Larissa Banting's Guidebook
(Co-Owner of Latitudes)



Where To Stay

San José & Central Valley

Where To Stay :
All of the hotels, lodges and villas we work with have met our exacting standards, thus ensuring our clients receive the ultimate in service, comfort and cleanliness while enjoying unique surroundings.
Hotel San Gildar – Small luxury hotel located near downtown San Jose, offering a charming and relaxing atmosphere and its own version of Costa Rican hospitality.
Hotel Grano de Oro – A 19th Century plantation house turned intimate hotel. In the heart of downtown San Jose though far from the maddening crowds and noise. A hidden gem with some of the best cuisine in the country.
Melia Cariari – Large, five-star hotel and golf resort, will all the amenities, minutes from the airport.
Hotel Santo Tomas - A French Victorian mansion located in San José’s Historical District, Barrio Amon. Easy walk to all shopping, museums, nightlife and cultural events.
Hotel Alta Hotel Alta – A luxurious boutique hotel with only 23 deluxe rooms and suites overlooking the stunning “Sun Valley” yet minutes from the international airport. La Luz restaurant features exceptional Costa Rican/Californian fusion.
Hotel La Condesa – A deluxe resort nestled in the mountains of Heredia, just 25 minutes from downtown San Jose and the international airport.
Peace Lodge – A luxurious and intimate lodge located on the grounds of La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park.

Hotel Marriott Costa Rica - Costa Rica Marriott features a colonial hacienda set on a 30-acre coffee plantation, decorated with antiques for an elegant and relaxed atmosphere. The architecture, grounds and exceptional service are captivating.

Villa Blanca – Charming luxury “Casitas" located in an authentic Costa Rican Farm Village overlooking 3,000 acres of dairy pastures and pristine cloud forests.

Guanacaste

Where to Stay:
All of the hotels, lodges and villas we work with have met our exacting standards, thus ensuring our clients receive the ultimate in service, comfort and cleanliness while enjoying unique surroundings.
Paradisus Playa Conchal - The ultimate in all-inclusive, with the largest pool in Central America on a secluded beach.
Villas Cala Luna – Relaxed elegance defines this beach hotel, with deluxe rooms, two bedroom and three bedroom villas.
Tamarindo Diria – Luxury hotel situated right on the beach, features well-appointed rooms and three swimming pools. Walking distance to all Tamarindo has to offer.
Capitan Suizo – Combining efficient Swiss hostelry with warm hospitality, the hotel provides the finest of accommodations in an unspoiled beachfront setting.
B & B Luna Llena – An exquisite, Italian-run, B& B, with 7 unique circular bungalows.
Hotel Jardin del Eden - Hotel El Jardín del Edén is a small beach resort and luxury boutique hotel in Tamarindo Beach, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. 
Hacienda Pinilla – Exclusive beach and golf resort in a perfect blend of environment and comfort.
Sugar Beach – The gorgeous hotel rooms are spread out on the 24-acre property along the secluded and pristine Pan de Azucar beach.
Ocotal Beach Resort – A beachfront resort, known for its outstanding style, comfort, and service. The property lies along the country's beautiful Northern Pacific coastline and yields breathtaking panoramic views of the Papagayo Gulf.
Bahia Pez Vela Resort – Luxury oceanfront rental villas located on one of the most secluded beaches in Guanacaste, offering guests all the amenities of a fine hotel with the privacy and convenience of a rental villa.
Grand Papagayo Resort – At the Occidental Grand Papagayo, you'll enjoy every indulgence of a luxury all-inclusive vacation while experiencing the breathtaking natural beauty of Costa Rica 's Northern Pacific Coast .  
Fiesta Premier Resort This all-inclusive resort has 202 rooms luxuriously appointed in an exuberant natural environment and with ocean-views of the Papagayo Gulf.
Allegro Papagayo Resort - This jewel all-inclusive resort is located just 35 minutes from the Liberia and provides a perfect place for your Costa Rican experience.
Hotel Bahía del Sol
An unique 4-star beachfront boutique hotel with luxury units and a gourmet restaurant with a creative tropical kitchen. 
Flamingo Beach Resort
An intimate oasis for travelers seeking an exotic, enchanting escape on the pristine white sands of Flamingo Beach, framed by tall coconut palms and lush mountain foliage.
Barcelo Langosta
All-inclusive hotel situated on the beautiful white sand beach of Langosta and surrounded by nature.

