Hotel Punta Islita, Autograph Collection, Sámara

Situated on the Pacific coastline of Costa Rica, Hotel Punta Islita, Autograph Collection, is an eco-friendly resort in the mountains. The 56-room property was renovated in 2011, and its bright, airy spaces merge the indoors with the outdoors. The hotel is in a secluded cove in Guanacaste, just a 3-minute drive (or a 15-minute stroll) from the nearest beach. The hotel is surrounded by dense vegetation that is home to a variety of creatures, including monkeys, foxes, deer, sloths, and more.

Pros

• The hotel is within walking distance of the beach and offers views of the Pacific from each of its rooms, restaurants, and pools.
• There are two infinity pools, and one is adults-only.
• All rooms have a private terrace or patio.
• Guests will see wildlife on the grounds.

Cons

• This hotel is off the beaten path, and guests will likely need a 4WD car to get around.
• In case of an emergency, the nearest hospital is about 40 minutes away.

Authenticity

This hotel blends in with the natural environment with wood-constructed buildings and indoor-outdoor layouts. The property is secluded and set amid native vegetation that serves as a habitat for all kinds of wildlife.

Location

The hotel is a short 3-minute drive (or a 15-minute stroll) from the nearest beach, Playa Islita, and within an hour from several other popular beaches, including Carrillo, Sámara, and Nosara. The best option for shops, cafés, and restaurants is to drive to Sámara, 40 minutes away (13.3 mi/21.4 km) by car. The Wild Scarlet Macaw Reserve is a five-minute drive or 33-minute hike (1.3 mi/2.1 km) away. Guests need a vehicle car to get around.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The rooms and suites at Hotel Punta Islita are individually decorated, featuring wooden decor, tiled or parquet floors, large windows, and French doors that let in ample light. Each room offers a private patio, living/sitting area, and a pillow-top mattress and duvet for ultimate comfort. The bathrooms are complete with a shower, designer toiletries, and a hairdryer. For upgraded experiences, some rooms and suites come with added features like Jacuzzis on the veranda, private outdoor pools, separate living and dining rooms, and upgraded ocean views.

Wildlife

Guests will wake up to the sounds of local birds. Past travelers have reported seeing various species of monkeys and frogs, as well as foxes, deer, sloths, iguanas, bats, snakes, and more. 

Amenities

There are two outdoor infinity pools with ocean views. The first is a smaller, quieter, and adults-only. The larger Los Cocos Beach Pool, located in the center of the property, has a swim-up bar and built-in seating. The hotel is also home to the Nanku Wellbeing Center, a full-service spa set amid lush tropical gardens. Other amenities include a fitness center, tennis court,  a convenience store, and a gift shop. The hotel arranges horseback riding, hiking, canopy ziplining, and kayaking activities. Some guestrooms are accesible.

Family-Friendliness

Children of all ages are welcome at Hotel Punta Islita. All of the villa options sleep four to six people with the option of adding a crib or rollaway bed. While there are no kids' menus offered, babysitting services are. Kids will like the swimming pool and the possibility of outdoor activities in the immediate surroundings.

Other Highlights

Hotel Punta Islita has two restaurants. The open-air Alma Restaurant, next to the largest pool, offers ocean views and an a la carte menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The oceanside Aura Restaurant is open during lunch hours and offers a casual setting to enjoy burgers, burritos, sandwiches, and pizza. Both restaurants have full bars.