Villas Playa Sámara Beachfront Resort, Sámara

Villas Playa Sámara, a beachfront all-inclusive resort, is surrounded by forests and offers ocean views. You'll be right on the coast and minutes away from Carrillo Beach. Nestled in the city of Sámara, the hotel is in close proximity to local shops, restaurants, and cafés. Originally opened in 1992, the resort has undergone multiple renovations to maintain its modern appeal and blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. You'll have access to a pool, spa, fitness center, and two restaurants. 

Pros

• One of the quieter resorts in Sámara as it's located on the southern edge of the village.
• Full line-up of amenities to enjoy during your stay, including a fitness center, spa, pool, and multiple dining options.
• All rooms come with a terrace or balcony.

Cons

• Not all rooms come with ocean views. 
• Some bathrooms feel dated and could use renovations. 
• The walk to Sámara is a bit far (about two miles) as the resort is located on the outskirts of town. 

Authenticity

The oceanside location provides the quintessential Costa Rican beach vacation, with immediate access to a beach surrounded by tropical views. Rooms are decorated with bright pops of color and a selection of local art, as well as tropical flower arrangements throughout the resort. 

Location

Villas Playa Sámara sits at the southern edge of Sámara, giving you a nice mix of seclusion and quick access to the village attractions. The main section of the village is two miles away from the resort, but you can walk alongside the beach the entire way or get there by car within a few minutes. Playa Sámara is immediately adjacent to the resort, but you can also easily shake things up and head to Playa Carillo instead, one mile past the resort. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 100+ rooms at Villas Playa Sámara are bright, air-conditioned, and equipped with a terrace or balcony for you to soak up the beautiful surroundings. Depending on your needs, you can choose from rooms and villas that accommodate two to eight guests. Each room is fitted with a desk, a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and coffee-making facilities. The villas come with fully equipped kitchens, making them perfect for families or longer stays. You can expect to find a cozy social area with sofas in each room or villa. For a touch of luxury, opt for the oceanfront villas that offer direct access to the beach and beautiful sea views. Bathrooms are simple and clean, primarily featuring walk-in showers, though some travelers have found them to feel dated. 

Amenities

At Villas Playa Sámara, you can take a dip in the large outdoor pool, enjoy a cocktail at the swim-up pool bar, or relax on the ample lounge chairs. For some pampering, head to Morpho's Spa on the property for massages, facials, and body treatments. The resort has a small fitness center. Accessible rooms are available for travelers with limited mobility. 

Wildlife

You're likely to hear and see several Costa Rican staples during your stay, including howler monkeys, iguanas, and many varieties of brightly colored birds. As all rooms have a terrace or balcony, you can relax and look out for wildlife from the comfort of your own rooms. 

Family-Friendliness

The resort is quite family-friendly, providing everything you'll need for your stay. In particular, the oceanfront location has been a favorite feature of families who have stayed here. Children of all ages are welcome and those under the age of four stay for free with their parents. Two and three-bedroom villas are available for families, and these include kitchenettes so that you can easily prepare meals and snacks. 

Other Highlights

When it comes to dining, the resort houses two restaurants and a poolside bar. L'Ardoise offers an a la carte menu of French and international cuisines, while Arrecife serves buffet-style meals in a family-friendly setting. There's also an arcade/game room, and you can enjoy nightly live music events for entertainment.