Central Pacific

Where to Stay :
All of the hotels, lodges and villas we work with have met our exacting standards, thus ensuring our clients receive the ultimate in service, comfort and cleanliness while enjoying unique surroundings.

Villa Caletas - Perched high upon a cliff overlooking the Pacific and surrounding rain forest, Villa Caletas is a stunning fusion of French elegance and exotic locale. Individual 'casitas' are interspersed amongst the verdant gardens covering the hilltop giving guests the ultimate in luxury and privacy.

Marriott Los Sueños - Recognized by Travel & Leisure magazine readers as one of the "World's Best", the Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort is a luxury Costa Rica resort nestled between the warm waters of the Pacific and a 1,100 acre tropical rainforest.

Club del Mar - Just a few minutes down the road from Jaco but a world away, Club del Mar is a small beachside resort featuring well-appointed condominiums for those who seek all the comforts of home in a tropical seaside setting.

Hotel Canciones del Mar - Small and distinctive beachfront hotel in Jaco with comfortable rooms and excellent service.

Makanda by the Sea - Discover romance redefined in this intimate, adults-only boutique hotel. Eleven villas and studios nestled in the heart of the rainforest, offer guests incredible ocean and forest views. Outstanding service, an infinity pool and a gourmet restaurant round out this Garden of Eden.

Si Como No - Spanish for 'yes, why not', this unique rain forest hotel captures the relaxed spirit of Costa Rica while pampering guests to the fullest.

La Mansion Inn - Noted for providing true VIP treatment to its guests, this ocean-view boutique hotel is 'the' place for Hollywood stars and visiting dignitaries. Each of the 15 rooms is luxuriously appointed and features a balcony with outstanding ocean vistas. 

Tulemar Bungalows and Villas - Luxury spacious bungalows and villas complete with their own private beach.

Hotel La Mariposa - La Mariposa charming rooms with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

Hotel Parador - Enthroned atop a majestic bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by 400 acres of lush tropical rainforest, Hotel Parador  is located in the most remote and pristine area of Manuel Antonio.

Hotel Verde Mar - Beachfront location, just steps away from world renowned Manuel Antonio National Park.

Gaia Hotel & Reserve - Located in 14 acres of one of the most beautiful and bio-diverse areas in the world, this intimate resort not only merges into the landscape but creates a theatrical space for luxury living.

Hotel Costa Verde -  Located on a coastal rainforest bluff overlooking the Pacific beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park near Quepos, Costa Rica, its many amenities make it a perfect destination for those seeking adventure travel or just the tranquility of white sand beaches and magnificent ocean views.

Arenas del Mar Resort - A luxurious lodging experience in harmony with nature in a spectacular beach and rainforest setting.

Rafiki Safari Lodge Luxury tent camp in the rainforest outside of Manuel Antonio, nestled on 750 acres of pristine jungle along the Savegre River.

Kiana Resort - The 26 beachfront villas, located on the main Dominical beach, sprawl over 5.6 acres of year-round lush tropical landscape

Whales & Dolphins Ecolodge - The Whales and Dolphins Ecolodge is dramatically located on a bluff overlooking the South Pacific Coast, the Caño Island and the Ballena Marine National Park, which includes the largest coral reef on the Pacific side of Costa Rica. This wildlife sanctuary protects different species of whales and dolphins together with other marine life, known as one of the most biologically intense places on Earth!

Arenal

Where to Stay :
All of the hotels, lodges and villas we work with have met our exacting standards, thus ensuring our clients receive the ultimate in service, comfort and cleanliness while enjoying unique surroundings.

