Hotel Casa Chameleon Mal Pais, Santa Teresa

Offering a secluded beachfront location and a peaceful adults-only atmosphere, Casa Chameleon Mal Pais is a luxury property with 10 single-story villas in the Costa Rican jungle. Guests are surrounded by quiet and the sounds of nature on an intimate 2.5-acre (1-hectare) property. The bathrooms are updated, but some travelers said the decor shows some wear and tear. The distance between the buildings—including the villas, the restaurant, and the bar—creates privacy and total immersion in the jungle. The staff are friendly and professional. 

Pros

• The hotel's villas are surrounded by the rainforest, featuring jungle and ocean views.
• The hotel has just 10 villas, so the staff can offer personalized attention and service.
• Guests can get around the hotel grounds with electric golf carts.
• Groomed hiking and biking trails can be explored directly from the hotel; the hotel can provide a map.
• WiFi throughout the property is fast enough to stream movies.

Cons

• Some travelers said the rooms, pool, and common areas should be cleaner and better maintained.
• In case of an emergency, the nearest hospital is in Nicoya, about a three-hour drive from the hotel.
• Children aren't allowed: it's not a family-friendly property.

Authenticity

Guests will enjoy the hospitality of the hotel's friendly all-Costa Rican staff. The hotel's location offers jungle and ocean views, and you'll also be adjacent to the Cabo Blanco Natural Preserve, where you can immerse yourself in the local flora and fauna and visit nearby beaches and coves.

Location

The road to the resort is only accessible by 4WD vehicles because it's unpaved and rugged; the hotel will gladly arrange a transfer for travelers. The nearby town of Mal Pais is set along a 3-mile (5-km) road between Santa Teresa, a popular surf destination, and Cabo Blanco Nature Preserve. Santa Teresa has a lively surfer scene, bars, and restaurants and is reachable from the hotel by a 10-minute 4WD vehicle taxi ride. Travelers can walk to the beach on a steep dirt road from the hotel, taking about 15 minutes; there's also a courtesy shuttle to the beach on request. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Each of the 10 villas at Casa Chameleon Mal Pais is set in the forest and offers ample natural light. Open terraces lead to plunge pools, a hammock, and wood lounging and dining furniture. All rooms have a queen-size bed, WiFi, self-controlled air-conditioning and ceiling fans, rain showers, ample countertops with double vanity sinks, coffee makers, a fridge, a safe, and a minibar. 

Wildlife

At Casa Chameleon Mal Pais, deep in the Costa Rican jungle, travelers are immersed in nature and wildlife. Outdoor terraces with hammocks, chairs, and dining areas are ready for bird-watching and spotting coati, butterflies, geckos, and monkeys. 

Amenities

An unheated saltwater pool in the center of the property is available for all travelers. It has jungle and ocean views and lounge chairs. Food and drinks are available poolside. In-villa spa treatments are available with advanced booking, and you can enjoy the hotel's yoga and fitness classes, cooking and mixology classes, and nature excursions. Guests can navigate the hotel grounds with electric golf carts, and a courtesy shuttle to the beach is available by request. Hiking and biking trails directly from the hotel are open to guests. Unfortunately, the property isn't wheelchair accessible.

Family-Friendliness

Casa Chameleon Mal Pais is adults-only and offers no kid-specific activities, amenities, or services. 

Other Highlights

At Casa Chameleon Mal Pais' on-site restaurant and bar, Brasas del Mar, the grill takes center stage as Costa Rican dishes are prepared throughout the day using local ingredients. Guests can sit in the open kitchen and see the chef at work while dining in the restaurant and enjoying sea views. A full bar serves a wide range of drinks. Guaro, a local spirit distilled from sugar cane juice, is featured in signature cocktails.