A view of Alma del Pacifico from the beach.
140 Character Overview:
Funky boutique bungalows on remote stretch of CR’s Central Pacific Coast. Black sand beach, swoon-worthy sunsets. At one with Mother Nature.
Sunset, night one.
The exterior of an oceanfront bungalow.
The Vibe:
This place is magical. With roughly 20 colorful private bungalows lining the beach, Alma del Pacifico is what California architect Sherill Broudy imagined Costa Rican vernacular architecture to look like when he designed the resort. Made of stucco, polished wood and mosaic tile all in cool colors, the roof lines have a low, gentle roll that mimics the ocean. Broudy’s wife Charlene is an artist and provided over 150 art pieces throughout the hotel. The effect is a funky ’70s vibe full of abstract shapes, color blocking and natural wood. But it’s as much about what’s outside here, which is made obvious by the bungalow’s ability to open up nearly 180 degrees, providing little barrier to Mother Nature. Open up the sliding glass doors, hop over the concrete patio across a front yard of spongy soil and grass until you reach the black sand beach with dramatic tides. Look around. No one else is there.
Pathway to the beach from one of the bungalows.
An example of the funky art and design.
A view of the beach from inside the bungalow.
The bungalow’s open floor plan is super spacious. Sorry I didn’t make my bed!
I loved this mosaic shower. The doors open up to a back garden for al fresco showering.
The Location:
This is true unspoiled Costa Rican countryside–and surf country–in Puntarenas, sandwiched between Jaco to the north and Manuel Antonio National Park to the south. Esterillos Este is a sleepy town on the coast and there’s almost nothing else around Alma. There’s surf outside your door and at a number of nearby breaks. You can go zip lining in Jaco through the rainforest, catamaran cruising near Manuael Antonio or horseback riding directly from the hotel.
Pretty views of the sea from my patio.
Sunset, night two.
F & B:
Alma has a single restaurant underneath a grand oceanfront thatch palapa. From a traditional Tica breakfast (fried eggs, avocado, plantains, rice and beans and fresh tortilla) to whole fried red snapper or fish tacos, everything is fresh and filling with a true sense of place. The hotel has an onsite garden where much of the fresh produce is grown and there’s also a smoothie menu. This is where you’ll find a chill tiki bar serving all the tropical drinks you can imagine.
The Specs:
Spa
Pool
Beach
Activities concierge
Rates from $209
Nothing like chilling in a hammock post-surf session!
Sunset, night three.
The Verdict:
I’m in love with this place. It’s breathtakingly beautiful, the hospitality is warm. The beach and sunset truly blew my mind.
That’s the face of a happy girl!
Shayne’s Checklist:
Bathrobe: Yes.
Conditioner: No. Also, no lotion in my room.
Bed Comfort Level: 2 Star (out of 5)
This destination gets Shayne’s “I’d like to live here for at least one month” seal of approval. I never want to leave! This would make for the perfect writing/surfing retreat.
