Hotel Capitán Suizo, Tamarindo, Costa Rica - Hotel Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Zoom out—what's the big picture? Sat right on the beach and overlooking the Pacific, this eco-conscious hotel occupies prime real estate at the tip of Tamarindo Bay (read: you can hear the surf crashing at night), but is still an easy walk into town if you feel so inclined. Look out for the resident Howler monkeys and sunbathing iguanas as you walk in. Nice. What’s the crowd like? You won't be finding Tamarindo's backpacker set here. Expect to see plenty of holidaymakers and honeymooners hanging out by the pool or drifting in and out of the on-site spa. What's the low-down on the rooms? The standard 'Superior' rooms all come with either a balcony or a terrace shrouded by drooping palm trees, and are decked out with terracotta-colored tiled floors, furniture done up in neutral tones, and luxe four-poster beds. The large, breezy beachfront bungalows, meanwhile, have unobstructed views of the Pacific, whirlpool tubs, outside showers and hammocks that serve as prime spots for napping. And what about connectivity? There's free WiFi available in the main hotel area, but don't expect a flatscreen TV in your room. This is a place to disconnect. What's the dining scene like? El Barco, the on-site restaurant, is right on the beach—a picture perfect setting come cocktail hour, when two for one drinks are offered. The menu is dubbed "seasonal fusion," but you can find everything from ceviche to mezze to burgers for lunch, and seafood-focused dishes like mahi-mahi carpaccio, tuna tartar, and grilled sea bass once dinner swings around. Any other features worth noting? The pool is secluded and shady thanks to the towering palms that line the edges, and the open-air spa resides right in the middle of the hotel's lush gardens. There's a ton of massages and treatments to choose from, too, like a Sunray Wrap to soothe your skin after a day on the beach or a hydrating Mud Lime Facial. What's the bottom line? The oceanfront setting is hard to beat—especially considering how secluded it feels compared to a lot of resorts along the bay. Bonus: an on-site surf instructor means you can live out all those Costa Rica surf dreams for real." - Lale Arikoglu