Latitude 10 Exclusive Beach Resort

Latitude 10 was a private vacation home until 2011, when the owner converted his getaway into a boutique resort. It’s managed by the Cayuga Collection, and similar to the company’s other properties, focuses on environmentally sustainable stays. Expect locally sourced ingredients in the restaurant, a chlorine-free pool, and no plastics. The resort's villas are scattered throughout lush, jungle-filled grounds interwoven with stone pathways, palm trees, and blossoming flowers. Rooms are set apart from one another and feel secluded. In general, the property has a tranquil vibe -- though near the road you will hear a little traffic noise. Most of the action at Latitude 10 happens at the oceanview clubhouse and pool. The open-walled building has double-high vaulted ceilings, plush couches, and lots of tables and chairs. It kind of feels like a jungle camp with its corrugated roof and exposed beams. It's also where the restaurant, bar, and spa are located. Expect to share the resort with guests from the United States, the U.K., and Germany, from across the age spectrum and including families.

The resort is located at the sleepy north end of Santa Teresa's beach, though the sand in front of the hotel has lots of big rocks and isn’t safe for swimming. It’s a short walk in either direction to gorgeous, swimmable stretches of beach, though. There's a natural tide pool two minutes away on foot that's great to explore during low tides. Playa Hermosa, a beautiful, less-crowded surf beach is a 10-minute walk away. The nearest grocery store is a two-minute drive or a five-minute bike ride. Nothing is really walkable from the resort and borrowing their bikes (or having a car) is a safe bet. Food options within a five-minute drive include a delicious Italian spot, and other restaurants serving Costa Rican and Asian cuisines. Montezuma, a small backpacker town with great restaurants, gorgeous beaches, and Montezuma Waterfall is a 50-minute drive away. There’s also a canopy tour there. Closer to the resort, there's another canopy tour in Mal Pais, a sleepy fishing village, that’s a 30-minute drive from Latitude 10. Traveling from San Jose to the resort requires either a five-hour drive (that includes a ferry ride) or 20-minute flight from San Jose followed by an hour-long drive from Tambor Airport. You can also reach the resort from Liberia airport, which only takes a bit less time overall. 

The villas at Latitude 10 are pretty close to amazing, if rustic style amid pristine natural surroundings is your thing. Amid the jungle and alongside the sound of crashing waves, the villas are gorgeous open-air bungalows with tons of hardwood and pane-less wood window frames that let in the breeze. Some of the villas have ocean views (slightly obstructed by leaves), but all have patios (some of which include hammocks). There aren’t many walls and the interior ones are painted a muted lime green and decorated with Picasso-esque paintings of topless women surfing. Expect king or queen four-poster beds with mosquito nets, and crisp 400-thread count organic sheets with colorful bed runners. Hardwood furniture -- including day beds, entryway tables, and wall panels -- is ornately carved and reveals its Balinese origin. The open-air bathrooms have tiled, stand-up showers with rainfall shower heads. They include organic shower gel, conditioner, and shampoo. Stone vanities are complimented by metal or rams-horn sconces and organic lotion, insect repellant, and hand soap. Rooms all have ceiling and stand-up fans, but only the Latitude 10’s regular guest room has air-conditioning. Other standard room amenities include built-in surfboard stands, umbrellas, minibars, free fresh water, Klean Kanteen water bottles, and Wi-Fi. There are no TVs, helping to contribute to the peaceful setting, though villas near the road will likely hear noise from traffic.

With its oceanfront location, Latitude 10 has a gorgeous, quiet beach. It’s public (like all beaches in Costa Rica) and has chairs and hammocks. We wish the hotel did a better job keeping it clean though, we found trash scattered around the soft sand. Additionally, it's not exactly safe for swimming (though walking a few minutes in either direction will lead to swimming spots). In keeping with the resort's eco-friendly ethos, Latitude 10’s ocean-view infinity pool is chlorine fee. It’s surrounded by wooden lounge chairs with plush tan cushions and umbrellas, and has a floating water volleyball net. Overlooking the pool (and sharing its ocean views), the hotel’s restaurant serves delicious -- albeit pricey -- local and international cuisine. Free a la carte breakfasts are included with all stays. All guests also receive a chilled coconut with a bamboo straw (no plastic is used at Latitude) upon arrival. The spa offers standard services like massage, manicures, pedicures and has gorgeous birds-eye ocean views from its second-floor perch. Yoga and Pilates classes are free. Other freebies include boogie boards, snorkeling equipment, bicycles, and purified water. There’s a small book library and board games including chess, Jenga, and Chinese checkers. The staff can arrange tours, ATV, motorcycle, and car rentals, surfboard rentals, surf lessons, and airport transfers (for a fee). A doctor is on call 24-hours a day and offers discounted prices for guests. The resort also sells wine, liquor, and coffee. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Latitude 10.