Punta Islita
Eco-luxury meets rustic chic — local hardwoods, indigenous-inspired art, open-air architecture, and a strong commitment to community and conservation. Less polished international resort, more immersive Costa Rican hacienda.
Fly to the Islita airstrip — the 15-minute transfer beats hours on rough roads
Why It Matters
One of Costa Rica's oldest and most celebrated eco-luxury properties, it pioneered the 'boutique eco-resort' model the country is now famous for. The complimentary activities menu is genuinely extensive — zip-lining, horseback riding, monkey safaris, cooking classes, cocktail lessons — and included in the rate. The partnership with the Macaw Recovery Network brought scarlet macaws back to this region. The hilltop infinity pool merging with the Pacific horizon is legitimately spectacular.
Punta Islita opened in 1994 on a steep hillside overlooking a private Pacific cove on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula — one of the world's designated Blue Zones. It's independently owned but part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, and it sits on roughly 300 acres of tropical dry forest. Getting here is a commitment: fly 30–40 minutes from San José or Liberia to the tiny Islita airstrip, and you're 15 minutes from the front desk. Drive it and you'll need a 4WD and your patience. But that remoteness is the whole point.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Deluxe Room
One step up gets you partial ocean views and the same hammock terrace setup. Fits couples or small families. The ocean glimpse through the trees is legitimately lovely in the early morning.
King or two double beds
Junior Suite
The romantic core of this property. A locally crafted king canopy bed, indoor or patio sitting area, private deck, and the key feature: a private outdoor whirlpool with ocean views. Strong honeymoon pick. Rooms are individually decorated with hardwoods, tiled floors, and French doors.
King (locally crafted canopy)
Junior Suite Premium Casita
These are the sweet spot for most guests — styled like a private tropical cottage scattered across the hillside. Spacious lounging area, a petite private garden, and a refreshing plunge pool. Ocean cove views from the terrace. Private and peaceful in a way the main building rooms aren't.
King (canopy)
Standard Room
The entry point at Punta Islita, but don't mistake 'standard' for unremarkable. Two double beds with local art throughout, and a private al fresco terrace with a hammock. Mountain view rather than ocean, so trade the panorama for a bit of savings.
Two double beds
Suite — Holistic (Post-Renovation)
Post-renovation (2026), the official website describes six uniquely designed suites of 30 sqm each, featuring carefully curated objects and authentic materials. Each includes an ensuite bathroom, stunning ocean views, a generous terrace with an outdoor shower, and a plunge pool. Bar amenities include healthy snacks, cold filtered water, premium coffee and tea, and organic bathroom products.
King · 30 sqmThree-Bedroom Villa
The biggest footprint on the property. Three bedrooms, private bathrooms throughout, all the comforts of a private beach home, and a private pool with lounge terrace surrounded by gardens. Ideal for multi-family groups or those who simply want maximum space and privacy. Golf carts are useful here given the hillside layout.
Three separate bedrooms with private bathroomsTwo-Bedroom Villa
Independently owned but managed and serviced by the hotel. Two bedrooms each with private bathrooms, full kitchen, sitting and dining area, half-bath in the common area. Private plunge pool and shaded terrace. Ocean and/or mountain views depending on the unit. Full access to all hotel facilities.
Two separate bedrooms with private bathroomsThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Paint, make jewelry, craft a mobile, or work on a mural with local artists affiliated with the hotel-sponsored Islita Community Art Museum. The museum is itself a remarkable project that transformed the village with murals and sculptures.
Guided walk into the local Islita community to explore the traditions of this Blue Zone — one of the world's highest concentrations of centenarians. The village has a whitewashed church and art-covered walls from the hotel's museum project.
Mix drinks with the hotel's master mixologist surrounded by ocean sounds and tropical nature.
Learn Costa Rican recipes with the hotel chef. Tortilla making with hot sugar cane tea, Mazamorra (a traditional Chorotega corn dessert), and regional dishes you can actually recreate at home.
Guided bird watching tours through the tropical dry forest. The region's biodiversity is exceptional, and Swarovski binoculars are provided in post-renovation suites.
Guided hikes through private trails to spot howler, white-faced, and capuchin monkeys, plus birds and reptiles. Night hike option adds a different dimension.
Guided wildlife excursion to spot howler, white-faced, and capuchin monkeys in the wild on the hotel's private trails. Howler monkeys are often your 5am wake-up call anyway.
Through a 40-hectare protected forest with howler monkeys in the canopy. One of the most popular complimentary activities on the list.
Explore tropical dry forest trails like a local sabanero (cowboy). Beach rides available on the approximately 2/3-mile beach.
Catch-and-release fishing boat excursions targeting marlin, tuna, dorado, and more. Guided by local experts to the best offshore spots.
Adjacent to a secluded beach, kayak through a maze of densely vegetated water channels in a mangrove setting.
Beginner to intermediate surf lessons on Playa Islita. The wave conditions are described as accessible for first-timers yet interesting enough for beginner surfers.
An eco-friendly par 3, 9-hole executive course with pest-resistant hybrid turf and gray water irrigation. The views from the fairways are an attraction in themselves.
Two outdoor tennis courts on the property.
The property has an on-site helicopter offering scenic coastal flights, beach-hopping, volcano tours, visits to national parks, and e-bike drop-offs. Not cheap, but genuinely extraordinary.
Visit the Macaw Recovery Network, the hotel's conservation partner that successfully reintroduced scarlet macaws to the Islita region. Learn the inside story with network experts.
Night expedition to witness sea turtles nesting on nearby Camaronal Beach (seasonal). One of the most memorable experiences available here.
A guided tour of the extensive on-site organic garden followed by a multi-course meal prepared from what's just been harvested. Guests consistently call this one of the best experiences on the property.
Join a friendly match with locals at the Islita soccer field — a genuine cultural experience, not a staged one.
Ground transportation takes guests to a scenic vantage point overlooking nine beaches along the Guanacaste coastline to watch the sun set behind the ocean.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Approximately 2/3-mile of beach accessible via on-demand hotel shuttle (or a steep 15-minute walk). The beach is mostly private given the remote location.
Wi-Fi-equipped meeting room that comfortably seats 20 guests. Catering available on request.
Wi-Fi available throughout the property.
On-site museum showcasing local history and culture, housing the Islita community art project and workshop space for visiting guests.
Curated selection of international wines, with sommelier available for pairing recommendations.
Babysitting available on request for families.
A tranquil space with a curated book collection — classics and modern literature.
Hilltop infinity-edge freshwater pool adjacent to Alma Restaurant. Restricted to guests 16+. The view of the Pacific cove from the pool edge is one of the property's signature sights.
Freshwater pool at the oceanside Aura Beach Club, family-friendly with lounging gardens. A second, completely different vibe from the adults-only hilltop pool.
Handcrafted goods, exclusive designs, artisanal products, and specialty coffee on-site.
In-room dining available.
On-site laundry service available.
Currency exchange available at the front desk.
Extensive working garden growing greens, vegetables, legumes, chilies, root vegetables, and herbs that supply the hotel kitchens. Not just a decorative few herbs — this is a serious supply garden.
Private helicopter on-site for guest excursions — a genuinely unusual amenity. Scenic flights, beach-hopping, volcano tours, national park visits.
On-site parking available at no charge for self-driving guests (4WD required to reach the property).
Free shuttle running continuously between the main hilltop resort and the Aura Beach Club. Essential — the walk back uphill in tropical heat is no joke.
On-site gym for guests.
BUILD YOUR PUNTA ISLITA, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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