Hotel Aguas Claras
Caribbean-Victorian boho-luxury art hotel. Think bold color, playful Wes Anderson-esque room themes, open-air showers, and sloths in the trees overhead. Intimate and intentional — this is someone's genuine creative vision, not a brand rollout.
Papaya Restaurant is open to non-guests for dinner only — call +(506) 2750-0131 to reserve
Why It Matters
The most upscale property on Costa Rica's South Caribbean Coast and the only true luxury boutique option in a region that largely runs on hostels and basic eco-lodges. Michelin-selected. Member of the Cayuga Collection of sustainable luxury properties. Each of the 13 units is individually artist-curated with original works, making it as much a gallery as a hotel.
A 13-unit art-forward boutique hotel on Costa Rica's South Caribbean Coast, set on 1.5 acres of tropical gardens with private gate access to semi-private Playa Chiquita. Founded in 2017 by San José artist Elizabeth Steinvorth and her daughter Elena Rohrmoser, who transformed a cluster of old cabanas into a thoroughly personal property decorated with original watercolors, mosaics, reclaimed furniture, and handcrafted objects from local artist-friends. No two rooms are alike — and there are no TVs anywhere on the property.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Casa Floralia
A two-storey private Caribbean house with five bedrooms (each with private bath) sleeping up to 10 guests. Booked exclusively as a whole-house private stay. The closest accommodation to the beach — just 100 steps to DaLime Beach Club and Playa Chiquita. Has a spacious covered outdoor living area, multiple hammocks, full dining room, and kitchen. Ideal for large families or a group who want the privacy of a rental villa plus full hotel services.
100 sqm
One Bedroom Bungalow
Freestanding tin-roofed bungalows (includes KuaKua, designed by Elena Rohrmoser with white walls and pops of color) set amongst the tropical gardens for complete privacy. The most popular option for couples who want more space and a sense of having their own house. Open-concept indoor-outdoor living room with covered veranda, plus a king bedroom. Ideal for honeymooners or digital nomads wanting desk space.
King · 50 sqm
One Bedroom Bungalow Suite (Cacao)
The most exclusive single-room option on the property. Bungalow Cacao features distinctive circular architecture that floods the bedroom with natural light. Two private wrap-around verandas for sunbathing, outdoor dining, or in-room massage and spa treatments. Positioned closest to the private gate and pathway leading to Playa Chiquita beach — best option for couples who want maximum privacy and easy beach access.
King · 60 sqmPavlova Suites
Six individually themed suites housed in a Caribbean Victorian row house close to the pool and Papaya Restaurant. Each is curated differently — Belafonte references Wes Anderson's Life Aquatic with bold color and quirky details; Tropicalia leans into retro Fifties Afro-Caribbean; Queenston is the only suite with two queen beds. Open-air shower, private lounge area, airy open-plan layout. These are the entry point to the hotel and ideal if you plan to spend most of your time out exploring.
King (one suite can be configured as two twins) · 40 sqmTwo Bedroom Bungalow
Freestanding two-bedroom bungalow for families of four or two couples travelling together. Each bedroom has its own full bathroom. Open-air living space and covered veranda. Set within the tropical gardens for privacy. The standard two-bedroom option before the Deluxe upgrade.
King (or twin on request)Two Bedroom Bungalow Deluxe
The top bungalow category, with a private plunge pool as the headline feature. Caribbean-house inspired design spread over 798 sq ft with a fairy-tale open-air living area. Two bedrooms each with a full bathroom. Best for two couples or a family with children. The plunge pool is surrounded by lush gardens for privacy — not shared with anyone.
King (or twin on request per room) · 74 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Staff-led classes in Afro-Caribbean cocktail-making and cooking using local ingredients. Included in stay as curated experiences.
Occasional bonfire nights on Playa Chiquita, organized by DaLime Beach Club. Included in stay.
DJ sets and live music nights at Papaya Restaurant poolside. Included in stay.
Regularly scheduled themed evenings at the beachfront club with live local music.
Guided or self-guided cycling and kayaking excursion to Punta Uva, a calmer, protected beach area southeast of the hotel.
Guided snorkeling along Costa Rica's largest coral reef system in Cahuita National Park, 25 minutes from the hotel. Best visibility typically in September and October.
Guided jungle hike through the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, one of the most biodiverse stretches of Costa Rica's Caribbean coast.
Banana-seat beach bikes available to all guests at no charge. The 10-minute ride into Puerto Viejo town is flat and easy along the coast road.
On-site shop featuring artisanal Costa Rican brands, handcrafted art, and jewelry from local makers. Named 'butterfly' in the Bribri indigenous language.
Sloths, howler monkeys, toucans, macaws, and tree frogs are regularly seen within the hotel gardens — no guided tour required. Peak activity May through mid-December (Wildlife Season). Wildlife sightings from open-air showers and bungalow verandas are common.
Snorkel gear available complimentary for use at Playa Chiquita and for excursions to Cahuita National Park reef.
Staff-led tour of the hotel's sustainability systems including water purification, composting, and organic kitchen garden.
Visit to the indigenous Bribri reserve to learn about cacao farming and Afro-Caribbean and indigenous culture.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
All common areas are wheelchair accessible. The Queenston Pavlova Suite is specifically noted as wheelchair accessible.
Private gate and pathway from the hotel grounds leading directly to semi-private Playa Chiquita. Beach towels, hammocks, lounge chairs, and daybeds provided. Rinse station and restrooms on-site. Note: the beach immediately in front of the hotel is somewhat rocky; a short walk down the beach leads to better swimming spots.
Room service available for guests on Full Board or Half Board meal packages. Also, bungalow guests can arrange private terrace dinners on request (staff cook, serve, and clear).
Full à-la-carte breakfast included in all room rates. American, vegetarian, and vegan options. Served at Papaya Restaurant 7–10am.
Large asymmetric pool shaded by jungle canopy, with stepped entry, a Jacuzzi to one side, papaya-bright loungers, and plush towels. Full poolside bar and restaurant service from Papaya.
On-site water purification plant. Rooms have glass water bottles, and metal refillable bottles are provided for guests taking excursions.
Hotel can arrange private transfers from Limón airport (45 min) or San José (5.5 hrs). Helicopter charter also available. Contact property 72 hours in advance.
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