Esterillos Este beach, approximately two hours from San Jose, Costa Rica, hugs the Pacific coast and provides vacationers with quiet respite from day-to-day life. The dark, shell-strewn beach allows for long walks and breathtaking sunsets. Few hotels are on the ocean, but the ones that do provide tourists with an intimate beach experience.
Situated directly on the beach, Xandari by the Pacific offers its guests lush gardens, mosaic-tile showers and private villas. Accommodations include ocean or garden views, sitting areas and mini-bars. Located near two swimming pools, the 455-square-foot Garden Villas house either two full beds or a king-size bed plus a built-in sofa bed. Beachfront villas are 530 to 800 square feet and face the beach. Larger villas provide a private plunge pools and two sofa beds. Nightly rates include a continental breakfast.
The open-air restaurant features healthy international and Costa Rican fare with an emphasis on local seafood and produce. The Spa at Xandari offers a full menu of spa treatments in a seaside setting. Other activities include nature walks, hiking in nearby parks, canopy tours, rafting, horseback riding, kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving, surfing, fishing and shopping. Nearby Jaco provides visitors with nightlife, bars and a variety of restaurants.
Xandari by the Pacific
Playa Esterillos Este
Costa Rica
011-506-2778-7070
xandari.com
The Monterey del Mar is an intimate, boutique hotel with 27 rooms and suites set on the isolated Esterillos Este beache. Rooms range from the standard bungalow with a queen-size bed to the ocean-view presidential suite with two rooms, queen and king beds and two bathrooms. Each room includes daily maid service, television, hot water, a mini-fridge and a private terrace. The beachfront pool and hammocks provide relaxation. The Veranda Restaurant provides meal service from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Off-site activities include horseback riding, boating, golf, ATV tours, ultralight adventures, a casino and beach sports.
Monterey del Mar
Esterillos Este
Parrita 6300
Costa Rica
011-506-2778-8787
montereydelmar.com
With only 14 rooms, be assured that the staff of the Pelican Beach Front Hotel will be attentive to your needs. All rooms face the ocean, and include air conditioning, private bathrooms with hot water and a continental breakfast buffet. Enjoy gourmet meals of fresh seafood in the Pelican's open-air restaurant. During the day partake in a game of pool or try boogie boarding. On-site surf rentals and lessons are available, as are in-room or beachfront massages. If you're looking for a more active vacation, you'll find horseback riding, ATV tours and deep-sea fishing within a 30-minute drive of the Pelican Beach Front Hotel.
Pelican Beach Front Hotel
Esterillos Este
Puntarenas
Costa Rica
011-506-2778-8105
pelicanbeachfronthotel.com
