We spent Nov 18 – Nov 23 on a family getaway that balanced relaxation and adventure, arriving as two parents with two children. From the moment we pulled up, the combination of dramatic ocean views and refined service signaled that this was not a standard beach hotel. The resort’s design and offerings are aimed at families who want both ease and indulgence: plenty of pools, child-focused programming, and a spa that invites you to surrender. Practical details like airport transfer options and on-site electric vehicle chargers made logistics simple, and the property’s staff were helpful at every turn.
The resort sits on a quiet cove at Punta Cacique and faces Playa Penca, a stretch of sand known for calm swimming and excellent sunset views. The location places you in the Guanacaste region, inside one of Costa Rica’s recognized Blue Zones, and close enough to local towns and natural attractions that day trips are effortless. If you value privacy without complete isolation, this property strikes a good balance: secluded beach access with easy transport options around the grounds via resort electric vehicles.
Getting there and first impressions
The nearest airport is Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), about 17 miles away — roughly a 45-minute transfer. For convenience, the concierge can arrange private pickups or eco-conscious vehicles such as hydrogen or hybrid cars; taxis and rental cars are also viable. On arrival, valet and complimentary parking options are available, plus EV charging stations for guests driving electric vehicles. The initial welcome and unobstructed ocean vistas set the tone immediately: this property makes an impression quickly, with thoughtful service and ample communal spaces.
Rooms, pools, and family comforts
The resort offers 188 rooms and suites, most oriented toward the Pacific. Every accommodation includes at least one luxury amenity on the balcony — a freestanding tub, a private plunge pool, or both — creating an intimate outdoor living space. Interiors lean on coastal materials like rattan and neutral textiles to evoke a breezy, warm atmosphere, while floor-to-ceiling windows keep you visually connected to the tropical forest. Rooms scale from intimate doubles to multi-bedroom suites that sleep larger groups, and in-room details such as plush robes, blackout curtains, and quality coffee makers are consistent throughout.
Pools and kid-friendly zones
A highlight for our family was the number and variety of pools. Multiple ocean-view pools, private cabanas, and sunny lounging decks gave us choices for quiet afternoons or social swim time. The Kids Club operates daily with activities for ages 4–12, including craft sessions, shallow play pools, and a small waterslide that delighted the little ones. Teen spaces provide gaming consoles, table tennis, and chilled common rooms for ages 12–17. We even hired a local babysitter through the resort to carve out spa and gym time for the adults.
Dining and culinary experiences
Culinary options favor local ingredients and coastal flavors across several venues. The signature restaurant delivers seasonal plates with a refined presentation, while casual outlets serve everything from specialty coffee to poolside bites. Notable spots include an elegant promenade-style bar for cocktails at sunset, an all-day casual eatery that fits every meal occasion, and a café for quick mornings or snacks. The resort also arranges cooking classes and tastings, from rum and wine sessions to hands-on lessons where guests learn to prepare regional dishes.
Activities, excursions, and wellness
On-property and nearby activities let you choose between serenity and adventure. Options range from kayaks and snorkeling off the calm beach to boat tours for dolphin watching and ocean exploration. Inland excursions include horseback rides, ziplining, waterfall hikes, and coffee plantation visits that cover the entire bean-to-cup process. Wellness programming centers on a spa that feels like a sanctuary: treatments use local botanicals such as volcanic clay and cacao, and experiences include a hydrothermal suite, sound healing, and a selection of signature rituals. The spa’s treehouse-like treatment rooms and quartz massage beds make it a destination in its own right.
Sustainability and local impact
The property emphasizes environmental stewardship and has earned local recognition for its efforts — including the Bandera Azul Ecológica award for Playa Penca. The design minimizes visual impact on the cliffs and incorporates energy-efficient systems, wastewater management strategies, and natural ventilation whenever possible. Guests can participate in conservation-focused activities that highlight local flora and fauna, reinforcing the resort’s connection to Costa Rica’s broader ecological values.
For families seeking luxury that still feels grounded in nature, the resort delivers. It blends comfort and practical amenities with a genuine sense of place: ocean vistas, attentive service, and activities suitable for every age. Whether you prioritize the spa, the pools, culinary experiences, or excursions into Guanacaste, this property makes it easy to design a trip that fits your pace. We left eager to return, already planning what we’d repeat and what new experiences we’d try next time.
