Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas, Tamarindo

Pros

• The eco-friendly property feels secluded and private, and wildlife like monkeys and macaws frequent the open-air common areas.
• You'll have easy access to the beach via a 5-minute walk along a private trail. 
• The recently renovated rooms and suites feature high ceilings, outdoor terraces, and beachy decor, but you can also upgrade to a villa with a private pool for more space and amenities.
• Though not in the middle of the action, you'll still be within walking distance of downtown restaurants and shops.
• The on-site farm-to-table restaurant uses produce and herbs from the hotel's organic farm. 
• An open-air wellness center offers holistic treatments and complimentary yoga classes, meditation events, and sound baths.

Cons

• The location isn't oceanfront, and you won't find any coastal views.
• Though the pool is nice, it feels a little outdated and can get crowded with children.
• The property isn't wheelchair accessible.

Authenticity

Cala Luna was founded in 1997 when co-owners (and sisters) Griet and Ann realized their dream of offering an intimate resort experience that connected guests to the nature around them. Today, you'll find renovated bungalow-style rooms and villas scattered among native plants and trees, with interiors filled with renewable teak furniture and local Costa Rican art. A wellness center offers holistic treatments with natural products, and the restaurant sources produce from the hotel's organic farm and sustainable shellfish from a local women-led collective.

Location

This is isn't an oceanfront property, but it lies between two popular beaches (Playa Langosta and Playa Tamarindo), and it's a 5-minute stroll along a private path to reach the closest stretch of sand (you can bring along the chairs and towels provided in your room). At low tide, you can take a 20-minute walk along the beach to the main area of Tamarindo. Otherwise, it's a short 5-minute taxi ride to downtown. As for other area beaches, plan for a 40-minute drive or transfer to get to Playa Grande or Playa Ventanas. Guanacaste Airport is a 1.5-hour drive north, and the hotel offers free parking (plus a fleet of hybrid electric cars for on-site rental). 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Just under 40 units are spread throughout the lush property, connected by winding gravel paths. Interiors have an airy, beachy feel, with nature-inspired earth tones, cool tile floors, and vaulted wood ceilings, and all units include a private outdoor terrace with seating. Bungalow-style rooms feature a king or two queen beds, while larger suites include a seating area. Bathrooms are modern and spacious, with double rain-style showers or luxury bath/shower combos. The two- and three-bedroom villas with kitchens and private plunge pools are perfect for larger groups and families.

Amenities

If you tire of the beach, you can nab a lounger around the heated pool or book a holistic treatment at the wellness center. Join a free yoga or meditation class in the open-air pavilion, or explore farther afield with one of the complimentary bikes. Dining options start with a breakfast buffet with tropical fruit and fresh-squeezed juices (included for guests), and you can order lunch from the poolside bar, which also offers botanical cocktails and artisan Costa Rican beers. Dinner is served at the on-site Origen restaurant, which specializes in creative fusion dishes made with organic produce and herbs grown on the hotel's La Senda farm. You can also book a special three-course gourmet dining experience at the 74-acre (30 ha) farm. 

Family-Friendliness

Cala Luna welcomes families (though kids don't stay for free, and they're not allowed in adults-only suites). The multi-room villas are the best options for families, and the large pool at the center of the resort has a separate shallow area for children. The hotel can organize surf lessons for kids, and the restaurant will make thoughtful accommodations for picky eaters, such as adding french fries to dishes. There's also a mindfulness program for kids aged four to 10.

Wildlife

The lush property attracts plentiful wildlife, and its gardens were planted specifically to attract and nourish the native fauna. It's common to see monkeys, iguanas, quetzals, toucans, and macaws in the open-air lounge areas, and hummingbirds, songbirds, and butterflies visit the hotel's terraces and villas.

Sustainability

Cala Luna completed one of the largest solar power projects in Central America in 2019, installing 1,400 solar panels to help reach their goal of carbon neutrality. Other eco-friendly practices include filtering and reusing water to irrigate the gardens, non-toxic pest control (including a few friendly cats), and reducing light pollution to protect the local turtle populations. La Senda provides organic produce, fruit, and herbs for the restaurant kitchens, and seafood is sourced sustainably from community fishing groups. There's a fleet of free bikes for guests who want to reduce their carbon footprint, plus electric golf carts and hybrid electric vehicles available to rent on-site.