Hotel Villa Caletas

At set of Roman-style columns marks the entrance to Villa Caletas, and newcomers may have to remind themselves that they are in Central America and not the Italian hillside. This is the most elegant hotel in the area and has unbeatable views to match. While many luxury hotels in Costa Rica are eco-friendly and laid-back, this French-owned boutique has elegant (and sometimes slightly over-the-top) European style, which may feel slightly out of place to some. The rainforest backdrop will remind guests where they are, and the setting has its fair share of exotic birds, mammals, and lizards. 

The small lobby has checkered tile floor and ionic columns, but the cushy green leather sofas help the space feel homey and not stuffy. Pretty walking paths meander around the resort, and it's easy to get lost a few times on the first day. It's a quiet setting, as accommodations are spread out in all directions, and guests an expect pleasant hillside breezes. The amphitheater, bar, and restaurant are open to the public and can draw crowds during sunset, but the infinity pool is private, and guests can order a drink and watch the color show in peace. Most guests tend to head back to the room after dinner, especially those in standalone units. They come here for the rugged, romantic setting, not nightlife.

Villa Caletas is a secluded resort tucked into the mountains 15 minutes north of Jaco -- a bustling tourist city along Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. Playa Jaco is the closest beach to the capital city of San Jose, so it has no shortage of visitors. In addition, consistent waves and warm ocean temperatures make this one of the more popular surfing spots in the country. In the town center there are dozens of restaurants, bars, and surf shops to explore on the central paved road. A newer resort called Crocs boasts a large casino.

The hotel is about a two-hour drive from San Jose's international airport, depending on traffic. There's a large sign for Villa Caletas on the right side of the road -- drivers should follow the long driveway and squeeze into a spot near the lobby (due to the slope of the driveway, it can be a challenge to get in and out). Those who have a car will have freedom (and the adventure) of exploring this beautiful coastal area, including beaches, parks, and restaurants. Those who do not have a car can rely on the hotel shuttle, which has a set schedule, or take taxis, which will get expensive. Group excursions to Carara National Park and Manuel Antonio National Park, among other destinations, can be arranged and will include transportation in the price. 

There are 45 rooms, ranging from Standard Rooms to themed Suites, and all have elegant touches, contemporary wood furnishings, quality linens, interesting artwork, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers. Bathrooms are on the spacious side and come with bathrobes and nice selection of toiletries; upgraded rooms have modern stand-alone tubs, some with rain forest views.

Standard Rooms are in the main building, and have two twin beds and garden views, while Standard Deluxe Rooms have private balconies and one queen-size bed. There are interconnecting rooms for families. Villas and Junior Suites are sprinkled around the property and have more privacy. Junior suite Superiors are located in a four-story building and have king-size beds and private outdoor hot tubs. Suites, for their part, have private plunge pools with amazing views from the front terrace. The bi-level beach bungalow offers the most privacy, as it sits along Caletas Beach (a hike from the resort); it has a terrace, hot tub, and small kitchen.

Zephyr Palace, next to Villa Caletas, is worth considering. It has seven themed suites, including the Africana and Oriental Suites. The Imperial Suite is perhaps the most lavish of the bunch, and comes with a private gym and sauna. 

Two gorgeous restaurants offer gourmet international cuisine and both are appropriate for romantic dinners or groups. Anfiteatro Restaurant has a lovely dining room and a beautiful terrace facing the ocean. Slightly higher up is Mirador Restaurant, which serves French and Central American cuisine, but it is only open during peak season and for private events. Anfiteatro serves all three meals and provides room service; it is next to the Greek amphitheater that is built steeply into the hillside -- truly a marvel. During happy hour, the attached martini bar and terrace become lively as both guests and outsiders come to experience the view. Live music might be playing, otherwise staff members put on a great soundtrack.

The large infinity pool overlooking the view is family-friendly and has a broad terrace with several sun loungers, sofas under shade, and tables. Staff members offer poolside cocktails, snacks, and lunch service throughout the day all the way until sunset. Those staying at Zephyr Palace will have the added benefit of using its separate infinity pool, which is possibly even nicer. Nor surprisingly, this pool is often booked for private events and weddings. 

The resort's pebble beach offers little in the way of sand, but it is for guests only, and can be reached via a 20-minute shuttle ride (departure time is every hour) or a challenging hour-and-a-half hiking trail. It has sun loungers, stand-up paddleboards, showers, bathrooms, and a snack bar for food and drinks. 

If hiking isn't enough, the open-air fitness center has great views as well as modern cardio and weight equipment. The hotel also provides a seasonal yoga program, and spa treatments for couples.