Hotel Aguas Claras, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Pros

• The hotel features one-of-a-kind art and is steps away from the semi-private Playa Chiquita beach.
• You'll be placed amid lush greenery and may encounter wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds, often visible from your window.
• The a la carte breakfast is complimentary, as are the banana seat bikes you can nab to ride into town and farther explore the area.
• The central pool is tucked amid leafy foliage, and it's organic shape gives tropical jungle vibes at every curve. Bonus, you can order a drink and snack from the nearby bar.
• Rooms are luxurious with organic cotton linens, towels, and robes; eco-conscious toiletries; as well as air-conditioning and ceiling fans. 
• The on-site DaLime Beach Club and Papaya Restaurant serve locally influenced cuisine, catering to most diets.
• As a beach-based hotel in a humid setting, Aguas Claras has thought of everything with their "fast-dry" services for your towels and swimsuits. 

Cons

• The hotel gets booked early; planning ahead is necessary if you want to stay here.
• Kids under 12 aren't permitted, which could be a downside for some families.

Authenticity

Opened in 2017, Hotel Aguas Claras is the passion project of a mother-daughter creative duo—Elizabeth, the mother and artist, and Elena, the daughter, from San José—who fell in love with this stretch of coastline. Together, they took over what was originally a cluster of old cabanas on the beach, transforming the rustic cottages into contemporary Caribbean bungalows and decorating the property with their original watercolor paintings, mosaics, and artwork made by friends and family.

Location

Situated on the edge of the jungle, the property offers access to the semi-private Playa Chiquita beach. it's a 10-minute drive from the town of Puerto Viejo (or hop on a complimentary beach cruiser), known for its shops, markets, and cafés. The extensive Cahuita National Park, home to the largest stretch of coral reef in Costa Rica, is just a 25-minute drive away.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Bungalows and suites are individually designed and decorated in bright tropical colours and patterns, typically with modern furnishings. Yet, you'll also find some newly-painted and reupholstered Victorian-era furniture. Each room is air-conditioned, with king-sized beds, a lounge area, and a minibar stocked with local drinks and snacks. The bathrooms have organic toiletries and open-air showers. Couples looking for an exclusive option may like to book the 1-Bedroom Bungalow Suite, a circular building with wrap-around veranda that's 100 steps to DaLime and the beach. Meanwhile, 2-Bedroom Bungalow Deluxe options have private plunge pools and sleep up to four guests.

Amenities

The hotel's oasis-like swimming pool is a highlight, complete with outdoor lounge space and a pool bar. There's a fast-dry service for towels and bathing suits. Other amenities include an open-air yoga studio with a spa (for massage treatments) and complimentary bikes. The hotel also hosts themed nights and offers activities such as yoga and meditation classes, local handicraft shops, and Afro-Caribbean cocktail and cooking classes. All common areas are wheelchair accessible, as are some rooms. Aguas Claras' restaurant, Papaya, provides a breakfast menu and serves lunch and dinner influenced by the Afro-Caribbean culture of Puerto Viejo. For a more laid-back vibe, the DaLime Beach Club offers drinks and food on the beach with live music.

Family-Friendliness

The hotel welcomes children over 12 years of age. For a family of four, the 2-Bedroom Bungalows are recommended. No extra beds or cribs are allowed. Beach activities such as swimming and snorkeling are just steps away. 

Wildlife

It's common to see playful monkeys and sloths on the hotel grounds and iguanas lounging near the pool. Travelers can often spot toucans or green macaws in the treetops.

Sustainability

From recycling and composting food scraps for the organic garden to filling rooms with glass water bottles and locally made Cleantech products, every detail is thoughtfully considered. The hotel runs on its own water purification system and employs mostly locals—many of whom learn English on-site. Both restaurants source seasonal ingredients and support sustainable fishing through the Dock to Dish program, even curating menus that complement, rather than compete with, neighborhood eateries. Staff pitch in regularly with beach and trail cleanups, including monthly work in Cahuita National Park, home to coral reefs and nesting sea turtles.