Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel

Tranquil retreat near the powdery sands of Playa Guiones

Ease into the restful rhythms of beachside living

Originally a humble surf hotel in the 1980s, The Gilded Iguana has undergone a clever refresh with a sustainable design. Nonetheless, its warm tribute to a laid-back, barefoot lifestyle carries on. Seated between jungle and coast, the hotel claims a terrific spot in Nosara’s relaxed resort town, part of one of the Earth’s five ‘Blue Zones’, where people live longer lives due to healthier lifestyles. From here, a couple of carefree steps lead you to the golden shoreline of Playa Guiones, a paradise for surfers with constant waves all year round.

Together with a tropical personality, an earthy bohemian spirit imbues its guestrooms, whose interiors adorned with handcrafted furnishings flow seamlessly outside. Some balconies even jut towards the canopy of the thick rainforest swathing the property, home to white-faced capuchin monkeys and their giant namesake, the green iguana. Going back inside, high ceilings bring in the salty breeze and abundant sunshine.

Notice this close-knit relationship with nature continued in each of its communal zones. Bundles of tropical palms envelope the invigorating spa, where you can indulge in therapies using artisanal local products. The social bar and restaurant is also a delightful open-air hangout that hosts live music and freshly prepared traditional dishes, like flavourful plates of ceviche. Otherwise, you can lounge beside a collection of al fresco pools as an alternative to the cobalt Pacific.

Just as vital to its way of life are the countless experiences you may engross yourself with. Being a mainstay within the local surf scene, you can master your surfing skills thanks to its accomplished surf club. Head out on exhilarating mountain biking trips, zipping along sandy beaches and across the hills of Guanacaste. Or uncover the diverse riches of the ocean ahead with a snorkelling expedition before ending the afternoon with a soothing well-being class. Depending on the season, you may also glimpse baby turtles taking their first steps into the sea.

Highlights

Soak up the laid-back atmosphere of Nosara town

Stroll to Playa Guiones, blessed with constant surf throughout the year

Cherish the lush nature around you from your private outdoor space

Slow down with a restorative spa therapy that uses locally-made products

Enjoy traditional ceviche and other Costa Rican delights at the airy restaurant

Unwind with an afternoon laze by one of the pools onsite

Take part in numerous activities, including surfing, mountain biking and snorkelling

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Places to combine The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel with

The Guanacaste Coast

Four Seasons Papagayo
Occupying the entire Papagayo Peninsula on Costa Rica’s northwestern Guanacaste coast this hotel’s facilities are extensive and feature four restaurants, three pools, a championship-size golf course, tennis courts, spa and a collection of stand-alone villas. Papagayo is a vivid green spit of land that winds into the Pacific blue, decorated with idyllic golden beaches of which the hotel has direct access to two. The hotel’s 182 guest rooms, suites and villas are smart and luxurious, incorporating lots of Costa Rican and tropical style with the use of bamboo, rattan, solid wood furniture, shuttered windows and doors. Stone finishes and beige tones are broken up by the occasional vivid splash of colour. There are three categories of accommodation; the guest rooms are housed in three small individual buildings on both sides of the peninsula and the hotel’s facilities and pools are a five-minute stroll away. The treehouse-like canopy suites are elevated for views over the dry tropical forest canopy down to the water and some have their own plunge pools. However, if you’re after privacy and tranquillity then the residences equipped like a proper home with kitchen, infinity pool and two or three bedrooms are ideal. There’s also plenty to keep you entertained and much to help you unwind; a range of activities and private excursions direct from the hotel can be organised and the spa offers an array of body and facial treatments.
Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline