Cariblue Beach & Jungle Resort, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Authenticity

Although just down the street from the beach, Cariblue feels like it's deep in the forest, surrounded by tropical vegetation. Getting from your room to the main building for breakfast (or a swim) requires a short and pleasant stroll through the jungle. The wooden lodges dot the property, complete with traditional thatched roofing.

Location

Cariblue Jungle and Beach Resort blends the best of both worlds with its location. You won't be directly on the beach, but it's just a few minutes to Playa Cocles by foot, and you'll be in what feels like an overflowing jungle. Unfortunately, the beach isn't the best for swimming, but you can still enjoy relaxing, splashing on the shore, and watching surfers in the waves. The resort isn't far from Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (about a 10-15-minute cycle or 5 minutes by car).

Rooms & Bathrooms

The property is large, and rooms come in many layouts, but all have colorful decor, comfortable beds, and shared or private terraces with hammocks. Some have ocean views, desks, and/or lofts. Bathrooms are large but dated, especially the old showerheads. Be prepared to bring all your toiletries, as the resort only supplies soap.

Sustainability

A significant part of the resort's property is a protected jungle, home to wildlife and plant life. The resort partners with several nonprofits (two being the Sloth Conservation Foundation and Planta Mi Arbol), which help support the property's natural habitat. Other on-site sustainability initiatives include recycling, using organic food in the restaurant, and reducing water waste.

Wildlife

The hotel offers complimentary guided nature walks around the hotel's grounds, where travelers might see green and black dart frogs, agoutis, butterflies, sloths, armadillos, toucans, and howler monkeys.

Amenities

The resort has a large freshwater pool that's open 24 hours, featuring a swim-up bar and a shallow area for kids. There's also a Jacuzzi with an artificial waterfall and lounge chairs around the pool. A spa provides treatments using organic local ingredients such as cocoa, coffee, tropical fruit, and essential oils. Bicycle rentals are available, and guests have access to a yoga platform, pool tables, and table tennis. The Junior Suites on the ground floor are wheelchair accessible. 

Family-Friendliness

Cariblue is popular with families, with children under five staying for free. Those up to 12 are charged a reduced rate, and kids 13 and up count as adults. All rooms can accommodate families, but suites, bungalows, or the Jungle House provide families with the most space. There's a kids' menu in the restaurant, a table tennis table, a pool table, and a kids' area in the main pool. The property is stroller accessible in lower-level rooms.

Other Highlights

La Jungla is an open-air restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—all room rates include a buffet breakfast, and others include lunch and/or dinner. The lunch and dinner menu has a mix of Caribbean-inspired dishes such as ceviche, tacos, and fresh-caught fish, plus a kids' menu. The main pool has a full bar, and the thatched-roof dining area hosts live music on Friday and Saturday nights.