite boasts lion-head wall sculptures and a mural of grasslands and Mount Kilimanjaro, and in the Royal suite, upholstered walls covered in fine woods lend a European flair.

Jacó, Costa Rica: Bustling Beach Town Stretching into Dense Rain Forests

Swaddled by lush forests and fronting the Pacific Ocean, Villa Caletas segues seamlessly from luxury to wilderness in a matter of minutes. The many species of tropical birds alone in nearby Carara National Park make hiking through the area worthwhile, along with river-fed marshlands and a hyacinth-studded lake. High above the canopy, other explorers prefer to experience Costa Rica’s forests with an adrenaline rush courtesy of a zipline tour.

Just south of Villa Caletas, the town of Jacó bustles with activity as the landlocked locals of Central Valley flock to the long stretch of beach and visitors hit the glut of restaurants and shops. Consistent ocean swells beckon to surfers, who take to the waves along with sport-fishing enthusiasts busy reeling in big game such as marlin, yellowfin tuna, and Poseidon's car keys. Come evening, crowds pack into the open-air dance hall right on the beach beneath retro lights and a dangling mirror ball, as Jacó’s pulse quickens with the thumping tracks of nearby discotheques.

Back at the hotel, a variety of French and Central American dishes unveil themselves to guests throughout the day. Casual noshers watch the sun dip below the horizon in the Greek amphitheater of Anfiteatro Sunset Restaurant & Bar while enjoying Peruvian-style ceviche on the outdoor patio. Open on weekends, Mirador Restaurant leverages glass walls, elegant drapery, and white tablecloths to set the stage for fine dining from a vast gourmet menu. Fresh seafood and Asian fusion fare can be found in both Jacó and Herradura—also close to the hotel—though ambitious foodies drive about an hour east to Costa Rica’s capital of San Jose. The city thrums with Latin culture with popular restaurants, museums, and historical neighborhoods filled with gallery-style boutiques.