Hotel Punta Islita - Art-Infused Luxury on Guanacaste's Secluded Coast

About Hotel Punta Islita

Hotel Punta Islita is what happens when luxury hospitality, contemporary art, and community development collide in one of Costa Rica's most spectacular coastal settings. Perched on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the remote Nicoya Peninsula region of Guanacaste, this Autograph Collection by Marriott property offers an experience that transcends the typical beach resort. The entire surrounding village of Punta Islita has been transformed into an open-air art museum, with colorful murals, mosaics, sculptures, and installations created by local residents under the guidance of professional artists. It's a living gallery where fishermen are also painters and farmers are also sculptors — a community reborn through creative expression.

The resort itself is an architectural gem that cascades down the hillside in a series of terraced buildings connected by winding stone pathways shaded by tropical trees. The design philosophy is "barefoot luxury" — sophisticated yet unpretentious, with natural materials, earth-toned palettes, and indoor-outdoor spaces that frame the ocean views. The centerpiece is a stunning infinity pool that appears to merge with the Pacific horizon, surrounded by loungers and private cabanas where guests can while away entire afternoons watching pelicans dive and frigatebirds soar. Below, a private beach club provides direct access to a crescent of golden sand where sea turtles nest during season.

What truly distinguishes Punta Islita from other luxury resorts in Costa Rica is its Museo de Arte Contemporáneo al Aire Libre (Contemporary Art Museum in the Open Air), a groundbreaking initiative that has brought international recognition to this once-isolated community. Guests don't just observe art — they participate in it, with workshops in painting, pottery, and mosaic-making led by local artist-residents. Combined with world-class dining, a full-service spa, adventure activities like canopy tours and horseback riding, and some of the most romantic accommodations in the country, Hotel Punta Islita delivers a multidimensional experience that feeds the soul as much as it pampers the body.

Location

Hotel Punta Islita occupies a privileged position on the southern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste province, one of Costa Rica's most desirable regions. The Nicoya Peninsula is famous for its dry tropical climate, stunning Pacific beaches, and designation as one of the world's five "Blue Zones" — areas where people live measurably longer, healthier lives. The hotel's secluded location means it's far from the crowds that characterize more developed Guanacaste beach towns like Tamarindo or Playa del Coco, offering instead a sense of peaceful exclusivity surrounded by dry tropical forest and the rhythmic sound of ocean waves.

Getting to Punta Islita is part of the adventure. The easiest route is a 30-minute domestic flight from San José to the Islita airstrip, a tiny landing strip dramatically perched on a hillside with ocean views (one of Costa Rica's most scenic arrivals). Alternatively, guests can fly into Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia (the Guanacaste gateway), then drive approximately 3 hours south along scenic coastal roads. The hotel can arrange all transfers by SUV. For those driving from San José, the journey takes approximately 5 hours. The remoteness is deliberate — it ensures tranquility and exclusivity. Nearby attractions include the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge (one of the world's most important olive ridley sea turtle nesting sites), the surf town of Nosara (about 45 minutes), and the charming village of Sámara (about 30 minutes).

Rooms and Accommodations

Deluxe Room

The Deluxe Rooms offer a sophisticated tropical retreat with approximately 40 square meters of space. Each room features a king or two double beds, private terrace or balcony with ocean or garden views, air conditioning, ceiling fan, flat-screen TV, minibar, safe, Nespresso machine, and a spacious bathroom with premium amenities and rainfall shower. The décor blends contemporary design with Costa Rican craftsmanship — handwoven textiles, locally sourced hardwood furniture, and original artwork from village artists adorn each room.

Suite with Plunge Pool

For guests wanting more space and an extra touch of indulgence, the Suites feature approximately 60 square meters including a separate living area with sofa bed, an enlarged terrace with private plunge pool and ocean views, a bathroom with both tub and shower, walk-in closet, and all the amenities of the Deluxe Room plus bathrobes, slippers, and premium welcome amenities. The plunge pool is heated and illuminated for evening soaks under tropical starry skies.

Two-Bedroom Villa

The hillside villas are ideal for families or couples traveling together. These standalone units offer two separate bedrooms (each with ensuite bathroom), a shared living and dining area, full kitchen, private terrace with plunge pool and barbecue grill, and approximately 120 square meters of air-conditioned space. Villas are the most private accommodations on the property, set apart from the main buildings amid tropical gardens with unobstructed ocean views.

Casa Punta Islita (Presidential Villa)

The ultimate accommodation, Casa Punta Islita is a standalone luxury residence with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a grand living and dining room, full gourmet kitchen, private infinity pool, expansive terrace with outdoor lounge and dining areas, and dedicated concierge service. At over 250 square meters, this villa is perfect for multi-generational family gatherings, small group retreats, or travelers who simply want the finest accommodation available. Ocean views are panoramic and utterly mesmerizing.

Things to Do

Explore the Open-Air Art Museum

The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo al Aire Libre transforms the village of Punta Islita into a living canvas. Walking through the village, guests encounter murals painted on homes, mosaic-covered walls, sculptural installations in the town square, and a community art center where local residents create and sell their work. The hotel offers guided art walks and hands-on workshops where guests can create their own mosaics, paint alongside village artists, or learn traditional pottery techniques. It's a profoundly moving example of art's power to transform communities.

Canopy Zipline Tour

Soar through the dry tropical forest canopy on a series of zipline cables suspended between platform stations high in the trees. The hotel's canopy tour features multiple runs of varying lengths, offering adrenaline-pumping speed and spectacular aerial views of the forest and coastline below. Safety is paramount, with professional guides and top-quality equipment. Hanging bridges between platforms allow for a slower, more contemplative experience of the canopy ecosystem.

