Punta Islita, Nicoya Peninsula

rooms

Punta Islita offers a selection of accommodation options, all impeccably maintained and with lovely little touches, such as locally designed soap holders and sewing kits. The warm and welcoming rooms are furnished in a bright, modern-rustic style. Beds are supremely comfortable and dressed with luxurious linens, mini-bars are well equipped and there is air-conditioning, TV & DVD player and wifi in most rooms. All the bathrooms have waffle bathrobes, a hairdryer, iron and ironing board and L’Occitane toiletries.

For affordable luxury opt for the lovely Deluxe Rooms. Spacious and well-appointed, they feature partial ocean views, local art details, and a private terrace with hammock for tropical-style lounging.

The secluded privacy of Punta Islita’s stunning Junior Suites are perfect for couples and honeymooners. The locally crafted king-sized canopy bed, the private deck, and the outdoor Jacuzzi make for an intimate and romantic setting.

With a spacious dining terrace, a small tropical garden, and a refreshing private plunge pool, the charming Junior Suites Premium (Casitas) offer a peaceful retreat. Punta Islita also offers a varied selection of luxury private villas in a spectacular tropical beach setting. Villas feature two and three bedroom configurations, a full kitchen, spacious living areas, landscaped gardens, and private plunge pools. Perfect for families and groups.

facilities & activities

Features include a freshwater infinity pool (adults only), family pool and beach club, 9 hole golf course, a beautiful spa, exercise room, private plunge pools and whirlpools, tennis courts, horse riding, canopy zip-line through the forest, a surf school, bird-watching and hiking.

The service is exceptional. Staff are discreet, unerringly friendly and warm, and justifiably proud of their hotel. Nothing is too much trouble and a great deal of thought has gone into all the small details which will make a stay at Punta Islita truly unforgettable.

dining

Punta Islita features 2 restaurants. The main one, the Pacifico Restaurant features an open-sided palenque with truly breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline. For more informal dining Los Cocos Beach Club, next to the beach and family pool is a great option.

The cuisine is of an extremely high standard, there is an extensive wine list and food is very fresh and locally produced wherever possible. The menu features lots of wonderful fish (the sea bass ceviche and grilled lobster are notable highlights) and International dishes alongside more traditional Costa Rican fare.

For drinks and snacks there’s Harry’s Bar and the swim-up pool bar at Los Cocos Beach Club. Smoothies and cocktails feature delicious tropical fruit and are mouth-wateringly good.

family

Punta Islita gives a warm welcome to guests of all ages and is especially understanding of family needs.

The lovely Beach Club has a very informal family feel, with a child-friendly pool and play area and the beach-side restaurant is ideal for casual family dining. Younger children will enjoy sand-castle building on the Blue Flag beach and paddling along the shoreline, but we do not recommend swimming in the sea due to the strong currents.

Older children will love the variety of activities on offer; horse-riding along the lovely beach, kayaking and zip-lining - all within the extensive grounds and all run extremely professionally, with great care and attention given to health and safety.

Cots and extra beds are available in most rooms, but we would particularly recommend the private villas - they are so spacious and well-equipped, both inside and out - perfect for families. Children 11yrs and under stay free when sharing with an adult.

Staff offer an English-speaking babysitting service (extra charge).

Part of Punta Islita’s charm is its remote location, but given this, if you have young children, we would highly recommend flying in/out, as the hotel has a small private airstrip serviced by domestic airlines. Children will love the excitement of flying in a small plane and sitting behind the pilot!

location

The hotel is located on the lovely, rural Nicoya Peninsula, on the west coast of Costa Rica, approx. a 5-hour drive from San José. The roads are rough and can be particularly troublesome in the 'green' season as the drive includes several river crossings - a 4WD is essential. Instead, most guests prefer to take the short internal flights to Punta Islita’s own charming jungle airstrip, a short distance from the hotel. 

The hotel now works with Prestige Wings to provide weekly scheduled departures from Pavas, San Jose to Punta Islita. From May 2017 the service will operate on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays with a 9am departure from San Jose and a 9:45am departure from Punta Islita. We book this directly with the hotel so please advise if it is of interest.