Punta Islita, Autograph Collection

I have traveled worldwide for 70+ years and stayed at some of the finest resorts - and I have to say that Punta Islita now tops the list. EVERYTHING was truly five-star: ambience, food, service, rooms, views, activities. Absolutely ideal for a romantic vacation. We were there in "rainy season" so occupancy was low, but it's warm tropical rain that had little affect on our enjoyment of the resort. It is a little remote - a rough three hour drive from Liberia airport, or a local small plane hop (the better option) to an air strip a few miles from Punta Islita. I'm hoping to return!

It's been a few months since our magical visit to this amazing place and my wife and I are still in awe of our time there. The term "resort" doesn't even fit when I try to put a label on Punta Islita, Autograph Collection. Its an oasis where you can have an amazing time with tours on site, or simply rejuvenate your soul with the one you love which is what my wife and I chose to do. The view of the Pacific and surrounding jungle from the upper infinity pool is breathtaking. The walk to the lower pool was fun and different each time as it meandered between mango and papaya trees with parakeets in the branches and macaws flying overhead. The lower pool is a gorgeous resort unto itself and we enjoyed walking to the rock formation down the black beach during various tides. Our room had a plunge pool so every morning we had coffee in it while the clouds went through the valley to our left and we heard the distant call of howler monkeys. Even now I'm speechless to describe how surreal of an experience it was. On one such morning we even adjusted when we would retire because, if you allow it, this place will re-calibrate what's important in life. Amazing and healthy food, incredibly nice and kind people, and Joe was super helpful setting up tours and he really cared that we were having a nice time - even having a bottle of champagne delivered to our room for our anniversary. As another reviewer said, "just go," so just go and we'll see you there as we're planning our next visit already.

I’m at a loss for words to describe this place. It’s beyond beautiful. Ocean, mountain-side views, crisp breeze, clean tasty food, lovely people, it’s the most beautiful spot I’ve ever visited. The staff here was wonderful, took great care of our family, including my small daughter & son with special needs. I want to give a special shout-out to Narron for being our horseback & zip-line guide, being some attentive the kids’ needs/care. I also really loved Margarita, she was so chill & friendly. At the concierge desk, you couldn’t ask for better service from Joe, Joseph, Valeria, & Jorge. Felipe, Kervin, & Gerald kept us well-hydrated & fed. Don’t *think* about going here, GO! It’s worth the drive from the airport. Once you arrive you’ll be secluded, amazed, relaxed, & given a new lease on life!

My wife Jamie and I had an amazing time here! It was sad to leave, and I wish so much that we could have stayed longer. The hotel is unique in a really good way. For example, instead of the usual mass-produced, foreign-manufactured toilet paper dispenser, our bathroom featured a beautiful, one of a kind, live-edge wooden TP holder. I absolutely loved the level of detail and personal touch. The finishes all throughout the property are creative and constantly remind you of the natural surroundings. They genuinely value artwork and even encourage guests to participate in free local art classes facilitated by the hotel. Attached is a picture of my keychain that I made. His name is “Ralph”. It feels so good to express creativity while relaxing on vacation. Usually creativity serves as a much-needed temporary escape from chaos of daily life, but starting the creative process from an already relaxed state is a game changer. I would highly recommend it! The staff at this hotel were such a pleasure to talk to. This was some of the absolute best service I have ever experienced in my whole life at any hotel. Everyone was so nice and happy. I want to especially thank Joe and Edward: I first met Joe at the concierge. He said if we need anything during our stay, please let him know. A few hours later down at the beach club Jamie and I were talking about how we wanted to make dinner reservations for that evening’s Annexation of Nicoya bicentennial celebration. I said to Jamie “we will need to try to catch Joe when we get back up the hill to the front desk”. Seriously, just a few minutes later Joe appeared at the beach club, addressed us by name, and asked if there was anything he could help us out with. Right there at the beach Joe made us a dinner reservation using his wireless phone. Edward was usually working the bar at the main pool/restaurant. Jamie was so happy with everything he made. There were some handcrafted house cocktails and some nonalcoholic fresh local fruit juice that Edward mixed up from scratch. I enjoyed making solo trips to the bar for drinks to bring back to Jamie in the room because Edward was so great to talk to. Thank you to Joe, Edward, and their entire team for A+ Excellent customer service!

We had a great experience at this hotel. Every single staff member we encountered was friendly and helpful. They went out of their way to make us feel welcome and pampered. For example, they would bring us glasses of water with lime while hanging out at the beach pool - without asking. Our waiter at breakfast remembered the tea I liked every morning. I wish I could remember everyone's name but some of them are Joe, Felipe, Edouardo, Brier, Mauricio, Jorge, Marguerita, Antonio, Yorhany, and many others. The food was outstanding. We were able to try traditional Costa Rican dishes like gallo pinto at breakfast, chicken & rice, & Casado along with other yummy dishes. My husband loved the hanger steak! The Exotic Toast (think french toast with coconut milk and fruit) was sublime. We tried to have something different at every meal. So much fresh fruit! The staff asked about allergies at every meal. Take advantage of the many varied activities. Our favorites were Mixology, Nature Hike, art classes in the neighboring town of Islita, touring the sustainable farm they are developing, the Macaw Preserve, and Tico Cooking. But there are so many others! As we went during rainy season, it wasn't very crowded. But the rains were brief/minimal most days. And everything was so green. Don't let rainy season deter you. The views are breathtaking. The rooms are bungalows that require a short walk from the main restaurant/infinity pool. Ours had a relaxing hammock; some have private pools. It's a very short walk downhill to the beach club. There is a shuttle to take you around, if you wish. There is a second kid-friendly pool adjacent to the beach. It's about 3-hour drive from Liberia airport, in the Guanacaste region. The last 30 minutes or so are dirt roads. Totally worth this experience! we can't wait to go back!

This is a fabulous hotel with hidden green credentials that I wish were more prominent. We stayed for 3 nights at the end of a tour of Costa Rica and I would have stayed longer. Beautiful view across the sea from the spacious restaurant and bar. They have a dedicate person (Joe) whose job it is to make sure everyone has a great time and he's very good at his job. Rooms are perhaps a little outdated, especially the showers, but the ambience makes up for this and the rooms are comfy and clean. Two pools, one by the restaurant and one down on the beach. You can walk down to the beach, 5/10 min walk all downhill and there is transport to bring you back up to the hotel again. Once they go the hang of us vegans, they were superb and we were so delighted that the chef cooked something special for us every meal time - they really did care about us. Waiters were very professional yet friendly and the service was exemplary. Would highly recommend this hotel, it was the best we stayed in during our holiday. In fact they were so good I'd really like to work with them somehow. Pure Vida!