Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas, Gulf of Papagayo

Pros

• Enjoy unbeatable views and scenery at this hotel, both from the common areas and individual guest rooms. 
• Las Catalinas is an excellent choice for couples; it's quite private and secluded, with a romantic vibe. Each room is in an individual villa with uninterrupted coastal views and private plunge pools. 
• Sentido Norte, the award-winning on-site restaurant, offers a sophisticated dining experience with bold flavors and authentic if not creative, dishes.
• The concierge and lobby are close to the road, but the rest of the property is farther back, so you don't have to worry about street noise.
• Though your room has its own saltwater pool, you can also enjoy the hotel's wraparound infinity pool, which has wooden sun loungers and al fresco dining (note that it's open to the public).
• You'll have access to a variety of outdoor adventures, including swimming, snorkeling, diving, and exploring over 1,000 acres of tropical forest.

Cons

• The hilly property isn't accessible for those with limited mobility. 
• You won't have direct beach access given Las Catalinas is up on the ridge of a hill.
• There isn't a spa or fitness center, which some travelers might expect at a hotel of this caliber. However, you can request in-room massage and facial treatments, or participate in yoga classes.

Authenticity

Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas captures the Costa Rican pura vida (pure life) essence with its open-air spaces, top-notch cuisine and drink offerings, zero-edge saltwater pools and lounge areas, and understated luxury, encouraging a relaxed and carefree experience, all the while highlighting the beautiful, tropical views. The resort's design incorporates beautiful carved teak furniture, vaulted ceilings with exposed wood beams, and colorful local decor, giving it a modern feel that honors local traditions. Meanwhile, the dining experience at Sentido Norte and La Pampa Grill plays up classic Costa Rican dishes (crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients) with international inspiration for a delicious twist.

Location

You get some seriously amazing views in every direction as you'll be atop a green cliffside that overlooks the Guanacaste peninsula and sparkling Pacific. As a tradeoff, you won't be in the center of the action, though it's just a 7-minute walk to the Punta Penca lookout, the sandy Playa Danta, and the center of Las Catalinas. If you don't want to walk—especially on the uphill way back to the hotel—the property provides a golf cart shuttle service. You're also only a 45-minute drive from Liberia Airport (the hotel provides shuttle service for a charge), and guests can explore the nearby 1,000 acres (405 ha) of tropical forest, hills, and valleys on foot, bike, or horseback. The nearest town, Potrero, is a 13-minute drive south with a beach and a few dining options.

Rooms & Bathrooms

Private villas at Las Catalinas offer a luxurious stay with a modern touch. Each villa includes a private saltwater plunge pool off the terrace with privacy walls, king-size beds with 480-thread-count linens, and decorative elements, some Indonesian-inspired, like colorful batik blankets, ikat-patterned rugs, and heavy teak furniture. The bathrooms come equipped with organic toiletries and rainfall showers that view out to the terrace. Upgrade to a Villa Suite for more space, a separate seating area, and a prime location with unobstructed ocean views.

Amenities

A large L-shaped saltwater infinity pool with sweeping ocean and jungle views is located on the hotel's main building's first-floor veranda and is lined with daybeds and lounge chairs. At sunset, staff members light small fire pits along the pool's (zero-)edge to add to the vibe. Dining options include the award-winning, romantic Sentido Norte, La Pampa Grill, and the exclusive Grotto 12 wine bar. Guests can enjoy poolside relaxation with food and beverages from Sentido Norte. Wellness amenities include in-villa massages, facials, and yoga and fitness classes (you'll find yoga mats in your room and can request other training equipment).  

Family-Friendliness

Casa Chameleon Hotel is for adults only, so it's unsuitable for families with kids.

Wildlife

This isn't a hotel with a lot of wildlife around, but some past guests mentioned spotting beautiful birds and lizards on the grounds.

Sustainability

Casa Chameleon takes several sustainability measures to care for the local environment, including energy-saving initiatives, supporting local producers to supply the restaurant, planting endemic species in the gardens, and using drip irrigation to conserve water. You'll also find a recycling program, electric shuttle services, and pools with salt rather than chlorine.

Other Highlights

Depending on your hotel package, the room rate may include a complimentary a la carte breakfast. Sentido Norte serves seafood for lunch and dinner; the striking space has an open kitchen and an open-air veranda. La Pampa Grill opens for dinner, specializing in gourmet grilled dishes and cocktails made with Costa Rican rum. Both restaurants have full bars, and food and beverages are also served poolside. Grotto 12 is the hotel's intimate 12-seater wine bar. Reservations are recommended for all dining venues, including Grotto 12.