Aguas Claras – Costa Rica
Not many hideaways are quite this idyllic and special. The only five star property in the area, Aguas Claras is the vision of an artist and her daughter – an eclectic restoration of a classic Victorian style house, with just a handful of bungalows and suites. It’s cocooned in dense jungle, with the beach just a few minutes’ walk. The aesthetic is cool and bohemian, with brightly coloured artwork everywhere, and a relaxed vibe runs throughout.
Bikes and snorkel kit are on hand to help yourself to, but you may just want to sit by the rainforest pool with a tropical juice and soak up the remarkably seductive atmosphere. Pura Vida is found here in very large doses.
At A Glance
Luxury Hotel
Why We Love It:
For its cool interiors and expansive art collection.Style:
Bohemian beach chic.Location:
Steps from Punta Cocles Beach, close to Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast.Rooms:
15 very individually themed bungalows and suites with indoor outdoor bathrooms.Swimming:
A pool and beach club.Children:
A relaxed and private retreat, Aguas Claras welcomes families with children over the age of three.Accessibility:
One of the suites is adapted for guests with limited mobility.Open From:
All year round.rooms
With cool white interiors, private patios, indoor and outdoor bathrooms and an art collection, each bungalow and suite is unique. In total, there are six Pavlova Sweets, three one-bedroom bungalows, two two-bedroom bungalows, a one bedroom bungalow suite, the new two bedroom bungalow deluxe with a plunge pool, and a spacious five bedroom house – Floralia. With upcycled furniture, supremely comfortable beds with high cotton count organic linen, they are all a mini haven.
food
The food here has fast developed an outstanding reputation locally and further afield. Dine in the rainforest at Papaya or on the beach at DaLime – both boho chic hangouts with an AfroCaribbean vibe and menu. Breakfasts are a healthy highlight, with platefuls of fresh fruit, yoghurts and pancakes, whilst lunches and dinners are a feast of fresh seafood and a pudding menu too tempting to miss.
activities
The pace of life on the Caribbean side is definitely a little slower, with beach time high on the agenda. And for some R&R, a few days here really fits the bill, with maybe a yoga class or two. That’s not to say, there’s nothing else to do. Far from it. It’s a good place to learn to surf – lessons are easily organized through the concierge and there’s excellent snorkelling to be had, as well as kayaking. The Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge and Cahuita National Park are both close and full of hiking trails.
Or cycle to Puerto Viejo and beyond in search of more beaches. And make sure you visit the Jaguar Rescue Centre, where you can get up close to many of Costa Rica’s native species. How about some Latin American rhythmic dance classes or learning to make chocolate with the Watsi indigenous community? Then spend your evenings with your toes in the sand and the gentle sounds of the rainforest mixed with some cool reggae tunes.
family
With Playa Chiquita just along the path and nature reserves full of exotic creatures a cycle ride away – the hotel has bike with banana seats – Aguas Claras is an ideal family destination. And what magic for children to spot monkeys and parrots in the gardens and trees.
sustainability
Aguas Claras exists in perfect harmony with its surroundings, with sustainable practices firmly at the top of its agenda. There are no single use plastics; only products that are in line with the hotel’s philosophy are sourced; water is heated using solar power and food miles are kept to a minimum by using local suppliers, including the catch of the day from fisherman on this stretch of coast. Staff are local too, and much investment is put into their training and development.
A local school is supported through guest donations and staff volunteering their time, and there are regular beach cleans to keep the environment pristine.
Location
Costa Rica, Central America
Steps from Punta Cocles Beach, close to Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast. An hour from Limón airport, or a four hour drive from San Jose.
