Hotel Punta Islita, Autograph Collection

If you are looking for a complete refresh, this is the spot. Designed to make you catch your breath, it is tucked away, naturally beautiful and offers experiences that immerse you in the natural world. The staff is amazing - our second visit and we felt like we were visiting family on our return. We enjoyed the turtle hatching, local crafts, cooking lessons, spa, howler monkey families and of course, the scarlet macaws. Meals are beautifully crafted, unique dishes using local ingredients and often grown on property.

I have traveled worldwide for 70+ years and stayed at some of the finest resorts - and I have to say that Punta Islita now tops the list. EVERYTHING was truly five-star: ambience, food, service, rooms, views, activities. Absolutely ideal for a romantic vacation. We were there in "rainy season" so occupancy was low, but it's warm tropical rain that had little affect on our enjoyment of the resort. It is a little remote - a rough three hour drive from Liberia airport, or a local small plane hop (the better option) to an air strip a few miles from Punta Islita. I'm hoping to return!

It's been a few months since our magical visit to this amazing place and my wife and I are still in awe of our time there. The term "resort" doesn't even fit when I try to put a label on Punta Islita, Autograph Collection. Its an oasis where you can have an amazing time with tours on site, or simply rejuvenate your soul with the one you love which is what my wife and I chose to do. The view of the Pacific and surrounding jungle from the upper infinity pool is breathtaking. The walk to the lower pool was fun and different each time as it meandered between mango and papaya trees with parakeets in the branches and macaws flying overhead. The lower pool is a gorgeous resort unto itself and we enjoyed walking to the rock formation down the black beach during various tides. Our room had a plunge pool so every morning we had coffee in it while the clouds went through the valley to our left and we heard the distant call of howler monkeys. Even now I'm speechless to describe how surreal of an experience it was. On one such morning we even adjusted when we would retire because, if you allow it, this place will re-calibrate what's important in life. Amazing and healthy food, incredibly nice and kind people, and Joe was super helpful setting up tours and he really cared that we were having a nice time - even having a bottle of champagne delivered to our room for our anniversary. As another reviewer said, "just go," so just go and we'll see you there as we're planning our next visit already.

This may be a long review but you should get all the details you require here. Overview: My wife and I stayed at this location for 4 days in the very beginning of August, which should be noted IS the very center of the rainy season. True to form it rained every day and was cloudy when not raining so be aware of when you book the trip as there is very little indoor area when it's a monsoon-ish type rain. The hotel is off the beaten path to be sure and I would recommend having 4x4 when driving there but it probably isn't strictly required. You will traverse significant dirt road driving that is about 1 1/2 lane wide roads. Almost all locals drive motorcycles so not a big deal. Outings/Excursions: We did mixology which was super fun and held at the beach yielding a couple of stout and delicious drinks. We took the ATV's out with a guide to see even better views and explore the area. It was 2.5 hours but I could have easily stayed out for 4 or more, definitely a must do. We took a self guided tour of the turtles laying eggs on the beach. You need a red light flashlight (not a regular white light) and the access to Corozalito is blocked for motorized traffic at night so heads up. The GOOD: The location is absolutely beautiful and the views are indeed breathtaking especially from the main restaurant/pool area. The beach provides access to this point at low tide that is worth the trek, make sure you are wearing either water shoes or shoes that can get wet also some of the rocks can be slippery so be careful. While I've been to Costa Rica before, I have never seen so much wildlife. The Macaw reserve located behind the property means you're going to see some of the most awe inspiring birds flying around while you enjoy your meal or dip in the infinity pool. We saw Macaws, 2 troops of howler monkeys, a couple grey foxes, a cute little coati or 3, a spotted skunk that didn't spray anyone, a turtle that was laying eggs on nearby Corozalito Beach and a run of the mill racoon trolling the turtle beach looking for a meal. The staff is exceptionally nice, friendly and very accommodating especially Joe and my man Viales who is crazy comfortable on the ATVs! The BAD: Being so remote means that even with a car you're probably going to eat on site for each meal and there's a little shop in town which is actually walking distance away so grab booze and cervezas there. We spent well over $1000 for meals and modest bar tab, like hardly any bar since we had bought some vodka in town, over the course of 3 full days and 4 nights which was a bit of a shock when combined with the booking price we already spent. Another thing to be aware of is the infinity edge pool while amazing from a view perspective it off the main dining area. You will be swimming, enjoying yourself/partner time, while those who are eating are about 10 feet away. Making early or late pool time a bit awkward. The walk to the beach is 242 steps plus some decent incline that isn't steps and when it's humid you will sweat your face off walking back from the beach especially in the rainy season. At the beach you will walk across pebbles/small stones to reach the sand and this will hurt, just know this. The OK: Our room was a King Suite without the plunge pool and it was very basic. No chair to sit in so being in there means you will sit on the bed or stand. The shower/toilet room is small and the walk-in shower means most of the floor will be covered in water when you're shower is done. Pool at the beach is pretty gross and seems to be a lot of effort to keep clean. We enjoyed our time there and the lack of options is why I took a star away but I'd tell the right type of person to stay there. That person enjoys being off the beaten path, doesn't care about everything priced a la carte and is solo or with a partner who also enjoys nature.

My wife Jamie and I had an amazing time here! It was sad to leave, and I wish so much that we could have stayed longer. The hotel is unique in a really good way. For example, instead of the usual mass-produced, foreign-manufactured toilet paper dispenser, our bathroom featured a beautiful, one of a kind, live-edge wooden TP holder. I absolutely loved the level of detail and personal touch. The finishes all throughout the property are creative and constantly remind you of the natural surroundings. They genuinely value artwork and even encourage guests to participate in free local art classes facilitated by the hotel. Attached is a picture of my keychain that I made. His name is “Ralph”. It feels so good to express creativity while relaxing on vacation. Usually creativity serves as a much-needed temporary escape from chaos of daily life, but starting the creative process from an already relaxed state is a game changer. I would highly recommend it! The staff at this hotel were such a pleasure to talk to. This was some of the absolute best service I have ever experienced in my whole life at any hotel. Everyone was so nice and happy. I want to especially thank Joe and Edward: I first met Joe at the concierge. He said if we need anything during our stay, please let him know. A few hours later down at the beach club Jamie and I were talking about how we wanted to make dinner reservations for that evening’s Annexation of Nicoya bicentennial celebration. I said to Jamie “we will need to try to catch Joe when we get back up the hill to the front desk”. Seriously, just a few minutes later Joe appeared at the beach club, addressed us by name, and asked if there was anything he could help us out with. Right there at the beach Joe made us a dinner reservation using his wireless phone. Edward was usually working the bar at the main pool/restaurant. Jamie was so happy with everything he made. There were some handcrafted house cocktails and some nonalcoholic fresh local fruit juice that Edward mixed up from scratch. I enjoyed making solo trips to the bar for drinks to bring back to Jamie in the room because Edward was so great to talk to. Thank you to Joe, Edward, and their entire team for A+ Excellent customer service!