Tabacon Resort - Near the base of the active Arenal Volcano the world-renowned Tabacon Resort offers a relaxing and unparalleled experience with its natural hot springs and thermo mineral water pools and its tropical and exuberant surroundings.

Hotel Alta

Arenal Kioro - Located in front of the majestic Arenal Volcano, Kioro offers luxurious suites with panoramic views, private thermal springs and nature trails covering 11 hectares.

Arenal Paraiso - Beautifully detailed rooms and suites with volcano views, exuberant gardens, pools and hot mineral springs.

Montaña de Fuego - Spacious and comfortable rooms, with magnificent views of the volcano surrounded by natural beauty, vegetation and fauna of the area.

Volcano Lodge - Comfortable rooms that all feature a private terrace with unhindered view of the Arenal Volcano.

Arenal Volcano Inn - Small new hotel with elegant and comfortable rooms and bungalows that all feature an excellent view of the volcano.

Arenal Vista Lodge - Comfortable rooms nestled in the tropical rainforest located between Monteverde Reserve and Arenal National Park , with views of Arenal Lake and volcano.

Arenal Observatory Lodge Sits in a private nature reserve whose rich volcanic soil supports primary and secondary rainforest and offers fully-equipped rooms.

Lost Iguana Resort - A premiere, upscale retreat nestled gently in the jungle, the Lost Iguana Resort only offers rooms with large private balconies overlooking the Arenal Volcano and Arenal River Gorge.

La Mansion Arenal - This exclusive and luxurious Inn is located amidst overwhelming nature and tropical gardens on the scenic lake road around the lake.

Hotel Mountain Paradise  - This luxury resort is perched upon a hilltop overlooking the rolling valley below, as well as a direct view of the Arenal Volcano - an ideal location for observing the world's second most active volcano. 

Monteverde

Where To Stay :
All of the hotels, lodges and villas we work with have met our exacting standards, thus ensuring our clients receive the ultimate in service, comfort and cleanliness while enjoying unique surroundings.
Hotel Alta

Hotel Fonda Vela Luxurious and spacious rooms nestled on landscape property next to the Monteverde Cloud forest Reserve.

Hotel El Establo Experience breathtaking sunsets and views from the balconies of its comfortable rooms, located in a private 150-acre farm near the Monteverde Cloud forest Reserve. Click here for more details

Trapp Family Lodge Whether you prefer comfort, the feeling of being in the middle of a charming cloud forest, or genuine family hospitality, you have chosen the right place.

Hotel & Resort Heliconia Located near two of the most beautiful protected tropical forests in Costa Rica , the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the Santa Elena Rain Forest Reserve, this hotel offers comfortable and spacious rooms and home-style service.

Hotel El Sapo Dorado Mountain suites located just minutes from the Monteverde Cloud Forest and other natural attractions in the area.

Nicoya Peninsula

Where To Stay :
All of the hotels, lodges and villas we work with have met our exacting standards, thus ensuring our clients receive the ultimate in service, comfort and cleanliness while enjoying unique surroundings.
Hotel Alta Punta Islita Ocean Resort - Perched on a rugged mountain outpost and overlooking the Pacific Ocean , Hotel Punta Islita greets you with authentic Costa Rican charm, and aesthetics. Rustic-colonial elegance, a spectacular natural setting, and incomparable service details cater to a select clientele of travel enthusiasts.

Hotel Esencia - This picturesque hotel is located only steps away from the beautiful white sand beaches of Santa Teresa and some of the best surfing waves in the country.

Florblanca Resort A secluded romantic haven designed for people who want the comforts of the finest resort while enjoying the adventure and excitement of a tropical jungle destination.

Sunset Reef Marine Hotel - Sprawling across three acres, the Hotel offers a combination of comfortable facilities, activities and personalized service. Enjoy the freshwater pool, sun on our white sand beach, snorkel, dive, fish, and surf the crystal clear Pacific Ocean off adjacent Cabo Blanco Reserve.

