Sure to be surrounded by at least 2 if not 3 ecological reserves or national parks wherever you go in Costa Rica, the easy-going and stylish southern Caribbean stretch of coast popularly known as Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is no exception.

Just under an hour south-east of Limón the vibe is unhurried and the beaches deserted in places or dotted with cool beach bars playing reggae. The waters are calm and crystalline except for the perfect surfing waves off the Salsa Brava beach, and all set to the sights and sounds of the teeming rainforest you’ll find at every turn.

Puerto Viejo is actually set on the edge of the Gandoco-Manzanillo Refuge, whose vegetation brushes the hide tide line and is brimming with eagles, pelicans, caimans, tapirs, and its coral reefs alive with sea turtles, dolphins, blue parrot fish and much more dazzling marine life.

Understandably growing in popularity year on year, the relaxing charm of Puerto Viejo has brought a number of intimately chic hotels to its shores and visitors can choose from boutique boltholes to eco-friendly cabins a stone’s throw from the virgin beaches or first-rate restaurants.