Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas, Tamarindo

Pros

• You won't be directly on the beach but can easily access the coast via a private trail. 
• Guests can take advantage of several complimentary perks focusing on wellness and relaxation, including bike rentals, classes for yoga, meditation, and fitness, and drinks at sunset.
• All rooms are open, airy, and bright with natural beach vibes, but you can also upgrade to a villa with a private pool for more space and amenities.
• The property features dense vegetation for a secluded feel, plus lots of opportunities for wildlife spotting. 
• Though not in the middle of the action, you'll still be within walking distance of downtown restaurants and shops.

Cons

• The property isn't oceanfront, and you won't find any coastal views.
• Though the pool is nice, it feels a little outdated and can get crowded with children.
• The hotel isn't wheelchair accessible.

Authenticity

Upon arrival, cool off with a chilled towel and popsicle as the staff greets you. Then, enjoy the authenticity of the entire property, which offers natural and beachy vibes with its open-air lobby, dense vegetation, and wildlife sightings. For an additional cost, enjoy a farm-to-table experience incorporating produce from the hotel's farm.  

Location

Though not beachfront, you'll be between two popular beaches (Playa Langosta and Playa Tamarindo) and not far from the coast. At low tide, it's possible to enjoy a 20-minute walk along the beach to the main area of Tamarindo. Otherwise, a short taxi ride can take you downtown. As for other area beaches, plan for a 40-minute drive or transfer to get to Playa Grande or Playa Ventanas. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

As a smaller boutique hotel, you'll find just 39 rooms at Cala Luna, all with a bright and airy vibe. Some units offer a shower/hot tub combo, and all feature air-conditioning, private outdoor spaces, minifridges, and aromatherapy with organic toiletries. Choose from deluxe rooms with king or queen beds, and for more space, opt for one of the suites or multi-bedroom villas with private pools (great for families). 

Wildlife

A five-minute walk from Langosta Beach, the lodge has a jungle setting where it's common to see monkeys, iguanas, quetzals, toucans, and macaws in the open-air lounge areas. Hummingbirds, songbirds, and butterflies visit the hotel's terraces and villas.

Amenities

A large heated outdoor pool (with a shallow area for kids) is open 24 hours. Cala Luna isn't an oceanfront property; a short path takes you straight to the beach. Feel free to bring your beach chairs and towels (provided in the room) to the shore or enjoy time relaxing at the on-site pool. The wellness center offers an open-air spa, bike rentals, and yoga, fitness, and meditation classes. With many paths and stairs, the hotel is not wheelchair accessible. 

Family-Friendliness

The hotel is family-friendly (though kids don't stay for free, and they're not allowed in adults-only Getaway Suites). The two- or three-room villas are the best options for families. Kids love the large pool at the center of the resort with a separate shallow area for children. The hotel can organize surf lessons for kids, and the restaurant can make accommodations for kids, such as adding french fries to dishes. There's a mindfulness program for kids aged four to 10.

Other Highlights

A breakfast buffet is included for all guests and features fresh tropical fruit and pressed juice. Open for lunch, mid-day snacks and drinks, and dinner, Origen and Origen Lounge & Bar are the hotel's dining venues. The kitchen focuses on organic, house-made, and sustainable menus, using herbs, fruits, and vegetables cultivated on the hotel's farm. The lounge and bar are in a vaulted tiki-style structure adjacent to the pool; lunch and a full bar are available at the poolside. Origen serves dinner and drinks.