Horseback Riding

Explore the hills and beaches surrounding Punta Islita on horseback, riding well-trained, gentle horses along trails that pass through dry forest, open pastures, and down to secluded beaches. Sunset rides along the beach are particularly magical, with the Pacific turning gold and the silhouettes of palm trees framing the horizon. Rides are suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike, with knowledgeable local guides leading the way.

Sea Turtle Conservation

The nearby Ostional National Wildlife Refuge hosts one of the world's most spectacular wildlife events: the arribada, when hundreds of thousands of olive ridley sea turtles come ashore to nest simultaneously. The hotel arranges guided visits during nesting season (July–December), and guests can witness mother turtles laying eggs under moonlight — an awe-inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Outside of arribada events, the hotel's own beach occasionally receives nesting turtles as well.

Beach Club and Water Sports

The Punta Islita Beach Club, located at the base of the hill on a beautiful crescent beach, offers a relaxed atmosphere with loungers, umbrellas, a casual restaurant, and equipment for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, boogie boarding, and snorkeling. At low tide, natural rock pools teem with marine life — sea stars, crabs, and colorful fish. The beach is also a departure point for boat tours along the coast and sport fishing excursions.

Spa and Wellness

The full-service spa at Hotel Punta Islita draws on Costa Rica's natural bounty for its treatment menu. Signature offerings include volcanic mud wraps, coffee exfoliation scrubs using Costa Rican coffee, coconut oil massages, and aromatherapy using native tropical plants. The spa features indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy circuit, relaxation lounge, and yoga terrace. Morning yoga sessions overlooking the Pacific are offered regularly.

Dining

1492 Restaurant

The resort's signature restaurant, 1492, offers an elevated dining experience with panoramic ocean views. The menu celebrates Costa Rican flavors reimagined with contemporary techniques — expect dishes like ceviche with coconut milk and ají amarillo, slow-roasted pork belly with tamarind glaze, grilled octopus with chimichurri and plantain purée, and chocolate fondant with tropical fruit coulis. The wine list is carefully curated, and the cocktail program features inventive creations using local ingredients. Breakfast here is lavish, with an abundant buffet plus à la carte options.

Beach Club Grill

Down at the beach, the casual Beach Club Grill serves fresh seafood, salads, tacos, ceviche, and grilled meats in a sandy-toes atmosphere. Fresh-caught fish tacos, grilled shrimp skewers, and the catch-of-the-day preparations are standouts. Tropical smoothies, cold beers, and blended cocktails keep things refreshing. It's the kind of place where lunch stretches into a lazy afternoon.

Pool Bar & Lounge

The infinity pool's adjacent bar serves light bites, cocktails, juices, and snacks throughout the day. It's the social hub of the resort, where guests gather around sunset for the nightly spectacle of the sun sinking into the Pacific. Signature cocktails include the "Punta Sunset" (rum, passion fruit, citrus, and a splash of sparkling wine) and the "Guanacaste Mule" (local guaro, ginger beer, lime).

Why Stay at Hotel Punta Islita

• Unique art-community integration with the open-air museum and hands-on workshops — no other resort in Costa Rica offers anything comparable
• Autograph Collection by Marriott quality assurance with Bonvoy loyalty program benefits, combined with boutique character and local soul
• Secluded Nicoya Peninsula location far from crowds, in one of the world's five Blue Zones, with pristine beaches and dry forest scenery
• Comprehensive adventure menu including canopy tours, horseback riding, sea turtle conservation, surfing, and sport fishing — all arranged seamlessly
• Romantic and family-friendly with accommodations ranging from intimate suites with plunge pools to spacious multi-bedroom villas with full kitchens

Discover more amazing places to stay in our Top 10 Hotels in Guanacaste guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Hotel Punta Islita?

The quickest option is a 30-minute domestic flight from San José's Juan Santamaría Airport to the Islita airstrip, operated by Sansa Airlines. The hotel arranges ground transfers from the airstrip (5 minutes). Alternatively, fly into Liberia's Daniel Oduber Airport (3-hour drive) or drive from San José (5 hours). The hotel can coordinate all ground transportation.

Is Hotel Punta Islita good for families?

Absolutely. The resort offers a dedicated kids' club with supervised activities, family-sized villas with full kitchens, a gentle beach at the beach club, and family-friendly adventure activities. Children enjoy the art workshops, canopy tours (age restrictions apply), and beach exploration. Babysitting services can be arranged. The resort is also adult-friendly, with adults-only pool areas during certain hours.

What is the weather like in Guanacaste?

Guanacaste has a tropical dry climate with two distinct seasons. The dry season (December–April) features sunny skies, minimal rain, and temperatures of 28–35°C — perfect beach weather. The green season (May–November) brings afternoon rains, lush vegetation, fewer tourists, and lower rates. Even in the green season, mornings are typically sunny. The hotel is open year-round.

Can I earn Marriott Bonvoy points at Hotel Punta Islita?

Yes, as an Autograph Collection property, Hotel Punta Islita participates fully in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. Guests earn points on eligible charges and can redeem points for free nights. Elite members receive their standard benefits including room upgrades (subject to availability), late checkout, and welcome amenities.

Is the beach swimmable?

The beach at Punta Islita Beach Club is generally calm and suitable for swimming, especially at low tide when natural tide pools form. However, Pacific beach conditions can vary, and some days bring stronger surf. The beach club staff monitor conditions and advise guests accordingly. The infinity pool at the resort is always available for swimming. Nearby Sámara beach is one of Costa Rica's safest swimming beaches and is 30 minutes away.