Costa Alegre Hotels

This is the perfect hideaway for those who prefer a more cosmopolitan ambience over total seclusion.  The location is fairly remote - a pretty cove with lush forest surroundings on the undeveloped Costa Alegre - and with the maximum number of guests at around 100 or so, it isn't a large resort.  Yet there's usually a buzz of activity around the attractive terraced restaurant, and the irregular array of red tiled roofs and balconies give the air of a Mediterranean village.  There's even a small selection of boutiques and a deli.

We also like the range of accommodations at the Careyes; the junior suites are spacious and indulgent enough to envelop honeymooners for a week or more, whilst the luxurious casitas can accommodate a family in comfort.  And the facilities are surprisingly child-friendly; the pool is big enough for everyone to share, baby sitting services are available and there's a good range of activities for all ages.

This is a magical, extraordinary hotel, quite unique within Mexico.  It's one of our favorite places for a really relaxing, escape-from-the-rat-race vacation, where even a few days will leave you totally refreshed. 

The unconventionality of Hotelito Desconocido means that it is certainly not suited to everyone.  The lack of electricity adds a novel touch but creates a few little annoyances. Of course, there's no television, no phones, and no air-conditioning, so if you can't do without these then think again.  However, there are special delights that you'll rarely find elsewhere - like room service that's summoned by raising a flag, snoozing in a hammock with the lapping of water below, or rowing out on the lagoon at midnight to watch the stars. 

This secluded resort is a perfect blend of rusticity, romance and sheer indulgence.  The Tamarindo is set in two thousand acres of rainforest; an area of breathtaking natural beauty where wooded ravines meet the palm fringed Pacific shores.  The attractions include one of the most spectacular golf courses in the country, several secluded beaches and an enticing clear blue sea.

With such inspiring surroundings the last place guests will want to spend time is in their room.  In response, the Tamarindo's villas offer a rare treat of expansive, private and sublimely comfortable outdoor living spaces - huge palapa topped verandahs opening out from stylish interiors and just steps away from a private plunge pool or Jacuzzi.

Some villas have ocean views, others are hidden amongst dense pine groves higher up the hillside.   Although tropical in appearance, the villas include all modern amenities, including air-conditioning, refrigerators, direct dial telephone and oversized bathrooms.