Hotel Tropico Latino Cozy beachfront hotel, with Spacious and comfortably furnished bungalows located on the white sandy beach, at Santa Teresa de Malpais.  Click here for more details

Latitudes 10 Resort - 10° north of the equator,the mighty Pacific Ocean merges with one of Costa Rica's greatest beaches in Santa Teresa; where surf,white sand beaches and jungles blend. This is the setting for your exclusive luxury  tropical escape,Latitude 10°,the unique Jungle Beach Resort.
Hotel La Hacienda - A unique bed and breakfast located a few steps from the beautiful surfing beach of Mal Pais.

Hotel Tango Mar - Located on a 150-acre private beachfront reserve along the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific Coast , Tango Mar offers the intimate exclusivity of a small, deluxe beach resort.

Tambor Tropical Resort - Tambor Tropical offers an exclusive blend of tropical splendor, beachfront suites, and the perfect setting for relaxation, fun, and quiet romance.

Ylang Ylang Resort - This small beach resort is nestled on 20 acres of lush gardens and natural vegetation that span a quarter mile of beachfront.

L'Acqua Viva Resort & Spa - Forged by the creative energies of nature, Playa Guiones is home to this luxury resort nestled among exuberant vegetation and near spectacular beaches.

Osa Peninsula (Corcovado)

Where To Stay :
All of the hotels, lodges and villas we work with have met our exacting standards, thus ensuring our clients receive the ultimate in service, comfort and cleanliness while enjoying unique surroundings.
Hotel Alta

Lapa Rios - Set in a private nature reserve spread over 1,000 acres of Central America's last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica, Lapa Rios Ecolodge overlooks the pristine point where the Golfo Dulce meets the wild Pacific Ocean, making it the destination that matches every one's idea of paradise.

Aguila de Osa Inn - Located on a high bluff overlooking the Aguitas river with panoramic views of Drake Bay, visitors can enjoy a comfortable and private refuge from which they can explore the magic and beauty of mother nature in all her glory and complexity.

Drake Bay Wilderness Resort - Located on the Osa Peninsula, along Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast, Drake Bay Wilderness Resort enjoys a remote, pristine setting.

Villa Corcovado - Luxury vacation villas scattered throughout 70 acres of unspoiled jungle make this an extraordinary place for those who seek adventure, flora and animal life in the inspiring framework of the Golfo Dulce, Osa Peninsula.

Bosque del Cabo Lodge - Crowning a point 500 feet above where the Golfo Dulce meets the Pacific Ocean, nestled in the unspoiled jungles of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula is a paradise found.  Bosque del Cabo with its private, cliff top bungalows is a romantic getaway and a naturalist's dream come true.

Caribbean

Where To Stay :
All of the hotels, lodges and villas we work with have met our exacting standards, thus ensuring our clients receive the ultimate in service, comfort and cleanliness while enjoying unique surroundings.
Hotel Alta

Pachira Lodge - The lodge is strategically located only 5 minutes away from the extraordinary Tortuguero National Park, and right across the main "canal" facing the town of Tortuguero.

Mawamba Lodge - This lodge is nestled in the lush rainforest, on a sand bar between the Tortuguero Canals, and the Caribbean Ocean.

Laguna Lodge - It lies along Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean Zone, an exclusive location on a narrow strip of land between the sea on one side and the Tortuguero-Lagoon on the other.

Almonds & Corals Jungle Lodge - Luxury tent accommodations located in the heart of the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, a delightful relaxing place with the magic touch of nature.

Villas del Caribe - Located a few meters away from the Caribbean Sea, in one of the most charming coastal areas of Costa Rica, these equipped Villas combine maximum enjoyment of outdoor views and nature with comfort, cleanliness and privacy.

Tree House Lodge - The complex is located on a 10-acre ocean front property in the famous Punta Uva beach, just south of Puerto Viejo in the province of Limon. Total privacy, a natural tranquil atmosphere, and full relaxation are keywords for the time you will spend at the tree house.
Hotel La Costa De Papito - A lush five-acre hotel with individually designed bungalows, located in front of the gorgeous expanse of the white sand Cocles beach (known as "Beachbreak  wave" for surfers).

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